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Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£80
Avg. price in US: ~$110
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

4.8

Poor

8.0

Excellent

2.8
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
7.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
9.9
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
4.4
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
7.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
7.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.9
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
5.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser OCX 686 Sports is a wired, in-ear headset designed for high-intensity workouts, featuring flexible ear hooks for a secure fit and an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. Technically, it offers a frequency response of 18 Hz to 20,000 Hz, a low impedance of 20 Ohms for easy smartphone driving, and a high sound pressure level of 120 dB. Its main characteristics include an antimicrobial SteriTouch coating, a para-aramid-reinforced tangle-free oval cable, and an integrated smart remote and microphone. The primary pros are its lightweight 23g design, excellent noise isolation from the sealed ear-canal construction, and a reliable fit that remains stable during movement. However, notable cons include its wired-only connectivity (3.5mm), model-specific remote compatibility (Android-specific 'G' vs. iOS-specific 'i' versions), and a potentially awkward over-the-neck cable weight bias.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports

Overall score

5.4

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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

4.4

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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

6.9

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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

?

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

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

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

?

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Connectivity

6.6

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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

4.1

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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

8.2

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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

in-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

closed-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

N/A

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Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports better than the average headphone?

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89.4% lower weight
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports is lighter than the average headphone (23 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 Ocx 686 Sports is lighter than the average headphone (23 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.23 g vs 218 g
18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (120 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 Ocx 686 Sports has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Water resistance
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
IPX4
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Boom microphone included
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have 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
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
89.4% lower weight
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports is lighter than the average headphone (23 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Boom microphone included
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
31 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
31 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 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 Ocx 686 Sports has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % 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 Ocx 686 Sports has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.5 % vs 0.3 %

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports?

Secure over-ear hook design prevents headphones from falling out during intense activities like jogging.
Sweat and water resistance (IPX4 rating) makes them highly durable for gym use and light rain.
Balanced sound quality with surprisingly rich and punchy bass for their size.
Lightweight and comfortable enough for long-term wear during workouts.
Reinforced tangle-free oval cables reduce cable noise and improve longevity.
Effective passive noise isolation blocks out external gym or street noise.

What customers dislike about Sennheiser Ocx 686 Sports?

Full remote functionality (volume control) is often limited to specific devices, with separate models for Android and iOS.
Over-ear hooks can be uncomfortable for users who wear glasses or sunglasses.
Wired-only design may feel restrictive compared to modern Bluetooth sports earphones.
The over-ear design might feel awkward to some, requiring frequent readjustments to maintain a deep seal.
Ear tips may fall off or wear down over extended periods of heavy use.
Available in limited, bright neon colors that may not suit everyone's aesthetic preference.

Expert reviews

tomsguide.com

13/08/2015

Sennheiser OCX 686G Sport Earbuds Review - Tom's Guide

The Sennheiser OCX 686G Sport earbuds are a sweat- and water-resistant wired model priced at $109, designed to deliver high-quality audio during intense workouts. They feature a durable, tangle-free green-and-gray para-aramid reinforced cable and an inline remote with a built-in microphone and volume rocker, though users must carefully choose between dedicated Android or iOS...Read more

pocket-lint.com

21/06/2017

Sennheiser OCX 686 review: Wired for sports - Pocket-lint

The Sennheiser OCX 686 is a budget-friendly pair of wired sports headphones featuring a comfortable, flexible over-ear hook design and a flattened, tangle-free cable. Built specifically to handle intense workouts, they offer excellent rain and sweat resistance alongside sound isolation achieved through a proper earbud fit. On the performance front, the earphones deliver strong audio...Read more

forum.earlybird.club

14/03/2015

Review of Sennheiser OCX 686G SPORTS headphones with Android control - EarlyBird Forum If you need more details, I can help you: Compare the "G" (Andr...

