The Sennheiser HD 650 deliver an excellent and open sound that's great for critical listening. They're comfortable and decently built but unfortunately, like most open critical listening headphones, they won't be suitable for more casual uses. They do not block any noise and they leak a lot so they're best used in isolation where you can really benefit from their sound quality.
Our Verdict
Great for neutral listening. They're comfortable and have a decently well-balanced sound quality with an open-sounding soundstage. Unfortunately, they lack a bit of bass compared to closed-back neutral listening headphones and tend to be a bit forward with instruments and vocals. Still, overall, they have a good sound quality that's suitable for casual and neutral listening.
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Great audio reproduction.
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Well-built design.
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Comfortable and stable design.
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Open-back design, so they leak a lot.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
Not made for commuting. Their open design does not block any ambient noise and leaks a lot. They're also bulky and have no controls so they won't be practical to use on the go or while travelling.
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Great audio reproduction.
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Well-built design.
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Comfortable and stable design.
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Open-back design, so they leak a lot.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
Subpar for sports use. The Sennheiser HD 650 have a bulky critical listening design that's not meant for running or workin out despite being decently stable on the head.
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Great audio reproduction.
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Well-built design.
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Comfortable and stable design.
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Open-back design, so they leak a lot.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
Below-average for office use. Unless you work in an isolated environment, the leakage will distract your colleagues.
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Great audio reproduction.
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Well-built design.
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Comfortable and stable design.
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Open-back design, so they leak a lot.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
Subpar for gaming. The Sennheiser HD 650 have a good sound and a low latency wired connection but are not as convenient or as customizable as most wireless gaming headsets. Also, they don't have a microphone.
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Great audio reproduction.
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Well-built design.
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Comfortable and stable design.
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Open-back design, so they leak a lot.
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Poor noise isolation, by design.
- 8.0 Neutral Sound
- 3.8 Commute/Travel
- 5.4 Sports/Fitness
- 4.6 Office
- 4.5 Wireless Gaming
- 6.5 Wired Gaming
- 1.7 Phone Calls
- Updated Feb 16, 2024: Thanks to user feedback, we updated the Bass Accuracy, Mid Accuracy, and Treble Accuracy sections to align with the most recent measurements.
- Updated Mar 08, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sennheiser HD 660S2 in Sound Profile.
- Updated May 06, 2022: After user feedback regarding the differences between the Sennheiser HD 650 and HD 6XX, we decided to retest their frequency responses. We purchased and replaced the padding of the HD 650 and did a pass, which confirms that the two headphones have similar sound profiles. However, the differences are likely attributed to wear and tear on the HD 650's ear cup's padding, which can impact the headphones' clamping force, fit, and seal, in turn affecting their sound over time. However, these results don't reflect the original performance of the headphones, and our results have not changed. We also noticed that we incorrectly reported the headphones' clamping force. We have updated our review.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Aug 12, 2019: We've updated the Comfort score to better reflect how tight these headphones are.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Jun 15, 2016: Review published.
- Updated Jun 13, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sennheiser HD 650 come in one variant: 'Gray'. Some users have also reported a silent re-release of these headphones. They're now made in Romania and have different ear pads, which may change their sound. However, we tested the older model and don't know how this re-release variant compares to our unit.
If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussion section below and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 650 are great for critical listening but average headphones for everyday casual use. They deliver a good and open sound reproduction that caters well to all tracks. They're comfortable and don't feel tight on your head like the HD 600. Unfortunately, their soundstage isn't as spacious as other similarly designed open-back critical listening headphones. Their build quality also isn't as durable as some of the competing models below.
See our recommendations for the best audiophile headphones, the best DJ headphones, and the best over-ear headphones.
