Customer Ratings & Reviews

Great headphones. Incredible sound quality. Lack of microphone makes it not ideal for gaming.

Excellent product. I was excited to upgrade to this and I am very satisfied. Better than the previous version.

Very comfortable and light, sounds similar to hd 560s but less shouty, I use it for gaming and it’s perfect

Great endgame headphone for music, media consumption and gaming

Loved the headphones, gave only 4 stars because I didn't realize how long the music would play outside of the ear.

Like them Sennheiser is always good in value the price you pay normally respects exactly the quality you get which is nice.

Introduced in April of 2025, Sennheiser's HD 550 wired headphones are perfect for the home audiophile, computer gamer or budding musician. With an open back design, sound is open and airy and very even across the audible frequency range. Bass is tight and punchy, not excessive or over-emphasized as it can be with closed-back design headphones. Mid-range is smooth and balanced, vocals are articulate and well defined while not being overpowering. Treble is bright but not harsh or tinny. Directional and spatial accuracy is wonderful. Instrument placement when listening to live concert recordings is easily discernable. Movie sound tracks are accurately reproduced. These headphones are surprisingly light, weighing under ten ounces with the 1.8 meter cable attached. The cable is removable, a 2.5 mm twist-lock plug inserted into the left earpiece and a 3.5 mm plug on the other end. A screw-on 6.5 mm adapter is included to allow use with most audio equipment. Earpieces are large ovals that comfortably enclose the entire ear, with cloth surrounds that do not get sweaty during long listening sessions. They do not fit too tight as some over the ear headphones are prone to do but they do remain in place well and do not shift when moving your head around. I found these headphones to be quite enjoyable to use and would recommend them.

I love the design of these headphones. The connector to the ear cup is unique, the headband is flexible and well padded, and they are very light. The light weight and the fit works really well. I had no problem wearing them for hours at a time. I also love that they are wired. Wireless headphones can drop connections or switch devices and I’ve really enjoyed using a wired set of headphones. It is microphone ready, so it could work for gaming or work. The ear pads are also padded nicely and don’t have the clamping effect that some over ear headphones do. It comes with a drawstring bag and of course the cable. The sound is amazing, especially at this price. The open back design is great and I like how it adds a more natural soundstage to listening. The bass is excellent without being overpowering. Mid tones are rich and higher tones are clear. I enjoy using these with a midi device connected to a computer. It provides a clear sound without completely isolating me. I don’t remember the last time I had a pair of wired headphones that were this comfortable and sounded this full and rich. Easy to recommend.

I love headphones. I've been a budget audiophile since college. I started with a pair of Sennheiser Fusion HD500s, before getting tempted into Grado headphones for the last 20ish years. These new Sennheiser HD550 headphones are the first pair of Sennheisers I've gotten to use as a "daily driver" since my boomy old HD500s, though I've had the chance to listen to HD600s owned by friends over the years. I'm happy to say the new HD550s are fantastic headphones that exceeded my expectations in all regards. #Unboxing and first impressions# The HD550s came in a simple box with a carrying bag and the standard 500 series detachable cable. That detachable cable is a great feature of the HD550, though I worry that the small 2.5mm connector on the headphone side is perhaps a little too easy to get damaged (though it does have a twist lock into the headphones for rigidity). The cable also has a full twist on connection for the 3.5mm to 1/4" adapter. #Listening session# The Sennheiser HD550s are incredibly comfortable. Maybe it's because I've spent years wearing brutally functional Grado headphones, but the soft, plush feel of the HD550s is just fantastic. Likewise, I found the HD550s have relaxing, warm sound that keeps them easy to listen to for long sessions. Where my Grado 325i headphones are exceptionally bright, the Sennheiser HD550s stay warmer and have more impressive bass as well. I think the HD550s have a similar sound profile to the Martin-Logan bookshelf speakers on my desk. Being open-back headphones, there is a nice wide soundstage that I prefer to closed headphones. Despite being open-back like my Grados, the Sennheisers seem to let less sound through from the space around me, which can be both good and bad. They don't disturb listeners around me, but they also make it a bit harder to use in a shared space because it's a little harder to hear someone talking to you than with the more transparently open Grados or Philips SHP9500s I have. This is just a personal preference, and I think the Sennheisers are probably what most people are wanting from an open headphone - some sound coming through, but not a disruptive amount, and that beautiful open soundstage. Unless they are cranked, I'm able to use my cardiod mic for voice chat without audio bleeding through. #Final thoughts# The Sennheiser HD550s are an easy headphone to recommend for anyone looking to dip their toes into an audiophile headphone. For less than the cost of a top noise cancelling headphone, you get the antithesis of those on-the-go oriented products. An open back headphone like the HD550 is meant for treating yourself to a quality listening experience in a quiet home environment, without disturbing your neighbors or family with a high end speaker set. Whether it's music, gaming, or movies, the HD550s have sounded great and been easy to wear for long periods. With the detachable cable, you have an easily replaceable part to keep your headphones in good condition for a long time. I look forward to a lot of years of enjoyment with these 'cans.

