The Sennheiser HD 6XX are open-back wired headphones. They're a collaboration between Massdrop and Sennheiser, and can only be purchased on the Drop website. They have a neutral, balanced sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different audio content, and their open, spacious soundstage can help create a more immersive listening experience. However, like most open-backs, they aren't very portable, have terrible noise isolation, and leak a bit of sound. However, if you're an audiophile who loves listening to audio in the studio, they're a solid choice.
Our Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are impressive for neutral sound. They have a very neutral, balanced sound profile, so vocals and lead instruments are clear, present, and detailed. They have a decent passive soundstage, and their open-back design helps create an open and spacious soundstage. However, like most open-back headphones, they're lacking some low-bass.
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Open and spacious soundstage.
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Consistent audio delivery.
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No sound customization features.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are bad for commute and travel. These decently comfortable headphones are passive, so you don't have to worry about them running out of battery. However, due to their open-back design, they leak a lot of noise, which can annoy those around you. They also can't block out background noises like bus and plane engines or voices from other passengers.
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Well-built and decently comfortable.
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Terrible noise isolation.
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Leaks a lot of noise.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are inadequate for sports and fitness. They're stable enough for casual listening sessions, but they aren't designed for sports use, and they may fall off your head during more intense physical exercise. They're decently comfortable, but these bulky over-ears aren't very easy to bring on-the-go.
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Well-built and decently comfortable.
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Not stable enough for exercise.
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Not very portable.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are poor for office use. They're decently comfortable, and thanks to their wired connection, you don't have to worry about them running out of battery. However, due to their open-back design, they don't block out background noises typically found in an office, like chatter from other coworkers. Also, they leak a lot of noise, which can be distracting for people around you.
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Well-built and decently comfortable.
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Terrible noise isolation.
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Leaks a lot of noise.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are wired-only headphones, so they aren't suitable for wireless gaming.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are okay for wired gaming. You can plug them into your PC or Xbox One and PS4 controller, but they don't have a microphone, so you can only receive audio. Thanks to their wired connection, they have low latency, and they're decently comfortable. However, they lack low-bass, so you may not feel the deep thump and rumble in action-packed scenes.
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Well-built and decently comfortable.
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No microphone.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX don't have a microphone, so they aren't suitable for phone calls.
- 8.3 Neutral Sound
- 3.6 Commute/Travel
- 5.3 Sports/Fitness
- 4.3 Office
- 4.4 Wireless Gaming
- 6.5 Wired Gaming
- 1.5 Phone Calls
- Updated Jan 19, 2024: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Audeze MM-100 in Passive Soundstage.
- Updated May 06, 2022: After user feedback regarding the differences between the Sennheiser HD 650 and HD 6XX, we decided to retest the frequency responses. We purchased and replaced the padding of the HD 650 and did a pass, which confirms that they 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. There hasn't been a change in this review as the 6XX still perform consistently compared to our original results.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Dec 09, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Dec 03, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Nov 17, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Nov 16, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Oct 28, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are available in 'Midnight Blue', and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
If you come across another variant, let us know in the discussions so we can update the review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are a revision of the popular Sennheiser HD 650. Like the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee, they're only available on the Drop website. These wired-only open-back headphones are designed with audiophiles in mind, and they deliver accurate and detailed vocals and instruments. However, they lack some low-bass, which is common in open-back headphones. While they're well-built, they may not be comfortable for all listeners over longer listening sessions either, due to their high clamping force out of the box.
See also our recommendations for the best headphones, the best open-back headphones, and the best headphones for audiophiles.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are both open-back headphones that are well suited for audiophile use. The Sennheiser have a more consistent audio delivery and a wider, more immersive soundstage. However, the Beyerdynamic are more comfortable and better-built, and they also come with a pouch to help protect the headphones. Both headphones lack low-bass and have very detailed mid-range reproduction, which is common among open-back headphones, but they differ in their treble range reproduction. The Sennheiser feature slightly recessed highs that can darken sibilants, whereas the Beyerdynamic are the inverse; with a brighter mid-treble reproduction that can make sibilants sound bright.
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.
