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Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£300
Avg. price in US: ~$430
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Good

4.2

Poor

9.3

Exceptional

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
1.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.2
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
3.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.2
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is an open-back, dynamic studio headphone designed for professional mixing and mastering, featuring 38mm neodymium drivers that deliver a wide 5 Hz – 36.1 kHz frequency response and a high 128 dB maximum sound pressure level. Weighing just 260g, its ergonomic design includes a patented metal headband with a 'comfort zone' to reduce pressure points and dual-sided mini-XLR cable connection for setup flexibility. Its most distinctive characteristic is the inclusion of two sets of switchable, washable ear pads (velour 'Producing' and fabric 'Mixing') that provide distinct sound signatures to suit different creative stages. Main pros include its exceptional lightweight comfort, accurate imaging, and easy drivability due to a 130-ohm impedance and 105 dB SPL sensitivity. However, some users note the pad-switching process can be fiddly, and the open-back design provides virtually no noise isolation, making it unsuitable for loud environments.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

Overall score

5.2

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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.

Sound

4.4

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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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

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

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

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

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

6.8

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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

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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Features

2.7

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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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Design

6.8

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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

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

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

open-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 490 Pro vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser HD 490 Pro better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Spatial audio support
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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 490 Pro has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro 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 490 Pro includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
16,100 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (36,100 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 490 Pro has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (36,100 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.36100 Hz vs 20000 Hz
2 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
source range 2-2.5 N.
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
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.3 vs 4.3
Open-back design
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro 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 490 Pro 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
2 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro 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.
Open-back design
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Spatial audio support
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
16,100 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (36,100 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
18 dB higher max SPL
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
7 years newer release date
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.

Why is Sennheiser HD 490 Pro worse than the average headphone?

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19.3% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is heavier than the average headphone (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro 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 490 Pro does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
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
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.38 mm vs 40 mm
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 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 490 Pro has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
19.3% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is heavier than the average headphone (260 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 490 Pro is heavier than the average headphone (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.260 g vs 218 g
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro 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 490 Pro has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
3.33x more expensive
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is more expensive than the average headphone (£300 vs £90).
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is more expensive than the average headphone (£300 vs £90).£300 vs £90
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?

Exceptional comfort suitable for long mixing and listening sessions due to lightweight design and light clamp force
Dual-pad system (Mixing and Producing pads) allows users to switch between a neutral, analytical sound and a warmer, bass-forward profile
Improved sub-bass extension compared to older open-back models like the HD 650
Excellent stereo imaging and accuracy, making them highly effective for professional audio production and gaming
Smart design features such as a detachable cable that can be plugged into either earcup and washable earpads
Easy to drive directly from laptops or mobile devices without needing a high-powered external amplifier

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?

High price point compared to models with similar performance levels like the Sennheiser HD 560S
Open-back design results in high sound leakage and zero isolation from environmental noise
Some users report a 'grainy' or 'scratchy' treble response that can be fatiguing at times
Mixing pads can feel scratchy against the skin, and some users with larger ears find them too shallow
Wired-only connection with no built-in microphone for communication during gaming
Small frequency dip at 15,000 Hz and potential 'overhyped' high-end that may require EQ for perfect neutrality

Expert reviews

audiotechnology.com

01/05/2024

Review: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

The AudioTechnology review positions the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro as a gimmick-free, open-back headphone for professionals, highlighting exceptional comfort and standout, revealing stereo imaging that aids in spatial tracking. Key features include dual-layered velour Production pads, which provide a less fatiguing, warmer, and more natural low-end, along with Mixing pads designed for...Read more

postperspective.com

28/03/2024

Review: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. are an excellent, psychotically accurate tools for professional audio mixing and production, offering a neutral and unhyped sonic profile. According to reviewer Luke Harper on postPerspective, these open-back headphones successfully avoid the common pitfalls of poor translation, delivering an honest sound...Read more

headphoneer.com

11/09/2025

SENNHEISER HD 490 PRO vs HD 600 Comparison Review Are you looking for professional studio/mixing impressions or more general audiophile listening opin...

