We've currently tested over 55 pairs of Sennheiser headphones. They're a well-trusted brand that makes various models for different uses, focusing on open-back, reference-quality headphones. We generally test several Sennheiser headphones yearly, and so far, they're one of the best headphone brands we've tested. We'll update this article as we release new reviews.
It's worth noting that, on March 23, 2026, Sonova announced plans to divest Sennheiser's Consumer Hearing business, which covers the brand's consumer headphones and earbuds, such as the MOMENTUM series. It doesn't affect Sennheiser's separate professional audio business, which isn't owned by Sonova and includes products like microphones, wireless systems, and audiophile-grade headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 800 S.
Updates
- 01/06/2026Sennheiser HDB 630 reviewed
- 08/05/2024Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee updated
- 07/23/2024Sennheiser HD 620S reviewed
- 07/11/2024Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport reviewed
- 06/27/2024Sennheiser HD 660 S updated
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones
Sports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkAudio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationBass Amount:Slightly Underemphasized (-3 dB)Treble Amount:Balanced (0 dB)Sound Signature:FlatType:Over-earEnclosure:Open-BackWireless:NoNoise Cancelling:NoSee all our test resultsMic:NoThe Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best Sennheiser headphones for audiophiles that we've tested. They have a high price point, which can set them out of reach for most people, and if you don't have an amp, you'll need to get one for the headphones to reach their full potential. However, if you don't mind the investment, these open-back headphones can create a wide, spacious, and natural soundstage that's worth checking out if you want to immerse yourself in audio. The localization of instruments is a highlight of these cans, and their spacious soundstage helps enthusiasts listen critically and pick out elements of a mix.
They have a flat, accurate sound profile. Although they lack low-bass, like most open-back headphones, their sound has a touch of extra high-bass to add warmth to mixes without overwhelming vocals and lead instruments. The headphones are very well-built and have a very comfortable fit, so they're a good choice if you like to listen to music for hours. However, you may find their ear cups large if you have a smaller head.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones
Sports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkAudio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationBass Amount:Slightly Underemphasized (-1 dB)Treble Amount:Balanced (0 dB)Sound Signature:BalancedType:Over-earEnclosure:Open-BackWireless:NoNoise Cancelling:NoSee all our test resultsMic:NoIf you want audiophile headphones that don't cost as much as our top pick, consider the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO. While these open-backs don't boast the same high-quality build and immersive soundstage as our top pick, the Sennheiser HD 800 S, they are a bit lighter and don't need an amp (an additional cost) to operate. They also deliver more bass than our top pick, which helps make them a better fit for casual listening, gaming, or music in a home office.
They still work well for critical listening, with a balanced sound that gives kick drums a bit of extra boom, keeps vocals and instruments clear, and avoids sounding too sharp for long sessions. These headphones also come with two sets of earpads that subtly change the sound. A single removable cable is also included, and if you get the Plus version, Sennheiser throws in an extra cable and additional headband padding. Unlike most open-back headphones, these have ear cups that can rotate flat so you can rest them around your neck to chat while mixing music without knocking your chin on them, which is a nice improvement over more utilitarian designs.
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Best Mid-Range Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones
Sports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkAudio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationBass Amount:Underemphasized (-4 dB)Treble Amount:Balanced (0 dB)Sound Signature:FlatType:Over-earEnclosure:Open-BackWireless:NoNoise Cancelling:NoSee all our test resultsMic:NoThe Sennheiser HD 560S are a more wallet-friendly audiophile alternative to Sennheiser's pricier models. At this price point, there are some small reductions in overall performance compared to the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO. Unlike the previous pick, the HD 560S have slightly worse variance in treble response between wears and only come with one set of earpads. However, they retain a similar level of comfort and build quality. They also come with a rather long, removable cable.
Unlike the previous pick, these headphones have a flat sound, with a slightly brighter tuning. They reproduce a bit less boom and rumble, but their mids are closer to our target curve, with lead instruments sounding forward and present. Meanwhile, the upper registers emphasize detail and airiness, highlighting sibilants and harmonics in vocals and cymbals. This clarity might be useful for picking out the unique timbre of a piccolo solo but can fatigue sensitive ears slightly sooner. That said, for most media, this tuning produces a clear representation of your tracks. If you're looking for something more bassy, we'd recommend checking out our next pick, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016.
