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Sennheiser PXC 550 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£130
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 30 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sennheiser PXC 550 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

8.1

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%

7.9

Technical Score

20.0%

9.0

User score

Excellent
7.9

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%

7.5

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

4.7

Connectivity

6.0%

5.2

Battery

4.0%

9.7

Calls & Controls

Very good
9.0

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(5273)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(5273)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    3.1

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

  • 7.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 9.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 4.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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

Verdict

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is a premium over-ear travel headphone featuring NoiseGard adaptive noise cancellation and an impressive 30-hour battery life. Weighing just 227 grams, it offers a foldable design with a unique twist-to-power mechanism and a touch-sensitive control pad on the right earcup. Its technical specs include a frequency response of 17 Hz to 23 kHz, an impedance of 490 Ohms in active mode, and support for the high-quality aptX Bluetooth 4.2 codec. Main pros include its exceptional comfort, lightweight build, and a balanced, high-fidelity sound signature that appeals to audiophiles. However, common cons include a micro-USB charging port rather than USB-C, touch controls that can be prone to accidental triggers, and noise cancellation that is generally considered less effective than top-tier competitors like Bose or Sony.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser PXC 550

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%

7.5

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

4.7

Connectivity

6.0%

5.2

Battery

4.0%

9.7

Calls & Controls

7.9
Sennheiser PXC 550 has a technical score of 7.86 points, which is higher than that of 92.9% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(5273)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(5273)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.0
Sennheiser PXC 550 has a user score of 9.02 points, which is higher than that of 86% 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.
10
Sennheiser PXC 550 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

8.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

8.6
Sennheiser PXC 550 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.6 points, which is higher than 94.2% 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 550 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

32 mm
Sennheiser PXC 550 uses a driver size of 32 mm, smaller driver size than 74.5% of headphones and equal to 3% 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 550 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

17 Hz
Sennheiser PXC 550 reaches a lowest frequency of 17 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 53.4% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Show more
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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 550 supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 550 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

7
Sennheiser PXC 550 has 7 microphones, more microphones than 98.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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

no
Sennheiser PXC 550 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wireless
Sennheiser PXC 550 supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

4.2
Sennheiser PXC 550 uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.6% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
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

10 m
Sennheiser PXC 550 offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

200 ms
Sennheiser PXC 550 has audio latency of 200 ms, higher audio latency than 72% of headphones and equal to 13.9% of headphones.
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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 550 supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 550 supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% 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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 550 supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 550 works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
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

2
Sennheiser PXC 550 offers 2 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 92.6% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
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

yes
Sennheiser PXC 550 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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

30 hours
Sennheiser PXC 550 offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46% of headphones and equal to 10.5% of headphones.
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

20 hours
Sennheiser PXC 550 offers battery life with ANC of 20 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 74.3% of headphones and equal to 9.8% 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

3 hours
Sennheiser PXC 550 needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66% of headphones and equal to 21.3% of headphones.
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

700 mAh
Sennheiser PXC 550 has a battery capacity of 700 mAh, higher battery capacity than 65.4% of headphones and equal to 4% of headphones.
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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

227 g
Sennheiser PXC 550 weighs 227 g, heavier than 53.2% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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

4.3
Sennheiser PXC 550 has a clamp force of 4.3, lower clamp force than 49.5% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
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Sennheiser PXC 550 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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 550 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser PXC 550 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • EQ customization
    Sennheiser PXC 550 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    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

    Sennheiser PXC 550 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sennheiser PXC 550 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Sennheiser PXC 550 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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 550 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 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 550 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • On-device controls
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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 550 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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 550 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Foldable design
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sennheiser PXC 550 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sennheiser PXC 550 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Sennheiser PXC 550 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Sennheiser PXC 550 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Sennheiser PXC 550 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Sennheiser PXC 550 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser PXC 550 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 6 more microphones
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has more microphones than the average headphone (7 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser PXC 550 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Sennheiser PXC 550 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Sennheiser PXC 550 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Sennheiser PXC 550 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
Features
  • 7 mm tighter earcup width
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (36 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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 550 has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 72.5 ms higher audio latency
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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 550 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
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 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 550 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.32 mm vs 40 mm
  • 72.5 ms higher audio latency
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    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

    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.200 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 10 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 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 550 has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 7 mm tighter earcup width
    Sennheiser PXC 550 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (36 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 550 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (36 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.36 mm vs 43 mm
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser PXC 550 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 550 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 %
Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser PXC 550 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
5273 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
5273 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser PXC 550?

  • Exceptional sound quality with a neutral, well-balanced signature suitable for critical listening
  • Extremely comfortable and lightweight design, ideal for long travel or work sessions
  • Impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge
  • Sturdy and professional build quality with a convenient foldable design for portability
  • Excellent microphone performance providing clear voice quality for phone calls
  • Highly customizable audio settings and EQ presets via the companion app

What customers dislike about Sennheiser PXC 550?

