Sennheiser HD 560S Over-Ear Wired Headphones – Open-Back, Natural Sound
Open-back design delivers a spacious soundstage ideal for critical listening.
Lightweight build (293g) with velour ear pads for extended comfort.
Wide frequency response from 6 Hz to 38 kHz for detailed audio reproduction.
Should You Buy This Product?
✅ Buy it if:
- you need neutral, accurate sound for mixing, mastering, or analytical listening
- you work in home studios where comfort during long sessions matters
- you prefer open-back headphones with a wide, natural soundstage
- you want wired connectivity that works across multiple audio devices
🚫 Avoid it if:
- you need strong noise isolation or plan to use them outdoors
- you prioritize rugged build quality or frequently travel with headphones
- you prefer enhanced bass or a colored sound signature
- you want wireless convenience or integrated microphone features
Bottom Line
Best for home studio work and critical listening where accurate, neutral sound matters most. Skip it if you need portable use or strong noise isolation.
What We Love & What to Watch Out For
- Wide, natural soundstage lets you hear spatial details other headphones miss
- Lightweight 293g build with velour pads means no fatigue during long sessions
- Neutral sound profile reveals exactly what's in your recordings — no coloration
- Both 6.3mm and 3.5mm connectors work with everything from audio interfaces to phones
- Plastic construction feels less premium than the sound quality suggests
- Proprietary cable design makes replacements harder to find if damaged
- Indoor-only design — no water resistance for outdoor or active use
- Open-back design leaks sound both ways — unusable in noisy environments
One of the most accurate open-back headphones under $200 — especially for users who'd otherwise need expensive studio monitors.
How People Actually Use It
Late-night mixing session: velour pads stay comfortable through hours of A/B testing different takes, while the neutral sound reveals every EQ adjustment clearly
Home studio mastering work: wide soundstage helps you place instruments in the mix, with 6Hz-38kHz response catching details other headphones miss
Critical music listening: open-back design creates an almost speaker-like experience where you can hear the room acoustics in well-recorded albums
Editor Score
Use-case Fit — How well this product matches its intended use case and target user.
Market Satisfaction — Based on aggregated customer ratings and review sentiment on Amazon.
Market Momentum — Reflects recent sales trend via BSR (Best Seller Rank). See the chart below.
Market Rank Trend (BSR)
Product Gallery
Specifications Overview
- Driver Size: Dynamic Driver
- Impedance: 120 Ohms
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Weight: 293 g
- Connectivity: Wired
- Frequency Range: 6 Hz to 38 kHz
Price Comparison
The HD 560S is available through several retailers, each offering distinct pricing and policies.
Amazon
Price: $159.99
Free shipping with Prime. Easy returns within 30 days.
CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZONNot Sure? Consider These Instead
For those considering other options, there are alternative over-ear headphones that offer varying strengths in terms of sound profile, connectivity, and noise cancellation.
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
Key highlights- Impedance: 250 Ohm
- Design: Open Back
- Connectivity: Wired
The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a wired, open-back headphone known for its analytical sound and higher impedance, making it suitable for studio environments and critical listening. Its build quality and sound signature offer a different approach compared to the HD 560S, particularly for users needing a more robust construction.
Learn More
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Key highlights- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Charging: USB-C
- Connectivity: Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones emphasize wireless convenience, active noise cancellation, and long battery life, making them a strong alternative for users prioritizing mobility and noise isolation over pure sound neutrality. They also offer adjustable EQ and multipoint connectivity for versatile everyday use.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sennheiser HD 560S require an amplifier to perform well?
The HD 560S has a 120 Ohm impedance, which allows it to be driven by most desktop and portable devices, though a dedicated amplifier may further enhance performance for high-resolution sources.
Are the ear pads and cables on the HD 560S replaceable?
The HD 560S features a detachable cable, but the proprietary connector can limit replacement options. Ear pads can be replaced, but users may need to seek compatible third-party parts.
Is the HD 560S suitable for outdoor or portable use?
Due to its open-back design and lack of water resistance, the HD 560S is best used indoors and is not recommended for portable or outdoor environments.
Final Recommendation
The HD 560S delivers studio-grade sound accuracy at a fraction of professional monitor prices.
Plastic construction and proprietary cables are the main compromises for this price point.
For serious listeners who value accuracy over flashy features, this represents exceptional value in open-back headphones.
