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Mpow HC5 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 HC5
Sound5.5
Battery7.0
Calls6.5
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 400
Sound8.5
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Mpow HC5 vs Sennheiser HD 400
SpecMpow HC5Sennheiser HD 400
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$40$77
HearWiki score62 / 100 · Average82 / 100 · Great
Released2020-
Audio
DriverdynamicSennheiser dynamic drivers
Driver size-40 mm
Drivers per side11
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz18Hz-20kHz
Impedance32 Ω120 Ω
Sensitivity126 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth5.0-
Bluetooth version5.0-
CodecsSBC-
Multipoint pairingYesNo
Battery
Battery life22 h-
Battery incl. case22 h-
Full charge time90 min-
Quick charge15 min = 2 h-
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
ANC typenone-
Transparency modeNo-
Companion appNo-
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionNo-
Controlsbuttonsbuttons
Voice assistantvoice assistant-
Design
Weight340 g240 g
Water resistancenonenone
FoldableYes-
Detachable cableYes-
USB-CNoYes
Calls
Microphones21
Call noise reductioncVc 8.0 noise canceling microphone-

What reviewers said

Mpow HC5

The Mpow HC5 is a budget-friendly over-ear headset designed primarily for voice calls and office use, offering both wireless Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm connectivity. It features a long 22-hour battery life, comfortable ergonomics, and a lightweight build, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing communication over premium audio. While it lacks advanced features like active noise cancellation or app support, it delivers solid value for its price point.

  • Pro:Long 22-hour battery life
  • Pro:Dual wireless and wired connectivity
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Con:No active noise cancellation despite the name
  • Con:Only supports basic SBC Bluetooth codec
  • Con:No companion app or custom EQ options

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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