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Best Budget Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones
Sports/FitnessCommute/TravelOfficeType:Over-earEnclosure:Closed-BackWireless:NoNoise Cancelling:NoSee all our test resultsMic:NoIf you're an audiophile who wants to keep expenditure as low as possible, we recommend the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016. These use a hardwired cable, so you can't easily replace it, which is normal for budget headphones. Unlike all the other audiophile headphones that have come before this pick, the HD 280 Pro 2016 are closed-back headphones, which is also more common at this price point. While their design limits the immersion and spaciousness of their passive soundstage compared to open-backs like the Sennheiser HD 560S, it's useful for monitoring live recordings since there's much less sound leaking from the headphones for mics to pick up. They also block out some mid- and high-pitched noise, like ambient chatter.
Their flat sound profile reproduces low-bass well for more rumble and won't overwhelm the rest of the mix. Meanwhile, vocals and instruments are present but veiled and somewhat dull due to a recessed treble, so cymbals can sound hollow. The headband can also feel tight on your head, which can be uncomfortable if you wear glasses or listen for prolonged periods. If you're looking for even more bass, the on-ear Sennheiser HD 25 headphones, designed for DJs, have oodles of low-end emphasis.
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Best Sennheiser Bluetooth Headphones
Sports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkAudio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationBass Amount:Slightly Emphasized (2 dB)Treble Amount:Balanced (-1 dB)Sound Signature:BalancedType:Over-earEnclosure:Closed-BackWireless:YesNoise Cancelling:YesSee all our test resultsMic:YesThe Sennheiser HDB 630 are the best Sennheiser headphones with Bluetooth. If you're always on the go or looking for a wireless design, you'll want to steer clear of most audiophile headphones, which often have to be used in quiet spaces and aren't designed with anything but sound quality in mind. In contrast, these well-built and premium over-ears are packed with features, including an adaptive active noise cancelling (ANC) system that does an excellent job of blocking background noise, an integrated microphone for calls, and multi-device pairing support. They're also very comfortable for long listening periods and have a great build quality, so you can feel confident when taking them out and about to use them on buses and trains.
Out of the box, they have a very balanced sound. The bass range is well-controlled with just a touch of extra thump, while the mid-range is exceptionally accurate, ensuring voices and instruments sound true-to-life. On top of that, these cans come with an outstanding companion app that lets you customize their sound in detail via a fully parametric EQ that lets you edit things like the Q values of different filters. There's even a crossfeed option that blends the left and right channels slightly to create a more forward, speaker-like presentation. If there's one downside to these cans, especially in comparison to options like the open-back Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, it's their poor frequency response consistency. The amount of bass you experience varies with your head size, and people who wear glasses may experience a particularly large drop in the bass response. Still, with a superb 54-hour battery life, the HDB 630 are the cream of Sennheiser's Bluetooth crop.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Sennheiser Bluetooth Headphones
Sports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkAudio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationBass Amount:Very Emphasized (6 dB)Treble Amount:Balanced (0 dB)Sound Signature:WarmType:Over-earEnclosure:Closed-BackWireless:YesNoise Cancelling:YesSee all our test resultsMic:YesIf you're happy to sacrifice a little sonic accuracy to save money, check out the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. While they can't quite match the more expensive Sennheiser HDB 630 for noise isolation performance, they still do a great job blocking out sounds like chatty coworkers. And their 62-hour battery life even surpasses the 54 hours offered by the HDB 630. You can even use the MOMENTUM 4 passively if you run out of battery. However, you can only receive audio via analog, so you can't use their mic when the juice runs out. However, they do offer full audio and microphone support via a wired USB connection. With multi-device pairing, you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously, and they come with support for the higher-quality aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs.
In terms of sound, the MOMENTUM 4 come with a warmer, more bass-heavy sound than the HDB 630. If you're a fan of genres like techno or house, this extra thump and rumble may be just what you're looking for. However, it can also overpower more delicate sounds, such as acoustic guitars. Not to worry, you can easily customize their sound profile using the graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. If you like the idea of a wireless pair of Sennheiser headphones but your budget can't stretch to the HDB 630, the MOMENTUM 4 are the way to go.
