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Mpow H12 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.

Mpow H12
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling6.0
Battery7.5
Calls5.0
Value8.0
Sennheiser HD 400
Sound8.5
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Mpow H12 vs Sennheiser HD 400
SpecMpow H12Sennheiser HD 400
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$42$77
HearWiki score72 / 100 · Good82 / 100 · Great
Released2018-
Audio
Driver40mmSennheiser dynamic drivers
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz18Hz-20kHz
Impedance16 Ω120 Ω
Sensitivity110 dB/mW-
Wireless
BluetoothBluetooth-
Bluetooth version5.0-
CodecsSBC, AAC-
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Battery
Battery life40 h-
Battery life (ANC on)30 h-
Full charge time180 min-
Quick charge10 minutes = 3 hours-
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingYesNo
ANC typehybrid-
Transparency modeNo-
Companion appNo-
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionNo-
Controlsbothbuttons
Design
Weight8 g240 g
Water resistancenonenone
USB-CNoYes
Calls
Microphones11
Call noise reductionCVC 6.0-

What reviewers said

Mpow H12

The Mpow H12 is a budget-friendly over-ear headphone that delivers surprisingly solid performance for its price, featuring hybrid active noise cancellation and a warm, bass-oriented sound signature. Its standout trait is the long battery life, which remains respectable even with ANC engaged, making it a practical pick for cost-conscious listeners seeking wireless convenience and effective noise blocking.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the cost
  • Pro:Long battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Con:Only supports basic SBC Bluetooth codec
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ options
  • Con:Lacks USB-C charging and multipoint connectivity

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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