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is less effective compared to top-tier competitors like Bose and Sony
  • Touch-sensitive controls on the earcups can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental triggers
  • Significant sound leakage at higher volumes, which may disturb others nearby
  • Treble can occasionally sound harsh or piercing, especially in the mid-treble range
  • Earcups may feel snug or 'stuffy' for users with larger ears
  • Uses an outdated micro-USB charging port rather than the modern USB-C

Expert reviews

W
whathifi.com
05/09/2016
What Hi-Fi?: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless review

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a smart, minimalist pair of noise-cancelling headphones tailored for the discerning business traveller, balancing a comfortable 227g weight with ergonomic, thick leather ear pads. They feature an intuitive design where the headphones power up automatically when the right ear cup is twisted open and turn off when folded. Reviewers praise their...Read more

T
techradar.com
01/09/2016
TechRadar: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless review

The Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones deliver an impressive, well-balanced soundstage highlighted by rich, full-bodied mid-ranges and exceptional treble clarity. While the low-end frequencies are crisp, they lack the heavy impact that deep bass enthusiasts might prefer. A major standout feature is the physical implementation of the on/off control, which cleverly triggers by...Read more

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cnet.com
26/07/2016
CNET: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless review: A full-size Bluetooth headphone with active noise canceling that rivals Bose QC35

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a highly comfortable and lightweight over-ear Bluetooth headphone designed to compete directly with travel-focused models like the Bose QC35. Weighing 8 ounces (227 grams), it features puffy, plush ear cups and a fold-flat design that stores away cleanly into an included carrying case. Notable for its tech-forward feature set, the headphone...Read more

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pcmag.com
19/07/2016
PCMag: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Review

The PCMag review highlights the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless as an exceptionally comfortable, premium travel option with powerful audio performance and excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) that rivals top-tier competitors. The sound profile delivers rich bass and bright highs, with customizable modes via a companion app, alongside a passive wired listening option. However, the...Read more

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goughlui.com
11/08/2019
Gough's Tech Rails: Review: Sennheiser PXC550 Wireless Adaptive Noise Cancellation Headphones Would you like a similar breakdown for the PXC 550-II mo...

The Sennheiser PXC550 wireless headphones offer a balanced, warm soundstage with reliable active noise cancellation that performs on par with competing models. They feature helpful touch-based gestures on the right earcup for easy track and volume adjustments, and they support dual-phone pairing along with high-quality aptX audio codecs. The voice call quality is excellent due to a...Read more

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audiophilia.com
30/05/2019
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless - Audiophilia

In his review for Audiophilia, Anthony Kershaw evaluates the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless over-ear headphones, a $349.95 competitor in the active noise cancellation (ANC) market. Tested during a loud turboprop flight, the headphones successfully passed the "torture test," proving to be highly practical and comfortable for long-haul travel. The pros highlighted include exceptional...Read more

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medium.com
27/08/2018
Medium: Sennheiser PXC 550 Headphones — Review | by Alex Reis

The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. are highlighted as a solid choice for travel, featuring a durable, professional design with robust metal components. They deliver airy, punchy, and detailed audio with a wide soundstage, particularly when using the "Director" effect, offering an audiophile-adjacent experience in a wireless format. YouTube·...Read more

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themasterswitch.com
05/07/2018
The Master Switch: Review: Sennheiser PXC 550

The Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones offer a highly comfortable fit and rich, detailed audio performance, but they are held back by frustrating, overly complex design choices. On the positive side, the sound quality is impressive, featuring prominent mid-range frequencies, clear treble, and deep, addictive bass extension that reaches down to 17Hz. Users can enjoy 15 hours of...Read more

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rtings.com
21/03/2018
RTINGS.com: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Review

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless are comfortable, lightweight over-ear headphones featuring a well-balanced sound profile, extensive app support, and an excellent 30-hour battery life. Key advantages include a secure fit for light exercise and a highly customizable audio experience. However, RTINGS notes that the active noise cancellation underperforms compared to top competitors,...Read more

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notenoughtech.com
16/10/2017
Not Enough Tech: Sennheiser PXC550 Bluetooth headphones - review

The Sennheiser PXC550 Bluetooth headphones offer excellent, rich sound quality backed by four built-in EQ presets and effective active noise cancellation, which efficiently blocks out loud workplace distractions. Priced at £325, they deliver premium comfort for long listening sessions due to a soft, ear-hugging design and intuitive, responsive touch controls on the ear cup. Users...Read more

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galaxus.de
12/04/2017
Galaxus.de: From well-behaved to fire-breathing: the Sennheiser PXC 550 tested

