The uncorded headphone – more commonly referred to as the wireless headphone, is somewhat iconic in its representation of how far audio technology has come. Not only is completely wireless audio-on-the-go possible, it’s a reality. And now it comes in audiophile grade sound quality too!
Before we go any further, let me talk a little bit about the two very distinct types of wireless headphone. We have the cordless – a base station which transmits a signal to its dedicated headphone – ideal for at home use – and the Bluetooth headphone, which requires two Bluetooth compatible devices to communicate – perfect being out in the big-wide-world. One set for home and one for away.
Here are a small selection of some of the wireless options we offer, of both the cordless and Bluetooth variety.
Remember, all prices stated were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Sennheiser RS120 Wireless Headphones – £89.95
Lets kick off with something nice and affordable – The RS120s are a very good place to start. These are the cordless variety, which means they come with a base station which transmits to the headphone. This offers complete freedom of movement and is particularly convenient for home use. Their range of up to 100 metres and reception through walls, ceilings and even outside in the garden – perfect for a spot of housework, gardening, or just wireless lounging about. Sound-wise, these comfortable and reliable headphones offer an open and accessible bass and a well-rounded, balanced sound. They come with the base station transmitter as standard, which acts as a stand and a recharger for the phones, which come with rechardable AAA batteries already included. An excellent pair of headphones for the home.
Why do we like them?
They may be cheap and cheerful, but they operate and sound like they’re worth five times more. A lovely little gadget for the home, and a way of opening music and television up. Also an excellent consideration for the hard of hearing. And remember, we also stock addiction headphone sets – the RS120 – so the transmitter can be used by multiple people at the same time!
Why do they like them?
‘Sennheiser’s affordable, comfortable wireless headphones sound almost as good as corded ‘phones.’ (CNET)
2. Sennheiser RS170 Wireless Headphones – £179.95
Turning it up a notch, we now have the RS170s. These are also a cordless offering, perfect for use in (and around) the home. Complete with a very stylish multi-purpose cradle which acts as a charger, a stand and a transmitter, the RS170s are designed to take the hassle out of in-home audio. These beautiful ‘phones offer detail and natural sound reproduction, coupled with a number of nifty features expected from a hi-grade headphone: automatic level control and fully adjustable balance control. Everything about these lovely headphone is fully ergonomic and adjustable, with a specially designed closed back to both combat sound leakage and block external noise. Perfect if you want to get lost in your own little world.
Why do we like them?
They’re a nice step up from the RS120s, offering some excellent features and benefits. They’re very usable too, with no set up required. And we have additional headphones available too in the form of the HDR170, if your family members get jealous!
Why do they like them?
‘Sennheiser’s RS 170 headphones offer a potent combination of practicality and audio quality while avoiding the traditional pitfalls of their peers. Whether you’re after some late-night home cinema or some music while you’re doing the chores, these are amongst the best wireless headphones around.’ (Trusted Reviews)
3. Sennheiser MM 450 X Travel Bluetooth Wireless Headphones – £224.9
Let’s get out of the house for a little while and explore. Our travel companion? The excellent Sennheiser MM 450 X Bluetooth headphones. Now, Bluetooth has received a little bad press from audiophiles in the past. Due to standard Bluetooth’s tendency to compress the files it was communicating, quality was often affected. A thing of a past now we have AptX . This new-fangled version of Bluetooth enables a pure wireless sound that doesn’t compromise on audio quality. Of course, in order to fully enjoy the benefits of AptX, you will need a AptX enabled smartphone (of tablet, or laptop. You know the drill.), but as long as you do, these feature packed, super-bendy and super-resilient headphones will not fail to please you. Turn up the tunes and hit the road, knowing you’re hearing the sound as it should be heard.
Why do we like them?
Aside from AptX and the excellent sound quality, these phones have a built in microphone for making calls, easy to use controls and even a direct-cable option when Bluetooth isn’t an option. Great for planes, trains and automobiles, or when you’re out for a wander. They’re foldable too, adding even more portability to the mix,
Why do they like them?
‘The awesomely portable MM 450-X cans might be the only pair of headphones you ever need. With such great sound, if they didn’t need the occasional recharge we’d never take them off.’ (Stuff.tv)
4. Sennheiser MM 550 X Travel Bluetooth Wireless Headphones – £269.95
We’re staying outdoors, but stepping up the luxury. The MM 550 X are AptX compatible of course, and offer a host of features designed to help you along on your travels. And with the Noiseguard 2.0, 90% of the background noise is eliminated, helping to encase you in your own stereo-sound bubble, even in the nosiest of settings. An invisible microphone and TalkThrough Technology allows for you to switch seamlessly between audio and phone calls and there are very easy to use controls too. The AptX is aided by SRS WOW HD™ technology, which enhances the sound quality of any track. They’re comfortable, portable and seamless in their delivery. Perfect.
Why do we like them?
These beautiful looking – and sounding – ‘phones compliment the emergence of AptX perfectly. And, like the MM 450s, they’re fully foldable- so extremely transportable. We just love them.
Why do they like them?
‘The Sennheiser MM 550-X is an extremely flexible set of headphones [and] sound good enough that you’ll feel like it’s money well spent, especially when using it wirelessly.’ (PC Mag)
5. Sennheiser RS220 Wireless Headphones – £379.99
And we’re back in the room (well, back in the home) for our final pair, and as always we have saved the best for last. The RS220s are a cordless headphone with the base station which doubles as a cradle for placing and charging. If top notch sound performance is your top priority, then these are the cordless wonders for you. They bring wireless sound to a completely new level, delivering a completely uncompressed sound performance equal to a hi-end wired headphone. You can’t ask for much better than that, can you? A true audiophile’s headphone, the RS220 are constructed out of the finest materials and only the highest-grade components, and are durable enough to withstand daily use by any family member.
Why do we like them?
Their sound is uncompromised. They feel good, they look good and they’re the best that we stock. If you’re serious about your in home sound, these phones will provide. If you’re after an additional headphone, we have HDR220s too!
Why do they like them?
‘A very neat wireless solution with great sound quality. There are plenty of wireless cans out there, of course, but they always seem to involve too much in the way of sonic sacrifice. [RS220] largely works a treat, with tracks emerging from the firm but comfortable earcups in impressively clear, tonally balanced style. The soundstage is wide, capable of strong stereo focus and separation of different instruments and musical strands, yet everything still hangs together rather well.’ (What Hi-Fi Awards October 2013)
We know all too well that wireless technology has been sniffed at by audiophiles in the past, but believe us when we say things are getting better. Much better. Not only is wireless a huge convenience, but it can now fight its corner in the sound quality department too. Will the future be entirely wireless? We can’t answer that. But with these products as examples of how far the technology has come, we wouldn’t be surprised.
If you’re looking for something for sports specifically, we have an excellent selection of sports headphones – and we have put together our five favourites in a blog too! And if you’re seeking out the best of the best in the fully-wired category… well, there’s a blog for that too.