The Sennheiser HD 560S are wired open-back headphones meant for neutral listening. They deliver a well-balanced sound profile that should suit most musical genres and deliver audio consistently. They're also very comfortable, with a relatively lightweight design and plenty of plush padding. Like most open-backs, they're poorly suited for use on-the-go, with terrible noise isolation, high levels of audio leakage, and a bulky construction. Otherwise, if you're looking for a pair of comfortable headphones with an immersive soundstage, they're a great choice.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are great for neutral sound. While they're slightly lacking in low-bass, most mixes should still have adequate body and warmth. Vocals and lead instruments are present, detailed, and clear in the mix, and audio is delivered with impressive consistency. They have a decently immersive soundstage, too.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are poor for commuting and traveling. They're very bulky and barely block out any noise, so you're likely to hear the rumble of bus and plane engines as well as the chatter of fellow commuters. Thankfully, they're very comfortable, even during extended listening sessions.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are sub-par for sports and fitness, though they aren't meant for this purpose. While they offer a surprisingly stable fit, they're still quite bulky and don't have any sort of on-board controls to make playback adjustments. Their audio cable can also snag on something while you're on the go.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are a poor choice for office use. They don't block out much background noise and leak a lot of audio. Their wired-only connection also limits their range of connectivity. Thankfully, they're comfortable enough to wear throughout the entire workday.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are wired-only headphones and aren't suitable for this use.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are an okay choice for wired gaming, as long as you don't plan on using a mic. They're very comfortable and have a well-balanced sound profile that gives equal emphasis to both sound effects and in-game dialogue. Their open soundstage and great stereo imaging performance generate an immersive listening experience, while their wired-only connection guarantees latency-free audio.
The Sennheiser HD 560S don't come with a microphone and aren't suitable for this use.
The following test groups have been updated after Test Bench 1.8: Sound Profile, Raw Frequency Response, Bass Profile: Target Compliance, Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance, Treble Profile: Target Compliance, and Peaks/Dips. Associated text changes have been made to match results from Test Bench 1.7 to Noise Isolation - Full Range and Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios. Text changes have also been made throughout the review to match these results. PC Compatibility and PlayStation Compatibility boxes now have text.
The Sennheiser HD 560S only come in one variant: 'Black'. Our unit's label is available to see here.
If someone comes across a different variant of these headphones, let us know in the discussions below so that we can update our review.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are open-back headphones designed for neutral listening. Their sound profile is very neutral, and they're comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. Unfortunately, they're quite bulky and don't have any sort of on-board playback controls.
If you're looking for alternatives, look at our recommendations of the best audiophile headphones, the best headphones for music, and the best open-back headphones.
Both the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and Sennheiser HD 560S share open-backed designs. They also have broadly similar sound profiles, with the Beyerdynamic offering a bit more low-end, while the Sennheiser have a more even top-end, but some may prefer the high-frequency sheen on the Beyerdynamic. The Beyerdynamic feel better built and comfortable, though they clamp a bit harder. On the other hand, the Sennheiser have a more open and immersive passive soundstage performance, with a lighter-feeling fit, so choosing between them may come down to your personal taste.
The Sennheiser HD 560S and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are meant for different applications, so which is better is determined by your needs. The Sennheiser are open-back headphones with a much better passive soundstage performance. They're much more comfortable and have a more consistent bass delivery. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic have a closed-back design, which supplies more low-end. The headphones leak less audio, and they isolate you from a bit more ambient sound, so you can wear them in noisier spaces than the Sennheiser. They also have a significantly better build quality.
The Sennheiser HD 560S and the Philips SHP9500 have different strengths, and you may prefer either. Both models are great open-back headphones for their open and immersive soundstages, but the Sennheiser are more stable to wear. On the other hand, the Philips are a bit more comfortable, so they can be less fatiguing to wear for long listening sessions, and their passive soundstage seems more immersive.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are better headphones if you want an open and spacious soundstage than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. The Sennheiser are open-back headphones that are more comfortable and have a significantly better passive soundstage performance. However, the Audio-Technica are closed-back headphones that are better built and more versatile if you need headphones that don't leak sound and isolate well.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are better headphones for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X. While headphones have a decent passive soundstage that feels open, the Sennheiser are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile. However, the Beyerdynamic are better built and designed for more professional mixing uses.
Depending on your preferences, you may want to check out either the Sennheiser HD 560S or the HiFiMan HE400se, which are both comfortable audiophile headphones. The Sennheiser are dynamic headphones and are a bit lighter, with a more even treble, which you may prefer. However, the HiFiMan are planar magnetic headphones with better build quality. They can also create a wider, more natural-feeling passive soundstage to help immerse you in your audio.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are better for neutral sound than AKG K702. They have a more neutral sound profile, a more stable fit, and are less prone to inconsistent bass and treble delivery. On the other hand, the AKG's tension fit headband is comfortable and they create a more open-seeming, speaker-like passive soundstage.
