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Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£190
Avg. price in US: ~$150
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 598 Cs review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Good

4.8

Poor

8.9

Excellent

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%
4.5
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
3.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is a closed-back, circumaural headphone featuring a frequency response of 10–28,000 Hz, an impedance of 23 ohms, and a sound pressure level of 115 dB, making it exceptionally easy to drive with mobile devices without a dedicated amplifier. Key characteristics include its proprietary E.A.R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology for realistic imaging and its lightweight plastic build with suede-like memory foam ear pads. Its main pros are excellent passive noise isolation, high comfort for long sessions, and a versatile sound profile with punchy bass and detailed mids. However, cons include a narrower soundstage compared to its open-back siblings, a non-foldable design that limits portability, and a cable that can be microphonic (audible when rubbing against clothing).

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 598 Cs

Overall score

5.6

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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

6.0

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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

4.5

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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

?

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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

6.8

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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

closed-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 598 Cs vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser HD 598 Cs better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 598 Cs has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
In-line controls
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs 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 598 Cs 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
12 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 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 598 Cs offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.72 mm vs 60 mm
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
11% higher user score
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.88 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 598 Cs has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.88 vs 8.000).8.88 vs 8
15 dB higher max SPL
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.125 dB vs 110 dB
12 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs 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.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
15 dB higher max SPL
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
In-line controls
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sennheiser HD 598 Cs worse than the average headphone?

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12.8% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is heavier than the average headphone (246 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs 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 598 Cs does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs has smaller driver size than the average headphone (38 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs 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 598 Cs does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
2 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs 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 598 Cs 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
12.8% higher weight
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is heavier than the average headphone (246 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 598 Cs is heavier than the average headphone (246 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.246 g vs 218 g
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs 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 598 Cs 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 598 Cs 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 598 Cs does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2.11x more expensive
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is more expensive than the average headphone (£190 vs £90).
Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is more expensive than the average headphone (£190 vs £90).£190 vs £90

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 598 Cs and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 598 Cs?

Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions
Excellent soundstage and imaging for a closed-back model
Very easy to drive without an external amplifier (23 ohms)
Rich and warm mid-range with clear vocal reproduction
Durable, sturdy plastic build that feels premium
Compatible with a wide range of devices including smartphones
Good value for money, especially when found on sale

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 598 Cs?

Sub-par noise isolation for a closed-back design
Bass lacks punch and depth for bass-heavy genres
Mids can sound slightly 'tinny' or forward to some users
Non-foldable design limits portability
Earpad material (suede-like) tends to attract dust easily
Included cables are prone to tangling or retaining kinks
Slightly bulky and not suitable for physical activities

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

30/12/2016

Sennheiser HD 598 Cs - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Sennheiser HD 598 Cs reviews highlight a budget-friendly, closed-back headphone lauded for its exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and easy drivability via low 23-ohm impedance. Sonically praised for a warm, pleasant midrange and deep bass, the headphones include two cables—one with an inline microphone—making them versatile for both commuting and desktop use. Key...Read more

head-fi.org

11/11/2016

Review of the sennheiser HD 598 CS (close version) - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi review of the Sennheiser HD 598 Cs characterizes the closed-back headphones as an affordable, mobile-friendly option with solid build quality and exceptional comfort. Key advantages include an easy-to-drive low impedance, punchy bass, and a convenient, short cable with an inline microphone, making them suitable for portable devices. However, the review notes significant...Read more

xander51.medium.com

23/12/2016

Sennheiser HD 598Cs Headphone Review: Yes! - Alex Rowe

The Sennheiser HD 598Cs closed-back headphones are highlighted as an exceptional value, offering top-tier, Bose-level comfort and a detailed, balanced sound signature with prominent upper-mids ideal for vocals and gaming. Pros include the $99 sale price, included microphone cable, and a cool, bright sound profile. Medium· Conversely, the review notes that while the bass is clean, it...Read more

majorhifi.com

20/12/2016

Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Review - Major HiFi

The Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is a budget-friendly, closed-back headphone that retails for $149 and delivers surprisingly strong performance, particularly in its high end and spatial representation. It is highly commendable for its outstanding comfort, driven by deep, soft velour earpads and a lightweight yet sturdy plastic headband architecture. Equipped with a low impedance of 23 ohms,...Read more

rtings.com

29/03/2017

Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is a closed-back, neutrally tuned headphone offering better bass, improved inline controls, and good, balanced sound for a "closed" design compared to its predecessor. However, it sacrifices the expansive soundstage of open-back models and provides only moderate comfort, resulting in a less immersive, more intimate listening experience. RTINGS.comWeaknesses...Read more

thephonograph.net

23/08/2018

Sennheiser HD 598CS - Review - ThePhonograph.net

The Sennheiser HD 598CS offers a fun, energetic sound profile with strong mid-bass, deep sub-bass, and warm, detailed mids, making it suitable for EDM and providing a fatigue-free listening experience. The package includes two detachable cables, one of which is a 1.2-meter cable with an inline microphone and remote. ThePhonograph.netHowever, the closed-back model suffers from...Read more

soundguys.com

03/04/2018

Sennheiser HD 598 CS review: Spacious fit, spacious sound - SoundGuys

The SoundGuys review of the Sennheiser HD 598 Cs highlights a closed-back design that delivers a surprisingly spacious soundstage for its type, offering a comfortable fit, neutral bass, and crisp highs suitable for casual, mobile-friendly listening. However, a significant drawback is the heavily colored sound profile that heavily emphasizes mid-range frequencies, causing vocals to...Read more

miniklangwunder.de

04/03/2017

Sennheiser HD598Cs Review – Underrated Top-Tier Headphones

The Sennheiser HD598Cs is a closed-back, over-ear headphone praised for delivering a lively, consumer-friendly sound signature with exceptional comfort and expansive spatial staging for its lower-tier price bracket. The reviewer notes that it features a dynamic, full-bodied bass presence with subtle boosts between 50 to 100 Hz, while deep acoustic dips around 3 kHz effectively...Read more

audio-power.fr

01/07/2026

Sennheiser HD 598Cs Headphones Review

The Sennheiser HD 598 Cs is a comfortable, closed-back headphone designed for mobile use, featuring a low 23-ohm impedance and high sensitivity (115 dB) that allows them to be driven easily by laptops and smartphones. Users benefit from a lightweight, durable construction with plush velour-covered memory foam pads and a sound profile characterized by upfront vocals, accurate mids,...Read more

angristan.fr

25/01/2017

Sennheiser HD 598Cs Review

In this review, Angristan provides a mixed but critical evaluation of the Sennheiser HD 598Cs closed-back headphones, which he purchased on sale for €99 instead of the alleged €229 retail price. On the positive side, he praises the robust build quality and high comfort levels, highlighting the very soft, pleasant velour ear pads and a clever 2.5 mm twist-and-lock detachable cable...Read more

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