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Sennheiser HD 515 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$110
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 515 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Poor

3.2

Poor

5.9

Good

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
1.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.3
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
3.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.3
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

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 515 is an open-back, circumaural audiophile headphone featuring Sennheiser's E.A.R. (Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology and advanced Duofol diaphragms to reduce resonances. Key technical specifications include a frequency response of 14 Hz to 26,000 Hz, a nominal impedance of 120 ohms (or 50 ohms in some variants), and a sound pressure level of 104 dB. The main characteristics include a lightweight design weighing approximately 255g, a single-sided 3-metre oxygen-free copper cable, and field-strengthened neodymium ferrous magnets for enhanced dynamics. Primary pros are its exceptional wearing comfort provided by plush velour ear pads, a wide and immersive soundstage ideal for movies and gaming, and high modularity with easily replaceable parts. However, its main cons include a lack of deep bass compared to higher-end models, a bright sound signature that can be fatiguing on underpowered mobile devices, and significant sound leakage due to the open-back design.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 515

Overall score

3.7

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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

3.0

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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

2.9

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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

6.9

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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 515 vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser HD 515 better than the average headphone?

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6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 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
29 mm more spacious earcup width
Sennheiser HD 515 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (72 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 515 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (72 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.72 mm vs 43 mm
6,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 515 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 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 515 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.26000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
4 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 515 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 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 515 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.14 Hz vs 18 Hz
6 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 515 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (66 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD 515 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (66 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.66 mm vs 60 mm
Open-back design
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 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 515 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 515 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
0.8 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD 515 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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 515 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.5 vs 4.3
29 mm more spacious earcup width
Sennheiser HD 515 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (72 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
6 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 515 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (66 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.8 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD 515 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 515 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
6,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 515 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
4 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 515 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.

Why is Sennheiser HD 515 worse than the average headphone?

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17% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 515 is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser HD 515 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 515 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
13 years older release date
Sennheiser HD 515 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,004 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
June 2004
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 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 515 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 515 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 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
17% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 515 is heavier than the average headphone (255 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 515 is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.255 g vs 218 g
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
35.3% lower user score
Sennheiser HD 515 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.91 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 515 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.91 vs 8.000).5.91 vs 8
19.8% worse value for money
Sennheiser HD 515 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.62 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 515 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.62 vs 6.736).5.62 vs 6.74
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 515 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 515 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 515 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 515?

Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions due to large, padded velour earcups
Great value for money as an entry-level audiophile or high-quality budget option
Durable build with a long, detachable 10-foot cable that is easy to replace
Strong performance for casual gaming and atmospheric movies
Clear midrange and tight bass, making them suitable for string-heavy classical music

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 515?

Sound can feel 'veiled' with recessed highs and a lack of upper-register detail
Open-back design results in significant sound leakage, making them unsuitable for private or noisy environments
Small soundstage compared to higher-end models in the Sennheiser lineup
Prone to making ears feel hot during prolonged use
Difficult for portable devices like MP3 players to drive properly without an amp

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

05/05/2010

Sennheiser HD 515 Headphones - Head-Fi

The Sennheiser HD 515, as detailed in Head-Fi reviews, are described as a comfortable, entry-level, open-back, audiophile headphone with excellent mid-range clarity and a polite sound signature. The primary strengths include an incredibly comfortable, lightweight build with large, soft earcups, and an impressive natural timbre in the mid-bass for its price point, which is great for...Read more

plughitzlive.com

27/03/2011

Sennheiser's HD 515 Headphone Really is Headphone of the Month Are there any specific performance details or technical specifications for the HD 515 y...

The review from PLUGHITZ Live highlights the Sennheiser HD 515Go as a remarkable entry-level audiophile headset within the 500 series, offering high-end features at an aggressive price point. The primary pros center on exceptional long-term comfort and advanced audio engineering. The reviewer praises the patented Open-Aire full-cup design and a memory foam-like headband cushion that...Read more

cnet.com

22/06/2004

Sennheiser HD515 Dynamic Stereo Sound Audiophile Headphones review

The Sennheiser HD 515 headphones offer first-rate wearability thanks to a lightweight 9-ounce build, exceptionally large cushions, and a deeply padded headband. Priced at $109, this open-backed model includes a nine-foot cable terminating in a 1/4-inch plug and a 1/8-inch adapter. Reviewer Steve Guttenberg noted that the headphones excel at rendering immersive, atmospheric audio,...Read more

hifitest.de

N/A

Review - Sennheiser HD 515 Hi-Fi Headphones Technical Specifications

The Sennheiser HD 515 is an open, dynamic, over-ear headphone designed for home high-fidelity audio use. This model features a lightweight body weighing 255 grams without the cable and exerts a gentle headband contact force of 3.5 N for user comfort. It comes equipped with a long, detachable 3-metre copper cable that connects on one side and terminates in a 6.3 mm stereo plug,...Read more

tforumhifi.com

02/12/2012

Listening impressions: ms1i, hf2, senn hd515 - T-Forum

This T-Forum HiFi review by user Dexterdm provides a comparative listening evaluation of the Grado HF2, Alessandro MS1i (outfitted with bowl pads), and Sennheiser HD515 headphones. Tested using a PC setup running foobar2000 through a Musical Fidelity V-DAC II and a Little Dot I+ tube amplifier, the review heavily pans the Sennheiser HD515. The Sennheiser HD515 is criticized for a...Read more

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