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is a modern, studio-grade headphone that functions as a technical upgrade over the legendary Sennheiser HD 600 while keeping a similar natural, midrange-focused tonality. On the plus side, the HD 490 Pro delivers significantly better bass extension, superior detail, clearer instrument separation, and a wider soundstage. It is also highly versatile,...Read more

headphone.ph

02/10/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus Review - Headphone.ph

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus is a $400 ($42,990 PHP) open-back, dynamic-driver studio headphone praised for its tailored audio accuracy and clever design elements. Key pros highlighted in the review include its highly accurate, neutral sound profile that closely adheres to the Harman Target curve, making it ideal for professional mixing and audio production. The review highly...Read more

tapeop.com

01/06/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus Review Would you like a summary of how this model compares to the HD 600 or HD 650?

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus open-back studio headphones provide exceptional dynamic accuracy and a flat frequency response below 1 kHz, making them an excellent tool for professional mixing and audio production. During testing, the headphones delivered highly reliable translation, allowing mix adjustments to sound vibrant and correct across multiple listening systems—even...Read more

techpowerup.com

21/11/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Headphones Review

The TechPowerUp review hails the Sennheiser HD 490 PROGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. as an exceptional open-back, over-ear headphone tailored for professional mixing and mastering, featuring lightweight ergonomics (260g) and two distinct, swappable ear pads (Mixing and Producing) for varied sound profiles. Pros include high-comfort design, a detachable, non-microphonic...Read more

sonicscoop.com

02/06/2024

New Gear Review: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus - SonicScoop

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus open-back studio headphones are evaluated by SonicScoop as an excellent, highly precise tool for modern music production that unseats predecessors like the HD 600 line. A primary pro is the significantly extended, better-defined sub-bass response below 100Hz, fixing a historical low-end weakness in Sennheiser open-backs. The headphones are remarkably...Read more

soundgale.com

06/12/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (Plus) Review - Studio Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (and its extended Plus version) are open-back, dynamic over-ear headphones tailored for professional studio production, mixing, and mastering. They feature a durable German design, weigh a light 260 grams, and offer "all-day comfort" with a well-balanced headband and grooved ear pads that accommodate eyeglasses. In terms of audio performance, the headphones...Read more

bhphotovideo.com

23/01/2024

Hands-On Review: Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones are highlighted as a lightweight, flexible, and comfortable tool designed for professional music production and mixing. Key design advantages include 180-degree swiveling earcups, targeted headband padding, and an open-mesh grille that enhances ventilation. Additionally, the headphones include two distinct, swappable sets of earpads tailored for...Read more

unheardlab.com

10/10/2025

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro review: a flexible but imperfect solution

Overview of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro ($399 USD) is a well-built, highly lightweight (261 grams) open-back studio headphone praised for its long-session comfort and low distortion. Its defining feature is a dual-pad system featuring velour "Producer pads" and fabric "Mixing pads" designed to offer distinct sound profiles. The Producer pads provide a warm...Read more

soundonsound.com

15/04/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is highly praised in the Sound On Sound review as an innovative, comfortable, and aggressively priced open-backed headphone designed specifically for studio applications. A major standout feature is its inclusion of two distinct, machine-washable earpads: the velour "Producing" pads, which provide a warmer 4dB low-frequency shelf boost, and the cloth...Read more

rtings.com

29/03/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are wired open-back headphones designed for professional studio, mixing, and production, offering a highly accurate, neutral sound profile and exceptional frequency response consistency. Pros include an incredibly comfortable, lightweight design suitable for long sessions, along with two distinct, swappable sets of earpads ("Producer" and "Mixing") that...Read more

faz.net

02/04/2026

The Best Wired Headphones | Review 04/2026 - FAZ

The F. A. Z. Kaufkompass review evaluates 96 wired headphones, categorizing them into stationary models for home use and closed-back options for mobile use. For home audio, the open-back Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus is crowned the overall winner due to its natural, highly spacious sound stage and a generous accessory kit that includes two different pairs of ear pads for mixing or...Read more

kopfbox.de

14/02/2025

Sennheiser HD490 Pro | Review - Kopfbox.de

Review Summary The Sennheiser HD490 Pro is an open-back, dynamic over-ear headphone designed primarily for studio professionals, though it possesses a balanced sonic character that strongly appeals to audiophiles and gamers. It features an innovative dual-tuning system through two interchangeable earpads: the velvet "Producing" pads deliver a deep sub-bass response with relaxed,...Read more

proaudio.de

26/03/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO - proaudio.de

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is an open-back, over-ear studio headphone designed explicitly for professional audio engineers, representing the flagship model in Sennheiser's dedicated pro line. Weighing 260 grams, it features 38mm dynamic transducers paired with a specialized "Low Frequency Cylinder" to deliver a highly accurate bass response without artifacts. Reviewer Peter Kaminski...Read more

delamar.de

21/03/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus Review - Studio Headphones - Delamar