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Best Mid-Range Bluetooth Sennheiser Headphones
Sports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkAudio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationBass Amount:Emphasized (3 dB)Treble Amount:Underemphasized (-4 dB)Sound Signature:WarmType:Over-earEnclosure:Closed-BackWireless:YesNoise Cancelling:YesSee all our test resultsMic:YesIf you don't want to spend too much for some flagship features, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless are a good middle-ground option in Sennheiser's Bluetooth lineup. They support USB-C audio, Bluetooth multi-device pairing, and the higher-quality aptX HD codec. Their microphone also separates your voice from background noise well enough for calls and online meetings. By default, they have a warm sound profile with extra low-bass rumble, a balanced mid-range, and softened treble.
They have ANC, but it's not as effective in filtering out low and mid frequencies as the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' implementation. Still, they can somewhat quiet the ambient din on your commute and perform well at blocking out high-pitched sounds like crying babies. Plus, you get the same app with features like an EQ. You might also like that they use buttons instead of touch controls like the MOMENTUM 4. The ACCENTUM don't support analog wired connections, and don't come with a case. If those things are important to you, check out the newer and more expensive Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus. But for most people, we think the original ACCENTUM offer better value.
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Best Sennheiser Bluetooth Earbuds
Sports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkAudio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationBass Amount:Emphasized (3 dB)Treble Amount:Underemphasized (-4 dB)Sound Signature:WarmType:In-earEnclosure:Closed-BackWireless:Truly WirelessNoise Cancelling:YesSee all our test resultsMic:YesIf you're looking to shed the excess weight of bulky over-ears, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are the best Sennheiser Bluetooth earbuds we've tested. These headphones are the in-ear companions to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, mirroring many of their features, including ANC and multi-device pairing. That said, their smaller design comes with a trade-off: battery life is much shorter than on the over-ear Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, at 7.3 hours instead of 62.3.
The earbuds' warm sound profile delivers boosted bass, but instruments and vocals lack presence due to the headphones' subdued treble. That said, you can adjust their frequency response to suit your taste using their companion app's 5-band graphic EQ and presets. Their noise cancellation system effectively tackles screeching brakes and ambient office chatter, allowing you to comfortably listen to your favorite tracks without disturbance. They also support aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, giving you access to both low-latency Bluetooth connections and Hi-Res audio.
Thanks to the included stabilizer sleeves and an IP54 rating against water splashes and dust, you can also take these buds out for a run even in suboptimal conditions. But if you're all in on sports use, you may prefer the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport, which trade some battery life and ANC performance for improved water resistance and a built-in heart rate monitor.
Compared To Other Brands
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Great open-back models.
Sennheiser is one of the few companies to offer a wide variety of open-back headphones at varying price points, which helps ensure a spacious, immersive sound.
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High audio fidelity.Sennheiser's lineup typically focuses on quality audio reproduction. Many of their headphones are geared towards neutral sound compared to all-purpose headsets.
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Diverse headphone lineup.
Sennheiser is a company with a long history, so it offers a wide range of products, from audiophile headphones to home theater headphones to earbuds for running.
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Mediocre noise isolation.Some Sennheiser headphones block or cancel noise effectively, but unlike other brands like Sony or Bose, they don't have the best isolation for similar headphones.
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Expensive.Although Sennheiser offers many cheap models, their better-sounding headphones tend to be more expensive than the competition.
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Overlapping models.Some models in the vast Sennheiser lineup are very similar, with only slight aesthetic changes and minor differences in sound.
Sennheiser vs HiFiMan
HiFiMan and Sennheiser both produce top-of-the-line audiophile headphones that are renowned for their accurate sound but differ in significant ways. While HiFiMan's headphones feature planar-magnetic drivers that contribute to a flatter sound, Sennheiser's headphones feature dynamic drivers, which aren't as prone to imaging issues due to their simpler design. Additionally, HiFiMan only produces expensive high-end audiophile headphones, while Sennheiser produces a wide range of headphones at different price points for both critical listening and casual use.
Sennheiser vs Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser make headphones for audiophiles, but each company is known for a different specialty. Beyerdynamic is best known for its closed-back models, which help passively isolate you from outside noise but don't create as wide a passive soundstage. Sennheiser, on the other hand, is best known for its open-back options, which give you an expansive and more natural-feeling soundstage but leak more audio. Both companies' headphones perform well, so the choice comes down mainly to your preferences and requirements for audio leakage. However, Beyerdynamic's audiophile lineup is generally far more affordable than Sennheiser's, making them a great option for the budget-conscious hi-fi enthusiast.
