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

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

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 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about studio engineers needing bass extension and pad flexibility — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #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 #3 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 800 S

4.2

10 sources3 derived

The Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers outstanding detail and clarity, with an expansive soundstage that sets it apart from competitors. Reviewers noted its comfortable open-back design and minimal clamp force, though the headphones require dedicated amplification to reach their full potential. The build quality is refined with a sleek dichromatic aesthetic, though some reviewers expressed concerns about the lightweight plastic construction. This headphone appeals to audiophiles seeking premium sound reproduction and is best suited for users with high-end audio setups.

Strengths

— Exceptional detail and clarity in audio reproduction
— Impressive soundstage with wide stereo separation
— Comfortable open-back design with minimal clamp force

Watch-outs

— Very lightweight construction may feel less durable
— High price point

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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 800 S

The HD 800 S provides exceptional clarity and expansive soundstage, outperforming the HD 490 Pro in detail and the HD 650 in openness. While it's more expensive and lighter than the Audeze LCD-X, it lacks the planar magnetic drivers that give the LCD-X its edge in resolution and avoids the bass over-emphasis found in the K-712 Pro.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Sennheiser HD 490 Pro	Sennheiser HD 800 S
Design	Open back, Over-ear	Open-back, Over-ear
Impedance	128 Ohm	300 Ohms
Weight	260 g (without cable)	330 g
Connector	Threaded straight 3.5 mm jack	4.4mm (balanced) and 6.35mm (unbalanced) jack plugs
Driver	Dynamic	56mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducer
Sensitivity	105 dB SPL / 1 Vrms @ 1 kHz	102 dB (1 V)
Cable	1.8m cable	Specially tuned symmetrical cable
Frequency Response	5 - 36,000 Hz (-10 dB)	4 Hz - 51,000 Hz

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