There's not much to split the Sennheiser HD 650 and the Sennheiser HD 600. They feature very similar sound profiles that lack low-bass delivery with a somewhat recessed treble range. Both feature accurate, detailed mid-range reproduction though. The biggest difference between the two models is that the HD 650 are a bit more comfortable, so you can wear them for longer than the HD 600. Given the similarities in sound profile, budget-conscious audiophiles might want to opt for the more wallet-friendly HD 600.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are both very good open-back headphones for neutral sound. While the Beyerdynamic have better bass extension, they also sound a bit sharp and piercing in the treble range. The Sennheiser have a smoother sound, with less sharpness in the treble but can't deliver as much bass as the Beyerdynamic. That said the Beyerdynamic are slightly better-built, while the Sennheiser have a weak point in their construction between the earcups and the metal frame.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are better for neutral sound than the Sennheiser HD 650. The HiFiMan are more comfortable and can produce a bit more low-bass. They deliver sound more consistently, and their passive soundstage is perceived as larger. However, the Sennheiser have a more stable fit and don't trap as much heat against your ears.
Both the Sennheiser HD 650 and Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are good critical listening headphones, but the Sennheisers are open-back, which could make them sound more open-sounding. The Sennheiser are also a bit more comfortable, but they don't have the nice and sturdy build of the Beyerdynamic. Additionally, the Beyerdynamic have a better sound profile, notably because of their closed-back design, which helps with a fuller-sounding bass. Their closed design also blocks more ambient noise and leaks less than the Sennheiser.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are a revision of the Sennheiser HD 650 that are only available through the Drop website. There hasn't been a change in driver structure, and both headphones sound fairly neutral. However, the HD 6XX have a more consistent audio delivery, most likely due to their higher clamping force. While both headphones lack thump and rumble due to their open-back design, the HD 6XX have better bass accuracy. They also come in a dark blue colorway instead of black.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO are slightly better critical listening headphones than the Sennheiser HD 650. They're noticeably better-built and feel premium. They have a better bass performance than the HD 650 and are able to create a wider, more immersive soundstage, although some people may feel like they sound overly bright and sharp.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are both wired headphones designed for monitoring audio. While the Sennheiser are open-backed, which helps them to create a more spacious and wide soundstage, they're less rumbly in the lows. However, the Audio-Technica are closed-back headphones that deliver bass, if that's your preference, and they have a slightly better build quality. Due to their closed-back design, they isolate out noise better, too.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Sennheiser HD 598 are very similarly-performing open-back over-ear headphones. The 598 are quite a bit more comfortable, thanks to their better padding, and less tight-fitting design. Both headphones are quite well-balanced and accurate, though the 650 are more accurate in the bass-range, as the 598 are slightly over-emphasized in high-bass. The 650 also feel a bit better-built and durable.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are differently-designed headphones to serve different purposes. The more bass-heavy Sonys have an excellent active noise cancelling feature to help isolate disruptive noise, while the more balanced-sounding open-back Sennheiser intentionally let in ambient noise to create a more spacious sound.
The Sennheiser HD 650 are slightly better audiophile headphones than the Sennheiser HD 660S2. The HD 650 are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their passive soundstage is more immersive too. However, the HD 660S2 have more bass, which is good if you like more thumpy and rumbly genres.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are better audiophile headphones than the Sennheiser HD 650. The HD 800 S are more comfortable for long listening sessions, have better build quality, with a more immersive soundstage. However, they're a hefty investment, and you'll want to consider adding a powerful amplifier to drive them.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Sennheiser HD 660 S are very similar-performing over-ear, open-back headphones. With almost identical sound profiles and build qualities, there is little to choose between these cans. The biggest difference is comfort: despite identical clamping forces, the HD 650 don't feel quite as tight as the HD 660 S, so listeners with a larger head or who enjoy very long listening sessions might prefer the HD 650s.
The Sennheiser HD 599 are slightly better headphones for neutral sound than the Sennheiser HD 650. The HD 599 are more comfortable, their sound profile is better-balanced and neutral, and their passive soundstage is slightly more natural-sounding and wide. However, the HD 650 feel a bit better built and their audio cable is much longer.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are better critical listening headphones than the Sennheiser HD 650, though they're similar. The HD 58X's bass is slightly more accurate. Both headphones are similar, but the HD 650 is more comfortable as it doesn't clamp as much as the HD 58X. On the other hand, the HD 58X Jubilee are less expensive and will offer better overall value, but are only available on the Drop website.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2018 are better headphones for neutral listening than the Sennheiser HD 650. The HiFiMan get more bass and perform more consistently in the treble range. They also have a more impressive soundstage and are more comfortable, but there have been reports of quality control issues with the brand, so the Sennheiser is still a good choice too.
