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Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£1,410
Avg. price in US: ~$1,700
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Poor

3.7

Poor

?

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.5
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
1.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

No image

No image

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £1,410

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 800 S Anniversary Edition is a highly exclusive, open-back dynamic headphone limited to just 750 units worldwide, featuring a unique matte gold colorway and a laser-engraved serial number on its steel-reinforced headband. It utilizes a massive 56mm Ring Radiator transducer system with a 40mm voice coil, delivering a vast frequency response of 4 Hz to 51,000 Hz and an impressively low total harmonic distortion of less than 0.02%. This collector's edition is celebrated for its unmatched soundstage, pinpoint imaging, and a lightweight 330g aerospace-grade plastic construction that ensures exceptional long-term comfort with its handcrafted vegan velour earpads. While it offers reference-class detail and transparency, it requires high-quality amplification to drive its 300-ohm impedance effectively, features proprietary cable connectors that limit aftermarket options, and has an open-back design that leads to significant sound leakage.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition

Overall score

3.7

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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

4.2

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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

1.2

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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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

6.2

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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

open-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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition 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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
16 mm larger driver size
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (56 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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (56 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.56 mm vs 40 mm
14 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
31,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (51,000 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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.51000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
0.28 % lower distortion
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.02 % vs 0.3 %
4 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (0.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (0.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.0.3 vs 4.3
17 mm more spacious earcup width
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.60 mm vs 43 mm
10 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
4 lower clamp force
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (0.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
17 mm more spacious earcup width
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
10 mm more spacious earcup height
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Open-back design
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
16 mm larger driver size
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (56 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
31,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (51,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.28 % lower distortion
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.

Why is Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition worse than the average headphone?

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51.4% higher weight
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
8 dB lower max SPL
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Not headset-ready
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
51.4% higher weight
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is heavier than the average headphone (330 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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.330 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition 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 HD800 S Anniversary Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (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
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
15.67x more expensive
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,410 vs £90).
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,410 vs £90).£1,410 vs £90
92.3% worse value for money
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.50 vs 6.736).
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.
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.50 vs 6.736).3.5 vs 6.74
4.65x less popular
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition?

Unrivalled soundstage and imaging, often described as holographic and speaker-like in its width and depth.
Exceptional detail retrieval and resolution, making them a top reference for critical and analytical listening.
Supremely comfortable for long sessions due to a lightweight 330g design and large, breathable microfiber ear cups.
Improved treble response over the original HD800, using absorber technology to reduce the infamous 6kHz peak and sibilance.
Excellent build quality with aerospace-grade materials that provide high durability without excess weight.
Handcrafted in Germany, with the Anniversary Edition featuring a unique matte gold aesthetic and individual serial numbering.

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD800 S Anniversary Edition?

Noticeable sub-bass roll-off and lack of 'slam' or punch, which may disappoint fans of EDM, hip-hop, or hard rock.
Highly dependent on high-quality amplification and DACs due to 300-ohm impedance; they perform poorly when driven directly by phones or laptops.
Open-back design results in zero sound isolation and significant leakage, making them unsuitable for office or public use.
Can be brutally unforgiving to poor-quality recordings or compressed audio files due to their analytical nature.
The fit can feel a bit loose for some users, potentially sliding if leaning forward, and some find the headband padding insufficient.
High cost of entry, which is further increased by the need for expensive secondary equipment to reach full potential.

Expert reviews

eftm.com

03/11/2020

Sennheiser HD 800 S 75th Anniversary Edition Review - EFTM

The EFTM review celebrates the Sennheiser HD 800 S 75th Anniversary Edition for its outstanding comfort and striking matte gold design, highlighting that its aerospace materials achieve a remarkably lightweight build of just 330 grams. A major pro emphasized by the reviewer is the circumaural design, featuring massive earcups that fit completely over the ears without touching them,...Read more

musicphotolife.com

28/09/2020

Review - Sennheiser HD800S Anniversary Edition

The Music Photo Life review of the Sennheiser HD800S 75th Anniversary EditionGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. highlights the headphone's unique matte-gold aesthetic and laser-engraved serial number as a major aesthetic pro, while noting it is acoustically identical to the standard model. Performance pros include an exceptionally wide soundstage, pristine treble, and...Read more

musicalhead.de

21/10/2020

Listening Test: SENNHEISER HD800S Anniversary Edition", "Audio Review: SENNHEISER HD800S Anniversary Edition

The Sennheiser HD800S Anniversary Edition is a rare, 750-unit limited-edition headphone featuring an exclusive matte gold finish and paired, strictly selected transducer systems. While the manufacturer states it shares an identical technical base with the standard HD800S, the reviewer notes distinct acoustic differences caused by the selected drivers. Pros include a noticeable boost...Read more

fwdmagazine.be

29/03/2016

Review: Sennheiser HD 800S (Note: This core technical test remains the reference for the Anniversary Edition's identical internals)

The Sennheiser HD 800S builds on its iconic predecessor by retaining its legendary open-back, lightweight 330-gram design and massive 56-mm dynamic drivers, while introducing subtle but vital acoustic refinements. Sennheiser successfully addressed the controversial 6 kHz treble peak of the original HD 800—which often caused aggressive, piercing, and sibilant "sss" sounds—by...Read more

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