OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Sennheiser CX 5 00I Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price: ~£60
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser CX 5 00I review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

6.8

User score

Good
5.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.6

Connectivity

6.0%

7.8

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Good
6.8

User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(75)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(75)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 6.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sennheiser-cx-5-00i
  • sennheiser-cx-5-00i
  • sennheiser-cx-5-00i
  • sennheiser-cx-5-00i
  • sennheiser-cx-5-00i
  • sennheiser-cx-5-00i
  • sennheiser-cx-5-00i
sennheiser-cx-5-00i
sennheiser-cx-5-00i
sennheiser-cx-5-00i
sennheiser-cx-5-00i
sennheiser-cx-5-00i
sennheiser-cx-5-00i
sennheiser-cx-5-00i

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sennheiser CX 5.00i is a wired in-ear canal headset specifically optimized for Apple iOS devices, featuring an 18-ohm dynamic transducer that delivers a wide frequency response of 16Hz to 22,000Hz and a maximum sound pressure level of 118dB. Its primary characteristics include an ergonomic angled design for enhanced comfort, an elliptical tangle-free cable with a 3.5mm right-angled plug, and a three-button in-line remote with an integrated omnidirectional microphone for seamless call and music control. Main pros include its rich, detailed sound signature with superior bass response, high-quality passive noise isolation provided by four sizes of included ear adapters, and a robust, premium build quality that includes a hard carrying case. However, some users note potential cons such as a slightly harsh or sharp treble at high volumes, a non-removable cable that limits long-term repairability, and the relatively large size of the earpieces which may stick out of the ear for some listeners.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser CX 5 00I

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.6

Connectivity

6.0%

7.8

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

5.2
Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a technical score of 5.2 points, which is higher than that of 59.8% of products in this category.
User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(75)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(75)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.8
Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a user score of 6.76 points, which is lower than that of 82.8% of products in this category.
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.
3.9
Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a popularity of 3.9 points, which is lower than 53.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.9
Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 57% of products in this category.
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

no
Sennheiser CX 5 00I does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

1
Sennheiser CX 5 00I uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

16 Hz
Sennheiser CX 5 00I reaches a lowest frequency of 16 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 54.3% of headphones and equal to 4.1% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Sennheiser CX 5 00I does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Sennheiser CX 5 00I is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
Sennheiser CX 5 00I has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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

no
Sennheiser CX 5 00I does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
Show more
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

wired
Sennheiser CX 5 00I supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
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

no
Sennheiser CX 5 00I does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Sennheiser CX 5 00I does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
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

16 g
Sennheiser CX 5 00I weighs 16 g, lighter than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
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 5 00I vs the average headphone

  • 92.7% lower weight
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I is lighter than the average headphone (16 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 5 00I is lighter than the average headphone (16 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.16 g vs 218 g
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 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 5 00I has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I 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 5 00I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser CX 5 00I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • USB-C charging
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser CX 5 00I uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 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 5 00I has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 92.7% lower weight
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I is lighter than the average headphone (16 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • USB-C charging
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I 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 %.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I 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 5 00I does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I 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 5 00I has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I 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 5 00I 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 %
  • 18.3% lower user score
    Sennheiser CX 5 00I has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.76 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 5 00I has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.76 vs 8.000).6.76 vs 8
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser CX 5 00I and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
75 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
75 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser CX 5 00I?

  • Full, rich, and balanced sound signature with a wide soundstage
  • Effective noise isolation for commuting and daily use
  • Lightweight, ergonomic design provides high comfort for most users
  • Tangle-free elliptical cable and robust L-shaped plug
  • Includes four sizes of ear adapters (XS, S, M, L) for a custom fit
  • Convenient 3-button in-line remote with integrated microphone for iOS

What customers dislike about Sennheiser CX 5 00I?

  • Treble can occasionally sound slightly artificial or sibilant
  • Cable is non-removable, which may impact long-term durability if damaged
  • Bass response might be too 'polite' for dedicated bassheads
  • Plastic construction can feel less premium than metal alternatives
  • Some users report the ear tips can become loose over time
  • Included carrying case is considered bulky and not very practical

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
18/11/2014
Sennheiser CX 5.00G Black In-Ear Canal Headset - Head-Fi Would you like more technical specifications for this specific model or perhaps a comparison...

The Sennheiser CX 5.00G, as reviewed on Head-Fi, is a consumer-focused in-ear headset featuring a three-button Android remote, lightweight ergonomic design, and a low-profile L-shaped jack. Its sound signature is described as warm and bass-heavy, delivering an engaging experience suitable for commuting. However, the headset is characterized by a predominantly plastic build and a...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
16/01/2017
Sennheiser CX 5.00 Audiophile Earbuds Review - Major HiFi

The Sennheiser CX 5.00 earbuds are standard, sleek, and ergonomic in-ear headphones that deliver impressive audiophile-grade quality for daily, on-the-go listening. Designed with a slight size increase over previous models, they offer a comfortable fit without the hassle of over-ear wires, and they come with an effective inline microphone and four sizes of noise-blocking silicone...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
11/07/2015
Sennheiser CX 5.00 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Sennheiser CX 5.00 earphones deliver a rich, large-scale soundstage with a smooth, ear-charming tone that provides a punchy sound profile for casual listeners. Praised for a visually striking aesthetic at an affordable price, these earphones excel in performance for daily use. However, the review notes significant design compromises, specifically the non-removable cable, which...Read more

W
whathifi.com
09/03/2017
Sennheiser CX 5.00i review - What Hi-Fi?

The Sennheiser CX 5.00i earphones are highly recommended as an affordable, high-quality audio upgrade from the standard earbuds that come packaged with smartphones. Priced around £50, they deliver a massive leap in performance and styling compared to their older predecessors, featuring a robust, smart design with substantial earpieces and silver stems that make them look...Read more

W
wegotmusic.de
26/09/2016
Resonant Companion: We test the new Sennheiser CX 5.00G

The Sennheiser CX 5.00G in-ear headphones deliver a premium, lightweight 16-gram audio experience optimized for Android smartphones like Samsung, Sony, HTC, and LG. The reviewer notes that the device excels in build aesthetics, offering a sleek, mostly black design with elegant aluminum accents and a durable 90-degree angled 3.5mm mini-jack plug. Performance-wise, the earphones are...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Sennheiser CX 5 00I with

VS
VS

Compare