OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sennheiser HD 598 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser HD 598 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sennheiser HD 598
6.2/10

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components

80%

5.4

Technical score

20%

9.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 53% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

6.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 81%
9.3

User score

User score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 97%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sennheiser HD 598

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components:

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

6.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.4
User score
User score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.3
Popularity
Popularity
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser HD 598 has a popularity score of 9.4 points, which is higher than that of 88.1% of products in this category.
9.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.3
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
12 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
270 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 270 g, heavier than 70.2% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
3
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3, lower clamp force than 79.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser HD 598 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 18,500 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (38,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    38,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 12 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    72 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3 vs 4.3
  • 15.9% higher user score
    User score
    9.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser HD 598
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 598 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.27 vs 8).
    9.27 vs 8
  • 60.7% more popular
    Sennheiser HD 598 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.43 vs 5.9).
    9.43 vs 5.87
  • 12 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    72 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3 vs 4.3
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 18,500 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (38,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    38,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 23.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (270 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    270 g vs 218 g
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    December 2010
    2010 vs 2016
  • 23.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (270 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    270 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    December 2010
    2010 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

5.0
Master Marslander
≈ estimated
28/10/2021
Hands-on review · comfort, value and sound
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is comfortable and good-sounding, but overpriced at full retail; only worth buying on discount.
5.0
Gary Chen
≈ estimated
05/09/2020
Retro review · build, sound and comparison with rivals
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is dated for its price and outclassed by newer budget headphones, so it is hard to recommend today.
5.0
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
07/02/2018
Hands-on review · open and closed versions, sound and value
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 sounds great, but at full price, better headphones for the money make it hard to recommend.
9.0
Brandon Taylor
≈ estimated
17/03/2017
Long-term use · about two years as main headphones
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is a great entry-level headphone and a good starting point for anyone new to good audio.
9.0
Barnacules Nerdgasm
≈ estimated
21/12/2015
Hands-on review · unboxing, music and gaming tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 excels with classical, country, mid-high-heavy music and gaming, but is weak for bass-heavy genres.
9.0
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
20/06/2015
Hands-on review · sound, build and leakage tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is perfect for the price, with clear sound and good separation, though sound leaks at high volume.
9.0
Consumer Research Studios
≈ estimated
21/07/2014
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and features
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is the best all-purpose choice at its price, but its open backs leak sound and suit less aggressive music.
9.0
Kouhei’s Peanut Gallery
≈ estimated
17/02/2011
Hands-on review · days of desk use, sound and build notes
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is recommended for its sound and feel, despite sound leaking out and a long cable.
4.0
Ryan Ho
≈ estimated
13/10/2021
Hands-on review · sound and comfort tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is not recommended: bass and treble are too weak, and detail trails other headphones.
9.0
Gamesky
≈ estimated
19/08/2018
Hands-on review · sound, build and buying tips
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is a highly recommended classic with excellent mids and highs, though its open design limits public use.
9.0
Life Kommando
≈ estimated
03/03/2018
Comparison with variants · owned for years
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 is very good overall, especially on sale, and a good choice for gaming and everyday listening.
9.0
Podcastage
≈ estimated
18/08/2017
Short review · build, sound and comfort
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 598 suits listeners who like darker, mid-forward sound, though tone is a matter of taste.
More graded video reviews (3)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

