Best Places To Buy Headphones In Chicago

Maybe you can't quite spring for a private concert by your favorite musician. Instead, consider doing the next-best thing and purchasing a new pair of headphones so you can listen to your favorite album in style. In the Chicago area, you can pick up headphones to wear while sitting on the "L," running on trails or even hanging at home. Take a look at these five independent retailers in the Chicago area the next time you need a new set of headphones.

Abt
1200 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025
(888) 228-5800
www.abt.com

With a selection of headphones from brands that include Bose, Beats by Dre, Sony and Sennheiser, you're bound to find something you'll like within your price range at Abt. The retailer offers a number of styles of headphones, including in-ear and over-ear, and features an extensive selection of wireless headphones so you can cut the cord. If you absolutely need to turn down the volume from ambient noise when listening to your favorite album, then consider taking a look at Abt's selection of noise canceling headphones, too. Abt also offers a wide selection of headphones that let you take a call while in the midst of listening to Adele's 25.

Chicago Music Exchange
3316 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-7773
www.chicagomusicexchange.com

Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Chicago Music Exchange offers a wide selection of headphones for those who are serious about music. There's AKG, Marshall, Shure, and quite a few other brands available for purchase. In-ear and over-ear headphones are available at a number of price points. Does your youngest music fan need a new set of headphones? Chicago Music Exchange carries Vic Firth's Isolation Kidphones so that children can rock out to their favorite albums without playing the music too loud.

Dick Pond Athletics
26W515 St. Charles Road, Unit A
Carol Stream, IL 60188
(877) 813-4169
www.dickpondathletics.com

For many runners, listening to an epic playlist is an essential part of almost every run. After all, how can you be expected to feel pumped up and run those last few miles without listening to Katy Perry's "Roar" or Kanye West's "Stronger?" That's where Dick Pond Athletics comes in. The retailer, which specializes in running gear, offers a selection of sweat-proof headphones from Yurbuds. You can also avoid that awkward cords-getting-in-your-way thing while you run with Yurbud's selection of wireless headphones. In addition to its Carol Stream location, Dick Pond Athletics has stores in the Chicago suburbs of St. Charles, Lisle, Park Ridge and Hoffman Estates.

Related: 5 Most Scenic Walking Trails In Chicago

Erehwon Mountain Outfitters
1000 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 337-6400
www.erehwon.com

Listen to your favorite music outdoors and in style with the selection of headphones at Erehwon Mountain Outfitters. The retailer has gear by DryBUDS, including in-ear and over-the-ear options designed for comfort. Erehwon also offers a selection of gear for your next outdoor adventure, including footwear, tents, rock climbing equipment and clothing. In addition to its location in Chicago's Near North neighborhood, Erehwon has locations in the Chicago suburbs of Kildeer, Bannockburn, Naperville, and in Glendale, Wisconsin.

Windward Boardshop
3317 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(888) 706-0090
www.windwardboardshop.com

Windward Boardshop offers a wide selection of headphones for those who want to listen to a great playlist while enjoying the great outdoors. The retailer, which is located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, has headphones by Skullcandy and Outdoor Tech, with in-ear and over-ear options available. The store has a selection of helmet audio equipment, too. Windward Boardshop, which also offers a selection of longboards, snowboards and other gear, has a second location in the suburb of Highland Park.

Related: Best Record Stores In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.