OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Sennheiser HD 518 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 518 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.2

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%

3.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.2

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%

3.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.8

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 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

  • sennheiser-hd-518
  • sennheiser-hd-518
  • sennheiser-hd-518
  • sennheiser-hd-518
sennheiser-hd-518
sennheiser-hd-518
sennheiser-hd-518
sennheiser-hd-518

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 518 is an entry-level audiophile headphone featuring an open-back, circumaural design with a frequency response of 14 Hz to 26,000 Hz, a 50-ohm impedance, and a sound pressure level (SPL) of 108 dB. Its main characteristics include Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) technology for natural sound and a detachable 3-meter cable with a proprietary locking mechanism. The primary pros are its high comfort for long sessions due to plush velour pads, a wide soundstage, and a warm, bass-rich audio profile with minimal harmonic distortion (<0.2%). However, its cons include significant sound leakage, poor isolation for commuting, a bulky plastic build, and a sound signature that some find slightly muffled or lacking in high-end detail compared to higher models.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 518

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.2
Sennheiser HD 518 has a technical score of 3.24 points, which is lower than that of 97.2% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Sennheiser HD 518 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

3.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.3
Sennheiser HD 518 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.3 points, which is lower than 93.9% 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 518 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 518 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 518 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

14 Hz
Sennheiser HD 518 reaches a lowest frequency of 14 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sennheiser HD 518 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sennheiser HD 518 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Sennheiser HD 518 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

no
Sennheiser HD 518 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Sennheiser HD 518 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sennheiser HD 518 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

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

Importance: LOW

no
Sennheiser HD 518 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sennheiser
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

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

255 g
Sennheiser HD 518 weighs 255 g, heavier than 64.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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

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

3.1
Sennheiser HD 518 has a clamp force of 3.1, lower clamp force than 77.3% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser HD 518 vs the average headphone

  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 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
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser HD 518 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser HD 518 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 6,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 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
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sennheiser HD 518 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 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 518 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
  • 4 Hz lower bass extension
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 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
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    Sennheiser HD 518 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 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 518 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.1 vs 4.3
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 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
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sennheiser HD 518 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    Sennheiser HD 518 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Sennheiser HD 518 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.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 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 518 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser HD 518 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 17% higher weight
    Sennheiser HD 518 is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sennheiser HD 518 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser HD 518 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser HD 518 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Sennheiser HD 518 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    March 2012
  • No passive noise reduction
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 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 518 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 518 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 17% higher weight
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 is heavier than the average headphone (255 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.255 g vs 218 g
  • 27.8% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 518 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.27 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Sennheiser HD 518 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.27 vs 6.736).5.27 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Sennheiser HD 518 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 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 518 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sennheiser HD 518 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 518 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 518 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser HD 518 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 518 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 518?

  • Warm and smooth sound profile comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Exceptional comfort with large, breathable velour/cloth ear pads
  • Spacious soundstage due to the open-back design, ideal for gaming and movies
  • Excellent value for money, often cited as a great entry-level audiophile choice
  • Easy to drive with standard devices like laptops and smartphones
  • Durable, lightweight build with user-replaceable cable and ear pads

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 518?

  • Stock cable is inconveniently long (3 meters) for portable use
  • Uses a 6.3mm jack by default, requiring a bulky adapter for 3.5mm devices
  • Significant sound leakage can disturb others nearby
  • Open-back design offers zero noise isolation from outside environments
  • Bass can occasionally sound boomy or slightly muddy, veiling the mids
  • All-plastic construction can feel somewhat cheap compared to higher-tier models

Expert reviews

T
techradar.com
12/05/2011
Sennheiser HD 518 review - TechRadar

The Sennheiser HD 518 is a large, beautifully constructed pair of circumaural headphones designed to bring audiophile-grade sound quality to devices like the Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Built for comfort rather than stealth, these headphones feature a lightweight design with a wide headband and extravagantly padded, oval ear cups that fit entirely around the ears. They utilize an...Read more

R
rambol.net
05/12/2013
Review: Sennheiser HD 518 & FiiO E10 - rambol💡 Note: The Sennheiser HD 518 is an open-back model known for its warm sound and "E.A.R." technology, of...

The review from rambol.net evaluates the Sennheiser HD 518 open-back headphones and the FiiO E10 USB DAC/amplifier combo as a highly effective, budget-friendly setup that challenges the necessity of hyper-expensive "audiophile" gear. The reviewer notes that the combination delivers marvelous sound quality that easily outperforms stock PC onboard audio. Specific pros for the...Read more

H
head-fi.org
01/12/2010
Sennheiser HD 518Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Sennheiser HD 518 is widely regarded as a high-value, entry-level, open-back headphone featuring a comfortable, lightweight design with soft velour ear cups and a detachable cable. Users praise its expansive soundstage, clear mid-range, and punchy, tight bass, noting that the 50-ohm impedance makes them easily driven by consumer devices. Conversely, user reviews highlight a very...Read more

H
headphoneslab.com
01/04/2020
Sennheiser HD 518 Over-Ear Headphones Review Stark Insider

