HiFiRated
Source: brand press / retailer
Sennheiser · headphones
Sennheiser HD 560S
The HD 560S is Sennheiser's answer to the 'what open-back under $200' question. Neutral tuning, 120Ω impedance that works off phones and laptops without an amp, and the same build quality as the 600 series. The best value open-back at its price point.
Quick Answer
- Is the Sennheiser HD 560S worth buying in 2026?
Reviewers unanimously praise the HD 560S for its neutral tuning, excellent detail retrieval, and a soundstage that actually beats the legendary HD600 series. While the all-plastic build and frustrating 10-foot cable are minor annoyances, the sheer audio performance makes it an un
+Pros
- Lightweight and highly comfortable for long listening sessions
- Excellent soundstage that fixes the '3-blob' effect of the HD600 series
- Neutral, highly detailed sound signature
- Great bass extension for an open-back headphone
- Outstanding value for the sub-$200 price point
−Cons
- All-plastic build feels a bit cheap and rickety
- Included 10-foot cable is overly long and terminates in an inconvenient 1/4-inch plug
- Clunky pigtail adapter required for standard 3.5mm jacks
- Lacks bass punch and dynamic slam
In-depth Review
Sennheiser HD 560S Review — An unassuming budget headphone unexpectedly fixes the biggest flaw of its legendary older siblings
Specifications
| driver type | Dynamic |
| impedance | 120Ω |
| sensitivity | 110 dB/mW |
| freq response | 6–38,000 Hz |
| conn type | 3.5mm (6.35mm adapter included) |
| form factor | open-back over-ear |
| wireless | false |
| weight | 240g |
Why This Headphone
The HD 560S is Sennheiser's answer to the 'what open-back under $200' question. Neutral tuning, 120Ω impedance that works off phones and laptops without an amp, and the same build quality as the 600 series. The best value open-back at its price point.
Key Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 120Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW |
| Freq Response | 6–38,000 Hz |
| Conn Type | 3.5mm (6.35mm adapter included) |
| Form Factor | open-back over-ear |
| Wireless | false |
| Weight | 240g |
Who It's For
This headphone is recommended for listeners and engineers who prioritize its core strengths. Check the specs and community quotes below to confirm it matches your use case and source chain before purchasing.
Community Signal
Selection draws from r/audiophile, r/headphones, r/homerecording, and r/audioengineering consensus plus YouTube reviewer consensus from channels including Z Reviews, In The Mix, Julian Krause, and Cheap Audio Man. Every cited rating reflects a real, linkable source.
What Real Users Say
“HD560S is the best open-back at $150. Doesn't need an amp, sounds great, built like a tank.”
— u/budget_audiophile in r/headphones
Last updated: May 2, 2026 · By Jordan Kim
