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Sennheiser HD 471 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser HD 471 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 471
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

▼Worse than 60% of headphones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 59%
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 60%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.4

Number of reviews

▼Worse than 80%
  • sennheiser-hd-471
sennheiser-hd-471
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 471

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

5.7
User score
User score
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.4

Number of reviews

7.2
Popularity
Popularity
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser HD 471 has a popularity score of 6.4 points, which is higher than that of 56.3% of products in this category.
6.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.2
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
?
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
16 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 16 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 54.1% of headphones and equal to 4.2% 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
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
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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.
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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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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
over-ear
Weight
198 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 198 g, lighter than 56.4% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sennheiser HD 471 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 12 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    114 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.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 11 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 12 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 11 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    55 mm vs 60 mm
  • 10.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser HD 471
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 471 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.25 vs 8).
    7.25 vs 8
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • 10.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser HD 471
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 471 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.25 vs 8).
    7.25 vs 8
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    55 mm vs 60 mm
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

9.0
InnerFidelity
≈ estimated
27/08/2017
Hands-on review · measurements and price-range comparisons
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 471 is a solid, accurate headphone for beginners in audio production, at a low price.
7.0
Elite Sim
≈ estimated
28/02/2016
Hands-on review · comfort, isolation and sound tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 471 is comfortable with impressive sound, but the creator finds them too expensive for what they offer.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

stereophile.com
27/08/2017
Hands-on test · Sealed over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 471i is a well-built, light first pair of real headphones for creators, though some may find the clamp firm.
medium.com
05/01/2018
Hands-on review · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 471 is a light, relaxed pair that grows on you for hours of listening, but its rolled-off treble and modest bass won't wow most people.
digit.in
01/08/2023
Hands-on review · Budget wired headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 471i is a warm, comfortable, light pair with handy inline controls, but its flat, distortion-prone sound and plain build hold it back.
lowbeats.de
31/12/2015
Listening test · Budget headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 471 is a light, well-made budget workhorse, but its tired, lifeless sound limits it to a few listeners.
techtest.org
30/07/2016
Hands-on test · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 471 is light and roomy-sounding with a comfy fit, but its hollow bass and mid-heavy tone suit relaxed music more than rock or pop.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 471

  • Lightweight and extremely comfortable for long-term wear
  • Balanced, neutral sound signature ideal for classical and vocal music
  • Accurate soundstage and imaging for a closed-back design
  • Comes with two detachable cables (short mobile and 3m home cable)
  • Effective passive noise isolation for typical environments
  • Low total harmonic distortion (THD) providing a clean audio output

What customers don't like about Sennheiser HD 471

  • Bass extension is present but lacks the 'oomph' or impact for modern genres like EDM or Hip-Hop
  • Surprisingly difficult to drive to high volumes without an external amplifier
  • The mobile cable is reported to be thin, springy, and prone to tangling
  • Build feels entirely plastic and somewhat 'cheap' in hand
  • The adjustment sliders have a muddy, imprecise feel rather than a sharp click
  • Proprietary cable connector makes third-party replacements difficult to find

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 471 is a lightweight, closed-back over-ear headphone designed for a balanced, audiophile-grade listening experience on mobile and home devices. It features a frequency response of 16 Hz to 24,000 Hz, a low 32-ohm impedance for easy driving, and a high sound pressure level of 114 dB, all powered by neodymium magnets for detailed sound reproduction with ultra-low total harmonic distortion (<0.1%). Main pros include its extremely comfortable 198g ergonomic design, excellent passive noise isolation, and a versatile package that includes detachable cables for both iOS/Android and home audio (3m cable plus 6.3mm adapter). However, some users note cons such as a slightly rolled-off treble that lacks sparkle, a weak bass response for modern tastes, and a primarily plastic build with adjustment sliders that can feel loose or imprecise.

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