The Galaxus review identifies the Sennheiser PXC 550 as a lightweight, comfortable, and highly versatile travel companion featuring a 30-hour battery, touch controls, and effective NoiseGard active noise cancellation. While praised for its premium build, a notable con is that the sound profile can seem too "well-behaved" or polite when playing rock and pop in default mode. The...Read more

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majorhifi.com
03/01/2017
Major HiFi: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphone Review

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a sleek, well-built over-ear headphone tailored specifically for executive travelers and frequent flyers seeking premium high-fidelity sound and comfort. It stands out with a unique, buttonless design that automatically powers on and enters Bluetooth 4.2 pairing mode simply by unfolding the earcups. The headphone features an impressive 30-hour...Read more

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head-fi.org
14/11/2016
Head-Fi.org: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Bluetooth Headphone

The Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones offer an audiophile-grade, balanced soundstage with exceptional 10/10 comfort and effective 9/10 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), outperforming key competitors in both sound and build quality. Designed for long-term wear, they feature soft, secure ear cups and robust construction, providing a high-fidelity experience tailored for travel and...Read more

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sueddeutsche.de
15/09/2016
Sennheiser PXC 550: Top-class travel headphones - SZ.de", "Sennheiser PXC 550: Premium travel headphones - SZ.de

The Süddeutsche Zeitung review gives the Sennheiser PXC 550 travel headphones an excellent rating, highlighting their premium sound quality and user-friendly features. The reviewer notes several key pros, starting with an innovative power-on mechanism that triggers automatically when the earcups are rotated into the listening position. Bluetooth pairing takes just seconds and works...Read more

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hifi.de
26/07/2019
Sennheiser PXC 550: Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is a premium, closed-back, over-ear noise-cancelling headphone praised for its high comfort, lightweight design (approx. 227g), and robust metal-and-faux-leather build quality. It delivers an pleasantly warm sound signature with excellent spatial clarity, tight bass performance, and an overall highly competent acoustic output. Users benefit from innovative,...Read more

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chip.de
07/02/2019
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Review - CHIP

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a dedicated travel and office headphone that delivers a high-quality, clear, and treble-focused sound profile, featuring an unobtrusive bass that provides a stable foundation but lacks the deep punch required for heavy electronic or hip-hop tracks. Its active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively dampens environmental disruptions, allowing users to...Read more

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kopfhoerer.de
05/01/2017
Sennheiser PXC 550 review on kopfhoerer.de", "Sennheiser PXC 550 tested by kopfhoerer.de

The review from kopfhoerer.de awards the Sennheiser PXC 550 a strong 4.25 out of 5 stars, praising it as a premium, business-oriented over-ear headphone that excels in mobile and travel environments. Its standout feature is an active noise-cancelling (ANC) system that feels "almost like magic," effectively neutralizing static ambient noise like aircraft engines, air conditioning,...Read more

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spiegel.de
01/01/2017
Sennheiser PXC 550 Review - DER SPIEGEL", "Testing the Sennheiser PXC 550 - DER SPIEGEL

The DER SPIEGEL review highlights the Sennheiser PXC 550 as a highly capable noise-cancelling headphone with a stealthy, unassuming look that hides its advanced functionality. A standout positive feature is its unique control scheme; the right ear cup features an integrated touchpad that allows users to effortlessly manage volume levels and handle incoming phone calls with touch...Read more

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techtest.org
25/04/2018
Sennheiser PXC 550 review: The better alternative to the QC35

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is a very light pair of high-end Bluetooth headphones built for travel. They weigh only 227 grams and have comfortable ear pads. This makes them easy to wear for hours. The headphones have a long battery life of 20 to 25 hours. They also offer great active noise cancelling (ANC) that blocks out background sounds like train or car engines without creating an...Read more

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thegoodtroll.fr
11/04/2017
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones Review", "Review: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a high-end, premium headphone designed specifically for travel, featuring a solid, lightweight, and highly foldable design that allows it to easily fit inside a jacket pocket. In practice, it delivers excellent sound quality with impressive depth and functions effectively as a noise-canceling headset using "NoiseGard" technology, which blocks...Read more

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on-mag.fr
16/11/2016
Sennheiser PXC550 review: a serious competitor for the Bose QC35", "Sennheiser PXC550 test: a serious rival to the Bose QC35

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless serves as the German audio leader's flagship circum-aural nomadic model, designed specifically to compete directly with the industry-standard Bose QuietComfort 35. Retailing at an official price of 350 €, these lightweight 235-gram headphones provide dual Bluetooth and wired connectivity options along with active noise cancellation (ANC)...Read more

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moovely.fr
08/12/2017
Review of the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones", "Sennheiser PXC 550 Review: High-End Noise-Canceling Headphones", "Sennheiser PXC 550 Headphone...

