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Sennheiser HD 650 vs Sony WH-XB900N: 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.

Score breakdown

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

Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Sony WH-XB900N
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling6.0
Battery8.5
Calls7.0
Value6.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Sennheiser HD 650 vs Sony WH-XB900N
SpecSennheiser HD 650Sony WH-XB900N
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$380$200
HearWiki score85 / 100 · Outstanding68 / 100 · Good
Released-2020
Audio
Driverdynamic1.57 in
Driver size42 mm40 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response10Hz-41kHz-
Impedance300 Ω50 Ω
Sensitivity99.8 dB/mW101 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)103-
Wireless
Bluetooth-Version 4.2
Bluetooth version-4.2
Codecs-SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life-35 h
Battery life (ANC on)-30 h
Full charge time-420 min
Wireless charging-No
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
Controlsbuttonsbuttons
Voice assistant-Alexa
Design
Weight260 g254 g
Water resistance-none
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableYesYes
USB-CNoNo
Balanced connectionYes-
Calls
Microphones-4

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

Sony WH-XB900N

The Sony WH-XB900N is a wireless over-ear headphone that prioritizes bass-heavy sound and long-lasting battery life over neutral tuning. It offers a comfortable fit, solid feature set including multipoint and LDAC support, but its noise cancellation is modest and charging is slow. It's a reasonable pick for bass lovers who value stamina, though not a class leader overall.

  • Pro:Very long battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable for extended listening
  • Pro:Supports high-quality codecs like LDAC and aptX HD
  • Con:Bass-heavy sound can become muddy or overpowering
  • Con:Noise cancellation is weaker than many rivals
  • Con:Recharging takes a very long time

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

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