The Sennheiser HD 650 are better over-ears for neutral sound than the Drop + Sennheiser HD 8XX. The Sennheiser have a significantly more neutral sound profile and can deliver audio more consistently. However, the Drop + Sennheiser are more comfortable and feel better built. They also have a better passive soundstage performance.
The AKG Q701 are better critical listening headphones than the Sennheiser HD 650. The Sennheiser have a disappointing soundstage for open-backs, and their treble range depends on the positioning of the headphones and ear shape. The AKG also has an extra 20-foot cable. The Sennheiser are more expensive, making the AKG a better pick.
The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Focal Clear Mg are both audiophile headphones but depending on your preferences, you may like one over the other. The Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile. However, the Focal are more comfortable, better-built, and have a more spacious soundstage.
The Focal Elear are better critical listening headphones than the Sennheiser HD 650, but they are also more expensive. They have better build quality and feel like more premium open-back headphones. On the other hand, the Sennheiser have flatter treble, and they are more lightweight and stable on the head. Both are great headphones, but the Sennheiser might be a better choice if you’re looking for your first pair of audiophile headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 650 are better for neutral sound than the Beats Solo Pro Wireless. Thanks to their open-back design, the Sennheiser's soundstage is perceived as more open and spacious. Their over-ear fit is also much more comfortable. On the other hand, the Beats are Bluetooth-only on-ear headphones with a great ANC feature. They're more versatile since they don't leak as much audio, have good onboard controls, and are equipped with an integrated mic.
Test Results
The Sennheiser HD650 have the same design as the HD 600 with a few minor differences. They have a two-tone, dark gray and black color scheme with a glossy coating. The large open ear cups have a suede-like finish on the padding that gives these headphones a premium appeal. They do not look as eye-catching as the HD 600 because of their slightly bland color scheme, but the style will work for some.
The Sennheiser HD 650 are slightly more comfortable than the Sennheiser HD 600. Like the previous model, these headphones have large ear cups that fully encompass most ears. They're also covered in a suede-like fabric that feels good on the skin and adds to their comfort level. If you want more comfortable headphones, you may prefer the ski-band headband design of the HiFiMan Sundara 2020.
These headphones do not have any controls.
The Sennheiser HD 650 have an open-back design that makes them decently breathable. They still seal your ears within the ear cups which obstructs a good amount of airflow but thanks to their open back design and slightly porous earcup pads they do not get as hot as most closed back over-ear designs.
These headphones are not designed to be very portable. They're large and bulky and do not fold into a smaller format for transport or easy storage. They also don't offer a dedicated case or pouch to carry the headphones in, which is slightly disappointing. Although the box they come in could be a substitute for a case, it's too big and impractical for regular use.
These headphones do not come with case or pouch to carry them in.
The build quality of these headphones is above-average with a few minor flaws. It doesn’t feel as high-end as the HiFiMan Sundara or the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO. The headband is the weakest part of their design. The metal frame is connected to the earcup by a fragile-looking joint that's susceptible to breaking under moderate physical stress.
The Sennheiser HD 650 are a little less stable than the HD 600 because they have less tension in the headband. They stay in place during casual listening sessions and are stable enough for some low-intensity, physical activity. However, they are not designed for sports, and the slightly looser headband may cause them to fall off your head if used while running. The detachable cable will also pull the headphones of your head before it disconnects from the ear cups, which is slightly disappointing.
The Sennheiser HD 650 have a slightly warm profile. They lack a thumpy low-bass, but that's normal from open-back headphones. That said, a bump in the high-bass helps to balance their bass range with a touch of extra boom and warmth. They also have a very flat mid-range, so vocals and lead instruments are accurately reproduced. If you're looking for dynamic open-backs with more bass, then check out the Sennheiser HD 660S2.
