OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sennheiser RS 185 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~ÂŁ340Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:18 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser RS 185 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 RS 185
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

80%

5.0

Technical score

20%

7.9

User score

â–ĽWorse than 83% of headphones
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–ĽWorse than 91%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

7.1

Connectivity

6%

3.6

Battery

4%

5.9

Calls & Controls

â–ĽWorse than 92%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–ĽWorse than 62%
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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 RS 185

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

7.1

Connectivity

6%

3.6

Battery

4%

5.9

Calls & Controls

5.0
User score
User score
7.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
6.6/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 59% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser RS 185 has a popularity score of 6.6 points, which is higher than that of 59.2% of products in this category.
6.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

6.5
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
32 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 32 mm, smaller driver size than 74.2% of headphones and equal to 3% 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
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% 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
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% 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
N/A
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Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
21.5 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 21.5 ms, lower audio latency than 96.5% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% 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
18 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 18 hours, lower battery life than 74% of headphones and equal to 1.9% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
8.5 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 8.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 99% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
820 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 820 mAh, higher battery capacity than 82.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
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Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
310 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 310 g, heavier than 83.3% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
4
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4, lower clamp force than 51.2% of headphones and equal to 7.4% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser RS 185 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 128.5 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (21.5 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    21.5 ms vs 150 ms
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • 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.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 41.4% higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (820 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    820 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 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.
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • 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.
  • 128.5 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (21.5 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    21.5 ms vs 150 ms
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • 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.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 6.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (8.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    8.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 42.2% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (310 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    310 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    32 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 12 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (18 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    18 hours vs 30 hours
  • 12 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (32 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    32 mm vs 44 mm
  • 3.78x more expensive
    Sennheiser RS 185 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (ÂŁ340 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ340 vs ÂŁ90
  • 11.1% worse value for money
    Sennheiser RS 185 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.54 vs 7.3).
    6.54 vs 7.27
  • 42.2% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (310 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    310 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 12 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (32 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    32 mm vs 44 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.
    no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    32 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 %
  • 6.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (8.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    8.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 12 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (18 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    18 hours vs 30 hours
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 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

Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
rtings.com
20/06/2017
Summary of the review
Sennheiser RS 185 RF Wireless Review - RTINGS.com
soundandvision.com
22/12/2015
Hands-on review · Audiophile wireless
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 is a strong wireless headphone with smooth, spacious sound for films and music, though it cannot get as loud as wired models.
trustedreviews.com
06/11/2015
Hands-on review · Home wireless headset
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 is a comfortable, dependable home wireless headset with good sound, though its bass could be tighter.
R
reviewcentralme.com
07/09/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Sennheiser RS 185 - Review Central Middle East
vancouverscape.com
29/01/2016
Hands-on test · Home wireless system
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 is a solid, lightweight wireless set for TV and video editing at home, with a warm sound that suits music lovers.
gadgetspeak.com
Not Dated
Hands-on test · Wireless TV headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 is a wireless TV headset with excellent sound from either input, plus separate volume controls for each ear that help when hearing differs.
kopfhoerer-berater.de
02/06/2016
Hands-on test · Wireless TV headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 is a well-built wireless set whose separate balance buttons suit uneven hearing, though it is discontinued and not cheap.
lesnumeriques.com
02/04/2015
Hands-on test · Wireless home hi-fi
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 offers clear, balanced sound and comfort for home use, though its bass lacks punch and it cannot connect to Bluetooth sources.
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
21/04/2015
Summary of the review
Review: RS165, 175, and 185 UHF Headphones: A Great Range of Wireless Headphones
(Translated)Show original
audiocasque.fr
15/07/2015
Full review · RF wireless hi-fi
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 offers comfortable, wide sound for films, music and games at home, though it has no 3.5mm jack for wired listening on the go.
M
maisonadam.ca
12/04/2018
Summary of the review
Review: Sennheiser Wireless Headphones - Private TV Listening
(Translated)Show original
audio-casque-drdre.com
29/08/2018
Lab test · Open-back TV headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 is a comfortable open-back TV headset with low delay and a steady connection, but it leaks sound and works only at home.
S
satellitemagazine.com
23/12/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Wireless Audio Bliss with the Sennheiser RS 185
(Translated)Show original
bluetoothkoptelefoon.com
05/03/2017
Hands-on test · Home RF wireless
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 185 is a comfortable wireless headset with good sound and reliable range for the living room, but its bass could be tighter.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Sennheiser RS 185

  • High-fidelity uncompressed digital audio provides a clear, balanced sound signature suitable for critical listening and movies
  • Open-back design creates a more natural, spacious soundstage compared to closed-back models
  • Highly comfortable for long sessions with lightweight construction and soft velour/microfiber ear cushions
  • Excellent wireless range (up to 100m line-of-sight) using a dedicated RF transmitter dock rather than Bluetooth
  • Long battery life (approximately 18-20 hours) with user-replaceable rechargeable AAA batteries
  • Convenient charging dock that also serves as a headphone stand
  • Ability to pair a second set of headphones to the same transmitter for shared listening

What customers don't like about Sennheiser RS 185

  • Significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation due to the open-back design; others nearby can hear your audio
  • Lack of Bluetooth connectivity limits use strictly to the home transmitter dock; not suitable for mobile or outdoor use
  • Connectivity options are limited to optical and RCA inputs; lacks HDMI
  • Controls on the earcups (volume, balance) can feel small, cluttered, or difficult to use by feel
  • Optical input only accepts PCM/Stereo signals, requiring manual settings changes on some TVs to work with streaming apps like Netflix
  • The transmitter dock can add clutter to an entertainment center and must be plugged into mains power

Verdict

The Sennheiser RS 185 is a premium digital wireless headphone system featuring an open-back, circumaural design and uncompressed 2.4 GHz RF transmission for high-fidelity home listening. Key technical specifications include a frequency response of 17Hz–22kHz, a maximum sound pressure level of 106 dB, and a wireless range of up to 100 metres (line of sight). The system provides approximately 18 hours of battery life via rechargeable AAA NiMH batteries and includes a versatile transmitter with both optical digital and stereo RCA analog inputs. Main pros include its spacious, natural soundstage, low-latency performance suitable for TV and music, and convenient on-ear controls for volume, balance, and manual/automatic level adjustment. However, the open-back design results in significant sound leakage and minimal noise isolation, making them unsuitable for noisy environments or outdoor use, and some users find the earcup buttons difficult to distinguish by touch.

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