I'm so glad I got a pair of these new Sennheiser HD 550 headphones. I've been a huge fan of their previous models, but this one really hits the sweet spot for me. I wanted to share my experience because I think a lot of people will find these perfect for their own needs, just like I did. First off, let's talk about comfort. I put these on, and it's like they disappear. The lightweight design and the soft velour ear pads are an absolute game-changer. I have a hard time with some headphones feeling too tight, but the clamping force on these is just right. I can wear them for hours at a time, whether I'm working at my desk or just listening to music at home, without any fatigue. The sound is just phenomenal. I was expecting great sound from Sennheiser, but the HD 550s really took it to the next level. The open-back design creates this incredibly spacious soundstage where I can hear every single detail in my music. The bass is punchy and tight without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are crystal clear. I've been listening to my favorite music and hearing little things I've never noticed before. It's truly an immersive and emotional listening experience. Now for the best part—the gym. My gym has a bunch of old-school treadmills with a simple RC jack, and it's been a pain trying to find decent headphones that work with them. Most of my other headphones are wireless. But these HD 550s come with a detachable cable and a 1/4" adapter, so I can just plug them right in and enjoy amazing sound while I'm running. The lightweight and comfortable design means they stay in place perfectly, and I can block out all the gym noise to focus on my workout. My only wish is that Sennheiser would make a Bluetooth version of these. While the wired connection is perfect for my treadmill, it would be incredible to have the same phenomenal sound and comfort in a wireless pair for my other workouts. If they ever release a wireless model with the same sound quality, I'll be the first in line to buy them. Overall, the Sennheiser HD 550s are an incredible set of headphones. They are unbelievably comfortable, the sound is divine, and they've solved my treadmill problem. I highly recommend them to anyone who appreciates a great listening experience.

For audiophiles, studio heads, and collectors who prioritize fidelity over aesthetics, the HD 550s represent a subtle achievement. The HD 550s embrace their minimalistic design as a point of pride. With matte black plastic and understated branding, they are clearly crafted for functionality rather than fashion. However, do not confuse simplicity with inferiority. The construction is robust, featuring a lightweight frame that feels resilient without being cumbersome. The ear cups are well-padded and breathable, making them perfect for extended listening periods. The open-back design is immediately apparent—not only visually but also in terms of sound. These headphones do not aim to isolate you from your surroundings; instead, they seek to immerse you in the music. The headband provides just the right amount of tension to remain secure without exerting excessive pressure. Adjustability is seamless, and the overall ergonomics are thoughtfully designed. There are no creaks or pressure points—just a comfortable fit that fades away once the music begins. The open-back structure facilitates a soundstage that is expansive, airy, and immersive. You are not merely hearing the music; you are experiencing it. Vocals blend naturally into the mix, instruments are distinctly separated, and the imaging is precise enough to make you forget you are using headphones. In terms of tonal quality, the HD 550s tend toward neutrality with a slight warmth in the midrange. The bass is present but never overwhelming. It is tight, controlled, and articulate—focusing more on texture than sheer impact. The treble is clear without being tiring. There is a natural sparkle to cymbals and strings that feels authentic, not overstated. With a 150-ohm impedance, these headphones perform best with a dedicated amplifier or high-quality DAC. While connecting them to a phone or laptop is feasible, you will not fully realize their capabilities. With appropriate amplification, the HD 550s further enhance—bass tightens, dynamics broaden, and detail retrieval improves. The HD 550s are packaged in a standard cardboard box with minimal cushioning. There is no hard case or braided cable included. Just the headphones, a detachable cable, a soft pouch for storage, and a 1/4" adapter. Sennheiser's HD 550s do not aim to be perfect for everyone. They are distinctly open, sonically clear, and crafted for individuals who prioritize detail rather than flashy features. In a marketplace saturated with wireless novelties, noise-canceling technologies, and bass-enhanced marketing, the HD 550s serve as a testament to the potential of headphones when they are thoughtfully designed.

