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 820 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,430Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser HD 820 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 820
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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–² Better than 57% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

â–²Better than 57% of headphones
5.3

Value for money

Value for money
5.3/ 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 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

3.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

52%

7.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.1

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 61%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

5.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 81%
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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 820

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components:

52%

7.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.1

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

6.1
User score
User score
7.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

5.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
5.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser HD 820 has a popularity score of 5.5 points, which is lower than that of 53.4% of products in this category.
5.5
Value for money
Value for money
5.3/ 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 97% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

3.0

Price

5.3
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
56 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 56 mm, larger driver size than 96.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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
6 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 6 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 84.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% 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
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
360 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 360 g, heavier than 92.2% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
3.4
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.4, lower clamp force than 73.9% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser HD 820 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.
  • 16 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (56 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    56 mm vs 40 mm
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 28,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.28 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.02 % vs 0.3 %
  • 20 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    80 mm vs 60 mm
  • 18 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (62 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    62 mm vs 44 mm
  • 20 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    80 mm vs 60 mm
  • 18 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (62 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    62 mm vs 44 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
  • 0.9 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3.4 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 16 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (56 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    56 mm vs 40 mm
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 28,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.28 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.02 % vs 0.3 %
  • 65.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (360 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    360 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 15.89x more expensive
    Sennheiser HD 820 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,430 vs £90).
    £1,430 vs £90
  • 36.5% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 820 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.33 vs 7.3).
    5.33 vs 7.27
  • 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.
  • 10.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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 820
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 820 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.25 vs 8).
    7.25 vs 8
  • 15.89x more expensive
    Sennheiser HD 820 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,430 vs £90).
    £1,430 vs £90
  • 36.5% worse value for money
    Sennheiser HD 820 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.33 vs 7.3).
    5.33 vs 7.27
  • 10.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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 820
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser HD 820 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.25 vs 8).
    7.25 vs 8
  • 65.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (360 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    360 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 neodymium magnet
    This pair of headphones does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

