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Sennheiser HD 560 S Review

The Sennheiser HD 560 S is a wired open-back over-ear headphone aimed at listeners who value neutral sound, detail, and spacious presentation over convenience features. It stands out most for critical listening, home hi-fi use, and long sessions thanks to strong audio, comfort, and value scores. Its main limitation is practical: there is no isolation, no wireless mode, and the mostly plastic build does not feel especially premium.
Expert reviewed
88
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The Sennheiser HD 560 S is a wired over-ear open-back headphone designed around neutral, reference-style listening. Based on the product details and review feedback, it is targeted at music enthusiasts, entry-level audiophile buyers, and users who want a more analytical presentation for home listening, studio-adjacent work, or audio evaluation. Sennheiser highlights angled drivers, an open-back design, and a detachable cable, while customer feedback repeatedly points to clarity, instrument separation, and a wide soundstage as standout qualities. Its scoring profile supports that role. Audio quality is one of its strongest areas, while setup, value, and customer satisfaction are also notably high. The trade-offs are more about use context than raw performance: it is wired-only, offers no noise isolation, and uses a mostly plastic construction that keeps weight down but limits premium feel. For quiet-room listening, it appears to be a focused and practical option.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
Sennheiser
Model Number
HD 560S
Model Name
HD 560S
Built-In Media
Headphones, cable, owners manual
Age Range Description
Adult
Customer Package Type
Lightweight protective packaging
Number of Items
1
Series Number
560
Manufacturer
Sennheiser
External Testing Certification
Não aplicável
Item Type Name
Headphone
Is Autographed
No

Design

Headphones Ear Placement
Over Ear
Headphone Folding Features
Over Ear
Earpiece Shape
Over-ear

Controls

Control Type
Multimedia control, call control, volume control
Control Method
Touch
Controller Type
Volume control

Measurements

Item Weight
240 Grams
Unit Count
1.0 Count

Audio

Impedance
120 Ohms
Noise Control
None
Frequency Response
38.00
Sensitivity
110 dB
Audio Driver Type
Dynamic Driver
Audio Driver Size
38 Millimeters
Frequency Range
6 Hz - 38 kHz

Additional details

Enclosure Material
Plastic
Specific Uses For Product
Multimedia
Antenna Location
Studio viewing and critical listening
Compatible Devices
Laptops, Desktops, Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Cellphones
Cable Features
Detachable
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant
EU Spare Part Availability Duration
2 Years
Additional Features
Lightweight

Connectivity

Headphone Jack
6.35 mm Jack with 3.5 adapter
Connectivity Technology
Wired
Wireless Technology
RF

Style

Color
Black
Style Name
HD 560 S
Carrying Case Color
Black
Theme
Audio
Subject Character
no subject character

Battery

Battery Charge Time
5 32nds

Scores breakdown

91 /100

Performance

78 /100

Features

86 /100

Usability

84 /100

Design

42 /100

Display quality

95 /100

Audio quality

48 /100

Camera quality

72 /100

Connectivity

Strengths

  • Excellent audio quality with a 95 audio score and repeated review praise for detail, clarity, neutrality, and soundstage.
  • Strong value at its price, supported by a 90 value score and multiple reviews describing it as hard to beat for the money.
  • Very easy to start using thanks to the simple wired design, detachable cable, and a high 93 setup score.
  • Comfort is a consistent positive, with lightweight 240 g construction and reviews noting long-session wearability.
  • Open-back design and angled drivers are positioned for a wider, more spacious presentation than typical closed-back models.
  • Broad device compatibility through the included 6.35 mm plug and 3.5 mm adapter for desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, receivers, and interfaces.

Limitations

  • Open-back earcups provide no meaningful isolation, so they are not ideal for commuting, shared spaces, or blocking external noise.
  • Wired-only connectivity limits convenience for users who want Bluetooth, ANC, or cable-free everyday listening.
  • Build quality is a weaker area with a 70 build score, and several reviews note the mostly plastic construction does not feel especially premium.
  • Bass presentation may feel restrained for listeners who prefer a heavily boosted low end.
  • Clamp force can feel tight at first according to some user feedback, even though comfort is generally rated highly over time.
  • No water resistance is listed, reducing suitability for travel, gym use, or outdoor use in poor conditions.