I've had multiple pairs of sinai's or headphones and have always been impressed. This pair doesn't break that tradition. Being that we are in the age of phasing out good old headphone ports, I use these distinctly for home audio setup and computer usage. Firstly, the fit. Very comfortable. Earcups and headband are cmsoft and snug. Headband has a good amount of flexibility so I don't feel like I'm stretching them out putting them on my big head. Like other headphones before them, they have a felt like material on the surfaces that touch the skin. It's great for being nice and comfy, but not good if you sweat a lot. Which is another point, they're pretty good at heat dissipation. I did a myriad of testing through the PC going from music to videos to even gaming as the box clarifies that it's a good headset for that. I was impressed all around. The Dolby Atmos effects radiate due to its drivers and how the headsets fit snugly to my head. The details in audioscapes of all these different mediums jump out at you the more you listen. Footsteps, rumbling of storms, general ambience in the background, it's all present, and can be jarring because you may not have noticed it before. The spectrum and clarity of all the bands of hz is incredible. In addition, I will be using these as another studio monitor for voiceover and audio production. The sound is also pretty good in terms of monitoring for sound reproduction. Works for my needs, and I can really fine-tune my voice during playback. Other than that everything else is pretty standard and good. Comes with a 1/4-in screw on adapter and plenty of cable so I don't feel like I'm snatching the cable out every time I move. Fantastic sound and extremely comfortable, nothing much more to add. They're great!

The HD550 are lightweight, with surprisingly good bass for an open-back design; and very forward mids. That mid-heavy presentation reminds me of what I’ve heard in the HD599; which I was fine with back then; though it was different from what I was used to. Perhaps I’m more accustomed to headphones with slightly recessed mids. My current lineup includes the Sundara, HE4XX, and K550; all of which I generally prefer over the HD550. I previously owned the X2HR but gave them to a family member due to treble harshness on certain tracks; in that regard, the HD550 performs better. Overall, however, I still prefer the X2HR and felt that they were clearer. For testing, I used both my PC’s headphone jack (Realtek ALC4080) and an SMSL C200 USB DAC/Amp. Both drove the HD550 to loud volumes easily; and in both cases, the mids were noticeably more forward compared to my other headphones. Depending on personal taste, that could be a positive or a drawback. For me, it often made the sound muddy on many tracks; likely due to the elevated mids. For example, in "Think of Me" from The Phantom of the Opera, most of my headphones render a near-silent background through most of the song; but not the HD550. On the other hand, the imaging stood out; in the part where “Christine Daaé can sing” is spoken, it genuinely felt as if the voice came from behind all other sounds. That’s something I haven’t experienced with my other headphones. However, when tracks transitioned from vocals to purely instrumental sections, the instrument separation didn’t feel as strong, which I found odd. I don’t believe my unit is defective; but I plan to reach out to the manufacturer to confirm. Over the past two weeks, I’ve listened to a wide range of music, trying to acclimate to their sound signature. Compared directly to my daily driver, the HE4XX, I generally preferred the HE4XX on every track but one. That one exception was a vocal-heavy orchestral piece, where the HD550’s presentation felt airy and engaging. I plan to keep testing for a few more weeks before making a final judgment; but based on my experience so far, the HD550 isn’t for me. This surprises me, as I previously owned the HD599 and enjoyed their revealing sound without the muddiness in the mids. I eventually returned the HD599 because I didn’t have a use case for them; my other headphones worked better for PC use; and all the new flagship phones had lost the 3.5 mm jack. While the HD550 might be great for gaming; I’ve focused solely on music in my testing. Despite the strong technical reviews and positive user opinions out there; my impressions so far suggest these simply don’t match my personal taste. Positives: Lightweight design, good bass for an open-back, Smooth treble, impressive imaging in certain tracks Negatives: Forward mids makes a lot of tracks sound muddy, Instrument separation weaker than expected

