Sennheiser PXC 250 II Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£130
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sennheiser PXC 250 II review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

7.2

Technical Score

20.0%

6.6

User score

Very good
7.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.8

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

8.1

Design

8.0%

7.4

Connectivity

6.0%

9.0

Battery

4.0%

6.1

Calls & Controls

Very good
6.6

User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(190)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
(190)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Good
  • 2.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    10

    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

  • 4.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 3.7
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.9

    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

  • sennheiser-pxc-250-ii
sennheiser-pxc-250-ii

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sennheiser PXC 250-II is a compact, foldable on-ear headphone designed for travel, featuring NoiseGard active noise cancellation technology that effectively reduces low-frequency ambient sounds. It utilizes high-performance Duofol drivers and neodymium magnets to deliver a frequency response of 10Hz to 21kHz, with an impedance of 300 ohms in active mode (160 ohms passive) and a sensitivity of 112dB. Key pros include its ultra-lightweight 2.3 oz build, a remarkable 50-hour battery life from a single AAA battery, and a convenient 'fold and flip' design for high portability. However, cons include a lackluster noise cancellation performance compared to over-ear models, potential discomfort during long sessions due to small ear pads, and a somewhat fragile thin-wired construction.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser PXC 250 II

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.8

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

8.1

Design

8.0%

7.4

Connectivity

6.0%

9.0

Battery

4.0%

6.1

Calls & Controls

7.2
Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a technical score of 7.18 points, which is higher than that of 85.4% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(190)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
(190)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

6.6
Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a user score of 6.64 points, which is lower than that of 84.7% of products in this category.
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.
5.8
Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a popularity of 5.8 points, which is higher than 56.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.9
Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 83.2% of products in this category.
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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 250 II supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
Sennheiser PXC 250 II uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
Sennheiser PXC 250 II uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

10 Hz
Sennheiser PXC 250 II reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
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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

no
Sennheiser PXC 250 II is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
Sennheiser PXC 250 II has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

wired
Sennheiser PXC 250 II supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
Sennheiser PXC 250 II does not offer ambient sound mode. 76.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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

no
Sennheiser PXC 250 II does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Sennheiser PXC 250 II does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

50 hours
Sennheiser PXC 250 II offers battery life with ANC of 50 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 79.7% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

on-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

65 g
Sennheiser PXC 250 II weighs 65 g, lighter than 80.5% of headphones.
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

?
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Sennheiser PXC 250 II vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sennheiser PXC 250 II supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 70.2% lower weight
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II is lighter than the average headphone (65 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 PXC 250 II is lighter than the average headphone (65 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.65 g vs 218 g
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 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 PXC 250 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.50 hours vs 30 hours
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II 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 PXC 250 II includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 PXC 250 II has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sennheiser PXC 250 II includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II 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 PXC 250 II includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 70.2% lower weight
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II is lighter than the average headphone (65 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Removable battery
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II 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 PXC 250 II does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II 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 PXC 250 II has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II 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 PXC 250 II is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser PXC 250 II uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 20.5% lower user score
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.64 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Sennheiser PXC 250 II has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.64 vs 8.000).6.64 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser PXC 250 II and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser PXC 250 II?

  • Extremely lightweight and easy to wear for long periods
  • Folds up compactly like a pair of sunglasses for high portability
  • Audio signature delivers clear mids, crisp highs, and a balanced response
  • NoiseGard active noise cancellation handles low-frequency engine drones well
  • Includes a high-quality travel case and airline adapter accessories
  • Provides a passive mode that works without any battery power

What customers dislike about Sennheiser PXC 250 II?

  • On-ear format struggles to block out ambient human speech or sudden noises
  • Bass response can distort on tracks heavy in deep sub-bass frequencies
  • The in-line battery and control module on the cable is bulky and tugs down
  • Thin, lightweight steel frame and cord guards feel somewhat fragile
  • The sensitive analog volume dial on the pendant shifts far too easily in pockets
  • Passive volume output level can be noticeably low when battery power is off

Expert reviews

R
reviewed.com
15/03/2011

The Sennheiser PXC 250-II is a lightweight and highly portable pair of on-ear headphones that fold up like sunglasses and come with a protective case and an airplane adapter. Priced around $150, they deliver impressive audio performance characterized by exceptionally low distortion and a decent, relatively consistent frequency response that even improves slightly in the low end when...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
10/08/2011

The Sennheiser PXC 250-II is an on-ear, active noise-canceling headphone model that offers decent middle-weight performance for its $260 list price, sitting as a more affordable alternative to higher-end competitors. A standout feature of its design is its highly portable, foldable, and collapsible structure that easily fits into an included compact nylon carrying case. It is...Read more

W
whathifi.com
12/04/2012

The Sennheiser PXC 250-II headphones win a prize for their sleek, compact, and highly portable design that is great for your daily commute. They feature a strong steel headband, so you do not have to worry about breaking them despite their dainty look. A major pro is their ability to deliver good sound detail and clear instrument separation. However, the noise-cancelling feature is...Read more

R
rtings.com
07/04/2016

The Sennheiser PXC 250-II headphones are compact, lightweight on-ear headphones praised for their excellent sound leakage control and great audio reproduction, making them a good choice for keeping music contained. While their foldable, portable design is a major benefit, the review cites poor comfort due to small, thinly padded ear cups and a flimsy build quality as key downsides....Read more

A
audioreview.it
03/06/2026

Based on the database from the audio magazine AudioReview, the text outlines a rich historical archive spanning reviews from 1983 to 2024. It covers an expansive breadth of consumer hifi, high-end audio, and video equipment, categorizing products like amplifiers, speakers, streamers, headphones, and home theater gear into structured, interactive data tables. The primary pro...Read more

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