
Beyerdynamic T5 3rd vs Sennheiser HD 800: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic T5 3rd | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1000 | $1800 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-50kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 360 g | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic T5 3rd
The Beyerdynamic T5 3rd is a premium closed-back headphone that combines easy drivability with a wide frequency response, making it suitable for both portable and hi-res listening. Its lightweight, comfortable build and solid construction earn consistent praise, positioning it as a strong high-end option for those prioritizing convenience and quality. While it excels in everyday use, its low-impedance design offers limited headroom for dedicated amplifier enthusiasts.
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Easy to drive from low-power devices
- Pro:Wide frequency response for hi-res audio
- Con:Limited benefit from dedicated amplifiers
- Con:Closed-back design may restrict soundstage
- Con:Price is steep for some buyers
Sennheiser HD 800
The Sennheiser HD 800 is a premium open-back headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize an expansive, speaker-like soundstage and exceptional detail retrieval. Its large dynamic drivers and angled transducer placement deliver a wide, airy presentation with precise imaging, though it demands a powerful amplifier to perform at its best. While the price tag is steep, the combination of engineering precision, comfort, and clarity makes it a standout choice for serious listening at home.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and spatial imaging
- Pro:Highly detailed and resolving treble with controlled bass
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a high-power amplifier; not suitable for portable use
- Con:Fully open design offers no noise isolation
- Con:Expensive retail price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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