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Sennheiser PXC 480 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Sennheiser PXC 480 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 PXC 480
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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 77% of models
Score components

80%

7.2

Technical score

20%

6.9

User score

â–²Better than 77% of headphones
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 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 73% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–²Better than 73%
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 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 79% of models
Score components

52%

8.3

Sound

20%

5.4

Features

10%

6.9

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Battery

4%

9.2

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 79%
6.9

User score

User score
6.9/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 87%
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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 PXC 480

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

52%

8.3

Sound

20%

5.4

Features

10%

6.9

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Battery

4%

9.2

Calls & Controls

7.2
User score
User score
6.9/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.9
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser PXC 480 has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is lower than that of 54.1% of products in this category.
5.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
36 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 36 mm, smaller driver size than 72.8% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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
17 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 17 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 53.2% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% 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
?
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
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
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
50 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 50 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 79.3% of headphones and equal to 7.7% of headphones.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
225 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 225 g, heavier than 52.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
3.6
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.6, lower clamp force than 60.4% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser PXC 480 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 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.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    50 hours vs 30 hours
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    50 hours vs 30 hours
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 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.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (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
    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 %
  • 15.5% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser PXC 480
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser PXC 480 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.93 vs 8).
    6.93 vs 8
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Sennheiser PXC 480 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 15.5% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser PXC 480
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser PXC 480 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.93 vs 8).
    6.93 vs 8
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Sennheiser PXC 480 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 24 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (36 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    36 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 4 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    36 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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 %
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Gareth Myles
≈ estimated
24/03/2017
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Sennheiser PXC 480 is very comfortable and nicely designed, with sound quality still untested.
Shop video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

majorhifi.com
16/12/2016
Hands-on review · Travel listening
Verdict
The Sennheiser PXC 480 is a comfortable travel headphone with a long battery and strong isolation, but its soundstage and midrange hold it back.
M
majorhifi.com
17/05/2017
Summary of the review
Sennheiser PXC 480 vs Sennheiser PXC 550Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review
A
avguide.ch
28/02/2017
Summary of the review
High-Fidelity Travel Companion - Sennheiser PXC 480 Review
(Translated)Show original
hwupgrade.it
18/04/2026
Hands-on test · Wired noise cancelling
Verdict
The Sennheiser PXC 480 is a comfortable, long-lasting pair for flights and commutes, though its hard-to-find power switch and lopsided app EQ hold it back.

Third-party reviews

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

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 don't like 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

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.

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