Shanling HW600 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£970
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,100
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Shanling HW600 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

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%

3.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.7

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%

4.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.0

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 1.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

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Best rankings

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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 Shanling HW600 is a premium open-back headphone featuring oversized 110 x 86mm planar magnetic drivers with an ultra-thin 8μm polymer diaphragm and silver-plated aluminum coils. It delivers a wide frequency response of 12Hz–40kHz with an impedance of 30Ω and a high sensitivity of 104dB, making it exceptionally easy to drive for a planar model. The build utilizes aerospace-grade 7xxx aluminum and stainless steel, complemented by luxurious lambskin earpads and a bamboo-inspired triangular earcup design. Main pros include a spacious, well-defined soundstage, punchy dynamics, and a high-quality single-crystal copper cable with balanced 4.4mm termination. Available cons noted by reviewers include its significant weight of 480g, a somewhat limited accessory package lacking a carrying case, and a potential loss of fine detail in the deepest sub-bass extension.

Technical Specifications of Shanling HW600

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.7
Shanling HW600 has a technical score of 3.71 points, which is lower than that of 90.6% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Shanling HW600 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

3.7

Overall score

40.0%

5.4

Price

4.2
Shanling HW600 has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.2 points, which is lower than 97.7% 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

no
Shanling HW600 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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

planar
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

110 mm
Shanling HW600 uses a driver size of 110 mm, larger driver size than 100% 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
Shanling HW600 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

12 Hz
Shanling HW600 reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Shanling HW600 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Shanling HW600 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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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

wired
Shanling HW600 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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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

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Shanling HW600 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Shanling HW600 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

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

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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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

Shanling
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

480 g
Shanling HW600 weighs 480 g, heavier than 98.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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

open-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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Shanling HW600 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Shanling HW600 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

    Shanling HW600 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 70 mm larger driver size
    Shanling HW600 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (110 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

    Shanling HW600 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (110 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.110 mm vs 40 mm
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Shanling HW600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Shanling HW600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Shanling HW600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Shanling HW600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Open-back design
    Shanling HW600 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Shanling HW600 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Play while charging
    Shanling HW600 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Shanling HW600 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Shanling HW600 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 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

    Shanling HW600 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 7 years newer release date
    Shanling HW600 was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2024
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Shanling HW600 was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2024 vs 2017
  • Open-back design
    Shanling HW600 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Shanling HW600 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 70 mm larger driver size
    Shanling HW600 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (110 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Shanling HW600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    Shanling HW600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Shanling HW600 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Play while charging
    Shanling HW600 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 7 years newer release date
    Shanling HW600 was released more recently than the average headphone (2,024 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • 2.2x higher weight
    Shanling HW600 is heavier than the average headphone (480 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No travel bag
    Shanling HW600 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Shanling HW600 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • Not headset-ready
    Shanling HW600 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Shanling HW600 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Shanling HW600 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Shanling HW600 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Shanling HW600 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.2x higher weight
    Shanling HW600 is heavier than the average headphone (480 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Shanling HW600 is heavier than the average headphone (480 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.480 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Shanling HW600 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

    Shanling HW600 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Shanling HW600 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Shanling HW600 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 10.78x more expensive
    Shanling HW600 is more expensive than the average headphone (£970 vs £90).
    Shanling HW600 is more expensive than the average headphone (£970 vs £90).£970 vs £90
  • 59.9% worse value for money
    Shanling HW600 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.21 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Shanling HW600 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.21 vs 6.736).4.21 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Shanling HW600 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Shanling HW600 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Shanling HW600 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Shanling HW600 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Shanling HW600 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Shanling HW600?

  • High sensitivity (104dB) makes them very easy to drive even with portable DAPs
  • Spacious and well-defined soundstage with excellent imaging and layering
  • Premium build quality featuring aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel
  • Luxurious comfort provided by thick memory foam and breathable lambskin earpads
  • Natural and vivid midrange resolution, particularly well-suited for vocal enthusiasts
  • High-quality 4.4mm balanced single-crystal copper cable included in the box
  • Effective weight distribution that masks the 480g total weight during long sessions

What customers dislike about Shanling HW600?

  • Bass resolution can become 'one-note' or lacking in detail at the lowest sub-bass frequencies
  • Design is heavily 'inspired' by Meze Audio, which some users find unoriginal or a 'rip-off'
  • The 480g weight may still be too heavy for users sensitive to bulky headphones
  • No storage case or pouch included in the standard retail packaging
  • Liberal use of real lambskin leather may be a deterrent for vegetarian or vegan users
  • Potential for slight mid-range colorations or 'hollowing' effects depending on the source pairing
  • Limited vertical adjustment range might not accommodate users with smaller head sizes

Expert reviews

H
headfonia.com
17/11/2024

The Shanling HW600Go is described by Headfonia as an exceptional $1,100 open-back planar magnetic headphone, featuring robust construction with aircraft-grade aluminum, high-density memory foam, and premium leather. Its design, which includes a massive 110 x 86mm diaphragm, results in a highly efficient 30-ohm, 104dB sensitivity configuration that is remarkably easy to drive with...Read more

T
techradar.com
29/12/2024

Shanling HW600 Review Summary The Shanling HW600 marks the brand's premium entry into the wired, open-backed, over-ear planar magnetic headphones market, priced at $1,099. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, angled memory foam, and a liberal use of lambskin, they deliver an expansive, engaging, and highly analytical soundstage with crisp mid-range details and a neutral tonality....Read more

F
forum.headphones.com
04/03/2025

The review from The HEADPHONE Community outlines several strong points for the Shanling HW600, highlighting its overall robust build and balanced technical capabilities. The reviewer praises its robust and sturdy construction, which features a headband design aesthetically reminiscent of high-end Meze flagships. In terms of performance, the headphones exhibit exceptional handling of...Read more

T
t3.com
20/02/2025

Review Summary The Shanling HW600 marks the brand's impressive first entry into the premium, hard-wired, open-backed planar magnetic headphone market, priced at £1,099 / $1,099. Engineered with vanishingly thin 8µm membranes and 14 neodymium magnets per driver, they deliver a highly energetic, neutral, and exceptionally spacious soundstage that allows complex recordings plenty of...Read more

H
headphone.guru
19/01/2026

The Shanling HW600 ($1,099) is a full-sized open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring a premium, pro-style look constructed with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, a stainless steel headband, and lambskin padding. It is built around a large 110x86mm ultra-thin diaphragm and a dual-sided 14-magnet assembly, making it highly efficient (30 ohms / 104dB) and easy to drive even at low...Read more

H
headfonics.com
13/01/2025

The Headfonics review highlights the Shanling HW600 as a high-sensitivity (104dB) open-back planar headphone that is exceptionally easy to drive with portable DAPs, offering rich vocal authority and a smooth timbre. Its design features robust construction with a distinct aesthetic, making it a competitive, versatile debut in the high-end market. Conversely, the 480g weight may feel...Read more

Video reviews

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