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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 Hdr 170 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:24 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser Hdr 170 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 Hdr 170
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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 60% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

7.8

User score

â–²Better than 60% of headphones
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 61%
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 59% of models
Score components

52%

6.6

Sound

20%

5.4

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

6.0

Connectivity

6%

3.8

Battery

4%

4.7

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 59%
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 65%
  • sennheiser-hdr-170
  • sennheiser-hdr-170
sennheiser-hdr-170
sennheiser-hdr-170
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 Hdr 170

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 59% of models
Score components:

52%

6.6

Sound

20%

5.4

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

6.0

Connectivity

6%

3.8

Battery

4%

4.7

Calls & Controls

6.1
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.8
Popularity
Popularity
6.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 55% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser Hdr 170 has a popularity score of 6.3 points, which is higher than that of 55% of products in this category.
6.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
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
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% 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
18 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.6% of headphones and equal to 3.6% 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
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
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
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Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
80 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 80 ms, lower audio latency than 57.8% of headphones and equal to 4.3% of headphones.
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% 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.
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Battery life
24 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 24 hours, lower battery life than 58.8% of headphones and equal to 3.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
16 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 16 hours to charge, higher charging time than 99.5% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
600 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 600 mAh, higher battery capacity than 50.2% of headphones and equal to 7.9% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
228 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 228 g, heavier than 53.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
3.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.5, lower clamp force than 68.4% of headphones and equal to 5.3% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser Hdr 170 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • 70 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (80 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    80 ms vs 150 ms
  • 0.8 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3.5 vs 4.3
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Wireless charging support
    This pair of headphones supports wireless charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 3.9% of headphones support wireless charging.
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • 70 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (80 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    80 ms vs 150 ms
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 14 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (16 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    16 hours vs 2 hours
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 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
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 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.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 3.1% 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 Hdr 170
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser Hdr 170 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.76 vs 8).
    7.76 vs 8
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 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.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 14 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (16 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    16 hours vs 2 hours
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 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
  • 6 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    July 2010
    2010 vs 2016

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sennheiser Hdr 170

  • Excellent sound quality with no background hiss due to Kleer digital wireless technology
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to the closed-back design
  • Long battery life with easy recharging via the transmitter/docking station
  • Virtual surround sound mode significantly enhances movie watching and gaming experiences
  • Impressive wireless range that maintains signal through walls
  • Comfortable over-ear fit suitable for long listening sessions
  • Uses standard AAA rechargeable batteries, making them easy to replace

What customers don't like about Sennheiser Hdr 170

  • Controls on the earcup are small, close together, and difficult to operate by touch alone
  • Pairing multiple headsets to a single base station can be tricky and frustrating
  • Virtual surround sound can negatively affect music clarity and vocal centering
  • Bass may lack depth and punch for users seeking a heavy bass response
  • Earcups can become warm during prolonged use
  • Automatic 'sleep' mode on the transmitter may require manual reactivation

Verdict

The Sennheiser HDR 170 is a closed-back, over-ear digital wireless headphone receiver designed for use with the RS 170 system, featuring Kleer uncompressed audio transmission for interference-free, CD-quality sound. Technical specifications include 40mm dynamic transducers with neodymium magnets, a frequency response of 18 Hz to 21,000 Hz, an impedance of 32 ohms, and a maximum sound pressure level of 110 dB. Key characteristics include switchable 'Dynamic Bass' and 'Surround Sound' modes, a transmission range of up to 80 metres (line-of-sight), and a battery life of approximately 24 hours from two rechargeable AAA NiMH batteries. Main pros are its lightweight 226g design, low latency for gaming/movies, and the ability to pair up to four headsets to a single transmitter. Cons include tricky initial pairing procedures and small, closely placed earcup controls that can be difficult to operate by touch.

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