The Sennheiser OCX 686G SPORTS headset is a lightweight, wired, over-ear hook model specifically engineered for intense workout routines like running and biking. Weighing just over 20 grams, its principal pros include an ultra-lightweight build, an incredibly secure over-ear hook fitment that keeps the earpieces glued to the ears, and high-visibility neon green styling tailored for...Read more

head-fi.org

14/03/2015

Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports Ear-Canal Ear Hook Headset Reviews - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi reviews of the Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports headset highlight its secure, lightweight ear-hook design that remains stable during intense, sweat-intensive workouts. Key advantages include a robust, tangle-free cable, an integrated mic for Android devices, and a fun, airy sound signature with impactful bass that maintains clarity. On the downside, users noted a difficult,...Read more

gearinstitute.com

16/02/2016

Sennheiser Sport Earphones Deliver Durability and Sound Quality - Gear Institute

The Gear Institute review highlights the Sennheiser MX 686G SPORT earphones as a mid-range, durable option offering superior sound quality with rich mids and balanced bass, suitable for intense workouts. Key pros include the secure fit provided by rubber ear fins, which keep the, albeit bulky, ear-pieces stable during movement. On the downside, the review notes the earbuds have a...Read more

hifihelper.com

25/04/2016

Sennheiser OCX 686G Review - HiFiHelper

The Sennheiser OCX 686G Sport earphones are high-performing, wired workout headphones evaluated favorably for their design and durability. The pros highlighted in the review include their exceptional build quality, featuring sweat- and water-resistant materials that can handle heavy handling and extreme workouts. Comfort is another major strength; the flexible, rubberized plastic...Read more

ems-werk.de

02/05/2025

Sports Headphones: Three Models Under Review

This review evaluates three different sports headphones across various price ranges, emphasizing that sweat and water resistance are essential requirements for any workout headset. The budget-friendly Sennheiser OCX 686i (under €70) is a wired model that features secure ear hooks and an integrated remote control. Its main advantages are a great price-to-performance ratio and a...Read more

pcpointer.de

14/01/2016

Sennheiser OCX 686G SPORTS - PCPointer.de

The Sennheiser OCX 686G SPORTS is an ultra-lightweight, wired in-ear headphone specifically engineered for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The primary pros highlighted in the review include its highly secure, ergonomic ear-hook design that guarantees the earbuds stay firmly in place during heavy movement, alongside a sweat- and water-resistant build that withstands rigorous...Read more

xc-ski.de

15/01/2016

Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports - xc-ski.de Cross-Country Skiing

The Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports is a wired, in-ear sports headphone retailing for 99 Euros. According to the reviewer, the product excels in physical design, usability, and fit, earning high praise for its secure ear-hook design. It stays firmly in place during intense physical movement and fits comfortably even when wearing a winter hat or headband. Additional pros include its sweat...Read more

hifitest.de

16/09/2015

Sennheiser OCX 686 SPORTS In-Ear Headphones

The Sennheiser OCX 686 SPORTS is an "Oberklasse" (upper-class) in-ear headphone designed specifically for indoor workouts, retailing around 100 Euros. Featuring ear hooks that loop around the outside of the ears, it provides a highly secure and comfortable fit during station training, stationary cycling, or treadmill running. Its closed-back design and silicone ear tips deliver...Read more

imaedia.de

18/12/2015

Sennheiser OCX 686i SPORTS review

Review Summary The Sennheiser OCX 686i SPORTS is a highly durable, lightweight (23g) in-ear sport headphone specifically tailored for Apple iOS devices, featuring a straight audio plug and a bright lime-green flat ribbon cable designed to prevent tangling. Built to withstand intense workouts, it is both sweat- and water-resistant, allowing users to safely rinse it under the tap...Read more

wegotmusic.de

17/03/2015

A True Sports Companion: Reviewing the New Sennheiser OCX 686G", "A Real Sports Friend: The New Sennheiser OCX 686G Tested

The Sennheiser OCX 686G sports headphones review on wegotmusic.de evaluates the device across both indoor gym environments and outdoor running sessions. The reviewer notes that the build quality feels premium and rugged right out of the box, featuring a neon-green, tangle-reducing oval cable, an integrated microphone, and a solid inline remote. In terms of performance, the...Read more

trailandrunning.com

28/08/2020

Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports: The review by Trail & Running

This review from Trail & Running evaluates the Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports earphones during long-distance training runs. The reviewer notes that the device is specifically engineered for athletes, highlighting rugged and practical design features. These key specifications include water and moisture resistance, an anti-bacterial material called SteriTouch, and para-aramid reinforced...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

16/11/2016

Sennheiser OCX 686i Lab Test: An excellent wired neckband for athletes

The Labo Fnac review gives the Sennheiser OCX 686i sports headphones a technical rating of 5 out of 5 stars, highlighting them as an excellent wired option for active users. The lab tests reveal an exceptional audio performance, earning a perfect score of 10 out of 10 for distortion across all key frequencies (80 Hz, 100 Hz, and 200 Hz), meaning the sound remains clean without...Read more

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