Here is how I think about it. I have the Shure E4c and Bose Q3s. My brother has the Shure S530 and E5c, Ars Technica and I have bought several as gifts for friends.
1) If your ears aren't irritated by the in ear models, like the Shures, Etymotics, Ultimate Ears, go with those. As mentioned above, they will block out more noise, are smaller and require no batteries.
2) If your ears are irritated, go for the Bose QC3 or QC2. If you're on a budget the Audio Technica are similar to the QC2 for about $120 shipped.
Last edited by sithjedi333; May 18, 2008 at 10:25 pm