The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee open-back headphones are the result of a collaboration with Drop (formerly Massdrop) and the former chief engineer at Sennheiser, Axel Grell. With the wisdom of a couple of decades of experience since the original Sennheiser HD 600's release, these cans are meant as a value-driven update. Aimed at providing a lower entry fee for consistent performance to audiophiles and budget-conscious producers, these headphones aren't adorned with exotic materials or luxurious extras. Do they excel where it counts?
The Sennheiser HD 58X are great for neutral listening sessions. Their sound profile is warm and balanced, with a good amount of boom. Like many open-back headphones, the low bass isn't especially rumbly, but that's expected for this style of headphones. Otherwise, they don't require a headphone amp with most sound sources and they're low distortion, too. They can feel a bit tight after a long mixing session or if you wear glasses, though.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are a poor pick for commutes and traveling. Open-back headphones like these aren't designed for on-the-go listening because they leak audio and don't block out the noise of fellow commuters. While they're stable and will stay on, their long cable can get in the way.
The Sennheiser HD 58X are inadequate for sports and fitness. While they're quite stable for over-ear headphones due to a tight fit, they're bulky, leak a lot of audio that'll bother others at the gym, and their long cable can catch on equipment.
The Sennheiser HD 58X are poor for office use. Unless your office has a closed door, you'll likely disturb your colleagues with distracting audio leaking into the room. They offer a balanced sound profile, but because of their open-back design, they can't isolate you from background sounds from your coworkers that'll still reach your ears and detract from your ability to enjoy your music and podcasts. While they're decently comfortable, they can start to feel a bit tight over the course of a work shift.
You can't use the Sennheiser HD 58X for wireless gaming because they're wired-only headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 58X are okay for wired gaming. Their sound profile is well-balanced, if a bit light on the low end, providing clear speech and neutral music and sound effects. They're open-sounding, though their passive soundstage isn't very wide and spacious. They feel decently comfortable but can feel a bit tight after a long session or if you wear glasses. If you need to chat with teammates, you'll have to get an outboard mic.
You can't use the Sennheiser HD 58X for phone calls because they don't have a microphone.
The Sennheiser HD 58X come in a single color, 'Black.' If you encounter a different variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
The Sennheiser HD 58X were released alongside the Sennheiser HD 6XX through Drop. Both promise neutral sound profiles akin to pricier models like the Sennheiser HD 650 and Sennheiser HD 600. The HD58X and HD6XX sound slightly different from each other, with very slightly more rumble on the HD 58X, but their sound doesn't differ drastically, and unlike the HD 6XX, the HD 58X don't require a headphone amp with most sound sources. However, the HD 6XX deliver even more consistent audio. Compared to more casual use open-backs like the Sennheiser HD 560S, the HD 58X aren't as comfortable to wear for long stretches, though they're better built and have a warmer top-end.
See our recommendations for the best headphones, the best audiophile headphones, and the best open-back headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are two very good audiophile open-back headphones with similar frequency responses. Both feature a slightly tilted bass response and flat mids. That said the Sennheiser lack the Beyerdynamic's peak in the treble response that can render sibilants in a harsh way. The Beyerdynamic will be a better option if you care more about comfort and build quality though.
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 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 58X Jubilee are very similar to the Sennheiser HD 600. If you don't find them too tight, you'll enjoy the additional punch and boom in the HD 58X's bass range. The HD 58X also have lower retail price, which will appeal to audiophiles looking for a wallet-friendly pair of over-ears.
The Sennheiser HD 599 and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are very similar headphones with very small differences. The HD 58X have a slightly more accurate sound profile, but the soundstage of the HD 599 seems to be somewhat more open-sounding. However, the HD 599 are noticeably more comfortable to wear for long periods.
The Philips SHP9500 and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are both great audiophile headphones if you like a neutral sound, but they have slightly different sound profiles. The Sennheiser produce more thump and rumble while slightly reducing the presence of sibilants. The Philips sound brighter in comparison, with less bass and more intensity in the treble range. They also have a wider soundstage and are much more comfortable for long listening sessions, but the Sennheiser feel more durable.
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 and Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are both open-backs with neutral frequency responses and tight fits. While the HD 660S2 are more visually striking, they're more expensive despite having comparable build quality. Their frequency response consistency is better than the HD 58X's, even if you wear glasses or have thick hair. They're both tuned similarly, though the HD 58X offer slightly brighter details and a slightly more immersive passive soundstage. The HD 58X are a bit stiffer but offer better value to most people. However, their availability is limited to Drop.com.
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 Philips Fidelio X2HR are slightly better open-back headphones for neutral sound listening than the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee, though they both perform very similarly. The Philips are more comfortable and have a marginally better-balanced sound profile, especially in the treble range. The soundstage of the Philips is also perceived as being slightly more open and spacious. On the other hand, the Sennheiser feel quite a bit more stable on the head and are less likely to move around or slip off.
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO offer a more balanced low-end response than the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee. The HD 490 PRO are also more comfortable and include swappable ear pads. On the other hand, the HD 58X Jubilee offer great value and similar performance otherwise.
The Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are similar open-back, over-ear headphones. While they both have a neutral sound, the HD 58X have a touch more low- and mid-bass, giving kick drums and basslines slightly more thump and punch. The HD 58X also have a slightly more speaker-like passive soundstage. They both have terrible noise isolation. The HD 58X are cheaper and better value for money but are only available on the Drop website as they're a special collaboration between Sennheiser and Drop.
The Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X are better headphones for gaming than the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee. The Drop are more comfortable, have controls, and have a boom mic, which delivers a great performance. However, if you don't need a microphone, the Sennheiser offer a similarly warm sound profile with a natural, spacious passive soundstage.
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are better for neutral sound than the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee. The HiFiMan are more comfortable, deliver sound more consistently, and have a much better passive soundstage performance. The Sennheiser are more stable and breathable, however.
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are both great audiophile headphones, though they have different sound signatures. The Beyerdynamic have a brighter overall sound profile, with less bass and a stronger presence in the higher frequencies, although they can also sound a bit piercing or even painful to some. The Sennheiser sound a bit dull in comparison, but their sound profile is better balanced overall, with more bass and less emphasis on sibilants like sharp 'S' and 'T' sounds. However, the Beyerdynamic are more comfortable for longer listening sessions.
The Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are better headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X 2013 if you prefer a neutral sound profile. The Sennheiser have an impressively well-balanced sound signature that's not too sharp or piercing. The Audio-Technica, unfortunately, don't have a very accurate treble response, so sibilants sound sharp and piercing, but instruments and vocals lack detail and brightness. They also feel cheaply made, although they're more comfortable than the Sennheiser.
The Audeze LCD-1 and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are similarly performing open-back, over-ear headphones. They both have very accurate sound reproduction, but the Audeze are more comfortable and feel better built. On the other hand, the Sennheiser feel more stable on the head.
The Sennheiser HD 58X come in a plastic glossy and matte black scheme with dark silver metal grille open-backs. The gloss finish on the headband looks a little cheap and can catch fingerprints. Besides the 'Massdrop' moniker on either end of the headband, they strongly resemble the Sennheiser HD 650 and other models in the Sennheiser HD 600-line. Atop the headband's left side is the Sennheiser name and logo in silver. Their ear pads are black velour, although you can purchase aftermarket ear pads made of different materials through Drop.com, which can alter their sound. For open-back headphones, they're fairly sleek and not too bulky. A detachable black Y-cable connects to the L/R ear cups.
These headphones feel decently comfortable with generously sized ear cups that can fit most people's ears and head shapes. Their headband has enough padding to distribute their weight comfortably, like the Sennheiser HD 650, but overall, they feel a bit stiffer. You can't adjust them much at all, and their clamping force is pretty high, so if you wear glasses, you may feel extra pressure around the glasses' arms, especially compared to other open-backs like the Sennheiser HD 599. That said, the velour that covers the ear pads feels soft, but the foam is stiff and not quite as luxurious as the velour ear pads you get on the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X.
Due to their open-back housings, these headphones allow for a decent amount of airflow and don't get too hot. Their velour ear pads don't get slick with sweat like leather or leatherette pads. Still, they're over-ear headphones, so they'll heat up quicker than in-ear headphones.
These headphones have poor portability, which is expected for open-back over-ear headphones. Typically, you'd keep these headphones in the same location. They don't fold down smaller or swivel to lay flat. You can remove their cable so they don't snag on anything in your bag, but they're pretty bulky and take up real estate.
These headphones are well-built. Like the Sennheiser HD 6XX, these were released as part of the collaboration with Drop (formerly Massdrop); there are no obvious compromises to the build quality compared to the brand's standard line-up, like the Sennheiser HD 600. They're made of a mix of plastic and metal. The headband is plastic, while a thin metal frame adjusts the size. Each grille is metal, while the frame and yokes are plastic and feel secure.
You can extend the headphones' lifespan by replacing the ear pads and the Y-cable if they wear out. The cable uses a slightly delicate 2-pin connection point instead of a more durable connector like a mini-XLR you'd find on the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, but this is basically a nitpick. Otherwise, you can feel a bit of give where the metal headband joins the yokes, which is the only other point of potential weakness.