The Sennheiser HD 560S and the Sennheiser HD 660 S are similar-performing open-back, over-ear headphones, with the HD 560S slightly better for most listening applications than the HD 660 S. The HD 560S feel notably more comfortable, and they also have a wider passive soundstage than the HD 660 S. However, the HD 660 S are better built and come with an extra cable.
The Sennheiser HD 599 and Sennheiser HD 560S are closely matched open-backed passive headphones, which you'll prefer depending on the sound you like best. The HD 599 are more comfortable and a slightly more spacious soundstage. The HD 560S offer a more stable fit, better stereo imaging performance, and demonstrate slightly less distortion at high volumes.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are slightly better for most people than the Sennheiser HD 600. The HD 560S are more comfortable and deliver audio more consistently with a slightly weightier bass response. However, the HD 600 are better built and used in more professional audio settings.
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and the Sennheiser HD 560S are both open-back, over-ear headphones that perform similarly. Both headphones have balanced sound profiles; the HD 490 Pro have a stronger bass response, but the HD 560S provide more detail in the mid and treble ranges. However, the HD 490 Pro have swappable pads that subtly alter the sound profile depending on what you're working on. Both are comfortable enough to wear for long periods and have great soundstage performances. That said, the HD 560S's soundstage is a touch more open and more immersive.
For most people, the Sennheiser HD 560S are slightly better headphones than the Sennheiser HD 6XX, but it depends on usage. The 560S are more comfortable, and their passive soundstage performance is a bit better. They also don't require a headphone to drive them adequately. However, the 6XX are better built and may appeal to those who want audio professional-style headphones.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Sennheiser HD 560S have different strengths but share similar open-backed designs that lack noise isolation. The Sennheiser have a much more stable fit and exhibit less audio distortion. Conversely, the Philips are more sturdily built and with a better stereo imaging performance as well as a bit more expansive soundstage.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are slightly more premium than the Sennheiser HD 560S. The HiFiMan deliver audio more consistently with a bit more low-end, and they have a better passive soundstage performance. They also have a much better build quality. However, the Sennheiser are more stable fitting, weigh less, and offer more midrange presence, which you may prefer.
Whether the Sennheiser HD 560S are better than the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X depends on whether you need a microphone because they're very similarly voiced headphones. While both headphones are comfortable, the HD 560S have a bit more upper register emphasis compared to the warm treble of the PC38X. The HD 560S also have a slightly better passive soundstage performance. However, the PC38X are better if you like to game with others. They have a flippable boom mic with excellent recording quality and feel better built.
Though they look similar, the biggest difference between the Sennheiser HD 560S and the Sennheiser HD 620S is that the former are open-back and the latter are closed-back headphones. As a result, the HD 560S supply a much more immersive and open passive soundstage. They're also lighter in weight, and they deliver a more consistent sound. Of course, they don't isolate noise like the HD 620S. The HD 620S are slightly more premium in build with a metal-reinforced headband, but they clamp tighter. Their fit is much more fussy and is more likely to deliver inconsistent sound. Overall, their darker treble response makes them not quite as balanced sounding as the HD 560S, though that depends on your taste.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee and Sennheiser HD 560S are pretty evenly matched open-back headphones. The HD 58X are more sturdily built and have a better-balanced mid-range with superior stereo imaging performance. Meanwhile, the HD 560S are more comfortable and exhibit less audio distortion but feel cheaper.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are better audiophile headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. Although both open-backed headphones are comfortable to wear, the Sennheiser are slightly more stable with more space to fit your ears. However, the Audio-Technica create a bit more of an open and immersive passive soundstage. That said, they're both broadly similar sounding, so you may prefer the more conventional headband design of the Sennheiser cans.
Whether the Sennheiser HD 560S are better than the Beyerdynamic DT 880 depends on your tastes and priorities. The Sennheiser have a slightly better passive soundstage performance, and they can be used without a headphone amp. They're also much more stable on your head. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic have a significantly better build quality and come with a soft case to protect them from minor scratches and splashes. Plus, their sound is delivered with better consistency, but they need an amp to drive them.
The Beats Solo Pro Wireless and the Sennheiser HD 560S have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. The Sennheiser are open-back over-ear designed for audiophiles. They have a more comfortable fit, neutral sound profile, and a natural-sounding, open, and spacious passive soundstage. However, the Beats are more suitable for casual use. The Beats are better built, have an ANC system that isolates significantly more noise around you, and an integrated mic, so you can take calls on the go. They also have a wireless design and last roughly 24 hours continuously.
The Sennheiser HD 560S share a passing resemblance to other headphones in the manufacturer's HD 5 lineup, like the Sennheiser HD 598 and Sennheiser HD 599. Similar features include its swept-back ear cup mounts and oval-shaped ear cups.
These headphones are very comfortable. The headband and ear cups feature liberal amounts of plush padding. They feel quite lightweight and shouldn't apply too much pressure to the sides of the head, even for people who wear glasses. Overall, they should be comfortable enough to wear for extended listening sessions.
These over-ears aren't very portable. While their audio cable does detach, which reduces the chances of the plug getting caught on something, the ear cups don't swivel flat, and the headband doesn't fold, so they have a pretty bulky footprint.
