OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Sennheiser HD 202 II Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$30
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 202 II review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Poor

4.5

Poor

?

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
1.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
7.3
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
4.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
7.3
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

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £35

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 202 II is a budget-friendly, closed-back dynamic stereo headphone designed for DJs and modern music listeners, featuring a frequency response of 18 Hz to 18,000 Hz and a sensitivity of 115 dB. With a lightweight 130g build and 32-ohm impedance, these supra-aural headphones are easily driven by mobile devices and include a generous 3-metre copper cable with a convenient cord take-up clip. Main pros include a powerful, crisp bass response, excellent passive noise isolation for its class, and a robust, flexible headband that offers a secure fit for home or studio use. However, notable cons include a plasticky build quality that some users find flimsy, a lack of inline microphone or remote controls, and a long cable that can be cumbersome for outdoor commuting.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 202 II

Overall score

4.5

Show more

Hide

?

Popularity

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

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

Sound

5.0

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

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

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

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

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

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

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

Show more

Calls & Controls

2.8

Show more

Hide

Noise-canceling microphone

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

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

Importance: MEDIUM

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

N/A

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

Connectivity

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

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

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

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

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

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

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

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

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

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

Ambient sound mode

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

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

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

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

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

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

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

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

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

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

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

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

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

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

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

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

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

6.4

Show more

Hide

Brand name

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

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Sennheiser

Form factor

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

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

Importance: HIGH

over-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

Show more

Sennheiser HD 202 II vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser HD 202 II better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 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 HD 202 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser HD 202 II 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 HD 202 II includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
40.4% lower weight
Sennheiser HD 202 II is lighter than the average headphone (130 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 HD 202 II is lighter than the average headphone (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.130 g vs 218 g
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sennheiser HD 202 II offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 202 II offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 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 HD 202 II has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
2.57x cheaper
Sennheiser HD 202 II is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
Sennheiser HD 202 II is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
40.4% lower weight
Sennheiser HD 202 II is lighter than the average headphone (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sennheiser HD 202 II offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser HD 202 II includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Sennheiser HD 202 II worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
10 mm tighter earcup height
Sennheiser HD 202 II has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
1.5 higher clamp force
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
8 mm tighter earcup width
Sennheiser HD 202 II has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 202 II uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sennheiser HD 202 II does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser HD 202 II 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 %.
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser HD 202 II has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 202 II does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
7 years older release date
Sennheiser HD 202 II was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
May 2010
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 202 II 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 HD 202 II does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Sennheiser HD 202 II 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 HD 202 II has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
10 mm tighter earcup height
Sennheiser HD 202 II has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 202 II has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.50 mm vs 60 mm
1.5 higher clamp force
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Sennheiser HD 202 II has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.8 vs 4.3
8 mm tighter earcup width
Sennheiser HD 202 II has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 202 II has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (35 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.35 mm vs 43 mm
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser HD 202 II 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 HD 202 II has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Sennheiser HD 202 II 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 HD 202 II is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser HD 202 II 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 HD 202 II 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 %

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 202 II and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 202 II?

Exceptional value for money for budget-conscious buyers
Punchy, emphasized bass response that appeals to casual listeners
Good passive noise isolation due to the closed-back design
Lightweight and stable design, making them easy to wear for hours
Durable construction for a plastic frame, often surviving falls and heavy use
Replaceable synthetic leather ear cups extend the life of the product
Includes a 3m (10-foot) cable and a 6.3mm adapter, useful for home hi-fi or PC use

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 202 II?

The 10-foot long cable is cumbersome and annoying for mobile or outdoor use
Clamping force can feel too tight or painful on the ears for some users initially
Sound can become muddy or distorted at very low frequencies or high volumes
Lack of mobile-friendly features such as a microphone or inline remote controls
Ears can become hot or sweaty after approximately an hour of use
Treble response is sometimes described as rolled off or lacking detail
Fixed, non-detachable cable makes it difficult to replace if damaged

Expert reviews

earmass.wordpress.com

08/08/2013

Sennheiser HD202 ii: The Dirt Cheap Starters' headphone Would you like me to find reviews for the original HD 202 as well, or are you strictly looking...

The Earmass review highlights the Sennheiser HD202 ii as a highly capable, entry-level headphone that offers massive value for its budget-friendly $40 price tag. The reviewer praises its exceptional versatility, noting that it accommodates almost all music genres and pairs effortlessly with various sources, amps, and DACs without being picky. Its distinct sound signature is warm and...Read more

headphoneslab.com

01/04/2020

Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones Review

The Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional headphones are a budget-friendly, over-ear model designed primarily for home listeners and aspiring music producers seeking a neutral, well-balanced sound signature. Built entirely from plastic with stiff fake-leather padding that softens and becomes highly comfortable after a few days of use, these headphones feature a frequency range of 18 to...Read more