These headphones are often compared to the Sennheiser HD 6XX. However, when we originally tested both headphones, we noticed that they differed in frequency response. After closer examination, we noticed our HD 650 model, which was originally tested in 2020, had lots of wear and tear on the ear cup padding. It can affect their audio delivery as they may not be able to create a good seal or fit. As a result, we purchased a new pair of padding to check for differences between this model and the HD 6XX. Note that this padding isn't the same as the original padding. It appears that Sennheiser altered their manufacturing in 2021, and there have been reports that the new padding is rounder and a bit stiffer. First, we compared the 6XX's original pass with a new pass using the same pads. It helps us identify if the headphones' padding has worn down enough over time to change their sound. Then we replaced the HD 650's pads and compared them to the HD 6XX, which still have their original pads. After this change, the frequency responses look much more similar. It suggests that wear and tear over time can result in a change in clamping force and, ultimately, frequency response. If you notice that your unit's padding is getting softer or flatter, you can replace them by purchasing a pair directly from the manufacturer.
The frequency response has above-average consistency. Due to their open-back and ear pad design, these headphones has near perfect consistency in delivering its bass. The maximum amount of deviation throughout the bass range was less than 1dB. However, they are prone to inconsistencies in the treble range, and depending on the positioning and ear shape, there could be as much as 6dB of variation in the treble response. For open-back headphones with a more consistent audio delivery, see the Sennheiser HD 6XX.
The bass accuracy of the Sennheiser HD 650 is decent. Like a lot of open-back headphones, they roll off the low-bass volume. Bass notes, like in Confirmation by Westerman, lack rumble and weight. You'll still hear the low end, and the slight overemphasis in high-bass compensates somewhat by adding punch to the attack of bass instruments like kick drums.
The mid-range accuracy is superb. The response throughout the range is very even and flat. This results in a clear and well-balanced reproduction of vocals and lead instruments without sounding muddy or cluttered.
The Sennheiser HD 650 have great treble performance. The treble response tends towards neutral in the low-treble with under-emphasis in the mid-treble range, which makes the sound somewhat warm. You won't experience piercing sibilants (S and T sounds), although the harmonic content of cymbals can lack detail and brightness.
The imaging performance is great. Weighted group delay is at 0.15, which is excellent. The GD graph also shows that the entire group delay response is below the audibility threshold. This ensure a tight bass and a transparent treble reproduction. Additionally, the L/R drivers of our test unit were very well-matched. This is important for the accurate localization and placement of objects (voices, instruments, video game effects) in the stereo image.
The Sennheiser HD 650 have an okay soundstage. The PRTF graph shows that these headphones don't interact with the pinna that much, and therefore show very little activation. They don't show a dip notch around the 10KHz area either. This means that although these are open-back headphones and may feel more open and spacious sounding that closed-back headphones, their soundstage won't be perceived to be large or located outside of the listener's head.
The Sennheiser HD 650 have a poor isolation, due to their open-back design. In the bass range, where the rumble of airplane and bus engines sit, they achieve no isolation. In the mid-range, important for blocking out speech, they also achieve no isolation. IN the treble range, occupied by sharp S and Ts, they isolate by about 13dB, which is below-average.
The leakage is poor. The significant portion of their leakage is spread between 400Hz and 20KHz, which is a very broad range. This means the leakage will be fuller sounding compared to that of closed-back headphones and in-ears. The overall level of the leakage is quite loud too. With the music at 100dB SPL, the leakage averages at 60dB SPL and peaks at 74dB SPL, which is a lot louder than the noise floor of an average office.
The Sennheiser HD 650 have no microphone so the recording quality has not been tested.
The noise handling has not been tested since the HD650 have no microphone.
These are passive headphones with no active components and no battery.
The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones do not have a dedicated, compatible app for added customization.
These headphones are wired and do not have a Bluetooth connection. If you want a good Bluetooth headset for more casual use, check out the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
These headphones have practically no latency since they have a wired design. Unfortunately, this also means that they're limited by the range of the provided cables.
These headphones come with 3 audio cables with no in-line remote. This means they will provide audio when connected to your PS4 or Xbox One controller but do not have a microphone for voice chat.
The Sennheiser HD650 do not have a dock. If you need a headset with a dock that also has a wired connection for gaming or watching movies, then consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7.