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is an open-back, over-ear studio headphone designed for music producers and mixing engineers, retailing at an RRP of €479.00. Weighing a lightweight 260 grams, it features dynamic drivers with neodynium magnets, an impedance of 130 ohms, and a broad frequency response of 5 to 36,000 Hz. In testing, the headphones delivered a highly detailed, neutral,...Read more

bonedo.de

14/02/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus Review - Bonedo

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus is an open-back, over-ear dynamic studio headphone tailored for professional mixing, mastering, editing, and producing. Handcrafted in Romania, it features 38mm drivers with a 130-ohm impedance and stands out for its unique dual-sonic profile achieved via two distinct sets of washable ear pads: velour pads designed for producing and a fabric variant...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

31/01/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus review at kopfhoerer.de

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is an open-back, dynamic over-ear studio headphone priced at €479. It weighs 260 grams and features 38mm drivers with neodymium magnets. It includes a Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE virtual mixing software license. The Plus bundle adds a 3-meter cable, a hard case, and an extra headband pad. Its main pros are a linear, highly detailed soundstage and...Read more

hellotech.media

12/06/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO: A New Studio Reference?", "Sennheiser HD 490 PRO: The New Studio Benchmark?

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is an open-back studio headphone designed specifically for mixing, mastering, and audio production. Weighing just 260 grams, it features an ergonomic steel headband and 180-degree rotating earcups that make it highly comfortable for long sessions. Its proprietary 38mm dynamic transducers deliver a remarkable frequency response range of 5 Hz to 36 kHz,...Read more

fr.audiofanzine.com

19/03/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus Headphones Review - Audiofanzine

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is an open-back, circumaural studio monitoring headphone featuring 38 mm dynamic transducers and a 130-ohm impedance. Designed to progressively replace the legendary HD600 series, this robustly constructed European model blends solid plastic and metal, featuring 180-degree rotating earcups and an innovative anti-vibration mini-spiral cable design. A...Read more

baffledjs.com

07/05/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones first impressions", "Sennheiser HD 490 PRO first impressions review

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is an open-back, circumaural headphone designed specifically for professional music production, mixing, and mastering at a competitive price of around €380. A standout feature is the inclusion of two distinct, washable sets of ear pads that alter the frequency response: velvet production pads that deliver a warmer sound to combat ear fatigue, and fabric...Read more

unheardlab.com

10/10/2025

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review: A Flexible but Imperfect Solution

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is an open-back studio headphone priced at $399 USD / $749 AUD that features a unique dual-earpad system designed for workflow flexibility. It includes velour "Producer pads" that provide a warm, bass-elevated tuning mimicking consumer playback systems, making it highly enjoyable for media consumption, gaming, and casual listening. Alternatively, the fabric...Read more

misauriculares.com

16/10/2025

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review - misauriculares.com

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is an exceptionally lightweight (260g), open-back dynamic headphone celebrated for its elite ergonomic comfort and robust, silent construction. A standout design feature is its interchangeable single-sided cable connection, which allows users to plug the cable into either the left or right ear cup depending on their desktop setup. The headphone includes two...Read more

passionestrumenti.it

19/03/2024

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Review - Passione Strumenti

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is a lightweight, 260-gram open-back studio headphone designed specifically for mixing and mastering tasks. Featuring 38mm neodymium drivers and a specialized low-frequency cylinder system, it delivers a neutral, open, and highly transparent sound with clean transients and precise stereo imaging. The review highlights exceptional, long-term wearing comfort...Read more

interface.nl

09/07/2026

Interface.nl review: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus", "Interface.nl test: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus

The Interface.nl review of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro PlusGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. highlights it as a premium studio headphone specifically engineered for music producers rather than traditional audiophiles or hifi enthusiasts. Priced at €479, the review praises the headset for offering an impressive balance of analytical precision and uncolored transparency. Pros...Read more

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