Review: Sennheiser HD-1 in ear wireless headphones

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Wireless Bluetooth headphones have become extremely popular of late because of improved sound quality, better connectivity, and longer battery life. At the high-end of the market, Sennheiser’s HD1 In-Ear Wireless headphones amp up the neckband style form factor with a lavish look and feel plus Sennheiser’s trademark high fidelity.

The future of wireless Bluetooth headphones is clearly where Apple’s AirPods are taking them. Individual ear pieces that work in concert without wires and which also offer access to your smartphone’s voice assistant and voice calls. Being able to quikly pair the headsets with various smartphones I review using NFC is nothing short of magical. If you've ever had to drill down the bluetooth settings menu on a phone, forget exisiting devices just to accomidate a new Bluetooth headset, you will love the one touch-pairing offered by the Sennheiser HD-1.

The neckband style of Bluetooth headphones, which blends wired Bluetooth headphones with a neckband which contains most of the key components of including the antennas and the battery, is a more traditional take that also has some added advantages. I've been using the Sennheiser HD-1 (SRT $279.95) in ear wireless headphones every day for the past two months. I've used it on long walks back from taking my son to school, at the gym while exercising on various machines, doing free-weights and taking classes. It has travelled with me in long and short plane rides and has been one of the first things that gets thrown in my bag and charged every three or four days.

Sennheiser has trimmed their HD1 set with sheepskin leather and red stitching, it mirrors their sleek and elegant Momentum series of over the ear headphones. In terms of flagship features, the Sennheiser HD1 sets itself apart by featuring Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, AAC Codec support, NFC one touch pairing, vibration alert for incoming calls and a neatly ensconced three-button remote plus a high-quality microphone.

There are a number of thoughtful touches to this product. Four different size ear-tips ensure optimum comfort and fit, plus a slim carrying case makes it possible to secure and slip the HD1 into most bags. 

The Sennheiser HD1 go around your neck and you can forget they’re there until you put them on. Sound is nothing short of phenomenal and complex with a nice range of detail even for genres like classical, jazz and vocal tracks.

 If you want to rock out, the HD1 is a great and willing accomplice, queuing up The Pixies, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins and the Beastie Boys on Spotify made for an exciting and resonant 90’s alternative throwback session. I also enjoy clarity in sound and using the HD1 for playing back Japanese flute music helps me relax while banging out deadlines. 

Battery life is unreal. For the first time, I feel I am using a Bluetooth headset that lasts all day. I'm very particular about comfort and sensitive to ear pain from ill-fitting in-ear buds. This HD1 fits me perfectly.

A 10-hour battery life and the ability to charge completely in 1.5 hours round-up the features of this luxury focused but supremely sound oriented Bluetooth headset.

Rating: 5 out of 5