If we were to point out a single positive feature that Sennheiser headphones have, we’d likely select the sound quality offered by their products. The wide range of Sennheiser products has helped the brand make a name for itself as one of the world’s best in the headphone industry thanks to a very solid line that offers plenty of options that appeal virtually any type of buyer out there.
Whether you’re one of those music savants who prefer in-ear headphones, or if you’d rather rock the best circum-aural headphones and their unique style, or even if you rather have on-ear headphones, Sennheiser offers exactly the type of products that you’re looking for.
From high-quality wireless headphones to budget in-ear earbuds, Sennheiser overall produces an amazing line of products.
This German brand has been around since 1945, and its high-fidelity products have been used worldwide since going global not too long after their foundation. They actually came into existence just a few weeks after the end of World War II, under the name Labor W.
In a sign of things to come, the brand was the first company to release a set of open-back headphones (which cancel-out the vibrations created within the portable system). The company’s invention of the HD 414 in 1968 went on to revolutionize the world’s headphone industry and set a new standard for product quality within itself and people continue to use those today, 50 years later!
| Sennheiser On-Ear Headphones | Sennheiser Urbanite | Check Price |
| Sennheiser On-Ear Wireless Headphones | Sennheiser HD1 | Check Price |
| Sennheiser Over-Ear Headphones | Sennheiser HD598C | Check Price |
| Sennheiser Over-Ear Wireless | Sennheiser PXC 550 | Check Price |
| Sennheiser In-Ear (Earbuds) | Sennheiser IE80 Headphone | Check Price |
| Sennheiser Gaming Headset | See Full review for PC, Mac, PS4 and XBox One | |
Sennheiser HD1 On-Ear Wireless Headphones
Overall Description
The HD1 headphones are certainly one of the brand’s best products that they have for sale in the market. The overall sound quality is excellent and paired with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity as well as a powerful NFE system, it allows for a fast and effective transmission between the headphones and the device they’re connected to.
The device is built with closed-back technology, which prevents the sound from leaking out. This makes these headphones ideal to be worn in public, as people around you shouldn’t be able to hear you unless you’re listening to music (or any other sound) at an unhealthy volume.
Not only that, but they also come with powerful noise-canceling technology which prevents outside noise from interfering with whatever you’re listening to.
Like any other top-quality wireless headphone, they come with a high-tech battery that should be able to remain powered for almost an entire day. This makes the device an ideal companion for any long trips!
The product has a very strong set of microphones that help improve the audio quality regardless of the volume that the headphones are set at.
Say, for example, if you’d like to listen to a phone call or podcast through this device, you should be able to do so without worrying too much about anyone or anything making noise on your surroundings.
They are foldable, practical to carry around and very quick to connect to any device that you’re carrying.
Breaking down its main features
Sound Quality: When it comes to sound quality, we’re probably looking at the most important feature that one takes into consideration whenever making a new headphone purchase. Thankfully, the HD1 comes with a strong set of attributes that manage to increase the sound quality exponentially.
The audio quality could easily be compared to many high-end computer-designed stereos. The most important thing is the ability to keep the sound quality at a high standard regardless of the environment in which the owner uses the device.
Bass: Bass volume has to be one of the most controversial features in any device while also having its quality based almost entirely on personal preference. The bass on these headphones should suit almost any style of the listener.
You can play most types of music with the HD1, considering the bass is set to a very adaptable standard that fits anything from rock to classical or even house music.
Design: Slick, modern and good looking. The design of these headphones isn’t anything extremely fancy, but they aren’t robust or overcharged with features as many products like this tend to be. They have a standard design that still manages to include its important set of features, making it a must-have for anyone looking to own a pair of headphones that don’t draw too much attention.
Build: The HD1 could be described as a pair of headphones with notably solid build quality. Almost everything important for them to properly work is hidden from plain sight, which allows owners not to worry too much about stuff breaking apart while moving them around. The build is definitely complimented by the design quality, which allows things to blend in with each other.
Battery Life: The battery life of these headphones is actually one of its strongest assets. You can carry them turned on for 22 hours without having to charge them once in the meantime. This is a pretty great feature to consider if you’re a perpetual (or casual) traveler.
Connection: The built-in NFC connectivity makes the headphones adapt quickly to any type of software. They are compatible with most modern devices, provided the device you’ll connect them to remains updated to its latest version. They might have some issues with older devices, so take that into consideration before buying.
Read recent verified reviews by Amazon customers who bought the HD1.
Pros:
- Amazing noise-canceling technology should allow the product to be used in almost any environment.
- Ease of use is greatly complimented with its foldable capabilities which make it ideal to carry around anywhere you go.
- They look good, but Sennheiser made sure to offer a well-built product to complement its appearance.
- The headphones are very comfortable to wear.
Cons:
- Although they have an amazing battery life, you might find other products that last longer.
