iMuffs Wireless Headphones for iPod

If you've been trying to break free from long, tangled headphone cords for once and for all, iMuffs Wireless Headphones are the perfect choice. With excellent sound quality, great range and a lightweight fit, these headphones are great for workouts and well worth the $179 price tag (on sale as of this writing for $129). They work with most iPods and as a headset for compatible Bluetooth phones. With the headphones and included iPod adapter, you'll finally be able to break free of the cords and listen to your favorite tunes while you exercise.

• Protocol: Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP, AVRCP
• Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
• Tx Power: Bluetooth Class 2
• Range: 30’ (10m)
• Audio Format: CD Quality (Sub-Band Codec)
• Battery Life: Play time up to 16 hours
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium polymer
• Adaptor: AC input 110-240V AC
• Price: $179.99 (on sale now for $129.99)

The package comes with a dock adapter that works with the iPod Touch, classic, video, mini and photo. While there’s no official support for iPhones, I was able to use the iMuffs with a 3G iPhone without any problems, although an error message pops up saying the headphones aren't compatible. You'll find more information about using iMuffs with an iPhone at the Wi-Gear website. The iMuffs also work with compatible Bluetooth phones as a headset (look for Bluetooth 1.2 or 2.0 and the A2DP profile), but it doesn't work with all phones.

I wear my iPod for everything from working out to cutting the grass and, because of that, have experienced any number of disasters: maddening cord entanglements, getting it caught in doors and drawers and, once, snagging it on the side mirror of a car with such force that I thought my ears had been ripped off my head.

I've tested other wireless headphones and was discouraged by lack of quality and how frequently the signal was broken. The iMuffs, however, have renewed my faith in wireless headphones. They worked perfectly right out of the box and, aside from a few small drawbacks, have become a staple in my workouts.

I did find that, as a cell phone headset, the iMuffs don't offer the best quality so I wouldn't use them exclusively as a headset. They win hands-down, however, for the best wireless headphones I've tried.

Pros:

• Easy to use: The iMuffs are so easy to use, I didn't need the instructions. You charge them up with the included charger, plug the adapter into your iPod, turn on the headphones and it immediately starts playing. The only time you may need instructions is when pairing the iMuffs with a phone to use as a headset.
• Excellent sound quality: The iMuffs promise CD quality sound and they deliver. The sound is crisp, clear and much better than the corded headphones I've used.
• Headset controls: The headset includes controls that allow you to play, pause, fast forward, rewind and adjust the volume. This is by far the best feature, giving you more freedom with your music during workouts.
• Seamless playback: I used the iMuffs during an hour-long run outside, while cleaning my kitchen and even washing my car and it rarely cut out.
• Comfortable: The iMuffs fit nicely around the ears and the back of the head. They're lightweight and stayed put even during high impact workouts.

Cons

• iPods won't fit in carrying cases: When using the adapter with your iPod, it won't fit into most carrying cases. I used mine with an armband and left the top open, which worked fine.
• Poor performance as a headset: When making calls, there was a delay between the phone ringing and the sound coming through the headset. The microphone wasn't the best, either. According to my husband, I sounded like I was on the bottom of a fish tank. Some users say they work better with other phones, so it may just be an iPhone issue.
• Pricey: Even on sale at $129, the iMuffs are on the expensive side.

Overall, I highly recommend iMuffs for exercisers who want to get rid of the cords during their workouts. Being able to listen to your favorite music always makes exercise a little better and the iMuffs make that process both easy and comfortable.