uk.pcmag.com
13/01/2015
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is a comfortable open-back pair with a wide, room-like sound, worth its price for home listening but not for travel.
whathifi.com
29/02/2012
Listening test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is comfortable with wide, well-separated sound, but its mild tuning lacks the punch and drive needed for dramatic orchestral recordings.
headfonia.com
23/09/2018
Personal review · Retro open-back
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is a fairly neutral all-rounder for music, films and games, loved for its comfort and bass, though its retro look divides opinion.
homestudiobasics.com
28/05/2024
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is comfortable, with a wide, lush soundstage that suits jazz and gaming, but it lacks the punch needed for heavy bass music.
xander51.medium.com
27/12/2016
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 SE has a striking, room-like soundstage and comfortable fit, but its neutral, mild sound may bore listeners who want punch.
cnet.com
21/02/2011
Listening test · Full-size headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is a light, very comfortable full-size pair with detailed, wide sound that shines at home but struggles with portable players.
G
gearspace.com
31/03/2013
Summary of the review
My Review Of The Sennheiser HD 598 - Gearspace
pcmag.com
13/01/2015
Hands-on test · Home headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 offers some of the best sense of space at this price and is worth its cost, but it is only for quiet home listening.
trustedreviews.com
16/03/2011
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is a versatile open-back pair with powerful bass that also suits movies and games, though its look is an acquired taste.
digitaltrends.com
15/09/2011
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 sounds excellent and is very comfortable, but its cream and brown look may not suit everyone.
imaedia.de
29/11/2010
Design review · Home headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is an eye-catching home headphone with powerful, dynamic sound and comfortable pads, suited to pop, rock and electronic music.
A
avguide.ch
15/11/2026
Summary of the review
Sennheiser HD 558 and HD 598 Review - Mercedes or Bentley?
(Translated)Show original
sonntagmorgen.com
20/03/2026
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is a warm, comfortable open-back pair with a wide soundstage that works well without an amp, but lacks the precision of pricier models.
vonguru.fr
20/11/2014
Hands-on test · Audiophile headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is an audiophile-grade open-back headphone with detailed sound and very comfortable wear, though some of its plastic parts are not top quality.
audiocasque.fr
19/01/2017
Detailed review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 SE is a comfortable open-back pair with wide, immersive sound and great value when discounted, but it suits quiet rooms only.
M
maplatine.com
No Date Provided
Summary of the review
Sennheiser HD 598 Hi-Fi Headphones - Our Expert Review and Test
(Translated)Show original
on-mag.fr
31/05/2012
Listening test · Open-back hi-fi
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 598 is a new reference for its price, with deep, punchy bass and a very wide soundstage, though it sounds less smooth than the HD 595.
C
cuffie-auricolari.it
03/06/2013
Summary of the review
Sennheiser HD 598 Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 598

  • Exceptional soundstage providing a spacious, speaker-like listening experience
  • Superior comfort with plush velour ear pads and lightweight design for long sessions
  • Natural and clear mid-range performance, making it excellent for vocals and jazz
  • Low enough impedance to be driven easily by most smartphones and PCs without an external amp
  • Detailed and accurate imaging, making it a favorite for competitive gaming and movies
  • Non-fatiguing treble that remains crisp without becoming harsh or piercing
  • Durable build quality with a long-lasting, replaceable cable system

What customers don't like about Sennheiser HD 598

  • Lacks deep bass extension and 'thump', which may disappoint fans of EDM or hip-hop
  • Significant sound leakage due to open-back design, making it unsuitable for public use
  • Zero noise isolation; you will hear almost all ambient surroundings
  • Bulky, non-folding design makes it less portable for travel
  • Original cream and brown color scheme is polarizing and may look dated to some
  • Can sound slightly distorted or 'fuzzy' in the low-end when pushed to very high volumes
  • The included 3-meter cable and large 1/4-inch adapter can be cumbersome for casual use

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 598 is an open-back audiophile headphone featuring 50mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 12Hz–38,500Hz, and a 50-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive without a dedicated amplifier. It is characterized by its wide soundstage, balanced neutral sound profile, and signature cream-and-brown aesthetic with burl wood accents. Main pros include exceptional long-term comfort provided by its velour ear pads and lightweight 270g build, as well as a detachable cable system. However, its open-back design results in significant sound leakage and poor noise isolation, making it unsuitable for public use, while bass enthusiasts may find the low-end response somewhat lacking in impact.

Compare Sennheiser HD 598 with other products in the Headphones category

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