V-MODA Vibe Duo

The Denon AH-C351 headphones don’t have the aesthetic flair of the Vibe Duo headphones, but they did have slightly better audio quality. They also require the use of the included extension cord — the headphones themselves are less than two feet long, to allow them to connect to an arm-worn media player with minimal slack. This feature, while useful for joggers, might be annoying for some. The Denon AH-C351 also costs $50 less. Basically, both are good deals, the AH-C351 is just a better one. It offers more value for every dollar, with the possible exception of aesthetic appeal. This match-up ultimately comes down to your own personal taste in aesthetics, how much you dis/like the AH-C351’s mandatory extension cord, and how frugal you’re trying to be.

This battle is more about aesthetics than the first, since the difference in audio quality between these headphones is even more negligible. The Apple In-ear Headphones are the status quo at the moment, and the Vibe Duo headphones are the chic alternative. Really, we don’t see this choice coming up much, since each have their own, very different audience. Here we think we’d go with the Vibe Duo, since it’s still not a drastic money investment, their overall usability is better, and they don’t look like the Apple headphones. If you have no ill will towards the Apple In-ear Headphones or their aesthetic, however, then they are a better deal in terms of what you’re getting for the price you pay.

The iGrado headphones are relatively inexpensive, but they look dirt cheap. They’re also uncomfortable, bulky, not very portable, and have worse audio quality. If you’re looking for inexpensive and good, you should go for the Denon AH-C351 anyway, not the iGrado. V-MODA vanquishes Grado Labs in this challenge, hands down.

The Shure SE210 headphones are interesting, since they basically offer about the same as the Denon AH-C351 headphones, but they cost $179.99. We’re not sure if the SE210 headphones are overpriced, or if the AH-C351 headphones are a great deal (it’s probably a little of both), but in any case we think the Vibe Duo headphones win here. This battle comes down to value. You pay an extra $80 for the SE210 headphones, but you don’t get much for your money. In this case we prefer a the Vibe Duo’s abundance of style to the SE210’s handful of substance.