- Not compatible with some versions of Android thanks to a bug that makes a popping noise prior to the 5.0 update.
- If you use them wired, the controls seem to not properly work.
- The noise-canceling feature cannot be switched off.
Bottom Line:
If you take one-day trips often, or if you’re not likely to spend over 24 hours with a pair of headphones on, these might be the ideal option for you to purchase. The sound quality along with the solid battery life and its noise-canceling features make the HD1 a top choice for many buyers.
As you might’ve already noticed, if you own an Android device unable to update past 5.0 you should look to purchase other headphones instead. Also, we suggest you do that as well if you’re one of those who like to use wireless headphones with the wire when you’re at home.
If you like the specs on the HD1 but want a more comfortable around-ear wearing experience, you’ll want to take a look at the Sennheiser HD1 Over-Ear, although beware that they’ll set you back $100+ more than the on-ear HD1 (they are also about 2 ounces heavier due to the larger ear cups).
Sennheiser Urbanite On-Ear Headphones
Overall Description
The Urbanite headphones are one of the most popular and highest quality options in Sennheiser wired headphones available. They offer a wide array of powerful sound features, such as a strong bass system and an extended treble to fit into almost anyone’s musical taste. From lower to higher frequencies, the Urbanite set offers one of the best combinations of sounds in the Sennheiser stock.
Another prominent feature that makes these headphones a great choice of purchase is their solid build. They seem incredibly tough and the design allows it to withstand the typical roughness that some items are subjected to during journeys or trips.
Of course, the integrated microphone that it has is compatible with most modern devices, but mainly with Apple and Android phones and tablets. Just like the wireless option we reviewed, the Urbanite headphones are foldable and pretty easy to carry around. If you’re okay with having a set of wired headphones while away from home, these could be ideal.
The headphones also come in various different colors, but every single one keeps its “chromey” feel intact. The features it has are certainly those of a high-end set of headphones, and the design accompanies them in a very fitting manner.
Breaking down its main features:
Sound Quality: Although these headphones wouldn’t really take part in any “budget option” category, the sound quality they offer is comparable to some of the market’s most expensive headphones. They aren’t noise-canceling, but the quality of the audio they reproduce is a difficult one to hinder. The sounds certainly feel great when listening to electronic music – it feels like each sound falls straight into the correct place of the spectrum.
Bass: The bass of these headphones is far from exaggerated. In fact, if you’re into boom box-style headphones, you might not appreciate the Urbanite set. The bass on this product allows you to properly distinguish specific sounds and background instruments in music (considering you’re downloading high-quality mp4’s).
Design: The design is one of these products’ main draw-ins. It offers a very modern design with futuristic features that make it a must-have for those looking to get a visually appealing product without any flamboyant features or overly-sized parts. As we mentioned before, all color schemes fit the chrome-like gray areas perfectly.
Build: We believe this product is built even more solidly than the HD1. This wired option is very sturdy, although it might be better not to put too much pressure into it. Regardless, since this is a wired set of headphones, they’re usually made to be used while walking or sitting – and they’re perfectly built to do exactly that.
Connection: Since these are wireless headphones, connecting via Bluetooth isn’t really an issue. However, owners have to make sure that the chord with the plug is attached properly to whichever device the headphones are connected to. Although this is a small issue, if it isn’t plugged correctly the sound might just come out of one side of the device.
Pros:
- Although these aren’t noise-canceling headphones, their capacity to absorb noise naturally is very good.
- Great sound quality for their price range.
- It can be easily carried around as the folding mechanism allows the product to half in size.
- It has a great design which gives a feeling of high quality.
Cons:
- The sturdy build makes the headphones feel a little bit too heavy.
- They are definitely not made for running or any activity that means constant shoving of the product.
- Not really made for people who love sounds with strong bass.
Bottom Line:
This is definitely a very solid product and not really that expensive when compared to the other options on the market. Nevertheless, it isn’t made for people who tend to use their headphones while performing exhausting activities.
Now, if you like to listen to music while wearing high-quality technology and sporting modern designs, you might be looking at the ideal product to suit your needs. Just remember that you’re not getting one of those headphones with deep bass, but rather a well-balanced product which suits both hard and soft music fans.
Looking for another wired alternative? Sennheiser also has other products that could as well do wonders for you. We suggest you take a look at the HD 2.30. They also come with a built-in microphone, and they’re a tad cheaper as well!
Sennheiser HD 598 Closed Back Headphone
Overall Description:
The HD598 premium headphones are built with a closed-back, and their over-ear design allows the owner to feel very comfortable while wearing them. They’re made with leather and very high-quality fabric, which makes them an ideal set of headphones to wear for several hours at a time.
Their wired connectivity makes the product compatible with most devices. The connection mechanism is also very smooth thanks to the plug-in design’s simplicity. One additional feature that these headphones have is that they actually come with two different cables, varying both in length and in the jack’s size.
