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 650 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser HD 650 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 650
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

7.8

User score

▼Worse than 74% of headphones
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

▼Worse than 87%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

6.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 84%
7.8

User score

User score
7.8/ 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
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 65%
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Where to buy
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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 650

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

6.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.3
User score
User score
7.8/ 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
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.8
Popularity
Popularity
6.5/ 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
▲ Better than 58% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser HD 650 has a popularity score of 6.5 points, which is higher than that of 57.7% of products in this category.
6.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

6.7
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
Market range: <10 mm – >50 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
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
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% 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
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% 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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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
Market range: <14 g – >340 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
2.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.5, lower clamp force than 88.3% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser HD 650 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.
  • 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
  • 0.25 % 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 %.
    0.05 % vs 0.3 %
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 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.
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    125 dB vs 110 dB
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 0.25 % 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 %.
    0.05 % vs 0.3 %
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    125 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 3.75 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98.3 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98.25 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Sennheiser HD 650 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 8.2% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 650 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.72 vs 7.3).
    6.72 vs 7.27
  • 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.
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Sennheiser HD 650 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 8.2% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 650 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.72 vs 7.3).
    6.72 vs 7.27
  • 2.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.8/ 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 650
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 650 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.78 vs 8).
    7.78 vs 8
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 3.75 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98.3 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98.25 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.5 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    1 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 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
  • 13 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2003 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2003
    2003 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

4.0
Sylvain Rochon • Home Studio Logic
≈ estimated
22/08/2026
Personal experience · a month of use, then returned
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 was returned after a month because it sounded too dark to mix with reliably.
4.0
MixPhones
≈ estimated
19/04/2025
Opinion review · mixing suitability and translation
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is not recommended for mixing, though it is enjoyable for listening.
8.0
askdrtk
≈ estimated
26/10/2024
Hands-on review after 1 year · critical listening and tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is a good choice for critical listening, though its soundstage and portability fall short.
6.0
Tape DAC
≈ estimated
08/09/2024
Comparison · frequency, leakage, comfort and price tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 would be ideal if it were not so uncomfortable, and it suits final mix corrections best.
9.5
Russell Writes Reviews
≈ estimated
04/02/2023
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build quality
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is a top reference headphone, with clear mids and a sturdy build.
9.0
Prime Audio Reviews
≈ estimated
21/12/2022
Hands-on review · comparison with rival headphones
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is still a classic and highly recommended for high-end buyers in 2022.
9.0
Heart of Fire Productions
≈ estimated
02/12/2021
Studio test · full mix on headphones alone
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is recommended for mixing engineers, especially for its neutral, fatigue-free sound.
9.0
FireWalk
≈ estimated
07/09/2020
Hands-on review · listening, comfort and mixing use
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 sounds great and is comfortable, and it can't go wrong for serious music listeners on a budget.
9.0
Detroit Tech
≈ estimated
28/05/2017
Hands-on review · two-hour listening session and sound tests
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 has exceptional, precise sound, though its bass is not powerful enough for hip-hop or EDM.
9.5
Army-Firedawg
≈ estimated
01/12/2015
Hands-on review · sound tests and build impressions
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is a top-notch headphone, well worth it despite some build downsides.
9.0
lachlanlikesathing
≈ estimated
29/06/2014
Comparison review · long listening against another headphone
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is technically superior for resolution and bass, though warmer and more intimate than some rivals.
9.0
HeadphoneReviewHQ
≈ estimated
08/05/2014
Hands-on review · sound, build and comparisons
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 650 is a great reference headphone for jazz and acoustic music, though not ideal for perfectly neutral sound.
More graded video reviews (6)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