Ideal user profiles

  • Listeners who want neutral, detailed over-ear headphones for focused music listening at home.
  • Entry-level audiophiles seeking open-back sound without moving into much higher pricing.
  • Users doing mixing, mastering, guitar modelling, or other critical listening tasks.
  • Home office users who prefer natural awareness of their surroundings instead of sealed isolation.

Use cases

  • Critical music listening with emphasis on detail, separation, and tonal balance.
  • Home desktop or laptop listening with a wired hi-fi setup.
  • Basic mixing, mastering, and audio evaluation where a neutral presentation is useful.
  • Gaming or film use where a spacious presentation can help with immersion.
  • Guitar modeller or audio interface monitoring in a home setup.
  • Long listening sessions where low weight and comfort matter.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

Within the over-ear headphone category, the HD 560 S sits as a value-focused enthusiast model rather than a mainstream lifestyle headphone. It is not built around Bluetooth, ANC, portability, or extra smart features. Instead, the data points to a more specialist role: open-back, wired, neutral-sounding headphones for home use and focused listening. With strong scores for audio, setup, value, and satisfaction, it looks especially well positioned for buyers who want better sound quality without stepping into much higher audiophile pricing.

Best for

The HD 560 S is best for listeners who want a neutral and detailed sound signature for music, critical listening, home office listening, or entry-level studio-style use. Its 95 audio score, 91 performance score, and 90 value score make it particularly appealing for buyers who care more about sound accuracy and long-session comfort than wireless convenience. It also suits users with multiple wired sources thanks to the included adapter and broad compatibility listing.

Not best for

This model is not the best choice for commuters, gym users, bass-first listeners, or anyone needing isolation from outside noise. The open-back design leaks sound and does not block your surroundings, while the wired-only connection is less convenient for mobile everyday use. Buyers who want a premium metal-heavy feel may also find the plastic construction underwhelming, and some users report the clamp feels firm at first.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Performance analysis

The HD 560 S performs strongly in its core task of accurate sound reproduction, reflected in a 91 performance score and 95 audio quality score. The supplied product information emphasizes neutral frequency response, angled drivers, and open-back earcups for a wider sound field, and customer reviews broadly reinforce those claims with repeated praise for realism, detail, clarity, and separation. Several reviews specifically mention critical listening, mixing, and instrument work as areas where it performs well. The main performance caveat is that its bass is described by some users as leaner than bass-forward alternatives, so the tuning may feel restrained if you prefer a more coloured or impact-heavy presentation.

Feature analysis

The HD 560 S has a focused rather than expansive feature set, which helps explain its 78 feature score. Key practical features include its open-back design, detachable cable, angled transducers, lightweight build, and included 3.5 mm adapter. Those are useful for home hi-fi and desktop listening, but there are no modern convenience extras such as Bluetooth, active noise cancelling, app-based EQ, or water resistance. For buyers seeking a pure wired listening tool, the feature mix is coherent, but it is narrower than mainstream consumer headphones.

Usability analysis

Daily usability is strong for a wired audiophile-style headphone, shown by its 86 usability score. The design appears simple to live with: plug in the cable, connect to your source, and listen without relying on pairing or companion software. Reviews frequently mention comfort during long sessions, and the light 240 g weight should help in extended use. The main usability compromises come from the open-back format and wired-only design, which limit where and how easily it can be used compared with portable wireless models.

Design

The design is clearly optimised for at-home listening comfort and spatial audio presentation rather than compact travel use. It uses an over-ear open-back format, weighs 240 grams, and is repeatedly described in reviews as light and easy to wear for long periods. Sennheiser also positions the angled driver arrangement as part of the spacious sound presentation. The black styling is understated and practical. Downsides are typical for the category: there is no folding travel-oriented design, no isolation, and the open-back structure makes it less versatile outside quiet environments.

How it compares

Within the broader headphone market, the HD 560 S compares best against other sound-focused wired home headphones rather than against wireless everyday models. Its strengths are unusually clear for the price: neutral tuning, strong detail retrieval, open presentation, and high buyer satisfaction. Compared with more mainstream options, it gives up isolation, portability, battery-powered features, and likely some convenience in exchange for a more focused listening experience. It also appears better suited to careful music listening and desk use than to commuting or gym use. In category terms, it stands out more for audio accuracy and value than for feature breadth or luxury construction.

