It's no secret that the ear buds that ship with mp3 players and other digital devices leave a lot to be desired, and the Microsoft Zune is no exception. The ear buds that ship with the Zune deliver inferior sound quality and are extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately there are many options at all ends of the price spectrum for Zune owners who want great sound with maximum comfort.

There is no limit to the amount of money you can spend on ear buds. You can even spend more on your ear buds than you did on your Zune. Fortunately, that's not necessary. Shure is one of the best known high end ear bud companies. Originally made for professional studio musicians, Shure ear buds have become one of the favorite brands for audiophiles the world over. The entry level Shure E2c-n Sound Isolating Earphones retail for $110 but can be found cheaper. They deliver well balanced sound with comfortable silicone ear buds to fit most ear sizes. The silicone ear buds block external sound, allowing you to listen longer and at lower volumes.

Slightly down in price point, but not quality,from the Shure E2c-n ear buds is the Sennheiser CX300-B ear buds. They retail for around $90,but are available from Amazon for $52.51. Like the Shure ear buds, they offer sound isolating ear bud adapters for comfort. The bass response on these ear buds is very strong and the highs are crisp and clear. There is no drop off in sound quality when using these ear buds. The cord is asymmetrical and features an L shaped plug. The cord is nice and heavy and feels very sturdy.

If $50 is still too much to spend on your ear buds, there are some cheaper options that still deliver a lot of comfort and superior sound for the price. The Philips SHE 9501 Premium Adjustable In-Ear Headphones sell for under $30 and have three sizes of silicone ear flanges for a customized fit. They provide decent base response and crisp highs. The ear buds feature an asymmetrical cord that goes behind the head to keep the cords out of the way. The cord is not as thick as the Shure's or the Sennheiser's cord, but it feels sturdy and stays relatively tangle free. These ear buds come with a case to protect the ear buds and to keep the cord from getting tangled. The sound on these is not nearly as clear as the Shure, but for less than half the price, they are a steal.

For an even cheaper way to go, SkullCandy Smoking Buds Ink'd Earbuds retail for just $14.99. They provide a comfortable fit and decent sound, but there is little bass response. The cord is in the traditional Y shape, which can get tangled during heavy exercise. The cords are also somewhat thin, leading to a somewhat flimsy feel. Still, for such a low price, they are more than adequate.  The Ink's Ear Buds come in a variety of bright colors if you tire of basic black or white. They would make a great first pair of ear buds for a child. They would also be good to take while traveling where you wouldn't be upset if you lost them. They do not provide a case, so expect to have to replace these fairly soon, due to the fragile cord.

Whatever ear buds you choose, at whatever price, they will be a big step up from the factory ear buds that shipped with your Microsoft Zune. A small investment in better ear buds will increase your enjoyment of your Zune.