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Sennheiser HD 579 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£180
Avg. price in US: ~$200
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sennheiser HD 579 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Good

5.1

Good

8.1

Excellent

1.5
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
7.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
3.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.4
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
1.0
Ambient sound mode
2.0
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
7.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.4
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
7.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

#36 in Best Sennheiser Headphones
#155 in Best Wired Headphones
#352 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#440 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#455 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 579 is an open-back, circumaural headphone featuring 38mm proprietary dynamic transducers and 'Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement' (E.A.R.) technology that channels audio directly into the ear. It operates with a 50-ohm impedance, a frequency response of 15 Hz to 28,000 Hz, and a sound pressure level of 106 dB, making it relatively easy to drive without a dedicated amplifier. Main characteristics include a neutral, well-balanced soundstage with detailed mids and a matte metallic grey aesthetic complemented by plush velour ear pads. Its primary pros are exceptional long-term wearing comfort due to its lightweight 250g build and a clear, non-fatiguing high-end suitable for critical listening. However, its open-back design leads to significant sound leakage, and it may lack the deep sub-bass impact and treble 'sparkle' found in more dynamic models.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 579

Overall score

5.7

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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

6.7

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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

2.2

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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

3.0

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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

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 579 vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser HD 579 better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Sennheiser HD 579 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Sennheiser HD 579 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Spatial audio support
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 579 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 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 579 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
13 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 579 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 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 579 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.73 mm vs 60 mm
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 579 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 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 579 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Open-back design
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 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 579 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 579 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
1.1 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD 579 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.2 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 579 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.2 vs 4.3
13 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 579 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.1 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD 579 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Active noise cancellation
Sennheiser HD 579 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Spatial audio support
Sennheiser HD 579 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 579 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser HD 579 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 579 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.

Why is Sennheiser HD 579 worse than the average headphone?

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14.7% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 579 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
3 mm tighter earcup width
Sennheiser HD 579 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 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 579 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 579 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 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 579 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 579 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 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
14.7% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 579 is heavier than the average headphone (250 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 579 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.250 g vs 218 g
1 fewer microphones
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 579 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 579 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 579 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 579 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2x more expensive
Sennheiser HD 579 is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
Sennheiser HD 579 is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 579 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 579?

Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions due to lightweight design and velour ear pads
Balanced, neutral sound signature ideal for critical listening and acoustic music
Detailed and clean midrange with clear vocal reproduction
Wide soundstage and impressive spatial imaging, beneficial for gaming
Easy to drive directly from laptops or smartphones without a dedicated amplifier
Excellent value for money, often described as a 'hidden gem' at its price point

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 579?

Lacks deep sub-bass impact, which may disappoint fans of bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or EDM
Proprietary 2.5mm locking cable mechanism makes finding third-party replacements difficult
High frequencies can sometimes feel slightly rolled off or 'veiled' compared to higher-end models
Occasional reports of sibilance (sharp 's' sounds) depending on the source material
Bland aesthetic design compared to other models in the Sennheiser 5-series line
Limited portability due to large size and open-back design that leaks sound

Expert reviews

reference-audio-analyzer.pro

No specific date listed

Reference Audio Analyzer

The Sennheiser HD 579 is an open-back headphone model characterized by an average impedance of 77.35 ohms and a voltage sensitivity of 111.05 dB/V SPL. According to the Reference Audio Analyzer benchmark testing, these headphones perform exceptionally well when paired with mid-power or high-power audio sources—such as dedicated headphone amplifiers, Hi-Fi players, and mixing...Read more

gavinsgadgets.com

07/01/2018

Sennheiser HD 579 Headphone Review vs Sennheiser HD 598

The Gavin's Gadgets & Photography Review highlights the Sennheiser HD 579 as an affordable, open-back, around-ear headphone that approaches high-end audiophile sound reproduction for a fraction of the price. The reviewer notes several pros, including its lovely natural tonal balance, an expansive soundstage, detailed yet non-fatiguing treble and mid-range, and excellent speed and...Read more

majorhifi.com

01/10/2016

Sennheiser HD 579 Review - Major HiFi

The MajorHifi review of the Sennheiser HD 579 highlights these open-back headphones as a budget-friendly option, offering a clean, articulate, and well-controlled bass, along with an exceptionally comfortable and lightweight design. The midrange is noted for its vocal clarity, while the high end is described as smooth and free of harshness. However, the reviewer points out notable...Read more

gamezoom.net

18/01/2017

Sennheiser HD 579 - Test/Review - Gamezoom

The Sennheiser HD 579 is an over-ear, open-back HiFi headphone that scored a 90% overall rating in this comprehensive review. Built with a solid, matte-grey plastic housing and silver accents, it weighs just 280 grams and features plush cloth-covered ear cushions with an adjustable headband. The hardware configuration includes 38mm neodymium-magnet drivers, a frequency response of...Read more

open-end-music.com

01/11/2017

Review | Sennheiser | HD 555 vs HD 569 vs HD 579 vs HD 599

In this detailed user review on the open-end-music forum, the reviewer evaluates three modern wired Sennheiser models—the HD 569, HD 579, and HD 599—as potential successors to an aging, broken HD 555. After extensive testing involving frequency analysis and high-definition audio file playback across multiple genres, the reviewer identifies distinct advantages and use cases for the...Read more

misauriculares.com

10/10/2018

Sennheiser HD 579 Review - misauriculares.com

The Sennheiser HD 579 is an open-back dynamic headphone featuring a 50-Ohm impedance and large circumaural ear pads. The reviewer notes that the device comes beautifully packaged and boasts a lightweight, robust plastic construction with a synthetic leather headband. On the positive side, its comfort is exceptional, allowing for hours of fatigue-free use even while wearing glasses....Read more

reference-audio-analyzer.pro

Onbekend

Sennheiser HD 579 - Review for Beginners by Reference Audio Analyzer

The Sennheiser HD 579 is an open-backed headphone model measured at an average impedance of 77.35 ohms and a high voltage sensitivity of 111.05 dB/V SPL. Its primary performance advantage lies in its exceptional synergy with high-power home systems and mid-power portable sources—such as dedicated Hi-Fi players, headphone amplifiers, and computer sound cards—earning a perfect...Read more

majorhifi.com

01/10/2016

Sennheiser HD 579 Review by Major HiFi (International source frequently consulted by Dutch users)

The Sennheiser HD 579 is an open-back headphone retailing for $199 that features a sturdy plastic build, thick pleather headband padding, and deep velour earcups providing standout comfort. On the technical side, it includes a robust 10 ft removable cable, a 3.5mm adapter plug, and specs featuring a 15-28,500 Hz frequency range, 50 ohms impedance, and less than 0.2% distortion. The...Read more

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