xander51.medium.com

22/12/2016

Sennheiser HD202-II Headphone Review: Solid Bass, Unremarkable Everything Else

The Sennheiser HD202-II is a $20, bass-focused headphone offering decent value through robust low-end, excellent passive noise isolation, and durable padding, according to the review on Medium. While praised for not sounding like "hot garbage" despite the budget price, it provides a fun, albeit unrefined, listening experience. Medium· However, the review highlights significant...Read more

audioappraisal.com

25/03/2014

Sennheiser HD202-II Review - Audio Appraisal

The Sennheiser HD202-II is a closed-back, supra-aural, dynamic hi-fi headphone positioned near the bottom of the brand's budget-oriented lineup. According to the Audio Appraisal Review, its primary pros include an exceptional, long-lasting build quality capable of enduring heavy daily abuse and drops, as well as firmly locking removable ear cups. The reviewer notes that the...Read more

cnet.com

04/12/2014

Sennheiser HD 202 II review: A comfortable over-ear headphone for audiophiles on a budget

The Sennheiser HD 202 II is an affordable pair of over-ear, closed-back headphones designed for listeners looking for quality audio on a strict budget. Retailing around $35 (and frequently found cheaper online), these headphones punch above their price point with impressive sound fidelity. Their closed-back structure is highly efficient at filtering out ambient noise while...Read more

rtings.com

03/06/2016

Sennheiser HD 202 II Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The RTINGS review of the Sennheiser HD 202 IIGo describes the budget, closed-back headphones as an average-at-best option, praising their lightweight, stable design and above-average sound quality with low audio leakage. However, significant drawbacks include a cheap, plasticky build, high discomfort during long-term use, and poor passive noise isolation. RTINGS.comAdditional cons...Read more

cnet.com

26/11/2016

Sennheiser's surprisingly decent, low-cost headphones These reviews from major tech sites like CNET and RTINGS.com provide detailed insights into the...

The CNET review highlights the Sennheiser HD 202 II as a standout budget-friendly option, delivering impressive, well-balanced sound with natural vocals for its low price point. Key pros include a lightweight, comfortable design and an unusually generous two-year warranty for this market segment. CNETConversely, the headphones feature an overly long, 10-foot cable that can be...Read more

head-fi.org

05/05/2010

Sennheiser HD 202 Headphones - Reviews - Head-Fi Would you like more details on specific aspects like technical specifications or how it compares to i...

The Sennheiser HD 202 headphonesGo offer a budget-friendly, closed-back design featuring a musical sound signature with smooth treble, according to Head-Fi user reviews. Users praise the lightweight, secure-fit construction and the headphones' capable pacing across various genres for an entry-level model. However, reviews highlight cons including an excessively long 10-foot cable...Read more

kopfhoerer.net

No date available

Sennheiser HD 202 II Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 202 II is a lightweight, all-black, on-ear headphone designed with a closed-back construction that offers excellent ambient noise isolation and a timelessly modern aesthetic. Weighing only 130 grams, it features an extremely flexible headband that adapts well to the shape of the head for a secure fit, accompanied by comfortable, replaceable leatherette ear pads...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

28/05/2013

Sennheiser HD 202 Review - Les Numériques

Review Overview The Sennheiser HD 202 is a lightweight, closed-back, circum-aural DJ headphone constructed almost entirely of black plastic, weighing 130 grams and featuring a 3-meter non-detachable cable with a handy cable spool. The review awards the device a low score of 2 out of 5 stars, noting that while it is well-built with a sober finish, its ergonomics are highly...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

18/03/2010

Review: Sennheiser HD201 and HD202 headphones, for home or DJs

The Les Numériques review outlines the Sennheiser HD 201 as a dedicated indoor, sedentary headphone designed specifically for home setups like desktop computers, televisions, or mini-hi-fi systems. Its chief pros include its tailored design for comfortable stationary listening and an affordable price point that accommodates casual home entertainment. On the downside, its major con...Read more

gouforit.com

13/01/2026

Sennheiser HD 202 II Review (Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones for Budget Buyers)

The Sennheiser HD 202 II is a budget-friendly pair of closed-back, on-ear headphones designed for music lovers who want solid audio quality and comfort without spending a fortune. Originally released in 2009, these headphones feature a relatively neutral sound signature with a frequency response of 18 – 18,000 Hz, an impedance of 32 ohms, and a notable emphasis on delivering deep,...Read more

tecnogeek.com

25/11/2008

Sennheiser HD-202 - Tecnogeek

The Sennheiser HD-202 is a budget-friendly, closed-back dynamic headphone model highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, making it especially suitable for electronic music due to its wide frequency response (18−18,000 Hz) and strong audio output. It features an adjustable headband, plush artificial leather ear pads, a very long 333-meter cable, and a 3.5 mm connector...Read more

cuffie-auricolari.it

21/02/2014

Sennheiser HD 202 Review - Headphones & Earphones

The Sennheiser HD 202 II is a versatile, closed, circumaural headphone model designed for music, movies, TV, and computer use. The review highlights several notable advantages, including powerful bass delivery that does not compromise mid-high frequencies, providing clean, high-definition sound quality. Structurally, the headphones are praised for being exceptionally lightweight...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Sennheiser HD 202 II with

Compare