We've currently tested over 40 pairs of Sennheiser headphones. They're a well-trusted brand that makes a wide variety of models for different uses, with a particular focus on open-back, reference-quality headphones. We generally test quite a few Sennheiser headphones each year, so we'll continue to update this article as we release new reviews.
The best headphones from Sennheiser that we've tested are the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. These well-built over-ears offer versatile performance, whether you're commuting to work, listening to audio at home, or busy at the office. They have an ANC system that can block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines as well as ambient chatter. Their battery lasts for about 17 hours of continuous use, and they support aptX and aptX-LL codecs for better sound quality and lower latency. Out of the box, their bass-heavy sound profile adds extra thump, rumble, and boom to mixes, which makes them well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Their app also features a parametric EQ and presets for sound customization.
However, their soft carrying case may not completely protect them from accidental drops and bumps. If you're looking for headphones that come with a hard case, the Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless offer similar performance, although they aren't as well-built. Additionally, their app doesn't include an EQ for sound customization, although it does offer a few presets.
The best Sennheiser earphones that we've tested are the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless. They're the upgraded variant of the Sennheiser CX True Wireless and come with active noise cancelling (ANC). Their warm sound profile is suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop. It's not as well-balanced as our top pick, and instruments and vocals may sound somewhat dark, but you can adjust their sound to suit your taste using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They last for about seven hours of continuous use and are equipped with an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life when you're not using them. They're also well-built and lightweight but somewhat bulky and stick out of your ears a bit.
Unfortunately, their ANC system only offers an okay noise isolation performance, and it may not be enough to block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines. While they also have a lightweight fit, their bulky design sticks out of your ear a bit, which could bother some users. However, if you prefer an earbud design for portability, they're worth considering.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best audiophile headphones from Sennheiser that we've tested. These open-back headphones can create a wide, spacious soundstage, and sound seems to come from speakers around you rather than inside your head. They have a very well-balanced and neutral sound profile. Although they lack low-bass, like most other 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 small head, which can be uncomfortable. To get the most out of these headphones, you also need to use an amp to power them, which can be an additional expense if you don't already have one. If you're looking for more affordable open-back audiophile headphones, the Sennheiser HD 560S or the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are solid alternatives. However, their passive soundstages don't seem as immersive.
If you're planning to use your headphones more for movies than for music, the Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless are the best option that we've tested from this manufacturer. These dedicated home theater headphones are well-built and comfortable. They come with a specialized receiver dock that plugs directly into most TV sets and offers low latency, meaning you can watch a movie without worrying about the cable reaching your couch or having audio syncing issues. Thanks to their bass-heavy sound profile, you can feel the thump and rumble in action-packed scenes, and dialogue is still clear and present. Also, with 24-hour continuous battery life, they can last through a movie marathon without needing a recharge.
However, they're powered by rechargeable AAA batteries and can take more than eight hours to charge up, depending on the age and wear of the rechargeable batteries. They also struggle to block out background noise, which may be distracting if you're watching TV in a lively environment, and they leak some sound, so if you're listening at loud volumes, other people nearby can hear your audio.
The best headphones from Sennheiser for gaming that we've tested are the Sennheiser Game One Gaming Headset. These open-back gaming headphones create a spacious, natural soundstage, which can help make your gameplay more immersive. Their warm sound profile can help emphasize sound effects while keeping dialogue and instruments clear and accurate. Their boom mic can capture your voice very well, even in noisy environments, which is nice if you like to game with friends. Thanks to their wired design, they offer a latency-free connection, and their very comfortable fit means you can game for long periods without experiencing fatigue.
Their open-back enclosure means they block out virtually no ambient sound and leak a lot of audio, so they're best suited for use in a quiet environment, like at home. They're a good option for gaming if you like wired headphones and want an immersive listening experience. Unlike many gamer-oriented headphones we've tested, they don't have companion software or any customization options for their sound profile or microphone.
Overall, Sennheiser offers a variety of headphones for different uses. Many of their higher-quality models are on the pricey end; however, many of their cheaper models also perform admirably. They're easily one of the best when it comes to high-end open-back headphones, with some models offering stellar sound quality for audiophiles.
Sennheiser has a wide variety of headphones that range in price and intended use. They do well for critical listening headphones with the HD series. Below are the typical uses for the different lines.
May 31, 2022: Verified that picks represent the best recommendations in their categories and that the products are in stock.
Mar 02, 2022: We've checked our picks for product accuracy and availability. There hasn't been a change in our recommendations.
Nov 30, 2021: Replaced the Sennheiser CX True Wireless with the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless as the CX Plus offer active noise cancelling (ANC).
Sep 01, 2021: Added the Sennheiser CX True Wireless as the 'Best Sennheiser Earbuds'.
Jul 08, 2021: Verified that the recommended products are in stock and updated text. No changes made to product picks.
Sennheiser is a big brand. Therefore, they have a wide variety of headphones that are either specific to a certain use or well-rounded enough for everyday casual use. However, they tend to focus more on better sound quality than versatility, offering more models that cater to critical listening or home theater entertainment than sports or travel.