 Value (6.50)
The RP-HC55 isn't particularly spectacular, but it is solid for a set of in-ears that'll run you about $60. Again, the main problem we ran into was the awkward positioning of the pendant, so if that doesn't bother you, you're really keen on active noise cancellation, and you want a pair of headphones for under $100, the RP-HC55s aren't that bad a choice.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3 - The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3 headphones are another set of active-cancellers, so this is probably the most meaningful comparison here. Panasonic will probably be happy to know that we'd recommend the RP-HC55s over the ATH-ANC3s in most cases. The ATH-ANC3s are far more easy and comfortable to wear since the pendant can easily fit in your front pocket. The RP-HC55s have negligibly better audio quality and can isolate better, have a ridiculously long battery life, and are quite a bit cheaper. If comfort is paramount, then the ATH-ANC3s are the definite winner. If isolation and price matter, go for the RP-HC55s.
Shure SE420 - The Shure SE420s are better headphones in just about every way, including isolation, but they cost a lot more than the RP-HC55s. While we think the SE420s are a good price for what they offer, we realize that a $200 set of in-ears isn't for everyone. The determining factor in this matchup is your budget and your budget alone.
 Denon AH-NC732 - The Denon AH-NC732s are great headphones both in your home and out. The RP-HC55s actually perform their worst in a quiet environment, because the noise their active cancellation creates will be a bit grating. The RP-HC55s did out-perform the AH-NC732s in terms of active-cancellation prowess, but you'll get a lot more mileage out of a pair of AH-NC732s and with no pendant to deal with. This match-up comes down to a few things, but the most important factor will likely be budget: the AH-NC732s, at $300, are simply too expensive for the average user.
Sennheiser MM 50 iP - The MM 50 iPs are a great set of in-ears. They don't block out the most sound, but they have great sound quality for a set of in-ears and a tiny little control pendant as well. Further, they're inexpensive. For around $80, just a bit more than the RP-HC55s, you'll get a lot more for your money. The only area where the RP-HC55 trumps the MM 50 iPs is in isolation, but we don't believe that one area of success covers enough ground on its own. The MM 50 iPs win here.
 Denon AH-C351 - The Denon AH-C351s are a good budget option. They're inexpensive, have a cord short enough to reach your lapel pocket (or a media player in an arm band) without much slack, but also come with an extension cord that'll reach down to your front pocket, and have decent audio quality. We recommend these as a good set of entry-level in-ears. They can't isolate as well as the RP-HC55s, but they don't have a control pendant to contend with and have sightly better audio quality. Since they're in the same price range, the question comes down to how much you value comfort and portability and how much you value isolation. The AH-C361s win the former scenario while the RP-HC55s win the latter.
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