One of the cables also comes with a microphone attached, a feature that certainly makes the HD 598 a very solid option for long conference calls. The serious and straightforward design looks very formal – a feature very much appreciated by any businessperson interested in buying a new pair of headphones.
In any case, the closed-back makes the set a very good option for those looking to purchase a new device to listen to music. Their acoustic technology shapes regular headphone sounds and gives them more of a room-like feel.
This line of headphones is actually one of Sennheiser’s most successful – the sound quality is a couple of notches above any other quality headphone in the market.
Breaking down its main features
Sound Quality: There is one main reason for which the sound quality of these headphones is very hard to match. The sound spectrum is incredibly well balanced. It’s very pleasant for the ears and is very well designed for the general consumer. It fits most niches even better than the Urbanite – which says a lot on its own!
Bass: This product is ideal for those who like to “feel” the bass while listening to music. It’s a bit more elevated than anything you’d find in the same price range while also keeping it at a pleasant enough tone to not make it feel unbearable but rather enjoyable. It blends perfectly with the mids while these also do so as well with the highs. Like we said above – the spectrum balance is superb.
Design: This particular design is one to typically cause mixed feelings in a group of people. Although the headphones have a pretty straightforward design, the size of the speakers might be a little bit too big for some consumers. On the other hand, if you like to rock a set of big headphones, the design of the HD598 might be exactly the one you’d like to buy.
Build: These headphones have a strong build quality complimented with touches of leather and velvet ear pads that make it very comfortable to wear them, even after a few hours of use. Surprisingly, even though they might seem huge, the HD 598 is actually a very lightweight model. This makes them ideal to carry around – especially while hanging from the user’s neck.
Connection: The headphone jacks fit easily into an adapter, and the fact that these headphones actually come with a couple of different cables and plugs is a huge plus for those buying them to be used with different devices. They will properly connect to most types of devices without any trouble.
Pros:
- Very comfortable. These headphones provide no pressure on the user’s head, which allows for long periods of wear.
- The closed-back design contains a significant amount of noise, which prevents it from escaping to the user’s surroundings.
- High mids and a low but not insufferable bass complement each other very well.
- The sound quality seems to be very high.
Cons:
- The ear cups could get dirty with dust as a consequence of the material they’re made of.
- Certain songs might not be heard as clearly as one would expect – mainly those with a lot of instruments playing at the same time.
Bottom Line:
The design of these headphones and the fact that certain sounds don’t blend in accordingly could certainly deter some people from buying them, but anyone looking to own a set of comfortable headphones capable of being worn for hours at a time (is it for business or entertainment purposes) might’ve just found their match.
These headphones are ideal for anyone looking to listen to soft music. Even at higher volumes, the sounds won’t mix and the audio quality will be top-notch. If you’re into metal or any other heavy style of music, we’d suggest you to take a look somewhere else. If you have a more ample budget and you are looking for true audiophile sound quality we encourage you to take a look at the HD 660 S, however, be warned these are in a higher price range.
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Overall Description:
This pair of Sennheiser headphones was almost specifically designed for those who have to travel a lot. Lightweight, easy to wear and easy to carry around, the PXC 550 also comes with a powerful Bluetooth adapter which allows quick connectivity to almost any type of device that the buyer owns.
It doesn’t matter if the traveler is exposed to an enormous amount of noise, the headphones’ noise-canceling technology turns every environment into a viable place to enjoy music or listen to important information without being too bothered about disrupting noise coming from the surroundings.
The hefty price tag of this pair of headphones seems to be very well justified with the incorporation of a top-of-the-line, easy-to-use system that allows users to quickly switch between tracks, use voice commands and have the headphones turn on and off automatically.
The PXC also has a set of three different microphones incorporated within its build. This makes the headset ideal not only for the casual music-listener or even gamer but also to the business traveler who needs to communicate clearly via tablets or laptops.
As an additional fact, these headphones are compatible with Sennheiser’s music player. Using this software might serve as a powerful tool to properly get the headphones to reproduce the music to the best of their capabilities.
Breaking down its main features
Sound Quality: Usually, with Sennheiser’s headphones, the bigger the price tag, the better the quality. The PXC is no exception to this rule – the sound quality is extremely good, easily comparable to BOSE or any other high-quality audio brand. In fact, these headphones could as well have better sound quality than other higher-end products out there.
Bass: The bass of these headphones should comfortably please most owners easily. It’s set in an ideal spectrum to listen to electronic music, which makes it great to listen to almost anything else, considering how bass-dependent this genre is. Some owners might feel like there isn’t enough “punch” in it, though this generally shouldn’t be an issue.
