Head-Direct manages to do a repeat performance of the RE-0s. Back when they were released they shocked the in-ear world by bringing high-end sound quality to the mid-end market. The RE-242s do the same only by bringing mid-end sound quality to the mainstream market. Priced at $25 these in-ears are hard to fault. The emphasis is on sound quality and not the bundle, which could do with a bit of tweaking. Putting that aside the earphones are brilliant value and the Head-Direct HiFiMAN RE-242s hit the nail on the head design wise with the ear pieces, but the jack's design is not exactly up-to-date. The earphones seem more durable than its nearest competitor the SoundMagic PL30 earphones.

If you are willing to live with the mediocre bundle, and the bulky jack, then the Head-Direct RE-242s are amazing value for money. The sound quality and noise attenuation is good enough for the everyday commute where you are not left alone to enjoy the music.