The One

This Is the Only Pair of Wireless Headphones You Need

Not quite flashy, not quite retro, and excellent in sound quality, the Sennheiser HD 1s are just right for music, gaming, and even talking on the phone.

Photographer: Meredith Jenks for Bloomberg Pursuits, Prop styling by Jojo Li

Sennheiser Electronic GmbH is a family-run German manufacturer of high-fidelity audio products such as wireless systems, headsets, and microphones. Favorites among consumers are its standout headphones, including the HD 1 wireless over-ears, which check pretty much every important box in terms of quality. Their comfort level is high, with thick, marshmallowy cup pads sheathed in creamy dark leather; you adjust volume on one of the cup pads. The seamless Bluetooth, with one-touch pairing, extends over a remarkable range—walk an entire city block away from your phone, and you’ll remain connected. The set holds a charge for almost 22 hours.

In terms of appearance, there are a lot of options when it comes to wireless cans. If you like a brash, plastic look, you’ll choose Beats. If you prefer a vintage feel tinged with a slight air of superiority, you’ll go for Master & Dynamic. And while the build quality is all over the map, there are seriously great sounding options from Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, and Sony. Decent headphones range from $120 to $500 or more—spend $200 and above for the best audio. At $499.95, the HD 1s are among the priciest.