From the gym, to the bus and at home, we love our headphones. North American sales topped $600 million last year.

Aaron Accetta is a musician. For him, noise-canceling headphones are essential. "In noisy environments it makes a ton of difference."

Consumer Reports tested 10 headphones with active noise-canceling in a sealed and soundproof room called an anechoic chamber.

This specially designed mannequin measures how well each headphone reduces noise and how good the music sounds.

Testers also evaluated noise reduction and sound quality. But Consumer Reports says choosing a pair of headphones isn't that simple.

"There are different types of headphones, different shapes, different sizes, and, of course, price," lists Consumer Reports' Rich Sulin. "So you want to consider all those things."

Aaron's pair, from Bose, is an over-the-ear type that surrounds the entire ear. This design helps seal out noise. And Consumer Reports tests show they do a great job of reducing it, too.

But at almost $300, they are pricey.

Less expensive: headphones that sit on top of your ear. The Sony MDR-NC40 performed well in tests. The design lets in a bit more outside noise.

Tests show insert-style headphones can offer the best of both worlds. They fit in the ear canal so they naturally block off sound.

"However, a lot of people just don't like having something placed in their ear. But if that doesn't bother you, they are a good option," says Sulin.

Another plus, they are relatively small so you can take them anywhere. Testers recommend the Panasonic RP-HC55 insert headphone. Not only were they top-rated but at $60 dollars, they're a Consumer Reports Best Buy.

Consumer Reports also tested conventional headphones and top rated the Sennheiser PX100.

They cost about $80.

A word of caution - louder isn't better when it comes to your hearing.

To avoid hearing damage, physicians like CTV's Dr Rhonda low recommend keeping the music low enough that you can hear someone talking over the music.

See related links: More young people suffer hearing damage

With iPods and other mp3 players, you can set a maximum sound level and that's a really good idea.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen