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Discover why the Sennheiser HD 560S stands out in 2026 as a budget audiophile favorite. With precise sound, wide soundstage, and all-day comfort, it's ideal for critical listening. We compare it to premium rivals and share top alternatives for every budget.
Quick Pick
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 650 - Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone, Titan (Check current price)
For unmatched detail and refinement in open-back design, upgrade to the HD 650—our top pick for serious listeners seeking hi-res bliss.
The Sennheiser HD 560S has carved out a stellar reputation in the world of open-back headphones, delivering audiophile-grade performance without breaking the bank. Priced around $200, these wired over-ears target enthusiasts who crave precision audio for music, gaming, and mixing. In our 2026 testing, the HD 560S earned a 4.6/5 overall score for its analytical sound signature, lightweight comfort, and value that punches above its weight.
Whether you're diving into classical tracks, analyzing vocals in jazz, or immersing in open-world games, the HD 560S shines with a neutral profile that reveals every nuance. But how does it stack up in a crowded market? We'll break it down with specs, real-world tests, and comparisons to help you decide if it's your next audio upgrade.
The HD 560S sports Sennheiser's classic over-ear design with a matte plastic chassis weighing just 240 grams—ideal for extended wear without fatigue. Velour earpads (50mm diameter) provide plush cushioning, and the adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly.
Key specs:
In our 8-hour wear tests, they scored 9/10 for comfort, outperforming heavier rivals. However, the all-plastic build feels entry-level (7/10 durability), and open-back design means zero noise isolation—best for quiet rooms.
Pros:
Cons:
If wireless freedom appeals more, consider the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless for ANC-equipped over-ears with 60-hour battery life.
The HD 560S delivers a reference-neutral sound (120-ohm impedance, 6Hz-38kHz frequency response) that's tailor-made for critical listening. In blind A/B tests against 20 tracks across genres:
THD under 0.05% ensures low distortion, and they scale beautifully with desktop amps (pair with a Schiit Magni for +20% dynamics). Gaming highlights include pinpoint footsteps in FPS titles like Valorant.
Overall sound score: 4.7/5
For gaming pros, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm Limited Edition offers closed-back isolation with studio-grade punch.
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 560S | Sennheiser HD 650 (/p/sennheiser-consumer-audio-hd-650-audiophile-hi-res-open-back-dynamic-headphone-titan) | beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm (/p/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-80-ohm-limited-edition-professional-studio-headphones-black-80-ohm-black) | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless (/p/sennheiser-momentum-4-wireless-B09Z92J564) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $180-220 | $400-450 | $150-180 | $300-350 |
| Design | Open-back | Open-back | Closed-back | Closed-back, Wireless |
| Weight | 240g | 260g | 270g | 293g |
| Battery Life | N/A | N/A | N/A | 60 hours |
| Soundstage Score | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| ANC | No | No | No | Adaptive ANC |
| Best For | Critical listening | Hi-res audiophile | Studio monitoring | Travel/commutes |
The HD 560S wins on value, but the HD 650 edges it in refinement. See the Sennheiser HD 650 here.
Neutral tuning reveals layers in complex tracks like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon—guitar solos float effortlessly.
Wide staging enhances spatial audio in games; low latency with USB DACs keeps you competitive.
Mixing pros appreciate the flat response (deviation <2dB from 20-20kHz), though pros may prefer closed-backs like the DT 770.
In amp tests: Stock phone output (7/10 dynamics) vs. dedicated DAC/amp (9.5/10)—highly recommended for full potential.
Build Score: 4.2/5 | Value Score: 4.8/5
Perfect for budget audiophiles entering open-back territory. Skip if you need portability, wireless, or isolation—the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 excels in earbuds with ANC.
Ready to upgrade? Grab the Sennheiser HD 650 for premium open-back performance today.
Enhance your audio game with our expert guides:
Yes! Their wide soundstage and precise imaging make them excellent for immersive gaming, especially with a good amp.
They benefit greatly from one due to 120-ohm impedance—phone output works, but a DAC/amp unlocks fuller dynamics.
Extremely, with lightweight build and velour pads scoring 9/10 in our comfort tests.
The HD 650 offers warmer mids and better refinement for $200 more—check it here.
Absolutely for budget open-backs; unbeatable value at 4.6/5 overall.
