Sennheiser MX W1

The CX 95s, another Sennheiser offering, are far more attractive. They have much better audio quality and a much more realistic price. For this match-up (really, all match-ups besides the DS6000) you need to ask yourself how much wireless connectivity is really worth.

The Shure SE420s isolate like crazy, but have kind of a bulky cord. If you tried these on and thought the cord felt like a heavy noose around your neck, then the MX W1s are probably a great option. Really, though, the SE420s are a lot like the CX 95s: better in just about every way, but not wireless. The SE420s are a bit pricey as well, but they’re nowhere near as expensive as the MX W1s.

The Sony MDR-DS6000s are a set of wireless, at-home headphones. They’re meant for movie viewers and have sometimes-spotty surround sound via Dolby Digital. They don’t have great audio quality, but it’s about on par with the MX W1s if a bit more prone to distortion. We thought the DS6000s were overpriced at $300, but they seem like a steal compared to the MX W1s’ $500. If portability matters to you in any capacity, then the MX W1s are the better wireless pick. If you’re planning to use them around the house, the DS6000s are better.

Cheap vs. expensive. Both headphones have fit issues and sub-par sound quality. Both have somewhat negative aesthetic connotations. One costs $30 and has a cord, the other costs $500 and is wireless. With such a staggering price difference, we have to ask again: how much is a wireless connection worth to you? The iPod headphones are by no means good, but we predict the MX W1’s ticket price is going to be far too much for just about everyone.