Sennheiser HD 229 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£60
  • Avg. price in US: ~$80
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 229 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.7

Technical Score

20.0%

8.5

User score

Good
4.7

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.5

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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(734)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(734)

(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

  • 1.8
    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

  • 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

  • 3.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.3

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

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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 229 is a portable, wired on-ear headphone designed with a closed-back configuration to provide passive noise isolation. It features a frequency response of 18 Hz to 22,000 Hz, a low impedance of 16 Ohms for easy driving by mobile devices, and a sound pressure level of 110 dB. Its main characteristics include powerful neodymium magnets for stereo sound and extra soft earpads for a secure fit. Key pros include its lightweight, highly portable design and a detailed top-end sound that remains crisp without harshness. However, cons include a reported lack of deep sub-bass impact, moderate noise isolation compared to over-ear models, and potential long-term durability issues with the plastic and pads on the white variant.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 229

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%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

4.7
Sennheiser HD 229 has a technical score of 4.75 points, which is lower than that of 57.7% 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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(734)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(734)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.5
Sennheiser HD 229 has a user score of 8.46 points, which is higher than that of 71.3% 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 229 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.8
Sennheiser HD 229 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 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 229 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

18 Hz
Sennheiser HD 229 reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
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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 229 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

0
Sennheiser HD 229 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% 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

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
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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 229 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
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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 229 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sennheiser HD 229 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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
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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 229 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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Sennheiser HD 229 vs the average headphone

  • 57.8% lower weight
    Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 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 229 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 229 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 229 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 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 229 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser HD 229 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sennheiser HD 229 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 2.15x more popular
    Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 57.8% lower weight
    Sennheiser HD 229 is lighter than the average headphone (92 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 229 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser HD 229 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser HD 229 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser HD 229 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 3 mm tighter earcup width
    Sennheiser HD 229 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser HD 229 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sennheiser HD 229 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    March 2012
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 229 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 229 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 %
  • 3 mm tighter earcup width
    Sennheiser HD 229 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 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 229 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.40 mm vs 43 mm
  • 5 years older release date
    Sennheiser HD 229 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    March 2012
    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 229 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 229 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 229?

  • Very lightweight 92 g design that is easy to wear and carry all day.
  • Clear, detailed treble gives vocals and lighter instruments good presence.
  • Strong value for money for casual everyday listening.
  • Modern, youthful styling that stands out more than many plain budget headphones.
  • Comfortable fit with relatively light pressure on the ears.
  • Thin cable is surprisingly durable for such a lightweight model.
  • Reasonable passive isolation for portable use.

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 229?

  • Bass is weaker than the Deep Bass Kick marketing suggests.
  • Maximum volume can feel limited with some tablets and lower-powered devices.
  • Passive noise isolation is only average in louder environments.
  • White finish can pick up dirt quickly and may yellow over time.
  • Fit often needs readjustment to stay just right on the ears.
  • Plastic-heavy build and lack of remote or mic reduce the sense of refinement.

Expert reviews

Y
yugatech.com
18/06/2012

The review evaluated the Sennheiser HD 229 (erroneously titled HD 299 in the header), a lightweight, 92-gram closed-back on-ear headphone marketed for its hip colors and "Deep Bass Kick". The reviewer noted that the device requires a few hours of burn-in to optimize, after which it delivers a surprisingly balanced sound signature where the bass is deep but not overpowering, mids are...Read more

R
rexbass.com
13/05/2014

The Sennheiser HD 229Go review highlights a lightweight and highly comfortable portable audio solution that offers a great compromise for travel and gym use. Key pros include an ultra-lightweight frame with a padded headband and swiveling ear cups that prevent discomfort during hours of continuous use. Performance-wise, they feature a low impedance of 16 Ω, making them loud enough...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
13/01/2012

The Sennheiser HD 229Go serves as a colorful, loud-looking cosmetic update to the classic HD 228 model, delivering impressive, detailed, and balanced sound that avoids harshness for a sub-£100 set. While the sound quality outclasses many fashion-focused, bass-heavy competitors in this price bracket, the headphones lack the significant low-end punch promised by marketing. Key...Read more

G
gamezoom.net
16/12/2014

The Sennheiser HD 229 is a lightweight, closed-back on-ear stereo headphone designed primarily for mobile use with smartphones, MP3 players, and laptops. Released at a budget-friendly price point under 50 Euros, it features a durable all-plastic construction weighing only 150 grams, with visual variants available in white/orange and black/rot. Driven by 40mm neodymium magnets, it...Read more

C
computerbild.de
02/11/2014

This review outlines the Sennheiser HD 229, a highly affordable and remarkably lightweight on-ear headphone option priced at roughly €50. Weighing a mere 92 grams, this model breaks the stereotype that budget headphones deliver poor audio performance. The testing highlights an exceptionally natural, distortion-free sound signature with only minimal sibilance on "S" sounds, placing...Read more

D
dailymotion.com
12/01/2014

The Sennheiser HD 229 is a lightweight, closed-back, on-ear headphone model engineered specifically to deliver an impactful audio experience for everyday users on the move. A major highlight of this model is its sound engineering, featuring powerful neodymium magnets that produce a warm sound profile characterized by thick, massive bass response. Designed primarily for portability,...Read more

0
01net.com
08/12/2011

The Sennheiser HD 229 is an ultra-lightweight, supra-aural headphone weighing just 92 grams, designed with a striking "youthful" white and orange plastic aesthetic. On the positive side, its featherweight design ensures it remains virtually unnoticeable and comfortable when worn, and its soft, washable leatherette earpads provide decent passive isolation without fully isolating the...Read more

0
01net.com
10/04/2012

The 01net review of the Sennheiser HD 229 highlights its lightweight, supra-aural design weighing just 92 grams, though it notes that the overall build quality feels a bit fragile and lacks a secure, firm grip on the head. On the technical side, the headphones feature a non-detachable 1.43-meter cable with a standard 3.5 mm jack, but they completely lack advanced features such as...Read more

A
audioreview.it
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This interactive review database provides a comprehensive catalog of audio and video equipment tested across the historical publications of AudioReview and AudioGallery magazines. It acts as a searchable index designed to help users quickly filter through decades of technical assessments by brand, product model, device category (such as streamers, turntables, or column speakers),...Read more

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