Monster Turbine PRO High Performance

The basics

Some of the most eye-catching earphones money can buy, the Monster Turbine PRO High Performance headphones look just like a tiny little aircraft turbine engine. They come in gold and copper finishes and are the most expensive buds the prestige Monster brand pumps out. They cost a fair old wedge, but claim to make it sound like there's a subwoofer in your ear.

The good

Monster's Turbine PRO earphones do indeed offer great bass response, but it's not the hyperactive boom you might expect given the buds' larger-than-life look. But they can stand up to some of the best bass tones of rivals from Westone and Shure.

If you want a pair of earphones that have a look as powerful as they sound, the Monster Turbine PROs are fab. The shiny metal housing of each earpiece might be too much for some, but they're much less of an acquired taste than Monster's less expensive Lady Gaga Heartbeats earphones.

The big surprise about the Monster Turbine PROs is that their sound is balanced and neutral – not what you'd expect from earphones with a look as bold as these.

Pick the right rubber tip, which is also the key to getting the best bass out of the Monster Turbine PROs, and you'll block out almost all external noise too – perfect for when on public transport.

The bad

At £250, Monster is positioning the Turbine PROs up against big hitters from Ultimate Ears, Shure and Westone. It's stiff competition, especially if you don't fall in love with the look.

Thanks to their rugged metal construction, the Monster Turbine PROs are heavier than plastic buds and have a habit of falling out of your ears if you don't re-seat them occasionally. Not the best news for runners.

The bottom line

Monster's earphone designs are often outlandish, and the Turbine PROs are no different. However, the sound is more refined than the look of the buds might suggest.

Make sure you like the all-metal look though, as a chunk of the RRP is caused by it.