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 Sennheiser HD 600 and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are open-back headphones with similar overall performances, and they're both great for neutral sound. The HD 6XX have a more consistent audio delivery across different listeners. However, the HD 600 are more stable.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are open-back headphones with a similar overall performance, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Jubilee have a more stable fit and don't require a headphone amp with most sound sources. However, the 6XX have a more consistent audio delivery across different users.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are better audiophile headphones than the Sennheiser HD 660S2. While both headphones have a similar design, especially in comfort and build quality, the HD 6XX have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their passive soundstage is significantly more immersive. However, the HD 660S2 come with a dustbag to help protect them when not in use and an additional 4.4 mm balanced audio cable.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are better for neutral sound than the Sennheiser HD 6XX. Both have similarly well-balanced sound profiles, but the HiFiMan are able to reproduce treble a bit more evenly, and their passive soundstage is perceived as larger. They're also much more comfortable.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX and the Sennheiser HD 660 S are similar over-ear headphones, but the HD 6XX are better if you're looking for a neutral sound. Both cans perform superbly in the mid-range, but the HD 6XX have a little more bass, giving kick drums and basslines more thump and rumble. Although they both have open-back designs, the HD 6XX have a much more open passive soundstage. On the other hand, the HD 660 S have a more stable fit and come with a longer audio cable.
The Sennheiser HD 599 and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are fairly evenly-matched headphones, and you may prefer either. The 599 are much more comfortable and have a better passive soundstage performance, but their sound may be a bit muddy to some. On the other hand, the 6XX have a more stable fit, a better build quality, and a more accurate mid-range response, but their treble response isn't as neutral, so sibilant sounds are a bit dull. That said, there isn't a huge difference between the two sound profiles, and either pair is a great option if you're looking for headphones for neutral sound.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX and the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X are both great choices for neutral sound, but the Drop are more suitable for wired gaming. The Drop have a boom microphone that's able to capture your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments. They're also more comfortable and have volume as well as mic controls. However, the Sennheiser have a more consistent frequency response.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are a bit better open-back headphones for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO. The Sennheiser have a more consistent audio delivery across listeners, and their sound profile is more balanced and neutral. However, the Beyerdynamic are better-built, more comfortable, and their soundstage is better. Also, they come with a case, unlike the Sennheiser.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are better headphones for neutral sound than the Drop + Sennheiser HD 8XX. The HD 6XX have a more flat and neutral sound profile with more extended low-bass. They also reproduce audio more consistently, and they come with a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter. However, the HD 8XX are more comfortable and feel significantly better built. They also have a better passive soundstage.
The Audeze MM-100 and the Sennheiser HD 6XX are both open-back, wired headphones designed for audiophiles and music professionals. Choosing between them will depend on personal preference. The Audeze are more comfortable and better built, with a more expansive-sounding soundstage. However, the Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile overall. Both headphones lack low-bass, which is normal for open-back designs, and both excel at reproducing mid-range sounds with clarity and accuracy. However, they differ slightly in their treble accuracy, where the Sennheiser follow our target curve more closely.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are better for neutral sound than the Beats Solo Pro Wireless. The Sennheiser are open-back headphones with a more neutral, well-balanced sound profile and a more speaker-like, spacious sound stage. They're also much more comfortable. On the other hand, the Beats block much more ambient sound, thanks to their impressive ANC feature, and they have a more bass-rich sound profile, which some listeners may prefer. They also have a significantly better build quality.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are better headphones for neutral sound than the RØDE NTH-100M. While both headphones are well-built, the Sennheiser are open-back headphones with a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a more immersive passive soundstage performance. They also have more consistent audio delivery. However, the RØDE are closed-back headphones. By design, they can block out a bit more ambient noise, and they leak less audio. They also have a more comfortable fit and you can even purchase them with a boom mic (or buy the boom mic separately) if you plan to use them for gaming.
Test Results
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are open-back headphones with the same design as the Sennheiser HD 650, but with a few minor differences. They're available in a midnight blue color scheme, unlike the gray-and-black Sennheiser HD 650. They have large, oblong ear cups with a metal grille on the outside to help protect the drivers.
