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Sennheiser HD 218I Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£55
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 218I review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

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%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

4.9

User score

Poor
4.6

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%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
4.9

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%

6.4

User reviews

30.0%

1.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(5)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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

  • 1.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    8.3

    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

  • 5.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.3

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sennheiser-hd-218i
  • sennheiser-hd-218i
  • sennheiser-hd-218i
sennheiser-hd-218i
sennheiser-hd-218i
sennheiser-hd-218i

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 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.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 218I

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%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

5.1

Calls & Controls

4.6
Sennheiser HD 218I has a technical score of 4.61 points, which is lower than that of 65.8% 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%

6.4

User reviews

30.0%

1.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(5)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

4.9
Sennheiser HD 218I has a user score of 4.92 points, which is lower than that of 98.9% 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.
1.5
Sennheiser HD 218I has a popularity of 1.5 points, which is lower than 69.9% 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%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.3
Sennheiser HD 218I has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 70.8% 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 218I 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 218I 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 218I 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

19 Hz
Sennheiser HD 218I reaches a lowest frequency of 19 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.2% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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 HD 218I 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 HD 218I 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 HD 218I 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

yes
Sennheiser HD 218I includes a boom microphone. 84.5% 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 HD 218I 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 218I 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 218I 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

on-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

92 g
Sennheiser HD 218I weighs 92 g, lighter than 78.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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

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Show more

Sennheiser HD 218I vs the average headphone

  • 57.8% lower weight
    Sennheiser HD 218I is lighter than the average headphone (92 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 218I is lighter than the average headphone (92 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.92 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser HD 218I 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 218I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 218I has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 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 218I has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (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
    Sennheiser HD 218I 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 HD 218I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Sennheiser HD 218I includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have 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

    Sennheiser HD 218I includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 57.8% lower weight
    Sennheiser HD 218I is lighter than the average headphone (92 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 218I has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser HD 218I 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 HD 218I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Sennheiser HD 218I includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser HD 218I has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Sennheiser HD 218I does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 218I 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 %.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser HD 218I does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 years older release date
    Sennheiser HD 218I was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    July 2011
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser HD 218I 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 218I does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser HD 218I 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 218I has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 62.6% lower user score
    Sennheiser HD 218I has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.92 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 218I has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.92 vs 8.000).4.92 vs 8
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 218I 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 218I 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 HD 218I 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 HD 218I does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6 years older release date
    Sennheiser HD 218I was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    July 2011
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Sennheiser HD 218I was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
  • 7.4% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 218I has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.27 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Sennheiser HD 218I has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.27 vs 6.736).6.27 vs 6.74
  • 3.17x less popular
    Sennheiser HD 218I is less popular than the average headphone (1.46 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 218I is less popular than the average headphone (1.46 vs 4.646).1.46 vs 4.65
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 218I and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
5 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
5 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
21/07/2011
Sennheiser HD 218i review - CNET

The Sennheiser HD 218i is a semi-collapsible, closed-back portable headset specifically designed to deliver high-quality bass response and "hi-fi" performance for iPhone users. The reviewer was highly impressed by its rich, well-balanced sound profile, noting that it produces surprisingly deep and articulate bass rather than muddy tones, alongside detailed high frequencies for...Read more

A
areadvd.de
24/06/2010
Sennheiser HD 218 - High Fun Factor at an Entry-Level Price?", "Sennheiser HD 218 - Great Fun for an Entry-Level Price?

The Sennheiser HD 218 is an entry-level, closed-back headphone designed for portability and high energy, retailing for under 50 Euros. Weighing just over 100g, it features an on-ear design with a 1.4m cable and a 90-degree swiveling joint for easier transport. While the build is primarily plastic, the review highlights its clean workmanship and high level of comfort for long...Read more

(Translated)Show original
Y
yumpu.com
16/01/2015
SUONO No. 489 - Buyer's Guide: Sennheiser HD 218i

This overview summarizes the SUONO n° 489 review of the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones, evaluating its performance as a top-tier open-back dynamic headphone model. The Sennheiser HD 800 review highlights an outstanding audio performance defined by an exceptionally natural sound and highly detailed acoustic reproduction. A standout strength is its unprecedented, brilliant soundstage...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
archive.org
Maggio 2011
PC Professionale 242 - Accessories: Sennheiser HD 218i Headphones

from the text, please let me know which specific product you are interested in: Laptops & Systems: Sony Vaio SB (Ultraportable), Asus ET2400IGTS (All-in-One), Sony Vaio VPCL21S1E (All-in-One), or the Kraun Nettop (AMD Brazos platform). Software & Apps: Internet Explorer 9, GarageBand for iPad, Vectorworks Architect 2011, or Oracle VM VirtualBox 4.0. Peripherals: Panasonic Lumix GF2...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
02-2021
Thorough and independent Sennheiser HD reviews - Tweakers

This page compiles 37 user reviews from the Dutch tech platform Tweakers, focusing on various models within the Sennheiser HD headphone lineup. The models reviewed span across different categories and price tiers, ranging from entry-level, budget options like the HD 201 and HD 202 II to premium audiophile and studio equipment like the HD 560s, HD 598, HD 650, and HD 490 PRO. Review...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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