Last week I did a review of the NEW Apple in-ear headphones for the iPod. Today we’re going to move up a little in price and I’m going to compare two $99 in-ear headphones. I have used both of these headsets quite a bit, but in different places. I travel with the V-MODA Vibe Duos. They are my fall back earbuds. I like them because the sound is great, comfort is good and they also have an integrated mic and controls for the iPhone. This is why I travel with them. I use them a lot for handsfree calls in noisy places like airports. The V-MODA Vibe Duos come in 3 colors: Nero (black), Chrome and GumetalRouge (red).
I use the Bose in-ear headphones mostly at home. They also sound good and the small cushions feel good for my ears. Also because they don’t have an integrated mic, I have no use for them with my iPhone. Although these are “Bose” headphones, I don’t really perform any better or worse than the Apple or V-MODAs. Don’t get me wrong, they do sound good, just not better. Because of the bigger ear cushion, they do block out more noise than the V-MODAs. My only real complaint with these is that the ear cushions tend to fall off too easily. As a matter of fact, I lost one because it came off and I couldn’t find it. So I had to order a replacement set. Bose sells the replacements (2 pairs) for $6.99.
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The Bottom Line
My buying advice is that can’t go wrong with either of these. Both of these sound good for the $99 price. If you’re going to use them with an iPhone, then the V-MODA Vibe Duo are hands down the best choice. Amazon has the V-MODA Vibe Duo’s for $83.95. Amazon has the Bose in-ear headphones for $99.95.
Feedback on Amazon indicates that the V-Moda’s break easily. The reviewers generally like the sound, but say that they break within a few months (quite a number of reviewers say that they would give 5 stars for the sound only, but that the lack of durability brings the rating down to 1 or 2 stars…
I’ve had mine for months with no issues. YMMV.
I’ve been using my V-Moda’s for a few months also without an problems. The sound is great and the angled connector is a subtle bonus for headphones.
The problem of the V-MODAs breaking at the connector is well-known; however, the new Vibes have the angled connector shown in the image above specifically to address this problem. I went through two pairs of VIBE Duos, both of which died that way. However, V-MODA quickly and efficiently sent me replacements (they had a 1-year warranty) and the last replacement has the angled plug. I haven’t had a problem since then. So if you buy them, look inside the box if possible and make sure they’re new enough stock to have the angled connector.
My friend has the Bose headphones and I use the V-MODAs. I actually prefer the V’s due to the fact that they seem to carry a richer bass. I listen to hip hop quite a bit, as well as other styles of music, and the V’s have consistently sounded better in the low ends.
My wife’s pair of V’s crashed, but were quickly replaced.
Still waiting for you ZAGG review. You have had some fun with the toys, now get with the pro gear!
I loved mine for the 6 months that they worked. The I woke up one morning ang the right ear piece stopped working. ‘nuf said.
Bose headphones are awesome, but keep breaking at the connector/jack – i think this is because of the inflexibility of the connection, but probably also because i travel with them and are constantly removing the iPod from my pocket to check tracks etc etc..