These headphones are decently comfortable. They're lightweight, and the ear cups are well-padded, so they feel soft and comfortable against your skin. However, they clamp a bit tighter than the Sennheiser HD 650 and the Drop + Sennheiser HD 8XX, which can feel a bit fatiguing after long listening sessions. It's most likely because these headphones have new pads, though, as the padding can wear down and lower their clamping force over time. You can see the HD 6XX's pad condition here.
These headphones don't have any controls.
These headphones have poor portability. Like most over-ears, they have a big and bulky design, so they may not fit easily into your bag. They also don't fold into a more compact format, and they don't come with a case to protect them when you're on-the-go.
These headphones don't come with a case or pouch.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX have a good build quality. They feel very similar to the Sennheiser HD 650. They're mostly made of plastic, with a metal headband and metal grilles covering the ear cups. However, there isn't a lot of padding on the headband.
They're decently stable. They clamp tight on your head, and they should stay on your ears during casual listening sessions. However, they aren't designed for sports and may fall off your head during more intense physical activity. Also, the wire could potentially snag on something, which could pull the headphones off of your ears.
- Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones
- 1/8" to 1/4" adapter
- Detachable TRS audio cable
- Manuals
The Sennheiser HD 6XX have a very neutral, balanced sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content. Like most open-back headphones, they lack some low-bass, which can be disappointing for fans of bass-heavy music genres like EDM and hip-hop.
These headphones are a revision of the Sennheiser HD 650 and are often compared in sound to them. 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.
These headphones have impressive frequency response consistency. There's some inconsistency in the treble range, so their audio delivery can vary depending on their fit, seal, and positioning on your head.
They have good bass accuracy. Like many open-back headphones, their low-bass is underemphasized, so audio lacks deep thump. However, they can still reproduce punch and boom quite accurately.
These headphones have remarkable mid accuracy. The entire range is quite even and neutral, so vocals and lead instruments are clear and present in the mix.
These headphones have very good treble accuracy. Vocals and lead instruments are present and detailed, but the dip in the mid-treble can make sibilants like cymbals dull and lispy. However, their treble delivery can vary across listeners, so your experience may differ.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX have very good peaks and dips performance. Due to the dip in the low-bass, you don't feel the deep thumps, but the peak in the high-bass adds a boomy quality to the mix. The slight dip in the mid-mids may nudge vocals and lead instruments towards the back of the mix, while the peak in the low-treble can make those same instruments harsh and painful. The mid-treble is uneven, so sibilants like S and T sounds can be alternately dull or piercing.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX have excellent imaging. Their weighted group delay falls below the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble. Also, the L/R drivers of our test unit are well-matched in amplitude, phase, and frequency response. As a result, objects like voices, instruments, and footsteps are accurately placed and localized within the stereo image. However, these results are only valid for our test unit, so your experience may vary.
They have a decent passive soundstage. The soundstage is natural and speaker-like, but you won't perceive it as being very large or located outside of the listener's head. Due to their open-back design, they have a more open and spacious soundstage than headphones with a closed-back design, but it's still not as wide or immersive as headphones like the Audeze MM-100.
These headphones don't have any virtual soundstage features.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX have an impressive weighted harmonic distortion performance. The frequencies fall within good limits, resulting in clean and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings we used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when using these settings.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX have terrible noise isolation due to their open-back design. They don't block out any sounds in the bass and mid-ranges, so you can hear the deep thump and rumble of bus or plane engines or chatter from people talking around you. While they perform a bit better in the treble range, you may still hear sounds like the hum of nearby AC units.
Due to their open-back design, they have awful leakage. They leak a lot of sound, and it's audible even in noisier settings like an office. It may be distracting for people around you. Also, the leakage is fuller-sounding compared to that of closed-back headphones and in-ears.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX don't have a microphone.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX don't have a microphone, so the recording quality isn't tested.
There's no microphone, so the noise handling isn't tested.
These passive headphones don't have a battery.
They don't have a companion app.
These wired-only headphones don't support a Bluetooth connection.
These wired-only headphones don't support any wireless connectivity.
The Sennheiser HD 6XX come with a long 1/8" TRS cable, but the cable doesn't have an in-line remote.
You can plug these headphones into your Xbox One controller, but they don't have a microphone, so you only receive audio.