Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
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 600 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£280Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser HD 600 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 600
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

9.2

User score

▲Better than 50% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

▼Worse than 67%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.6

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 76%
9.2

User score

User score
9.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.3

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 600

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.6

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
9.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.2
Popularity
Popularity
9.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Sennheiser HD 600 has a popularity score of 9.3 points, which is higher than that of 87.7% of products in this category.
9.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

7.1
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
42 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 42 mm, larger driver size than 82.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
12 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
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
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
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
?
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
260 g
This pair of headphones weighs 260 g, heavier than 65.6% of headphones and equal to 2.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
6.2
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 6.2, higher clamp force than 90.6% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser HD 600 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 2 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (42 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    42 mm vs 40 mm
  • 20,500 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 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 %
  • 8 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (68 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    68 mm vs 60 mm
  • 15.4% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser HD 600
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 600 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.23 vs 8).
    9.23 vs 8
  • 58% more popular
    Sennheiser HD 600 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.27 vs 5.9).
    9.27 vs 5.87
  • 8 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (68 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    68 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 2 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (42 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    42 mm vs 40 mm
  • 20,500 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,500 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 %
  • 14 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    124 dB vs 110 dB
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 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.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 19.3% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    260 g vs 218 g
  • 1.9 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.2 vs 4.3
  • 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
  • 3.11x more expensive
    Sennheiser HD 600 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£280 vs £90).
    £280 vs £90
  • 2.9% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 600 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.06 vs 7.3).
    7.06 vs 7.27
  • 19.3% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    260 g vs 218 g
  • 1.9 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.2 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    40 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 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.
  • 19 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (1997 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    August 1997
    1997 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

9.0
Dracomies
≈ estimated
31/10/2026
Hands-on review · tuning, bass, vocal and sibilance tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is a fairly good neutral headphone, strongest on vocals, though bass and sub-bass are weak.
9.5
Danny Lightning Audio and Reviews
≈ estimated
19/09/2026
Hands-on review · sound and comparison with IE 200
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is strongly recommended for balanced, natural sound, though bass-heavy listeners should look elsewhere.
9.0
Small Spaces HiFi
≈ estimated
12/06/2026
Long-term listening · comfort, genre and pairing tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is comfortable and still relevant, a solid choice on a limited budget, though bass is lacking.
10
Super* Review
✓ explicit
30/05/2026
Long-term review · eight years of ownership and comparisons
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is a favourite headphone and, as a total package, the best you can buy.
9.0
askdrtk
≈ estimated
14/10/2023
Hands-on review · audio tests, build and comfort
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is neutral and transparent, a good choice for production but not for bass lovers.
9.0
Enigma Fotos Reviews
≈ estimated
20/09/2023
Hands-on review · sound, build and use with a DAC
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is an excellent choice for many listeners, especially for jazz, vocals and guitars, though its separation is not the best.
3.0
Nouvraught Fan
≈ estimated
08/08/2022
Hands-on review · weeks of listening and critical-listening tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 sounded fatiguing and is unusable for critical listening, so it is not recommended.
9.0
Aaron the Tech Guy
≈ estimated
17/07/2022
Long-term review · daily use from an everyday listener's view
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is worth it for daily listening, though the price and lack of portability are trade-offs.
8.0
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
09/07/2022
Hands-on review · sound comparison and value
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is an excellent headphone worth considering, though the price feels steep and waiting for a sale makes sense.
3.0
Nouvraught
≈ estimated
29/03/2022
Long-term opinion · owned several pairs, critical listening use
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is unusable for critical listening, despite transparent sound, as it is too fatiguing and veiled in the highs.
7.0
Mad Steex
≈ estimated
01/01/2022
Audio test · listening tests and build comments
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 sounds pretty good, especially in the bass, but comfort, the cable and the midrange hold it back.
9.0
dilliot2k
≈ estimated
08/12/2020
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and build
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 600 is recommended for its flat, detailed sound, though you pay a premium for it.
More graded video reviews (11)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