They're very stable. They stay put thanks to a combination of a narrow profile, even weight distribution, and a high clamping force. You can easily nod along to your music without the headphones coming loose, though their cable can still catch on desk corners. The connection points are pretty tight and require force to pull them out, so if they hook on something, the headphones will yank off your head before the detachable cables will disconnect from the ear cups.
The Sennheiser HD 58X have a warm and fairly neutral sound profile that nods to their lineage, the Sennheiser HD 600. Like most open-back headphones, these aren't very thumpy or rumbly in the low bass. They highlight a bit of extra boom to kick drums and bass guitar lines, so they don't completely lack low-end. The midrange is quite even, and vocals, alongside lead instruments, sound forward, present, and full. Meanwhile, the top-end somewhat veils the details of vocals (which contributes to their warm sound), but overall, they sound clear and not ear-piercing or shrill.
Their frequency response consistency is very good. Bass and mids are delivered with precise and predictable results. The treble varies, particularly in the highest frequencies, which can depend on factors like fit and if you have thick hair or glasses. If you want open-back headphones with a more consistent audio delivery, see the Sennheiser HD 6XX.
The bass accuracy is very good. These headphones supply a bit of extra boom to kick drums and bass guitars, so you can track the rhythm section well. Like many open-back headphones, the lower bass frequencies taper off and deliver less punch and rumble, so they don't exactly suit EDM and hip-hop genres for casual listening. That said, for mixing and monitoring, this is expected for the style of headphones.
Their mid accuracy is fantastic. They reproduce guitars, keyboards, and vocals with a balanced and natural sound. A very slight overemphasis in the low mids adds a bit of emphasis to heavy rhythm guitars, while the minor bump in the high mids pushes vocals a little forward in the mix.
Their treble accuracy is great. Besides a dip between the low- and mid-treble, which dulls vocal details, the headphones output a fairly even and somewhat neutral treble response that's clear and warm. As a result, singers sound true to life but a bit veiled rather than crisp in their articulation. Sibilant sounds like S and T in vocals, and cymbal hits don't sound shrill or piercing, but they're not exceptionally bright either.
The Sennheiser HD 58X have excellent peaks and dips performance, indicating that they control their sound profile well. Their bass is fairly even, except for a bump in the high bass to add some boom to kick drums. The mids are mostly even to convey balanced lead instruments, except for a peak that extends into the low treble, which can make vocals sound harsh. A dip in the low-treble and into the mid-treble veils details in vocals and cymbal hits but warms up the sound. A strong peak follows, which can sound overly bright.
Their imaging performance is superb, aligning with other headphones we've tested from the manufacturer and indicating reliable quality control and ergonomics. The headphones' group delay is below the audibility threshold for tight bass and transparent treble. Their phase response mismatch results generally land within good values except for a minor bump, which isn't audible with real-life content. Lastly, the amplitude and frequency response are well-matched, resulting in a stable and accurate stereo image. However, these results are only valid for our unit because imaging can vary between units, so yours may perform differently.
The headphones have a decent passive soundstage. They sound very open and interact with your environment. However, they don't produce a large soundstage. Sound also doesn't significantly interact with your outer ear, resulting in a soundstage that's perceived as moderately sized and closer to your head.
Their weighted harmonic distortion performance is great. The distortion is quite low in the bass through the mids. It's slightly more elevated in the treble range but is too low to be noticeable with real-world audio. As a result, your audio sounds pure and clean.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.
Due to their open-back design, these headphones have bad noise isolation. As expected of open-back headphones, they don't meaningfully block out much environmental noise, so you'll want to wear them in a quiet room. Low-pitched noises, like rumbling construction outside your window, and midrange sounds, like conversation, will reach your ears unimpeded. The headphones slightly muffle trebly noises like silverware clinking together, but not significantly.
Their leakage performance is bad, and that's expected with open-back headphones. They need to leak audio that interacts with your environment to sound open. However, the downside of this design is that it's not commute or office-friendly, as your coworkers will hear a pretty comprehensive and bright version of your audio.
These headphones include a detachable Y-cable with a standard 1/8" TRS connector to deliver zero-latency audio. They also come with a 1/4" adapter. Unlike the Sennheiser HD 6XX, they don't necessarily require a headphone amp (at 150Ω and 104dB/Vrms) with most audio sources like laptops, except for particularly low-output mobile devices.
The Sennheiser HD 58X can connect to your PC via the analog cable for full audio support. However, you'll need a separate mic because the headphones don't have a microphone.
You can connect these headphones to your PlayStation 4 or 5 controller for full audio support. However, you'll need a separate mic if you need to chat with teammates.
The headphones' analog cable allows you to connect them to your Xbox controller for full audio support. However, they don't have a microphone, so you'll need an outboard microphone if you want to chat.