Sennheiser vs Apple
Apple and Sennheiser both offer upper mid-range in-ear headphones with premium features, great build quality, and powerful sound. Their flagship models often perform very similarly, so your ideal headphones may come down to personal preference. While Sennheiser's in-ears often feature more bass than Apple's, they lack Apple's proprietary chips that help seamlessly integrate them with the brand's product ecosystem. The best Apple headphones also support Spatial Audio, which changes the stereo image based on your head's position. If you don't have an Apple device or just don't care about quick pairing, Sennheiser's line of casual-use headphones are comfortable and stable and have comparably good active noise cancellation (ANC) for commutes and busy offices.
Sennheiser vs Bose
Bose and Sennheiser are two headphone manufacturers with great-performing active noise cancellation (ANC) features. Bose's lineup of over-ear and in-ear headphones is renowned for its versatile isolation system that cuts out noise across the entire audible range, making it a go-to for commuters. In general, Sennheiser's ANC tends to perform slightly worse than Bose's. On the other hand, Sennheiser's lineup is quite large compared to Bose's. It produces casual-use and audiophile headphones that'll suit many listeners' needs and budgets.
Sennheiser vs Sony
Sony and Sennheiser have extremely diverse headphones that cover a wide range of uses and listener preferences. Both make truly wireless in-ears, Bluetooth noise cancelling over-ears, and audiophile headphones. Their offerings are comfortable and have great noise isolation performance, although Sony's are typically better at blocking out the low-bass from traffic or bus rides. Sony's casual-use lineup also leans more bass-heavy, which can better suit genres like metal and EDM than the neutral sound profile found in most models made by Sennheiser. If you want more from this manufacturer, check out our best Sony headphones article.
Overall, Sennheiser offers a variety of headphones for different uses. Many of its higher-quality models are pricey; however, many of its cheaper models also perform admirably. Sennheiser is easily one of the best for high-end open-back headphones, with some models offering stellar sound quality for audiophiles.
Lineup
Sennheiser has a wide range of headphones that range in price and intended use.
If you're an audiophile, you know this manufacturer as one of the key players in high-end reference headphones. They mainly produce these under one name:
- HD: Open- or closed-back, dynamic-driven audiophile headphones. Intended for home listening and hi-fi sound.
If you're looking for casual use, Sennheiser has a few sub-categories to suit your preferences:
- Momentum: Flagship in-ear and over-ear wireless closed-back headphones with ANC and a durable build for everyday listening.
- Accentum: Mid-range, over-ear wireless headphones that offer many of the Momentum's features (ANC, long battery life) at a more wallet-friendly price point.
- CX: Mid-range, truly wireless in-ears with a carrying case. Stable enough for sports and commuting, and some models have ANC.
- HD xBT: Low mid-range Bluetooth over-ear headphones without ANC.
Sennheiser also produces models for specialty uses, like the SPORT, which are in-ears with stability fins and an IP54 rating for dust, splash, and sweat resistance. They also manufacture a line of TV headphones:
- RS: Over-ear headphones with side controls and a dock for low-latency TV watching.
While Sennheiser made gaming headphones in the past, like the Sennheiser Game One Gaming Headset. But that business was moved under the EPOS brand after its joint venture with Demant ended in 2020, offering products like the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X. EPOS later shut down its gaming operations in 2023, though some EPOS | Sennheiser models remained available for a time.
Recent Updates
Apr 02, 2026:
We've cleaned up the text for clarity and readability without changing the picks, and we've added a note on Sonova's plans to divest Sennheiser's consumer division.
Jan 06, 2026:
The Sennheiser HDB 630 are our new 'Best Bluetooth' pick thanks to their well-balanced sound and excellent noise isolation. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are now our 'Best Upper Mid-Range Bluetooth' pick.
May 27, 2025:
We've verified the text's accuracy and made minor updates to align the article with Test Bench 2.0.
Nov 28, 2024:
We made minor text edits for clarity. After checking stock and prices, there hasn't been a change to our picks.
Aug 29, 2024: We checked that our recommendations are all up to date and in stock, but didn't change the picks themselves this time.
Conclusion
Sennheiser is a big brand with products that range from consumer to professional audio applications. Therefore, it has a wide variety of headphones that are either specific to a certain use or well-rounded enough for everyday casual use. However, even their lower-priced models tend to focus more on sound quality than versatility, with more options suited to critical listening and home theater use than sports or travel.