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Sennheiser CX 80S Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser CX 80S 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%

4.7

Technical Score

20.0%

8.6

User score

Good
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%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.6

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%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(5094)
amazon
4.1
(1960)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(5094)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(1960)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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

  • 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

  • 5.0
    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%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sennheiser-cx-80s
sennheiser-cx-80s

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 80S is a lightweight, 10-gram wired in-ear headphone designed for a natural and balanced audio experience using closed-back dynamic drivers. It features a frequency response of 17 Hz to 20,000 Hz, an impedance of 28 ohms, and a high sound pressure level of 119 dB, making it easily driveable by mobile devices via its angled 3.5mm jack. Main characteristics include a 1.2m symmetric cable and an integrated one-button smart remote with an omnidirectional microphone for seamless call and music management. Key pros are its compact portability, exceptional comfort for long sessions, and clear, uncompressed sound signature that avoids harsh extremes. However, notable cons include a lack of deep sub-bass for bass-heavy genres, thin cable construction that may be prone to breakage over time, and the absence of active noise cancellation.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser CX 80S

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%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

4.7
Sennheiser CX 80S has a technical score of 4.68 points, which is lower than that of 61.5% 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%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(5094)
amazon
4.1
(1960)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(5094)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(1960)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.6
Sennheiser CX 80S has a user score of 8.64 points, which is higher than that of 75.7% 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.
10
Sennheiser CX 80S has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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

6.8
Sennheiser CX 80S has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% 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 80S 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

9.7 mm
Sennheiser CX 80S uses a driver size of 9.7 mm, smaller driver size than 91.8% 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 80S 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

17 Hz
Sennheiser CX 80S reaches a lowest frequency of 17 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 53.4% of headphones and equal to 0.9% 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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

yes
Sennheiser CX 80S supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

10 g
Sennheiser CX 80S weighs 10 g, lighter than 95.3% of headphones and equal to 1.1% 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 80S vs the average headphone

  • 95.4% lower weight
    Sennheiser CX 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser CX 80S 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 80S reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Sennheiser CX 80S is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    Sennheiser CX 80S is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • 16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser CX 80S 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 80S 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
  • 2.15x more popular
    Sennheiser CX 80S 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 80S is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 95.4% lower weight
    Sennheiser CX 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser CX 80S reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser CX 80S has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sennheiser CX 80S does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 30.3 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser CX 80S has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9.7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser CX 80S 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 %.
  • 30.3 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser CX 80S has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9.7 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 80S has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9.7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9.7 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser CX 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S 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 80S does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser CX 80S and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
5094 Reviews
amazon
4.1
1960 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
5094 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
1960 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser CX 80S?

  • Accurate and balanced sound signature with a focus on clarity
  • Extremely lightweight and compact design (approx. 10g)
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions; fits deeply into the ear canal
  • Clear microphone quality for voice calls and meetings
  • Effective passive noise isolation when used with the correct ear tips
  • Affordable entry-level price point
  • Small enough to be used comfortably while sleeping

What customers dislike about Sennheiser CX 80S?

  • Lacks deep sub-bass and 'thumping' low-end energy
  • Thin, non-detachable cable feels fragile and prone to tangling
  • No dedicated volume control buttons on the inline remote
  • Noticeable microphonics (cable noise) when the wire is touched or moved
  • Plastic build quality can feel somewhat cheap to the touch
  • Requires a perfect seal to achieve any significant bass response

Expert reviews

M
musicngear.com
28/12/2024
Musician reviews: Sennheiser CX 80S - MUSICnGEAR

The Musicngear review highlights the Sennheiser CX 80SGo as a compact, entry-level, wired in-ear earphone designed specifically for daily commuting, casual calls, and light mobile use. A major pro of this model is its balanced, vocal-forward sound presentation that values clear mids and smooth highs over aggressive bass tuning, making it highly intelligible for spoken-word podcasts...Read more

H
headphonecheck.com
23/06/2021
Sennheiser CX 80S Review

The Sennheiser CX 80S is an entry-level pair of wired, closed-back in-ear headphones designed for consumers seeking an affordable, purist audio experience. The expert review highlights several pros, including a highly balanced, transparent, and homogeneous sound profile that accurately spans the 17 to 20,000 Hz frequency range without favoring a specific spectrum. Furthermore, the...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
23/06/2021
Sennheiser CX 80S review on kopfhoerer.de

The Sennheiser CX 80S is a budget-friendly pair of wired, closed-back in-ear headphones priced under €30 that delivers an impressively balanced and transparent sound signature across the entire frequency range. Weighing just 10 grams, these compact earphones fit deeply into the ear canal and offer long-lasting comfort, making them suitable for hours of continuous listening without...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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