Denon AH-C351

We said the best thing the iPod headphones is the audio quality they offer at their price. The AH-C351 headphones offer slightly better audio quality, but the extra $20 really just goes toward a better user experience. The iPod in-ear headphones tend to fall out of position easily, which can be annoying. We didn’t run into this problem with the AH-C351s, because they actually fit into your ear canal. If you’re just looking to replace your iPod headphones, we tend to think the AH-C351 headphones offer a lot more than Apple’s own set. It’s all in how much you value your Jeffersons.

The AH-C351s pretty much undermine the iGrados’ biggest selling point: their price. The Denon AH-C351s offer better audio quality and a better user experience and cost exactly the same. The only reason the iGrado headphones would win in this match-up is if you just can’t stand wearing in-ear headphones.

The Sure SE210 headphones scored about the same as the AH-C351s on audio quality, but they offer a lot more isolation. They also feature a ridiculously short cord that’s brought out to normal length via an extension. In the case of the SE210s, however, the split doesn’t really reach to your shoulder, and is probably intended for a headset pendant of some kind. We thought the AH-C351s were a bit more comfortable as well. While the SE210s received a few more points overall, compared to the AH-C351s, they also cost more than three times as much money. Really, this one comes down to personal preference and disposable income, but we think the AH-C351s are a better value.

As of this writing, the 6isolator headphones are the reigning champs of our ratings charts. They have great audio quality for in-ear headphones, and offer a good user experience. They’re all-around better than the AH-C351s. They do, however, cost $140. In terms of what you get for the price, we think the AH-C351s are a better value, but it’s hard to argue with overall better performance and usability.