Sennheiser has hit it out of the park with their new HD 550 headphones! This is a quality product from their construction through the very impressive sound profile. The HD 550 packaging is minimalist, the in-box items include the headphones in a black cloth bag, a 1.8 meter single cable (not a Y split design), with a 3.5 mm jack plug and a 3.5 to 6.35 mm screw-on jack adapter, and a single "getting started" pamphlet. The headphones are an over the ear, open backed design. They have a premium feel with leather-like materials, cushioned cup pads, and metal mesh earcup covers. The cable uses a twist-to-lock design on the headphone cup which offers a very secure connection. These will NOT pull out accidentally. Headband adjustability is good, clamping pressure is modest and the lightweight design provides for a very comfortable fit and extended wear. I also appreciate the subtle sweeping lines that create a stylish look. All of this means nothing if the sound quality is not there. Worry not - these are extremely good sounding cans! The HD 550 provides a neutral, uncolored sound with a flat frequency response. There is no booming bass or harsh treble. The handmade 150 ohm transducers are sensitive, and easily driven to maximum comfortable listening levels. Overall, they provide an immersive experience with a spacious soundstage that provides for extended listening sessions without fatigue. No product is perfect. I find Sennheiser's product naming convention confusing. The model numbers are not consecutive - meaning that the HD 550 is superior in many ways to higher numbered models. I've read that they are cleaning that up but until then, just be aware! Also, there is no wireless connectivity (Wired design may be preferred for video gaming - no latency), you probably will want to order a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or a compatible USB DAC if you want to use this with a newer cellphone (you WILL want to do that!) There are no controls on the unit, no noise cancelling, no cellphone app, no hard-shell carrying case and the cups do not fold up for travel. What you need to keep in mind is that these headphones offer entry level Pro audio/consumer performance. They feature quality construction with outstanding performance and are very comfortable to wear. They are minimalist by design and will reward you with a premium listening experience every time you put them on! Highly recommended.

I have owned some good quality headphones before but these are just in a class of their own. This is my first Sennheiser pair of headphones and I am blown away. I never knew what I was missing out on until now. The build quality is wonderful. Very premium feeling. The cushion and earpads feel very comfortable and stayed in place well, which is good because I have had issues with other headphones sliding off my head because of the way the cushion on the headband was. The frame is very solid and the mesh looking grille on the back of the ear pieces for the open baffle look great. The included cable and adapter feel solid as well. Now, I tested these with my ipod classic alone and also with a premium headphone amplifier. I am super impressed with how these performed. The sound directly through the ipod was very pleasing. I noticed details I didn't before in songs that I have been listening to for years. Next I listened to the same things with the standalone headphone amplifier and oh my goodness, it was a wonderful experience. The sound, with both devices, is just so incredibly detailed. Every strum of a guitar, beat of a drum or digital effect were just phenomenal. It has brought my listening experience to a whole new level. The 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter is a great bonus as it allowed me to switch between the ipod and the amplifier easily. I don't think I'll be able to go back to using my old headphones. Only thing that would make these better is if they were wireless. Beyond happy with these Sennheiser's.

So I really don't mind the wire! These have exceptional sound. It feels like I'm in the room with the music instead of a distant or overpowered sound. Can hear the distinctive sounds of the instruments and vocals. Very light weight and feel very comfortable on the ears and head. I could definitely wear these for quite awhile without any fatigue. I have owned alot of German engineered products and have never been disappointed and this is just another great product. Even the feel of phones with the mesh backing and soft headband have a quality about them. The Cable and Ear Pads are replaceable so I would suggest ordering replacements to get the most enjoyment and longevity as products tend to give way eventually for design changes causing you to re-buy if yours wears out and parts are discontinued. The other thing I like is the phones have a 2.25 stetch to accomodate most head sizes and the ear pieces have a 3/4" pivot to flex to various head shapes. Very well though out design. I would 100% recommend these phones if you desire the best in quality and design functionality.

