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Sennheiser PXC 480 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sennheiser PXC 480 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.0

Very good

7.1

Very good

6.5

Good

3.2
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%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
5.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
5.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
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
5.6
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.0
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#21 in Best Sennheiser Headphones
#273 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#274 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#328 in Best Headphones with Mic
#331 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Verdict

The Sennheiser PXC 480 is a premium wired, over-ear headphone designed for travelers, featuring a 17 Hz – 23,000 Hz frequency response and 109 dB SPL. Key characteristics include NoiseGard hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), a collapsible 225g design, and an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours for the ANC feature, which can also be used without music in 'sleep mode.' Its main pros are the comfortable memory foam ear pads, a handy 'TalkThrough' feature for conversations without removing the headset, and high-fidelity sound with a THD of <0.5%. However, notable cons include the lack of Bluetooth connectivity, a fixed non-volume-adjusting inline remote, and a sound profile that some find slightly compressed in the mids or overly bright in the highs at higher volumes.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser PXC 480

Overall score

7.0

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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

8.4

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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

9.0

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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

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

5.2

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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

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

6.5

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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

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

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

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

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Design

6.9

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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

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 480 vs the average headphone

Why is Sennheiser PXC 480 better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 480 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
20 hours longer ANC battery life
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 480 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
Clear call microphone
Sennheiser PXC 480 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Sennheiser PXC 480 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (109 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 480 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
On-device controls
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 480 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 480 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 PXC 480 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Foldable design
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Foldable design
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Active noise cancellation
Sennheiser PXC 480 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
3,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
20 hours longer ANC battery life
Sennheiser PXC 480 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.
Rechargeable battery
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Play while charging
Sennheiser PXC 480 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
Clear call microphone
Sennheiser PXC 480 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Sennheiser PXC 480 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sennheiser PXC 480 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser PXC 480 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Sidetone support
Sennheiser PXC 480 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sennheiser PXC 480 worse than the average headphone?

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24 mm tighter earcup height
Sennheiser PXC 480 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (36 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser PXC 480 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
5 mm tighter earcup width
Sennheiser PXC 480 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
4 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser PXC 480 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 %.
1 hours longer charging time
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser PXC 480 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
1 hours longer charging time
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
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
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
No voice assistant support
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 480 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 mm smaller driver size
Sennheiser PXC 480 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 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 PXC 480 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.36 mm vs 40 mm
24 mm tighter earcup height
Sennheiser PXC 480 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (36 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 PXC 480 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (36 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.36 mm vs 60 mm
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 PXC 480 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 %
Tangle-prone cable
Sennheiser PXC 480 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 480 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2.89x more expensive
Sennheiser PXC 480 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
Sennheiser PXC 480 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
5 mm tighter earcup width
Sennheiser PXC 480 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 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 PXC 480 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.38 mm vs 43 mm

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser PXC 480 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser PXC 480?

Superior active noise cancellation (ANC), effective for blocking plane engine and office noise
Exceptional battery life for ANC, lasting up to 50 hours on a single charge
Comfortable, relaxed fit with soft padding suitable for long-haul flights
TalkThrough feature allows hearing surroundings without removing the headphones
Natural, clear, and detailed sound signature with good bass performance
Wired design allows for passive listening even when the battery is depleted
Highly portable and foldable design with a quality travel case included

What customers dislike about Sennheiser PXC 480?

Lack of Bluetooth connectivity may be a drawback for users seeking wireless convenience
Ear cups can run hot or feel tight during extended use, especially in warm weather
Soundstage depth is good, but instrument placement can feel jumbled in complex tracks
Absence of on-device volume control requires adjusting via the source device
Bass can feel slightly overwhelming or boomy for some listeners
Thin headband design may become uncomfortable during very long listening sessions
High retail price is considered premium compared to some better-sounding alternatives

Expert reviews

majorhifi.com

17/05/2017

Sennheiser PXC 480 vs Sennheiser PXC 550Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

The Sennheiser PXC 550 stands out as the superior, modern option due to its wireless Bluetooth 4.2 capability and premium touch-control ear cups. In terms of audio performance, it solves the minor flaws of its predecessor by delivering open mids and glittering highs without any compressed bass, maintaining high-caliber sound even over wireless connections. It also features an...Read more

techwalls.com

20/10/2017

Sennheiser PXC 480 Active Noise-Canceling Headphones Review

The TechWalls review positions the Sennheiser PXC 480 as a wired version of the PXC 550, designed primarily for travel and loud environments rather than audiophile listening. On the positive side, its active noise cancellation (ANC) performs exceptionally well, effectively dampening heavy, low-frequency sounds like wind, city traffic, and intense construction drilling. The reviewer...Read more

majorhifi.com

16/12/2016

Sennheiser PXC 480 Review - Major HiFi

The Sennheiser PXC 480 is an impressive $299 travel headphone that significantly improves upon its predecessors with a solid build, outstanding passive noise isolation, and powerful NoiseGard hybrid active noise-cancellation (ANC) tech. This model stands out primarily due to its spectacular 50-hour battery life from an internal rechargeable battery, alongside a highly comfortable...Read more

avguide.ch

28. Februar 2017

High-Fidelity Travel Companion - Sennheiser PXC 480 Review

The avguide.ch review evaluates the Sennheiser PXC 480 as a premium, wired travel headphone that delivers high-fidelity sound across all age demographics. Author Hans Jürg Baum emphasizes its exceptional comfort and effective acoustic isolation, noting that it fits very naturally on the ears. A core highlight of the review is the performance of the NoiseGard Hybrid active noise...Read more

hwupgrade.it

18/04/2026

Sennheiser PXC 480: music and silence on the move. Our review

The Hardware Upgrade Review of the Sennheiser PXC 480 highlights them as highly comfortable, wired-only, around-the-ear headphones tailored for commuters seeking tranquility. Testing confirms they deliver a balanced, linear sound stage in passive mode with an impressive 50-hour battery life when utilizing the proprietary NoiseGuard active noise cancellation. The physical design...Read more

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