Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 650
85Outstanding
$380
Full review dataSennheiser HD 650 vs Sennheiser PXC 550 WIRELESS: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 650 - Outstanding overall at around $380.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser PXC 550 WIRELESS
72Good
$344
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Sennheiser PXC 550 WIRELESS
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery7.0
Calls6.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 650 | Sennheiser PXC 550 WIRELESS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $380 | $344 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | - | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 42 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-41kHz | 17Hz-23kHz |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | 46 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 103 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Wireless | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth | - | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 4.2 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, aptX, aptX LL, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 20 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Controls | buttons | touch |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 260 g | 227 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 3 |
| Call noise reduction | - | 3-mic beamforming array |
What reviewers said
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone built for serious home listening. It delivers a natural, detailed sound with a comfortable fit, though its sub-bass rolloff and bulky design limit it to stationary use rather than portable or active scenarios. Its replaceable cable and balanced connection option add to its appeal for audiophiles.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable and balanced output support
- Con:Noticeable sub-bass rolloff
- Con:Not portable or suitable for active use
- Con:High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier
Sennheiser PXC 550 WIRELESS
The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is a travel-oriented over-ear headphone that pairs a warm, full-bodied sound signature with hybrid active noise cancellation and aptX support. Its lightweight build, long battery life (up to 30 hours without ANC), and quick charging make it a solid choice for frequent flyers, though its noise isolation and touch controls receive mixed feedback. Overall, it's a versatile performer that shines in comfort and sound quality but falls short of top-tier ANC rivals.
- Pro:Comfortable and lightweight for long listening sessions
- Pro:Rich, classic Sennheiser sound with aptX support
- Pro:Excellent battery life (up to 30 hours without ANC)
- Con:Noise cancellation is decent but not class-leading
- Con:Touch controls can be finicky or unresponsive
- Con:No USB-C charging or multipoint connection
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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