Our Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 175 are good home theater headphones but only average for mixed usage. They're not versatile enough for all environments and situations, and the stand transmitter limits their use outdoors. If you're not in direct line-of-sight or close to your source and the transmitter, then the headphones are practically unusable.
- Low latency connection.
- Decent sound quality.
- Poor isolation and high leakage.
- Limited range and usability.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
Average for neutral listening. These RS 175 are not as good for neutral listening as the RS 165. They have a bit too much bass that makes them sound boomy, especially, since they lack a little mid-range. Instruments and vocals will be a bit more drowned out than on the RS 165. On the upside, they have a better treble and due to their bass and treble heavy response, they will sound exciting when watching movies you just might not hear the voices as well.
Not suitable for commuting and traveling. The fact that you must have the transmitter in range means they won't be the ideal headphones to use anywhere but at home or at the office in front of your Tv or PC.
Not intended for sports. They have a fixed transmitter, they're bulky and a bit unstable which is not ideal for running or working out.
Average for office use. They have a decent line-of-sight range, they're comfortable and easy-to-use. However, they're a bit leaky and they don't isolate enough for particularly noisy office environments.
Changelog
- Updated Dec 22, 2022: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Insignia Digital Wireless Headphones in Portability.
- Updated Sep 14, 2022: We've added a comparison to the Avantree HT5009 Wireless in the 'Controls' test.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
See our recommendations for the best TV headphones and the best headphone brands.
The Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless and the Sennheiser RS 185 RF Wireless are very similar headphones in design, but the 175 are closed-backs while the 185 are open-backs. This means that if you are looking for TV headphones to watch movies and TV shows without bothering your household or to block out ambient noise, the closed-back RS 175 will be a better option. However, the RS 185 have a better sound quality, but they don’t block noise and leak quite a bit, which won’t be ideal in a noisy environment. The RS 185 also feel a bit more premium and better-built, and you also get an RCA input that the RS 175 don’t have.
The Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless are better TV headphones than the Avantree HT5009 Wireless. The Sennheiser headphones are more comfortable, better built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have lower latency. However, the Avantree are Bluetooth headphones with better battery performance. They also have a mic, meaning you can answer calls.
The Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless are better TV headphones than the Insignia Digital Wireless Headphones. The Sennheiser are more comfortable and better built. They have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they have controls to adjust bass and surround sound. They have a longer continuous battery life too, although they take two AAA batteries rather than use rechargeable batteries.
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