These headphones are decently well-built. Their headband and ear cups are made of dense matte plastic, and the audio cable is detachable and replaceable. Unfortunately, the yokes and ear cup hinges feel a little flimsy and represent weak points in their overall construction. If you're looking for better-built audiophile headphones, check out the Meze Empyrean or the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X.
The Sennheiser HD 560S have a sound profile tuned to yield a reasonably balanced frequency response that trends towards a bit bright. Overall, they should be very well-suited for listening to different types of audio content from pop, classical music, jazz, and any instance where you want to listen analytically.
Like most open-back headphones, they lack rumble in low-bass and body in the mid-bass if you prefer a fuller bass extension to feel the deep bass of sub-bass synths. That said, the upper-bass' tuning is very even for a good amount of boom on kicks and bass guitar, and that flat response carries through the mid-mids. Their mid and treble ranges are very well-balanced overall, yielding clear, present, and detailed vocals and lead instruments, which can sound a little harsh.
The frequency response consistency is great. Aside from a little bit of variance in the treble range, you should be able to achieve a consistent listening experience on separate occasions, even if you have long hair or wear glasses.
The headphones' bass target compliance is good. The entire range de-emphasizes low frequencies with a roll-off that's common in open-backs. Still, the high-bass is flat and close to our target, supplying a good amount of boom to the pulse of the kick and synth bass in tracks like Cerrone's Supernature. However, it's not exactly going to translate to feeling the full-bodied thump of deep bass due to that roll-off in the lower bass regions.
If you're looking for a pair of open-backs with a more prominent bass response, it's worth checking out the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro instead.
These over-ears have superb mid-range target compliance. Vocals and lead instruments should sound full-bodied, present, and clear in the mix, absent of any thinness. There's a touch of emphasis in the high-mids, which pushes vocals up slightly in the mix.
The treble's target compliance is impressive. The low-treble sits a bit above our target, highlighting the details and articulation of vocals and lending a slightly bright sound. The mid-treble is more uneven, with a dip in the center bookended by small peaks. This causes harmonics of elements like cymbals to sound either dark and a little hollow or a bit piercing, depending on the pitch. In all, the headphones' treble conveys clear and detailed vocals with slightly hollow cymbals.
The peaks and dips performance is very good. Most of the headphones' range is even, indicating they control their sound profile very well. The tiny dips and peaks in the bass and mids are virtually imperceptible. In the low-treble, a small, wide peak pushes vocals forward a bit, while a series of narrow peaks and dips alternately highlight details or veil them slightly. The narrow dip in the center of the mid-treble darkens harmonics and hollows cymbals out somewhat (depending on the pitch), while the peak that follows the dip adds piercing emphasis and creates a more airy and crisp top-end.
The Sennheiser HD 560S's stereo imaging performance is great. Their weighted group delay falls beneath the audibility threshold, yielding tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. The L/R drivers are well-matched in regards to amplitude and phase response, with very minor frequency mismatch. Objects should be accurately localized within the stereo image, which is important in creating an immersive listening experience. It should be noted that these results are only valid for our test unit, and yours may perform differently.
These over-ears have a decent passive soundstage. Due to their open-back enclosure, it should be perceived as being speaker-like and open, but also a little small. If you're looking for open-back headphones with a wider and more natural soundstage, check out the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x.
The weighted harmonic distortion is excellent. There are no spikes across the frequency range, so audio reproduction should be clean and pure.
These are the settings used to test the Sennheiser HD 560S. Our results are only valid when they're used in this configuration.
Like most open-back headphones, the Sennheiser HD 560S have terrible noise isolation. They let in ambient noise across the frequency spectrum, so you should hear everything from the low rumble of bus engines to the higher-pitched whine of a computer fan, not to mention the chatter of people nearby. These are headphones meant to be worn in quiet spaces, like a mixing room, or at home alone while listening to your music collection.
In common scenarios, their noise isolation is terrible, which is expected of open-backed headphones that lack passive isolating materials. Consequently, only the highest frequencies, like the upper harmonics of street construction outside your window, receive a nearly unnoticeable bit of attenuation. In all, you don't want to take these with you to the office to focus because you'll hear all the chit-chat and keystrokes of your colleagues.
These over-ears leak a lot of noise, which is normal for open-back headphones. You're likely to disturb people nearby if you listen to your music in a crowded room.
These headphones don't have a microphone. If you're looking for Sennheiser headphones with a mic for gaming, check out the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X.
The Sennheiser HD 560S have a 1/8" TRS to 1/4" TRS cable for latency-free audio. They also come with with a 1/4" TRS to 1/8" TRS adapter.
You can connect these headphones to your PC's headphone output port for audio playback. However, they lack a microphone, so you'll need an outboard mic for gaming and work meetings.
These headphones can connect to your PS console's controller to receive audio, but they don't have a mic. You'll need a separate microphone if you want to chat with teammates.
These headphones only receive audio when you plug their 1/4" TRS cable into an Xbox controller.