soundonsound.com
15/06/2002
Studio monitoring review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a strong reference open-back with tight, accurate bass and plenty of classical detail, though its open design leaks sound.
audioholics.com
30/03/2007
Listening test · Open-air headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 delivers rich, detailed sound and a very comfortable fit for long listening, but its open design leaks sound and it is bulky for travel.
cnet.com
12/05/2008
Home listening review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a strong home-listening pick, worth the money for frequent listeners, but it is not for portable use.
majorhifi.com
24/06/2016
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a neutral, detailed benchmark with clean, accurate mids, but its soundstage feels narrow and closed, so it suits critical listeners.
headphonesty.com
02/09/2021
Long-term listening test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a natural, comfortable open-back that lasts for years and is easy to repair, though its bass is a little light at the bottom.
mobileaudiophile.com
18/05/2022
Personal listening review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a light, neutral benchmark with strong mids and intimate vocals, but its narrow stage and weak extremes limit it for some listeners.
senses.se
17/08/2022
Hands-on review · Open-back classic
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a comfortable, balanced open-back with clear mids and detailed highs, but its bare packaging and limited bass punch hold it back.
futureaudiophile.com
19/10/2022
Long-term owner review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a light, time-tested open-back that gives strong audiophile sound for the money and can last for decades, but it leaks sound and clamps tightly.
jamesfiorucci.wordpress.com
05/01/2023
Listening review · Open-back classic
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a neutral, detailed open-back classic with lifelike vocals and a narrow stage, best for listeners who want natural sound over bass punch.
hanscox.substack.com
15/07/2023
Four-day listening test · Open-back
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a wide-sounding, reference-style open-back with resonant bass, good enough for most listeners who want strong sound without spending heavily.
audioreviews.org
17/04/2025
Long-term owner review · Cable upgrade
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a rich, natural reference headphone whose intimate midrange outweighs its woolly bass and cramped stage.
homestudiobasics.com
26/11/2025
Hands-on review · Studio reference
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a comfortable, detailed reference headphone for mixing and listening, with clean bass and a forward midrange that some find shouty.
S
soundguys.com
06/12/2024
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
17/10/2007
Summary of the review
A
askdrtk.com
14/10/2023
Summary of the review
kopfhoerer.de
21/11/2019
Hands-on test · Open hi-fi headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a natural, comfortable open-back classic that suits long hi-fi sessions with pop, classical or jazz, though it needs a powerful amp.
hifi.de
12/04/2022
Hands-on test · Open hi-fi headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a relaxed, spacious open headphone for hi-fi listening, with a bass lift that makes it less suited to studio mixing.
computerbild.de
28/03/2024
Hands-on review · Neutral open headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a neutral, roomy open headphone that stays comfortable for long sessions, but it needs a strong amp and suits home use only.
bonedo.de
30/10/2018
Hands-on test · Open hi-fi headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 600 offers natural, precise sound and comfort for desk listening, but it is not built for travel.
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
13/02/2024
Summary of the review

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 600

  • Legendary neutral and natural sound profile ideal for reference listening and critical mixing
  • Exceptional midrange clarity and timbre, specifically for vocals and acoustic instruments
  • Lightweight and durable design that remains comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Highly modular construction with easily replaceable parts (pads, cables, headband)
  • Excellent instrument separation and imaging precision

What customers don't like about Sennheiser HD 600

  • Noticeable roll-off in sub-bass frequencies, lacking 'thump' or 'impact' for bass-heavy genres
  • Relatively narrow and intimate soundstage compared to other high-end open-back competitors
  • High clamping force out of the box that may require a 'break-in' period to become comfortable
  • Requires a dedicated amplifier (300-ohm impedance) to reach full performance potential
  • Open-back design leaks significant sound and provides virtually no noise isolation

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 600 is a legendary open-back dynamic headphone engineered for analytical high-fidelity listening and professional reference. It features 300-ohm impedance, 97 dB sensitivity, and a wide frequency response of 12 Hz to 40,500 Hz, requiring quality amplification to reach its full potential. Key characteristics include a sophisticated open-metal mesh design, computer-optimised magnets to minimise distortion, and lightweight aluminium voice coils for excellent transient response. Main pros are its exceptionally natural and neutral sound signature, forward and intimate midrange ideal for vocals, and a lightweight, durable build with replaceable parts. However, cons include a noticeable sub-bass roll-off below 100 Hz, an intimate soundstage that may feel 'in-your-head' compared to other open-back models, and potential discomfort from high initial clamp force before a break-in period.

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