4.0
Sound & Chill
≈ estimated
29/08/2024
Hands-on review · sound and build impressions
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 is not for this reviewer: its hollow, distant sound fails to engage despite good detail.
9.0
Tom Palm
≈ estimated
06/12/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 is premium, comfortable and detailed for jazz, though it lacks bass for hip hop and EDM.
4.0
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
01/01/2020
Hands-on review · listening tests and comparisons
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 is impressive in several ways, but overall not recommended, except as a closed gaming headphone.
9.5
Marques Brownlee
≈ estimated
27/06/2018
Hands-on review · listening tests at home and in the studio
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 is very expensive, but the reviewer is a fan and would not give them back.
8.0
Director's Garage
≈ estimated
26/10/2021
First look · unboxing and listening impressions
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 is very enjoyable with great dynamics, though its imaging is vague and its bass is slightly bloated.
7.0
Aleg Reviews
≈ estimated
03/04/2021
Unboxing · first listen and quick impressions
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 has high-end sound that is only worth it for critical listening or professional work, not casual listening.
4.0
Sander van der Heide
≈ estimated
20/12/2018
Hands-on comparison · sound tests and build notes
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 is poor value: it sounds worse than cheaper rivals, is hard to drive, and isn't recommended.
6.0
InnerFidelity
≈ estimated
14/01/2018
First look · trade show prototype listening
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 sounds clean and precise in this early prototype, but final tuning is still unknown.
8.0
SoundGuys
≈ estimated
10/01/2018
First look · CES demo and short listen
Verdict
Sennheiser HD 820 impressed in a short listen with its spacious closed design, though first impressions remain preliminary.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headphonesty.com
08/03/2022
Hands-on review · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 has a huge, precise stage and excellent treble, but its weak bass and nasal male vocals hold it back, so audition it before buying.
headphoneer.com
01/03/2023
Personal review · Closed-back sound
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 sounds excellent for a closed-back, with bass better than the HD 800S, but its midrange dip and leaky seal limit it.
enjoythemusic.com
01/04/2021
Lab test · Closed-back review
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a closed-back that lacks the open HD 800's liveliness, with heavy bass and a tone that depends on the earpad seal.
hear.audio
22/10/2019
Extended listening test · Closed-back review
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 sounds close to the HD 800S with much better isolation, but at its current price it is hard to justify.
unheardlab.com
19/08/2023
Tuning review · EQ listening test
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 has overbearing bass and a honky midrange by default, but its wide soundstage suits listeners happy to use EQ.
theaudiophileworld.net
04/03/2019
Long-term review · Cushion upgrade
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a strong closed-back reference that can match the HD 800 family's dynamics and textures once fitted with better ear cushions.
whathifi.com
13/08/2018
Hands-on review · Closed-back verdict
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is among the most capable closed-back headphones, with powerful bass and detail, though it is pricey and still sounds closed.
trustedreviews.com
14/12/2018
Hands-on review · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 gives a huge soundstage and controlled bass in a closed design, but its tuned mids sound less natural than rivals at this price.
headphonecheck.com
02/03/2021
Hands-on review · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 brings open-style airiness and detail to a closed design, suiting sound engineers and serious listeners who own a good headphone amp.
expertreviews.co.uk
30/11/2018
Hands-on review · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a comfortable closed pair with a very wide soundstage and good isolation, but it lacks the HD 800S's openness and needs the right amp.
hifireport.com
16/02/2025
Listening report · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a warm, full-bodied closed headphone with powerful bass and strong noise isolation, well suited to rock, pop and vocals.
kopfhoerer.de
02/03/2021
Review · Closed-back audiophile
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is an airy, detailed closed-back that suits demanding listeners and studio work, but the open HD 800 S is cheaper for similar results.
hifi.de
18/10/2021
Hands-on test · Closed flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a luxurious closed-back for home listening, with realistic bass and a wide, airy stage, but it is not built for travel.
lowbeats.de
25/11/2018
Hands-on test · Open-sounding closed-back
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is the first closed-back to sound nearly as airy as the open HD 800 S, with fuller, punchier bass.
kopfbox.de
17/12/2023
Revisited review · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 still sounds more open than other closed headphones, but it needs a perfect seal and a strong amp to reach its best.
modernhifi.de
12/11/2018
Hands-on test · Closed-back 800 series
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is an understated, detailed closed-back with fuller bass than the HD 800 S, best for rock, pop and electronic music rather than classical.
connect.de
16/08/2018
Listening test · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a closed headphone with punchy bass and a more neutral, spacious sound than most closed rivals, though its tuning leans warm.
hifi.nl
08/09/2018
Hands-on test · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a very comfortable closed-back that sounds surprisingly open, though it feels less luxurious than rival flagships and its glass cups need care.
hifi.nl
08/09/2018
Hands-on review · Closed-back flagship
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a closed-back that sounds remarkably open and comfortable for hours, though it feels less luxurious than rival flagships.
koraalwetenschap.nl
28/06/2019
Listening review · Comfort and sound
Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 820 is a precise, comfortable closed-back with a clean midrange and smooth treble, suited to listeners who want accuracy over heavy bass.

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 820

  • Exceptional soundstage and imaging for a closed-back design
  • Outstanding build quality with premium materials like Gorilla Glass
  • High level of comfort suitable for long listening sessions
  • Improved sub-bass extension and presence compared to the open-back HD 800 S
  • Smooth and highly detailed treble performance
  • Low distortion driver that responds very well to EQ

What customers don't like about Sennheiser HD 820

  • Polarizing frequency response with a notable 300Hz dip causing a 'hollow' midrange
  • High price-to-performance ratio compared to open-back alternatives
  • Isolation is weaker than typical flagship closed-back headphones
  • Sound signature is highly dependent on achieving a perfect seal
  • Bass slam and punch are considered average despite the elevated response
  • Requires a powerful amplifier for optimal performance

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 820 is a flagship closed-back audiophile headphone featuring 56mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducers and a high 300-ohm impedance. It is distinguished by its innovative concave Gorilla Glass reflectors designed to minimize internal resonances, resulting in a class-leading, expansive soundstage and a frequency response of 6 Hz – 48,000 Hz. Main pros include exceptional detail retrieval, a remarkably open and airy presentation for a sealed design, and high-end build quality with comfortable microfiber and leather hybrid earpads. However, notable cons include a polarizing tonality with a significant mid-bass to lower-midrange dip (around 300Hz), extreme sensitivity to achieving a proper seal for consistent bass response, and a high price point that may offer diminishing returns compared to its open-back siblings.

Compare Sennheiser HD 820 with other products in the Headphones category

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