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Sennheiser HD 205 II Review | 93 Data compared

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

Sennheiser HD 205 II review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

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%

4.4

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Good
4.4

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.1

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.2

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.9

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(2081)
amazon
4.7
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(2081)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(5)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 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

  • 1.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.5

    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

  • 4.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.5

    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

  • sennheiser-hd-205-ii
  • sennheiser-hd-205-ii
  • sennheiser-hd-205-ii
  • sennheiser-hd-205-ii
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sennheiser-hd-205-ii
sennheiser-hd-205-ii
sennheiser-hd-205-ii

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 205 II is a pair of closed-back, supra-aural (on-ear) dynamic headphones designed for entry-level DJing and home recording, featuring a 32 Ω impedance suitable for mobile devices and a frequency response of 14 Hz to 20,000 Hz. These headphones are characterized by a rotatable right ear cup for single-ear monitoring, a 112 dB sound pressure level, and a long 3-meter single-sided cable with a gold-plated 3.5 mm jack and 1/4" screw-on adapter. Main pros include excellent passive noise isolation, powerful bass response, and a rugged, lightweight build (206 g) that includes a protective storage pouch. However, notable cons include a tight initial headband clamping force that can be uncomfortable for some, a non-detachable cable that limits portability, and a midrange sound profile that critical listeners may find somewhat weak or lacking in detail.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 205 II

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.1

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.2

Calls & Controls

4.4
Sennheiser HD 205 II has a technical score of 4.42 points, which is lower than that of 76.4% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(2081)
amazon
4.7
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(2081)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(5)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.9
Sennheiser HD 205 II has a user score of 8.88 points, which is higher than that of 82.7% 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 HD 205 II 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%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
Sennheiser HD 205 II has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% 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 HD 205 II 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

40 mm
Sennheiser HD 205 II uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 HD 205 II 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

14 Hz
Sennheiser HD 205 II reaches a lowest frequency of 14 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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 HD 205 II 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

N/A
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 HD 205 II 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 HD 205 II 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 HD 205 II does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sennheiser
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

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

206 g
Sennheiser HD 205 II weighs 206 g, lighter than 53.2% 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

?
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Sennheiser HD 205 II vs the average headphone

  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 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 205 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser HD 205 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 205 II includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 4 Hz lower bass extension
    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    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

    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.14 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Sennheiser HD 205 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 205 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
  • Water resistance
    Sennheiser HD 205 II is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    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 HD 205 II is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Sennheiser HD 205 II is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
    Sennheiser HD 205 II is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
  • 11% higher user score
    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.88 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.88 vs 8.000).8.88 vs 8
  • 2.15x more popular
    Sennheiser HD 205 II 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 HD 205 II is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Sennheiser HD 205 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.
  • Water resistance
    Sennheiser HD 205 II is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 4 Hz lower bass extension
    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser HD 205 II includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser HD 205 II has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 205 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 %.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sennheiser HD 205 II is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser HD 205 II does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser HD 205 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 205 II does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser HD 205 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 205 II has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sennheiser HD 205 II 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 HD 205 II is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 205 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 205 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 %
Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 205 II and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
2081 Reviews
amazon
4.7
5 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
2081 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
5 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 205 II?

  • Excellent value for the price
  • Balanced sound quality with crisp highs and clear mid-range
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to tight seal
  • Rotatable right ear cup for single-ear DJ monitoring
  • Solid build quality and durable plastic construction
  • Includes a protective storage pouch and 6.3mm jack adapter
  • Long 3-meter single-sided cable prevents tangling

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 205 II?

  • Notoriously tight clamping force can cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Smaller earpad design may sit on the ears rather than over them for some users
  • Mid-range response can feel weak or recessed compared to high-end models
  • Non-detachable and non-replaceable cable
  • Bulky design that does not fold for compact storage
  • Hard plastic frame may creak after moderate use
  • Sound clarity can diminish at very high volumes

Expert reviews

D
djbooth.net
09/10/2006
Sennheiser HD205 Review - DJBooth

The Sennheiser HD205 DJ Headphones are praised by DJBooth as an exceptional, budget-friendly option retailing between $40 and $50 (and found on sale for $30). The review highlights top-notch, professional audio quality that rivals twice-as-expensive competitors, combined with outstanding passive ambient noise cancellation that handles extremely loud environments well. For comfort,...Read more

B
basschat.co.uk
14/01/2013
New headphones - Sennheiser HD205 II - A small review from Milton

In a Basschat forum review, the Sennheiser HD205 II headphones are praised for their robust build, featuring a single-sided cable and comfortable, cushioned ear cups. The user notes a "dignified" sound profile with clear mids and highs, superior to their previous headphones. However, the review highlights a significant lack of lower-end punch, which may disappoint, and describes the...Read more

C
cnet.com
15/03/2011
Sennheiser HD205 II DJ Style review - CNET

The Sennheiser HD 205 II DJ Headphones are a midsize, semienclosed circumaural pair designed as a budget-friendly option for entry-level DJs and everyday casual listening. Evaluated by CNET with an overall score of 6.3, their main strengths include exceptional, tight, and deep bass performance that remains well-balanced against the higher frequencies. Additionally, they provide...Read more

D
deejayforum.de
27/08/2008
Sennheiser HD-205 DJ Headphones: More for Beginners at a Low Price", "Sennheiser HD-205 DJ Headphones: Budget-Friendly Entry-Level Performance

The Sennheiser HD 205 is an entry-level DJ headphone designed for beginners looking for quality on a budget, originally retailing around €35 online to €50 in physical stores. The user review highlights its robust build quality, excellent ambient noise isolation comparable to the premium HD 25 model, and a comfortable, well-padded headband and ear pads. It features a single-sided...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
16/11/2016
Sennheiser HD205 Lab Test", "Sennheiser HD205 Review

The Sennheiser HD205 is an on-ear (supra-aural), closed-back wired headphone that earns a 3 out of 5-star technical rating from Labo Fnac. Its primary strength lies in its faithful audio fidelity, boasting an impressive frequency response score of 8.7 out of 10. Sound distortion performance is decent overall with a 5.5 score, proving highly reliable at higher frequencies like 200 Hz...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
30/10/2014
Review of the HD 205 II, the entry-level DJ headphones by Sennheiser

The Les Numériques review evaluates the Sennheiser HD 205 IIGo as an entry-level, budget-friendly DJ headphone that delivers a satisfactory audio experience but falls short on ergonomics. On the positive side, the review praises its correct sound rendering, featuring punchy, prominent bass that appeals to electronic music enthusiasts, and a well-reproduced midrange that allows...Read more

(Translated)Show original
D
djexpressions.net
06/08/2012
Sennheiser HD 205 Review | DJ Expressions.net

The DJ Expressions review highlights the Sennheiser HD 205 as durable, entry-level on-ear headphones featuring well-defined sound and a clever mechanical layout that minimizes failure points. While offering solid acoustic balance for the price, the headphones are limited by a rigid plastic chassis that may cause discomfort and lack the high-end audio impact found in premium...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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