I think this is my third set of these headphones. The first set are on a train somewhere between here and Timbuktu. The second pair didn't survive a turn through the washing machine. But, I'm hoping it'll be third time lucky.Why do I keep getting them? Because they work!1) They give stereo sound to your calls and music.2) They stay around your neck when you are not using them (perhaps not "attractive" but its great when driving and you want to answer a call)3) They take a beating and keep working.But, be forewarned: They don't get extremely loud, so forget about listening to music on the subway (hence only four stars). If you want to do that, get an adaptor and some noise cancelling headphones. But, if you plan on only using these in quiet to moderately loud environments, they work perfectly. And for the price, you don't even have to worry about them taking a turn through the washer...