Head-to-head · Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro vs Sennheiser HD 650

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and Sennheiser HD 650 score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #1 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

4.4

10 sources2 derived$429as of Sep 25

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro delivers exceptional comfort and significantly improved sub-bass extension compared to earlier models like the HD 650. It offers two ear pad options—fabric mixing pads for analytical neutrality and velour producing pads for enhanced bass and treble. While it provides excellent channel balance and is well-suited for mixing, mastering, and production, the high-mids and treble response falls slightly short of the HD 650's neutrality. The headphones are ideal for professionals seeking accurate sound reproduction and long listening sessions.

Strengths

— Superb comfort with relaxed clamping force and evenly distributed pressure
— Vastly improved sub-bass extension over previous models like the HD 650
— Usable with mobile devices via 3.5mm jack and 6.3mm adapter

Watch-outs

— High-mids and treble are less neutral than the HD 650
— Hard plastic parts may inspire concerns about long-term reliability, per Sonarworks

$429 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 650

4.4

9 sources3 derived$299as of Sep 25

The Sennheiser HD 650 remains a benchmark reference headphone with its 42mm dynamic drivers and 300 ohm impedance delivering exceptional accuracy and musicality. Reviewers consistently praise its natural sound signature and build quality, though its high impedance means it requires a quality amplifier to fully realize its potential. While the proprietary cable connections may limit compatibility, the HD 650 continues to be considered a classic choice for audiophiles seeking neutral, transparent sound reproduction.

Strengths

— Nominal impedance of 30/300 ohms provides excellent compatibility with high-end amplifiers
— Iconic plastic design with spring steel headband offers comfortable long-term wear
— Natural and musical sound signature praised by audiophiles for its neutrality and transparency

Watch-outs

— Cable termination uses proprietary connectors that may limit compatibility with some devices
— Lack of isolation and sound leakage

$299 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro stands out from the HD 650 with its improved sub-bass extension and dual ear pad options for mixing or producing, while the HD 650 maintains its iconic neutrality and plastic design. Unlike the Audeze LCD-X, it avoids the high price point and bulkiness, though it lacks the open-back design that makes the HD 800 S more immersive.

Sennheiser HD 650

The HD 650 offers unmatched neutrality and build quality compared to the HD 490 Pro, which has less neutral high-mids and treble. While the HD 490 Pro provides better sub-bass extension, the HD 650's 300 ohm impedance and proprietary connectors make it more suited for audiophiles with high-end amplifiers, unlike the more versatile LCD-X or K-712 Pro.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Sennheiser HD 490 Pro	Sennheiser HD 650
Design	Open back, Over-ear	Open-back, Over-ear
Impedance	128 Ohm	300 ohms
Weight	260 g (without cable)	260 g
Connector	Threaded straight 3.5 mm jack	1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo jack plug
Driver	Dynamic	42mm dynamic
Sensitivity	105 dB SPL / 1 Vrms @ 1 kHz	103 dB (1 V)
Cable	1.8m cable	3 m
Frequency Response	5 - 36,000 Hz (-10 dB)	10 Hz - 41,000 Hz

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