OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Sennheiser CX 1 00 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$40
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser CX 1 00 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Good

4.3

Poor

8.9

Excellent

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
4.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser CX 1.00 is an ultra-lightweight (10g), wired in-ear headphone featuring dynamic drivers with a frequency response of 17Hz to 20,000Hz, an impedance of 28 Ohms, and a high sound pressure level of 119 dB. It is characterized by its minimalist, compact design and neodymium magnets that deliver a balanced sound profile with punchy bass and detailed highs. Main pros include its extremely comfortable fit, effective passive noise isolation through four included ear adapter sizes, and a durable 1.2m tangle-resistant cable with a right-angled 3.5mm plug. However, it lacks an in-line remote or microphone for calls, and the thin cable may feel fragile for intensive daily use.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser CX 1 00

Overall score

5.2

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.4

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

Show more

Calls & Controls

1.6

Show more

Hide

Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

8.3

Show more

Hide

Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sennheiser

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Sennheiser CX 1 00 vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser CX 1 00 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

95.4% lower weight
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.10 g vs 218 g
17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser CX 1 00 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser CX 1 00 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
2.57x cheaper
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
11% higher user score
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.88 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.88 vs 8.000).8.88 vs 8
2.15x more popular
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
95.4% lower weight
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser CX 1 00 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Sennheiser CX 1 00 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Sennheiser CX 1 00 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
31 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
Not headset-ready
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser CX 1 00 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
31 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser CX 1 00 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser CX 1 00 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Not headset-ready
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser CX 1 00 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Sennheiser CX 1 00 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.5 % vs 0.3 %
No travel bag
Sennheiser CX 1 00 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser CX 1 00 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser CX 1 00 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser CX 1 00?

Excellent sound quality for the price with clear, clean highs and a smooth midrange.
Well-controlled and impactful bass that doesn't overwhelm other frequencies.
Extremely lightweight and compact design, providing nearly perfect comfort for most users.
Effective passive noise isolation due to the in-ear seal and choice of four ear tip sizes.
Sturdy build quality with a mix of metal and plastic construction.
Good dynamics and timing, making them an entertaining listen for various genres like rock and metal.

What customers dislike about Sennheiser CX 1 00?

Lacks an in-line remote or microphone, making it impossible to control volume or take calls directly from the cable.
Design and materials (plastic cables) can look and feel somewhat cheap.
Cable is prone to tangling and can be fragile under intensive use.
Identifying 'Left' and 'Right' buds can be difficult due to tiny, hard-to-read markings.
Occasional reports of muddiness or distortion in the lower mids for certain tracks.
Fit may be problematic for some, requiring effort to get a proper seal despite multiple tip options.

Expert reviews

whathifi.com

09/08/2016

Sennheiser CX 1.00Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. review - What Hi-Fi?

The Sennheiser CX 1.00 are budget in-ear headphones priced at £25 that rely on the brand's solid reputation rather than visual appeal, featuring a very basic and understated aesthetic design with minimal branding. Weighing only 10 grams, their lightweight and svelte build offers excellent physical comfort, which is further enhanced by the inclusion of four different sizes of ear...Read more

moonfloweraudio.co.uk

24/10/2021

Sennheiser CX100Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. review - Moonflower Audio

The Moonflower Audio review of the Sennheiser CX100 highlights several distinct pros, noting that the earphones deliver an outstanding volume range, good attack and decay, and highly natural acoustic details. They offer exceptional spatial positioning and extended high notes, making them an excellent budget choice for voice replay, movie soundtracks, and orchestral music....Read more

reference-audio-analyzer.pro

Date Not Available

Sennheiser CX 1.00 report for a pro - Reference Audio Analyzer

The Sennheiser CX 1.00 is an entry-level set of in-ear headphones that delivers a highly sensitive performance, averaging 122.8 dB/V SPL (107.6 dB/mW SPL) across the 100 Hz to 10 kHz frequency band. This high sensitivity means the earphones require very little power to reach high volumes, needing just 0.023 VRMScap V sub cap R cap M cap S end-sub𝑉𝑅𝑀𝑆 to hit a standard 90 dB SPL,...Read more

docnum.univ-lorraine.fr

09/11/2017

Comparative study of sound exposure in Sennheiser CX 1.00 in-ear headphones

This academic thesis by Marine Franck from the Université de Lorraine investigates the daily sound exposure of individuals listening to music via smartphone earphones and evaluates its underlying risks to long-term hearing health. The author provides an extensive review of the anatomical mechanics of the human ear, detailing how acoustic transfer functions amplify sound naturally,...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

16/11/2016

Sennheiser CX 1.00 Lab Test: An excellent pair of wired headphones

The Labo Fnac review for the Sennheiser CX 1.00 highlights these wired, in-ear headphones as an excellent audio solution that achieves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars lab rating. The technical analysis reveals exceptional sound purity, earning a flawless 10 out of 10 score for distortion across 80 Hz, 100 Hz, and 200 Hz frequencies. Its audio reproduction is highly praised by customers...Read more

thephonograph.net

11/08/2017

Sennheiser CX 1.00 Review

The Sennheiser CX 1.00, as reviewed by ThePhonograph.net, is an entry-level, single-dynamic-driver earphone featuring a very small, lightweight, and durable design. Its sound profile is characterized by a clean, balanced, and detailed midrange with relaxed male vocals, which is free of mid-bass bleed and requires no EQ to sound good. Key advantages, or pros, include the exceptional...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Sennheiser CX 1 00 with

Compare