soundguys.com
15/03/2023
Two-week test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is still an excellent, comfortable open-back headphone for home listening, though it blocks almost no outside noise.
majorhifi.com
02/07/2016
Listening review · Lively open-back sound
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD650 is a fun, bright, dynamic open headphone suited to rock, hip-hop and EDM, though it is not the best pick for classical music.
H
headfonia.com
16/03/2013
Summary of the review
The Dark Sennheiser HD650: All For The Music - Headfonia
klauseulenbach.de
21/06/2025
Personal review · Tuning and EQ
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a warm, soft-sounding classic that rewards EQ and amp tweaking, suiting relaxed listeners more than studio-trained ears.
techradar.com
02/09/2008
Hands-on test · Open-back hi-fi
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD650 is a detailed, comfortable open-back that offers great value, with only slight cymbal coloration to note.
tapeop.com
01/06/2004
Studio review · Mixing and tracking
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 suits recordists and drummers wanting a punchier, more forward sound, though its open design and fatigue are drawbacks.
homedjstudio.com
13/05/2023
Studio review · Open-back for producers
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a comfortable, accurate open-back for mixing and producing, though it misses sub-bass and leaks sound to people nearby.
headphonesty.com
10/11/2021
Long-term review · Warm all-rounder
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD650 is a smooth, warm all-rounder for long listening, provided you have a good amp, though its soundstage is modest.
highontechnology.tech
01/09/2025
Blog review · Recording verdict
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a warm, comfortable headphone for relaxed listening, but its coloured sound makes it a poor choice for recording work.
headphonecheck.com
22/09/2016
Hi-fi review · Home listening
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a warm, detailed home-listening headphone for acoustic and quieter music, but it sounds soft on modern, aggressive tracks.
kenrockwell.com
Not Dated
Measured review · Neutral reference
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a neutral, tough open-back with deep, controlled bass for accurate listening, but it needs a stronger amp to play loud.
pluginerds.com
16/04/2026
Long-term review · Mixing and listening
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD650 is a warm, comfortable reference for vocal and acoustic mixing, but less suited to bass-heavy electronic music.
kopfhoerer.de
01/03/2024
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a warm, intimate open-back pair that suits classical, jazz and acoustic music, and is best used for home hi-fi.
bonedo.de
08/12/2016
Bundle test · Headphones with converter
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 Groove bundle pairs the headphones with a small Apogee converter that drives them well from a computer.
avguide.ch
17/11/2003
Listening review · Classic open-back
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a refined open headphone with smooth, natural sound and deep organ bass, but it sounds inside the head and lets noise in and out.
L
likehifi.de
27/12/2016
Summary of the review
Sennheiser HD 800, HD 650 with Apogee Groove – High-Resolution Sonic Wonders
(Translated)Show original
kopfhoerer.de
25/11/2019
Lab and listening test · Open HiFi
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a comfortable, warm open-back with a strong midrange that suits pop, classical and film, and is a convincing HiFi reference with character.
delamar.de
01/09/2026
Studio test · Open-back mixing
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a comfortable open-back with full mids for long sessions, though weak sub-bass and gentle highs limit critical mixing.
fr.audiofanzine.com
06/02/2024
Lab test · Reference headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a comfortable, sturdy reference headphone with very low distortion, though its packaging is flimsy and it needs a strong amp.
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
10/01/2024
Summary of the review
SENNHEISER HD 650 Lab Test: An Absolute Reference
(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 650

  • Exceptional midrange clarity and natural vocal reproduction
  • Smooth, non-fatiguing sound signature ideal for long listening sessions
  • Extremely comfortable lightweight design with breathable velour ear pads
  • Highly durable build with easily user-replaceable parts (cables, pads, headband)
  • Versatile performance that excels across diverse genres like jazz, classical, and rock

What customers don't like about Sennheiser HD 650

  • Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation
  • High impedance (300 ohms) typically requires a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance
  • Sub-bass response is relatively weak compared to closed-back alternatives
  • Soundstage is described by some as intimate or narrow rather than wide and expansive
  • Strong initial clamping force can feel tight on larger heads before being broken in

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 650 is a legendary open-back dynamic headphone featuring a 300-ohm impedance, a broad frequency response of 10 Hz – 41,000 Hz, and a 42mm transducer with hand-selected driver elements to ensure tight production tolerances of ±1 dB. Renowned for its natural, 'musical' tonality and exceptional midrange clarity, it offers a fatigue-free listening experience supported by lightweight (260g) construction and comfortable velour earpads. Its main strengths lie in its smooth treble, highly accurate imaging, and remarkably low total harmonic distortion (<0.05%), making it a staple for critical listening and studio mastering. However, it requires a dedicated high-voltage amplifier to reach its full potential, lacks authoritative sub-bass extension, and its open-back design results in significant sound leakage and poor isolation in noisy environments.

Compare Sennheiser HD 650 with other products in the Headphones category

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