I have always had a tendency to get through a lot of earphones. When I used to listen to my CD Walkman extensively, I often relied on the complimentary earbuds that came as part of the package. Often finding they delivered substandard quality or were not as resilient to my clumsiness as I had hoped however, I sometimes found myself purchasing an additional set.

The LS 215 earbuds retail at £7, and coming in a little more expensive than their no-frills counterparts, I assumed they would offer more by way of sound delivery and/or comfort. Sadly, this was not the case. The additional couple of quid, as far as I could see, was explained by the presence of the storage case and its retractable facility. The case IS handy, it's true, but what really appeals to me in a set of earphones is the sound they convey and the quality thereof.

The case is fashioned from cheap plastic, and even after minimal wear I discovered that it sustained many scratches and even a small crack. There are two identical depressions in the centre of the case, into which the earbuds sit. There is an opening in the side of the case, and a channel around the inside edge into which the cable can wind away.

The earbuds are essentially identical to the basic, budget variety that retail for a couple of quid, but minus the carry case. Black in appearance, this product is available in just one size. There is no cushioning or any 'give' to the buds, so after a short time they felt uncomfortable in my ears. Sound quality is sufficient, but nothing to shout about. Music is often tinny, and the bass quality is about average. Cable length is 1.2 metres, which is also about average, and more than adequate to suit my own listening needs.

I would recommend that you save your money and put it towards a better quality set of earbuds. If your needs are modest however, and/or you do not plan on wearing the buds for long periods, you may see these ear phones as a suitable option.