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HiFiMAN HE 600 vs Sennheiser HD 400: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 400 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 400 - Great overall at around $77.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sennheiser HD 400 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • HiFiMAN HE 600
  • Sennheiser HD 400
HearWiki score
74
82
Sound
8.0
8.5
Value
7.5
8.0
Price (USD)
$800
$77

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Sennheiser HD 400 adds USB-C.

  • HE 6002025
  • HD 400Year unknown
What differsHE 600HD 400

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HE 600HD 400
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$800
$77
HearWiki score
74
82
Released
2025
-
Availability
Sold new
Availability unknown
Driver
100 mm planar magnetic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
100 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
18 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
28 Ω
120 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
-
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
389 g
240 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 600

The HiFiMAN HE600 is an open-back planar headphone that modernizes the classic HE6 concept with a lighter build and easier amplification needs, while retaining a clean, detailed, and balanced sonic character. It offers strong technical performance for its price, though its tight clamping force and slight shortfall in sheer tactility compared to its predecessor are notable trade-offs.

  • Pro:Clean, well-extended bass with good detail
  • Pro:Natural and articulate mids with smooth treble
  • Pro:More practical to drive than the original HE6
  • Con:Strong clamping force reduces comfort
  • Con:Not a full upgrade over the HE6 in depth and tactility
  • Con:Still requires decent amplification to shine

Sennheiser HD 400

These over-ear Sennheiser headphones are built around a neutral, open-back design aimed at studio work, delivering a wide soundstage and detailed, transparent audio for critical listening. They are lightweight and comfortable for long sessions, with a high-impedance driver setup that helps maintain low distortion, though they lack isolation and come without a carry case. Wired connectivity via USB-C and detachable cables adds versatility, but the open-back nature means sound leaks both ways.

  • Pro:Accurate, transparent sound with wide soundstage
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:Detachable cables and USB-C connectivity
  • Con:No included carry case or spare ear pads
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
  • Con:High impedance may require a dedicated amplifier for best results

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonHiFiMAN HE 600Sennheiser HD 400