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Sennheiser CX 685 Sports Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£55
  • Avg. price in US: ~$70
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser CX 685 Sports review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

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%

4.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.7

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%

4.4

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.6

Connectivity

6.0%

7.4

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 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

  • 6.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

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 685 Sports are rugged, sweat-resistant in-ear headphones featuring a secure 'Slide-to-Fit' system with adjustable ear fins and a high-strength para-aramid reinforced cable. Technically, they offer a frequency response of 18 Hz – 20,000 Hz, a sound pressure level of 120 dB, a low 16-ohm impedance, and less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion for clear, punchy audio even at high volumes. Main pros include their exceptionally stable fit for intense physical activity, balanced sound profile with deep bass, and durable moisture-resistant construction. However, a significant con is the complete lack of an inline remote or microphone, meaning users cannot control volume or take calls directly from the 1.2m symmetrical cable.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser CX 685 Sports

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.7
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a technical score of 4.65 points, which is lower than that of 63.4% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.3
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 70.8% 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 685 Sports 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

9 mm
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports uses a driver size of 9 mm, smaller driver size than 92.3% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
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 685 Sports 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

18 Hz
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% 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

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

no
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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

0
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% 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

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
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 685 Sports 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 685 Sports 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 685 Sports 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

yes
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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

14 g
Sennheiser CX 685 Sports weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% 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 685 Sports vs the average headphone

  • 93.6% lower weight
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports is lighter than the average headphone (14 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 685 Sports is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
  • 18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (120 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 685 Sports has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports 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 685 Sports includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Water resistance
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    IPX4
    What it is: Protection level against water exposure
    When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 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 685 Sports has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 93.6% lower weight
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 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 685 Sports includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports 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 685 Sports 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 685 Sports is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2012
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports 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 685 Sports 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 685 Sports 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 685 Sports does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports 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 685 Sports has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports 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 685 Sports is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports 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 685 Sports has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 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 685 Sports is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports 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 685 Sports 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 %
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser CX 685 Sports uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser CX 685 Sports and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser CX 685 Sports?

  • Secure and stable fit due to the unique 'Slide-to-Fit' ear-fin design, even during high-intensity running
  • Excellent audio quality with well-balanced sound, rich bass, and crisp highs
  • High durability with sweat-proof and moisture-resistant materials suitable for workouts
  • Comfortable for extended wear once adjusted properly
  • Good passive noise isolation, though it still allows some ambient sound for safety during outdoor runs

What customers dislike about Sennheiser CX 685 Sports?

  • Lacks an inline remote control and microphone, requiring the device to be used for volume and track changes
  • The cord is thin and prone to tangling
  • Noticeable 'cable noise' (microphonics) when the cord rubs against clothing during movement
  • Can become uncomfortable for some users with smaller ears after several hours of use
  • Fitting mechanism can be 'fiddly' or take time to adjust correctly at first

Expert reviews

T
tomsguide.com
14/04/2015
Sennheiser CX 685 Adidas Sports In-Ear Headphones Review

The Sennheiser CX 685 Adidas Sports In-Ear headphones are an affordable pair of workout earbuds priced at $40, praised for delivering balanced and well-rounded audio that does not let heavy bass overpower vocals or background instruments. Designed specifically for active use, they feature a secure "slide-to-fit" wing construction that allows users to adjust the outer ear wings on...Read more

P
pcmag.com
05/06/2013
Sennheiser CX 685 SPORTS Review

The $69.95 Sennheiser CX 685 Sports earphonesGo, a collaboration with Adidas, are praised by PCMag for their exceptional audio performance and robust, water-resistant design suitable for intense workouts. Their key strength lies in a secure, comfortable fit provided by flexible, shock-absorbing earfins that keep the earphones in place during activity. A primary disadvantage...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
21/01/2014
Sennheiser CX 685 SPORTS - Review 2014

The Sennheiser CX 685 SPORTS is an exercise-focused earphone pair created in collaboration with Adidas that delivers exceptional, balanced audio performance for its $69.95 price tag. It provides deep, distortion-free sub-bass thump at maximum volumes while perfectly balancing the mix with crisp, clear high frequencies that never feel overly bright or harsh. Designed with...Read more

A
au.pcmag.com
05/06/2013
Sennheiser CX 685 SPORTS - Review 2013 - PCMag AustraliaWould you like me to find reviews for the newer wireless version, the Sennheiser CX Sport, or...

The Sennheiser CX 685 SPORTS earphone pair, a sweat-proof and moisture-resistant collaboration between Sennheiser and Adidas, offers fantastic, well-balanced audio performance at a budget-friendly price of $69.95. Designed specifically for workouts, it features an ergonomic blue, silver, and black aesthetic equipped with black support fins and flexible, shock-absorbing materials...Read more

M
maximalpuls.de
No date available
Sennheiser CX 685 - Maximalpuls.de(testsieger.de) | December 2012 | Reviews of Sennheiser CX 685 Sports Adidas

This review details the testing of the Sennheiser CX 685 sport headphones, which are noted for being highly effective and reliable during intense running workouts. The package includes a 1.2-meter Para-Aramid gummed cable designed to prevent tangling, three sizes of ear tips, a carrying pouch, a cable clip, and replacement diaphragm guards. While the earbuds are lightweight (14...Read more

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