The Sennheiser HD 550 Over-Ear Headphone is a really light and audio pleasing headphone! I find myself wanting to write a review for it often and then getting sidetracked, because I'm using them for music and get lost in the sound. The only reason, I didn't give it a 5 star was because I like bass and it didn't really have the boom that I like. But with that being said, the low end blends in well with the audio spectrum of the Sennheiser HD 550 Over-Ear Headphone. The lows, do complement the mids and highs well. I don't know, the open ear design almost make it sound as if, your hearing the audio in open air? Go figure. It is a super light plastic design and very very comfortable to wear. I think you can fall asleep with these on and not wake up to sore ears. It comes with the smaller plug and a screw on attachment for the bigger plug. If I were to just stay stationary and wanted to listen to a mix that I like and didn't want to change tracks or settings, these would be the headphones. However, I do forget that these are corded at times, when I'm active. Some people like the corded feel and look, but for me, I like the bluetooth. BUT if corded is for you, then you can't go wrong with these. The music envelopes you, with it's open air design and the nice blend from lows, mids and highs. My favorite of the Sennheiser HD 550 Over-Ear Headphone is the mids and highs,

Sennheiser has long been a top name in high quality headsets - I mean, they've been producing audio equipment for over 70 years at this point and you can really tell with this headset. Physically, these are large, over the ear open-backed headphones. That means they're large enough that your entire ear fits comfortably inside and the open back means that they have a mesh grill on the outside of the ear cups - so you do NOT get noise isolation (and some of your music or sound might seep out) but you DO get much better sound quality than closed back and light years better than any earbuds can manage. And that's what these headphones trade on - AMAZING sound. You get every nuanced note in your music, every background sound in your movie or game and every detail in whatever you're listening to. The headset has a great range - you get deep lows and nuanced treble / high notes. Physically, the headset is very well-built, with a nice padded adjustible band and padded ear cups that are very comfortable to wear, even for long periods (they seem to put less force on your ears that other options). Of course, they generally seem like they'll be very durable and last a long time. The cable is quite long (about 5-6ft or so) - it has a 3.5mm (standard headphone / combo jack) and comes with a 6.35mm adapter (generally used in a professional music setting). You would need an adapter (not included) to use them with a product that only has a USB-C jack. Perhaps the only thing I don't like about the headset is that the cable (usually the weak point) seems to be permanently attached instead of replaceable. That's not been a problem to date, but I'll be keeping a close eye on it in the future. That aside, this is a GREAT headset with great sound from a top notch company. If that sounds good to you, give this one a try today!

I’ve listened to lots of different headphones over the years and I enjoy the nuances of different headphones. Sennheiser has a strong presence in the headphone world and these 550’s offer an excellent sound at the price point. They are built well, physically comfortable, and their sound is wonderfully natural sounding. They’re excellent for sitting at a desk or other wired headphone uses. Initial impressions and build. These headphones are well made. They’re very similar to past Sennheiser headphones around this price like the 598/599. The ear cups are a nice soft material that feels very comfortable. The cable is detachable which is nice for long term reliability. These headphones are totally analog, no batteries, no chips; they are built to last and will last. Sound quality. I paired these with a Mac studio’s built in amplifier as well as the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. Both were great pairings with great volume and clarity. If you’ve never heard an open back headphone before, these sound a bit different. The sound is incredibly natural and more spacious. As far as the 550’s sound, they are some of the most neutral sounding sennheiser headphones I’ve heard, and that’s a good thing. These are not bass-head type headphones, but bass is present and accounted for. The midrange sounds incredibly neutral and vocals are forward and pleasing. The treble is excellent. It has a high level of detail but a bit of rolloff at the super high end to make it less fatiguing. I really like that because sometimes it seems like headphones roll off “too early” and you lose detail in the sound. The best way to describe the sound is natural while retaining detail. Nothing is over emphasized. Overall these are a really excellent office headphone. Being open back, they’re not good for commuting or loud settings. They’re excellent in a quiet room. They’d also make excellent gaming headphones if you have a separate mic or don’t use a mic. Highly recommended.

I am coming from another brand that I've used for YEARS as my monitoring headphones, and these are a major upgrade for me. Considering the other brand is well known for its quality, these shocked me as soon as I started using them. Build quality. Well, it's not surprise these have good build quality, as they should for the price. They are soft while where on your head and surrounding your ears, making long sessions even better. I thought these would make me sweat a little, but quickly realized that was not the case. I didn't feel any fatigue at all, and they are very light on your head. Almost as if they are not there. Hard plastic as we would expect, but still feel premium. Fits snug, but not tight. Adjust easy, and stays put. Sound quality. I can hear very clearly when using these, and still hear my surrounding area too. Very clear, and pics up everything nicely when using. The only con I have is a simple one. The cable should be removable. Other than that, I like them, and would recommend them for sure.