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Sennheiser HD 218I Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser HD 218I Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sennheiser HD 218I
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

5.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 82% of headphones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 62%
5.3

User score

User score
5.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

2.8

Number of reviews

â–¼Worse than 99%
  • sennheiser-hd-218i
  • sennheiser-hd-218i
sennheiser-hd-218i
sennheiser-hd-218i
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sennheiser HD 218I

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

5.7
User score
User score
5.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

2.8

Number of reviews

5.3
Popularity
Popularity
2.8/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser HD 218I has a popularity score of 2.8 points, which is lower than that of 70.2% of products in this category.
2.8
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.9
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
19 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 19 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.5% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
92 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 92 g, lighter than 78.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sennheiser HD 218I vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 57.8% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (92 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    92 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 57.8% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (92 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    92 g vs 218 g
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 50.1% lower user score
    User score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser HD 218I
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 218I has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.33 vs 8).
    5.33 vs 8
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 4.9% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 218I has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.93 vs 7.3).
    6.93 vs 7.27
  • 2.07x less popular
    Sennheiser HD 218I is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.84 vs 5.9).
    2.84 vs 5.87
  • 50.1% lower user score
    User score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser HD 218I
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 218I has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.33 vs 8).
    5.33 vs 8
  • 4.9% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 218I has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.93 vs 7.3).
    6.93 vs 7.27
  • 2.07x less popular
    Sennheiser HD 218I is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.84 vs 5.9).
    2.84 vs 5.87
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    July 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
TechknowledgeTV
≈ estimated
23/12/2011
Unboxing and review · comfort, bass and everyday use
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 218I is comfortable, bassy on-ear headphones that feel like good value for the price.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
21/07/2011
Hands-on review · iPhone headset
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 218i gives surprisingly rich, deep bass for a portable closed headset, but its remote works fully only with iPhones.
rexbass.com
01/02/2016
Long-term review · Travel headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 218i is a light, comfortable travel pair for flights and the gym, with a good cable remote for Apple devices but weaker bass.
T
tweakers.net
02-2021
Summary of the review
Thorough and independent Sennheiser HD reviews - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 218I

  • Punchy and articulate bass response that exceeds expectations for its size
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions
  • Good passive noise isolation for an on-ear headset due to its closed-back design
  • Convenient portable features including rotating ear cups that lay flat for storage
  • Integrated inline remote and microphone optimized for Apple devices (iPhone/iPod)
  • Clean and well-balanced sound profile with clear vocals and detailed midrange

What customers don't like about Sennheiser HD 218I

  • Limited compatibility; the inline remote and mic are specifically designed for iPhone and may not work with other devices
  • Higher price point compared to the standard HD 218 model just for the mic/remote addition
  • Build quality feels somewhat plasticky, particularly around the rotating hinges
  • High frequencies can feel slightly recessed, notably with cymbals lacking some sparkle
  • May experience slight sound distortion when used at very high volume levels
  • Does not include a carrying case or travel bag in the standard package

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 218i is a wired, on-ear closed-back headphone designed primarily for portable use with Apple devices. It features dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets, delivering a frequency response of 19–21,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 108 dB, and a low impedance of 24 to 32 ohms for easy driving by mobile sources. Key characteristics include an integrated three-button in-line remote and microphone for call and music control, as well as a fold-flat design for enhanced portability. Its main pros are its lightweight 92g build, comfortable leatherette padding, and surprisingly rich, bass-driven hi-fi sound for its entry-level class. However, notable cons include full remote and mic functionality being restricted to iOS devices, a non-detachable cable, and a plastic-heavy construction that may feel less durable over time.

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