The Sennheiser HD 518 over-ear headphones are an open-back, circumaural model targeted at budget-minded audiophiles seeking great value and sound accuracy. Visually, they sport a mechanical graphite and black aesthetic accented with silver highlights. They excel in delivering clear, well-articulated mids and highs, an excellent soundstage, and a highly disciplined, non-booming bass...Read more

R
rtings.com
03/10/2016
Sennheiser HD 518 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The RTINGS.com review identifies the Sennheiser HD 518Go as a capable, budget-friendly open-back headphone featuring a balanced sound profile and a spacious, immersive soundstage. Key advantages include lightweight construction, plush cloth padding designed for long listening sessions, and a durable, sturdy build suitable for home or studio use. Conversely, the review notes...Read more

L
linustechtips.com
30/12/2015
Sennheiser HD 518 Review - What a damn shame. So close to being perfect - Linus Tech Tips

The Sennheiser HD 518 is praised in a Linus Tech Tips forum review as a high-value, 50-ohm open-ear headphone offering rich, deep bass and an immersive soundstage suitable for various devices. While versatile for music and movies, the headphones are deemed near-perfect rather than flawless, featuring a comfortable yet highly adjustable design for different head sizes. Forums -...Read more

G
gavinsgadgets.com
24/02/2015
Sennheiser HD518 Headphone Review - Gavin's Gadgets

The Sennheiser HD518 is an open-backed, around-the-ear headphone that offers a warm sound signature with an outstanding, expansive sound stage, crisp highs, naturally clear mids, and deep controlled bass. It provides exceptional comfort, with the reviewer describing them as "slippers for your ears" and noting they are comfortable enough to wear for hours without experiencing ear...Read more

S
starkinsider.com
14/07/2011
In Review: Sennheiser HD 518 Headphones - Stark Insider

The Sennheiser HD 518 is a highly recommended, mid-range over-ear headphone that delivers near-audiophile sound quality for $179.95. In audio testing across genres like punk, classical, and pop, the headphones excelled with clean sound separation, well-defined highs devoid of tinny artifacts, and deep bass extending down to 14Hz without becoming muddy. The reviewer noted that they...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
13/07/2011
Sennheiser HD 518Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - Trusted Reviews

The Sennheiser HD 518 over-ear headphonesGo offer a budget-friendly entry into audiophile-grade sound, featuring a warm, versatile, and open-backed design ideal for music and movies. Key strengths include a balanced, non-fatiguing sound signature with good separation and a more mature, less bass-heavy performance compared to competitors. Conversely, the review notes a slightly...Read more

W
welt.de
12/10/2012
Tests: These are the best headphones - 7th Place: Sennheiser HD 518

This comprehensive roundup from WELT evaluates over 90 headphone models ranging from budget options to premium audiophile gear, rating them based on acoustic performance, comfort, and build quality. The testing crowns the Sony XBA-3 as the top performer, earning a "good" (2.12) score due to its spectacular, high-fidelity sound signature featuring punchy bass, detailed mids, and fine...Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
imaedia.de
04/12/2010
Sennheiser HD 518 Review – Entry into the Mid-Range

The Sennheiser HD 518 is reviewed as a solid entry-level model for the mid-range 500-series, offering a great balance between quality and affordability. Designed with an over-ear construction, it features Sennheiser’s E. A. R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology to direct sound straight into the ears, alongside Duofol membranes to reduce unwanted resonances. A notable design...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
maplatine.com
No date specified
Sennheiser HD 518 Hi-Fi Headphones - maPlatine.com

The Sennheiser HD 518 is an open-back Hi-Fi headphone praised by experts for its detailed audio reproduction and great overall value. On the pros side, it features powerful neodymium magnets and Duofol membranes that deliver deep, natural bass lines and highly accurate dynamics. Thanks to its "Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement" (EAR) technology, the internal drivers are tilted to send...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
vonguru.fr
23/06/2017
Sennheiser HD518: my review after one year

The Sennheiser HD518 is a lightweight, open-back headphone valued at around €100 that provides excellent durability and long-term comfort despite its intensive daily use. The reviewer praised the audio quality, noting a highly enjoyable sound signature despite a slight loss of precision in the treble and noticeably pronounced bass. Over a year of testing, the headband softened to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
capa9.net
03/11/2015
Sennheiser HD 518 Review", "Review of the Sennheiser HD 518

The Sennheiser HD 518 is a lightweight, open-back circumaural headphone constructed primarily of plastic, making it exceptionally comfortable for extended listening sessions exceeding four hours without overheating the ears. It features a frequency spectrum of 14 Hz to 26 kHz and a 50 Ω impedance, meaning it can be powered easily by mobile devices, though it benefits significantly...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
forum.tomshw.it
08/02/2014
Sennheiser HD518 and Superlux HD681EVO in my opinion!

This Tom's Hardware Italy forum review compares the Superlux HD681 EVO and Sennheiser HD518, highlighting the Superlux for superior sound performance. The Superlux offers high clarity and a punchy bass, but features a narrow soundstage and fragile plastic construction. In contrast, the Sennheiser HD518 provides superior comfort and a wider, more open soundstage, yet suffers from a...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Sennheiser HD 518 with

VS
VS

Compare