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Sennheiser CX 686G Sports Review | 93 Data compared

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 686G Sports review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Good

5.6

Good

8.0

Excellent

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
1.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
9.0
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
7.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.0
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
5.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser CX 686G Sports is a wired, in-ear headphone designed specifically for fitness, featuring an IPX4 sweat and water-resistance rating and a secure Slide-to-Fit mechanism with adjustable hooks. It delivers a punchy frequency response of 18 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with a sound pressure level of 118 dB and a low 20 Ohm impedance for easy driving on mobile devices. Main pros include a durable, para-aramid reinforced oval cable that minimizes tangling and noise, along with an integrated three-button inline remote and microphone for hands-free control. However, notable cons include limited remote compatibility where volume controls may not work on iOS devices, and some users report that the flat cable can still be prone to tangling.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser CX 686G Sports

Overall score

6.1

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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

4.3

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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

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Calls & Controls

5.0

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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

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

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

?

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Connectivity

6.2

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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

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Features

7.3

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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

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Battery

7.9

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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

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

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Design

7.5

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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

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Sennheiser CX 686G Sports vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser CX 686G Sports better than the average headphone?

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EQ customization
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports 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 686G Sports 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 686G 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 686G Sports 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 686G Sports 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 686G Sports includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Water resistance
Sennheiser CX 686G 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 686G Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports 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 686G Sports 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
Water resistance
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports 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 686G Sports 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.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports 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 686G Sports includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
EQ customization
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sennheiser CX 686G Sports worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
33 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports has smaller driver size than the average headphone (7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser CX 686G 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 %.
33 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser CX 686G Sports has smaller driver size than the average headphone (7 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 686G Sports has smaller driver size than the average headphone (7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.7 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Sennheiser CX 686G 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 686G Sports 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 686G 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 686G 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 %

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser CX 686G Sports 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 686G Sports?

Secure fit during high-intensity activities thanks to the adjustable slide-to-fit ear hooks
Balanced audio performance with powerful yet natural-sounding bass
Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4 rating) design suitable for gym use
Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear compared to previous sport models
Tangle-free, reinforced oval cables that minimize cable noise (microphonics)
Convenient inline remote with integrated microphone for calls and music control

What customers dislike about Sennheiser CX 686G Sports?

Inline volume control is incompatible with iOS/Apple devices (works primarily for Android)
Cables are still prone to tangling despite the flatter design
Bass response may be insufficient for users who prefer very heavy bass
High-end frequencies are rolled off, leading to a slightly 'strangled' or constricted sound
Remote buttons can feel chunky and sometimes require multiple presses to register

Expert reviews

soundguys.com

05/05/2015

Sennheiser CX 686G Review - SoundGuys

The SoundGuys review highlights the $69 Sennheiser CX 686G wired sport earbuds as a comfortable, IPX4 sweat-resistant option for the gym, featuring adjustable ear hooks for stability and a clothing clip to reduce cable snags. Sonically, the earbuds deliver a natural bass response, clear midrange vocals, and reasonable noise isolation for the price. YouTube· However, the review notes...Read more

computerbild.de

20/05/2015

Sennheiser CX 686G: Review of the sporty in-ear headphones

This review evaluates the Sennheiser CX 686G, an extremely lightweight (21 grams) wired in-ear headphone designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The reviewer awards the product a "good" rating of 2.3, highlighting its excellent, balanced, and detail-rich sound profile with only occasional sharpness in vocals. A standout feature is the unique inclusion of two...Read more

av-online.hu

11/06/2015

Review of Sennheiser OCX 686G, PMX 686G and CX 686G sports earphones

The Sennheiser 686G sports series offers three distinct designs tailored for different athletic activities, all featuring durable, para-aramid reinforced flat cables with a unique ribbed surface to prevent tangling and sticking to sweaty skin. The OCX 686G is an ear-hook model ideal for gym workouts like rowing or weightlifting due to its secure fit, though it may slip during...Read more

konsument.at

25/08/2016

Sports Headphones: Only Five at Their Best", "Sports Headphones: Just Five in Top Form

The 2016 sports headphones review by the Austrian consumer organisation VKI evaluated 17 lightweight, sweat-resistant models (10 wired and 7 Bluetooth) based on sound quality, fit, handling, interference, battery life, and harmful substances. Out of all tested models, only five achieved top scores for simultaneously delivering high-quality sound and a secure fit: Bose, JBL Reflect...Read more

trailandrunning.com

28/08/2020

Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports: review

The Trail & Running review evaluates the Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports earphones as a highly functional, consumer-oriented product tailored specifically for long-distance running. The reviewer notes several key advantages, including an excellent secure fit that keeps the earphones firmly in place during heavy movement, complemented by a lightweight design that makes them unnoticeable...Read more

outzer.fr

Octobre 2018

Sennheiser CX 686 review 2018

The user Alex74000 highly recommends the Sennheiser CX 686 sports earphones for physical activities, giving them a 9 out of 10 rating after testing them extensively throughout the summer. Purchased online for 60€, these intra-articular earbuds are specifically praised for their outstanding stability inside the ear, thanks to a "slide to fit" system featuring flexible rubber fins....Read more

afdigitale.it

09/11/2018

Sennheiser CX Sport: the wireless in-ears just one step away from excellence", "Sennheiser CX 686G Sports: a touch of color for your workout

The Sennheiser CX Sport are solid Bluetooth in-ear wireless earphones designed primarily for active sports users, though their clean aesthetics make them suitable for daily commuting as well. Priced around €100 to €129, they feature a traditional short-cable design connecting the two earpieces, complete with an inline three-button controller and integrated microphone. They deliver...Read more

socialandtech.net

06/08/2019

SENNHEISER CX SPORT headphones review

The Sennheiser CX Sport are wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones designed specifically for athletes, featuring a connected cable with a rear adjuster to enhance stability during intense movements. The overall build quality is highly robust, offering excellent resistance against sweat and water splashes. Once worn, they deliver great passive noise isolation from the environment,...Read more

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