In the Moovely review, the author highly praises the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless headphones as an exceptional daily companion for commuting and travel, highlighting its flawless Bluetooth and NFC connectivity without a single drop-out during extensive testing. The core strengths (pros) of the device include its outstanding 30-hour battery life, which only required charging once a...Read more

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xavierstuder.com
18/12/2016
Wireless Hi-Fi: Sennheiser PXC 550 noise-cancelling headphones review

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless headphones are a highly versatile, feature-rich choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers alike, delivering premium build quality and strong physical ergonomics. The pros of this model include its highly impressive 30-hour battery life, a comfortable over-ear design fitting all head sizes, and the intuitive "NoiseGard Hybrid" adaptive active noise...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
26/02/2022
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Review: A Versatile Headphone

The Labo Fnac review gives the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless a surprisingly low rating of 2 out of 5 stars, heavily criticizing its acoustic performance. The laboratory's primary grievance is a "catastrophic" frequency response curve. According to their measurements, the cons include bass levels that are almost completely inaudible, failing to reach a normal baseline until the 1 kHz...Read more

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audiocasque.fr
27/02/2017
Sennheiser PXC 550 | REVIEW | The traveler's companion

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is a compact, lightweight (227g), and highly portable circum-aural Bluetooth headset designed primarily for travelers who prioritize long-lasting comfort and advanced functionality. Notable pros highlighted in the review include its versatile multipoint Bluetooth connection, aptX codec compatibility, a convenient touch-control pad on the right earcup, and a...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
20/10/2016
Sennheiser PXC 550 review: A nearly flawless travel companion

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is a highly feature-rich wireless travel headphone that offers exceptional comfort, adaptive physical design, and an intuitive button-free power mechanic that automatically triggers when the earcups are folded flat. In terms of performance, it delivers a precise, warm audio signature that emphasizes bass and low-mids while maintaining excellent channel...Read more

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smartworld.it
08/12/2016
Sennheiser PXC 550 Review | vs Bose QC35 - SmartWorld

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is a premium pair of wireless over-ear headphones designed specifically for travel and mobility, serving as a direct competitor to the Bose QC35. Weighing a lightweight 230 grams, they feature a unique mechanism where the headphones automatically turn on or off when the earcups are rotated. One of their standout features is the adaptive "NoiseGard" active...Read more

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bluetoothkoptelefoon.com
06/11/2016
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless review - Bluetooth headphones

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a professionally styled, sturdy, and comfortable noise-canceling headphone that delivers superior, well-balanced sound quality with clear vocals and controlled bass, outperforming its main rival, the Bose QuietComfort 35, in audio performance. It features an innovative design where turning the right ear cup powers the device on or off, alongside...Read more

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mtsprout.nl
23/04/2018
The best noise-cancelling headphones for the office

The MT/Sprout review highlights the Sony WH-1000XM2 as a top-tier office headphone, praised for exceptional noise cancellation, sleek design, and a customizable app. However, it notes drawbacks like a high €360 price, a loose fit for some users, and a learning curve for gesture controls. MT/SproutThe Bose QuietComfort 35 II is recognized for its superior, user-friendly physical...Read more

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ct.nl
29/10/2018
Tested: Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancelling", "Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancelling reviewed", "Active noise cancelling Blu...

The c't magazine review crowns the Sony WH-1000XM2 as the overall test winner due to its exceptional combination of top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC), superior sound quality, and outstanding comfort on wider heads, alongside its proprietary high-bitrate LDAC codec. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II stands out as a highly comfortable option featuring incredibly intuitive physical...Read more

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reishonger.nl
22/08/2017
Satisfy your wanderlust with the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless headset", "Feed your travel bug with the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless headset

The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a premium, lightweight travel headset praised for its exceptional active noise cancellation ("NoiseGard") and intuitive touch control system. Designed specifically for travelers, it features a durable yet soft build that fits comfortably over the ears, an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours, and seamless Bluetooth pairing. Users can control...Read more

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want.nl
30/08/2019
5 reasons to buy (or not buy) the Sennheiser PXC 550

The Want.nl review highlights the Sennheiser PXC 550 as a top choice for travelers, boasting an impressive 30-hour battery life, effective Active Noise Cancellation, and a rich, balanced sound profile. Key design features, including intuitive touch controls and a unique twist-to-activate mechanical switch, further enhance the user experience, making them a strong contender in the...Read more

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iculture.nl
02/03/2017
Review: Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless noise-cancelling headphones

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is a lightweight, wireless over-ear headphone weighing just 230 grams, designed with a sleek matte plastic and brushed aluminum aesthetic that offers a high-comfort fit. It features an innovative power-saving mechanism where rotating the ear cups a quarter-turn folds the unit and immediately switches it off. In terms of battery performance, it delivers an...Read more

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