Best headphones 2013: 10th Pocket

It's been a great year for headphones, with new devices flooding the market left, right and centre. The headphones available today are almost a fashion statement in their own right, bringing a fabulous style along with great audio.

To be in with a chance of being nominated for this category, the products had to be over the ear headphones, and after a great deal of considering and conversing, we have selected the below as our five nominees in the Best Headphones 2013 category.

Bowers & Wilkins P7

The Bowers & Wilkins P7 headphones were launched in September for £329 and they feature an absolutely beautiful design with quality materials. They aren't too ostentatious for over-the-ear headphones so you can wear them out and about without losing too much street cred.

They deliver superb audio performance, which is what you would expect from the company, and we were really impressed with them. All-in-all, the Bowers & Wilkins P7's have cracked both style and sound quality in one, for a brilliant set of headphones.

Denon AH-D600

Denon launched its AH-D600 headphones at the back end of last year in December for a rather expensive £500. The headphones come with a lovely overall sound, as you would expect considering they are shortlisted in this category, and we found them perfect for watching TV and movies.

READ: Denon AH-D600 review

They feature a stunning bass, which is perhaps a little too hard for those who want a pure experience but they are amazingly comfortable and beautifully clear. In fact, the sound is utterly amazing, we think of them more as a cheap set of home cinema speakers to carry around, rather than an expensive set of headphones.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear

Sennheiser released its Momentum On-Ear headphones in the middle of this year priced at £170. They are both lighter by weight and price compared to their predecessor, and also available in a range of colours.

READ: Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear review

These headphones are a delight and are well worth their asking price. They look sublime and the sound quality they kick out is as much a delight too - it is punchy, balanced and never overstated. Perfect for when out and about, around the home or pretty much anything - we've barely stopped using them.

Sol Republic Master Tracks XC Studio Tuned by Calvin Harris

The Sol Republic Master Tracks XC headphones were released in November and come with a price tag of £230. They come with two cables included, are comfortable to wear and feature subtle branding, which we like. Whether you're a fan of Calvin Harris or not, the only sign of the man's name is tucked away on the inside of the headband.

READ: Sol Republic Master Tracks XC Studio Tuned by Calvin Harris

The sound is amazing, so credit to the man and Sol Republic on that front. Add a solid build, which is a modular design so should anything break it can be replaced individually. We think the Master Tracks XC headphones nail it, maybe not for classical or jazz, but they are spot on for what most young people want to hear. We think they are great and well worthy of their place in this shortlist.

Sony MDR-1R

Sony brought the MDR-R1 headphones to market in August last year for £300 and their attractive design is eventually very comfy once you have worn them in. Better still they can be found for under £200 today.

They feature a great amount of detail in sound, giving you a fantastic over-ear experience. It's far from neutral though but we think that will be preferable to the wider market, and the bass feels well positioned but not over the top. The MDR-R1 headphones are stylish, comfortable, an awesome home listen and prestigious on all counts.

Voting for your favourite

Voting in the 10th annual Pocket-lint Awards is now open. You can let us know which one of these great devices should win the Best Headphones 2013 award and give us your verdict about all the other tech across the 12 select categories. To vote, all you have to do is visit pocket-lint.com/awards.

Winners will be announced at the exclusive event in London on 28 November in association with O2 and . For now, keep an eye on the Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2013 hub for all the latest on how the voting works, who the elite judges are and the complete 10th Pocket-lint Gadget Awards shortlist.