When it comes to Bluetooth headphones, most deliver decent audio for listening to music but suck on phone calls. How many times have you had to stop being hands-free to hold the phone to your ear after being told: “You sound like you’re in a well, either speak into the receiver or call me when you can lose the bloody Bluetooth.”
Sennheiser’s HD1 In-Ear Wireless Earphones deliver high fidelity sound whether you’re listening to tunes or making a call. And callers seldom complain that they can’t hear you.
The Specs: Wireless earphones crammed with technology, including a built-in omni-directional microphone, a 10-hour rapid charging battery (full charge in 1.5 hours), Bluetooth 4.1 and Qualcomm® apt-X™ compatibility that improves audio delivered over Bluetooth. The earphones offer both vibration alerts and voice prompts. The HD1 has a soft leather neckband and come with a micro-USB charging cable, four sizes of earbuds and a carrying case. A voice prompt confirms pairing, helps you place a call, tells you how much longer the battery will last. The earphones pair via NFC or Bluetooth.
Likes: The earphones are lightweight, fit almost any ear (with a choice of four earbud sizes), easy to pair and offer first-rate sound for both music and calls. I’ve worn them commuting around Santa Monica on foot, on my electric scooter and on the bus. And with a good fit, the earbuds even offer a bit of noise cancellation. And the neckband remote makes it simple to switch tracks, adjust the volume and make or take a call or turn the earphones off or on (a voice prompt advises if you are powering on or off).
Yikes: Despite the soft, elegant feel of the nappa neckband, after several hours of wear it can feel a bit heavy. I wish you could automatically pause the music by removing one of the buds from an ear like some of the latest earbuds do.
Cost: $199.95 (or less on Amazon and other sites)
Verdict: It’s hard to go wrong with Sennheiser’s HD1 with its stellar audio and ease of use. They are great for a trip or running around town.