
Sennheiser HD 650 vs Sony WH-XB910N: 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 650 | Sony WH-XB910N |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $380 | $250 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | - | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 1.57 in |
| Driver size | 42 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-41kHz | 7 Hz - 25,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99.8 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 103 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.2 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Full charge time | - | 210 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 4.5 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | both |
| Voice assistant | - | Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 260 g | 252 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
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-XB910N
The Sony WH-XB910N is a wireless over-ear headphone with adaptive noise cancellation and a bass-forward sound signature, delivering up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. It supports high-quality LDAC streaming, Bluetooth multipoint for seamless device switching, and includes convenient features like wear detection and quick charging. While it lacks water resistance, its comfortable fit, foldable design, and customizable EQ make it a solid mid-range option for bass lovers.
- Pro:Powerful, punchy bass response
- Pro:Long 30-hour battery life with quick charge
- Pro:Adaptive noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Con:No water or sweat resistance
- Con:Average sound isolation for the price
- Con:Plastic build may feel less premium
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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