Ranking summary

The Sennheiser HD 560 S ranks well because it delivers strongly in the areas that matter most for an open-back audiophile headphone. Its overall score of 88 is driven by standout results in audio quality at 95, performance at 91, value at 90, setup at 93, and customer satisfaction at 93. Reviews consistently reinforce those strengths with praise for clarity, neutrality, comfort, and soundstage. It does not score as highly in build quality, durability, or connectivity because the design is plastic-heavy, wired-only, and open-back with no isolation. That profile makes it a high-performing specialist option rather than an all-purpose everyday headphone.

Buying advice

Consider the HD 560 S if you mainly listen at home, want a wired over-ear headphone, and care most about neutral sound, detail, comfort, and value. It is especially worth considering for desktop setups, hi-fi listening, and light studio-style work. Before buying, check your intended device connection, as this is a wired model with a 6.35 mm plug and 3.5 mm adapter, and some phones may need an additional adapter. You should also be comfortable with the open-back format, which leaks sound and offers no isolation. If you need Bluetooth, ANC, travel convenience, or stronger bass emphasis, another style may fit better.
88
Overall score

Final verdict

The Sennheiser HD 560 S is a strong option in the wired open-back headphone category, especially for buyers who prioritise sound quality over convenience features. Its main strength is clear: excellent audio performance with a neutral, detailed presentation that customers consistently rate highly. It also scores well for value, setup simplicity, and long-session comfort. The main limitation is equally clear: this is a specialised home-listening headphone, not a versatile all-rounder. The open-back, wired-only design and plastic-heavy build reduce portability, isolation, and premium feel. If that trade-off matches your needs, it looks like one of the better value choices in its segment.
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Key topics

Sennheiser HD 560S review, Sennheiser HD 560S headphones, HD 560S audiophile headphones, open back headphones review, wired over ear headphones, neutral sound headphones, best audiophile headphones under 200, Sennheiser headphone comparison

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sennheiser HD 560S worth it?
For buyers who want neutral, detailed wired open-back headphones, the HD 560S looks like a strong value option. It has an overall score of 88, audio quality score of 95, value score of 90, and customer satisfaction score of 93. It is less appealing if you need isolation, wireless features, or a more premium-feeling build.
Is the Sennheiser HD 560S good for critical listening?
Yes, the available data points strongly in that direction. The product description and several reviews highlight neutral sound, detail, soundstage, and suitability for mixing, mastering, and careful listening. Its 91 performance score, 95 audio score, and 88 accuracy score support that positioning, although some listeners may still want EQ depending on preference.
What are the main limitations of the Sennheiser HD 560S?
The main trade-offs are practical rather than sonic. It is wired-only, open-back, and has no noise isolation, so it is not well suited to travel or noisy environments. Build quality is more functional than premium, reflected in a 70 build score, and some reviews mention light bass and initially firm clamp pressure.
Is the Sennheiser HD 560S good for bass-heavy music?
It may not be the best match if you want a strongly boosted low end. Reviews and the product positioning describe a neutral, accurate presentation with controlled bass rather than exaggerated impact. That makes it better suited to balanced listening and detail retrieval than to listeners who want heavy bass emphasis.
Is the Sennheiser HD 560S easy to set up?
Yes. Setup is one of its strongest practical areas, with a 93 setup score. The headphone uses a simple wired connection and includes a 6.35 mm plug with a 3.5 mm adapter, so it can be connected to a wide range of home and desktop audio gear without a complex app or pairing process.
Does the Sennheiser HD 560S work with phones and laptops?
Based on the listed compatibility, yes. Compatible devices include laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, tablets, and cellphones. The included 3.5 mm adapter helps broaden support, but device output power and jack availability can still affect convenience, especially on phones that no longer include a headphone jack.
Is the Sennheiser HD 560S comfortable for long sessions?
Comfort appears to be one of its major strengths. The headphone weighs 240 grams, is described as lightweight, and many reviews mention extended-session comfort. Its usability score of 86 and design score of 84 also fit that pattern. A few users note the clamp can feel tight at first, but some say it loosens over time.
How does the Sennheiser HD 560S compare with typical closed-back headphones?
Its open-back design aims for a wider, more natural soundstage and better spatial openness than many closed-back models. The trade-off is that it leaks sound and does not isolate you from background noise. That makes it a better fit for quiet home listening than commuting, office privacy, or public use.

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