Design: These headphones suffer the same fate design-wise as the HD 598. They don’t look as good as they should, and some buyers could easily find the design to be enough not to buy the headphones. If you can look past the way these headphones are designed (or if you like them) you’re likely going to end up with a top-quality product in your hands.
Build: They have a very solid build quality which puts them among the best headphones in the market. They are resistant and the design is very well thought out as it encompasses everything that the headphones offer in the best possible way.
Battery Life: The battery life is extremely good; it can last up to 30 hours without needing the headphones to be turned off. It can withstand long gaming or music listening sessions like few other headphones in the market, so it’s definitely a great choice for those who need to purchase a set that can be worn for a very long time.
The battery is also replaceable once it runs dry, though this is better done with a specialized technician.
Connection: The Bluetooth technology that these headphones have is very powerful. It connects quickly and adapts to almost any type of device – though some are incompatible with this model. Even so, the headphones can be connected using the wire that comes in an order to make them function with any sort of device.
Read recent verified reviews by Amazon customers who bought these headphones.
Pros:
- They have a very solid build which makes the product a high-end purchase.
- The sound quality is very good, both at receiving and transmitting with its integrated microphones.
- The Bluetooth technology seems to be top-notch. It connects very quickly and it also has a wider range than most other headphones have.
- Its noise-canceling technology is very good. They do a great job of isolating the user from environmental noises.
Cons:
- It is almost definitely not as comfortable as other Sennheiser products. In fact, they press the user’s head quite a bit.
- The controls aren’t as consistent as they should be. Sometimes they can answer very quickly to input, while other times they might not read it properly and take a while to react.
- They are very expensive. Although the price tag is justified with its features, it can still out-price a lot of buyers.
Bottom Line:
These headphones are a great option for almost any type of customer. Nevertheless, the pressure they create might deter people with larger heads from buying them, as it could make them feel very uncomfortable after wearing them for just half an hour. There also isn’t really a system incorporated to properly adjust the pressure they create, which is a bit troublesome.
In any case, most audiophiles will be pleased after purchasing these headphones thanks to the top-notch sound quality they offer. There might be other alternatives out there that cost less money than these, like the HD 4.50 BTNC. We encourage you to take a look into these if you feel that the PXC is too expensive for your taste.
Sennheiser IE80 In-ear Earphones
What is “Best” really? Well, if your budget is unlimited and you are a true audiophile willing to make a major investment in your next pair of earbuds you’d want to check out these Sennheiser IE 800 Audiophile Ear Canal Headphones. These are the truly exceptional with crisp clear sound and booming bass and overall stunning sound quality for musicians and music lovers that have the budget and ear to be able to appreciate (and afford) these top of the line earbuds.
But realistically, most of our readers are not going to drop that much cash on their next set of earbuds, because of that we didn’t give it the number one spot. However, we didn’t award the “Best” label to just any earbuds either, especially since the focus here is Sennheiser and the brand already delivers quality sounds on even some of their most affordable product range.
For the price, we think the Sennheiser IE 80s are the best candidate for the award with stellar sound quality, rugged build and a bass tuning feature that other brands in this price range do not offer. While it’s not the true top of the line for Sennheiser, for most music listeners it goes above and beyond what they are used to, especially if they are upgrading from a cheaper pair of earbuds.
The IE 80s feature high-fidelity stereo sound, in fact, the company itself markets these earbuds to music professionals and technicians that need professional-grade audio.
The sound quality produced by this set of IE 80 earbuds is on par with what professional musicians rely on onstage sound clarity and is a perfect match for audiophiles looking for hi-fi stereo to enjoy their music. The earbuds feature neodymium magnets to enhance the sound clarity and tone accuracy.
One big selling point on these Sennheiser in-ear earbuds is the bass tuning feature. Turn up the bass for rock, turn down the mids and highs depending on the music you are listening to (Rock vs Classical) and obviously your own personal sound signature preference. This bass tuning functionality is something that is missing on the younger cousin, the IE 60 and also something you will not find on many other earbuds in this price range.
The earbuds come with a small (3″) tool, like a small screwdriver, there is a small slot on the earbud to adjust the bass – turning the knob left (decreasing bass) or right (increasing bass).
The earbuds come with 3 sizes (S/M/L) and most users find this gives enough options to find a comfortable fit, although you could always replace the earbud tips with memory foam replacement tips if needed.
If you’re planning on getting a more specialized set of earphones, we’d suggest you take a look at the PMX 686 SPORTS or the HD1 In-Ear Wireless (the HD1 was one of our top picks for Behind Neck Bluetooth Headphones. If you’re looking to buy other types of headphones to wear at home, please refer to the models we’ve mentioned above – one of them might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Other models:
Are you looking to buy a different set of headphones? Perhaps a more specialized type, specifically designed to play video games? If so, we believe we’ve reviewed exactly what you’re looking for click here to see the best Sennheiser gaming headphones!