Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Over-Ear Wired Headphones – Neutral, Natural Sound for Music, Gaming, and Content Creation, Black
Best for
Best neutral reference under $150
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$149.95
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Sennheiser HD 560S is framed as a neutrality-first value pick. headphones.com calls it a 'new benchmark in headphone neutrality' while noting the all-plastic build 'feels cheap' but matches the price. audiosciencereview.com came away 'happier after I tested it,' praising the light weight and low price, with the caveat that 'its only weakness is high distortion in low' frequencies.
What reviewers liked
- audiosciencereview.com and headphones.com endorse its measured neutrality
- Strong 4.6 rating across 3,600+ Amazon reviews
- Praised for imaging, soundstage coherence, and light weight
Where it falls short
- audiosciencereview.com notes high distortion in the low bass
- Some r/headphones listeners find the neutral tuning 'soulless' or unrealistic
- Build quality and tight clamp force draw repeated complaints
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Across the reviewers we read, the Sennheiser HD 560S is framed as a neutrality-first value pick. headphones.com calls it a 'new benchmark in headphone neutrality' while noting the all-plastic build 'feels cheap' but matches the price. audiosciencereview.com came away 'happier after I tested it,' praising the light weight and low price, with the caveat that 'its only weakness is high distortion in low' frequencies. homestudiobasics.com highlights a midrange that 'excels in delivering both vocals and instruments.'
The high-trust r/headphones reaction is mixed in an instructive way. One newcomer was surprised it 'sound[s] so incredible,' while others find neutral cans 'without soul in comparison to coloured' and one listener felt the 560S 'felt the least realistic.' Build and comfort draw complaints too, with reports of stiff, tight clamping. This is a headphone whose strengths (accuracy, imaging, soundstage coherence) and weaknesses (lean character, plasticky build) are both well documented.
For a listener who wants clean, accurate sound at a sub-$150 price and doesn't mind a clinical tilt, the consensus is firmly positive. Just go in knowing it prioritizes correctness over warmth or excitement.
- Wide, Natural Soundstage
- Open-back design delivers lifelike depth and directional detail. Ideal for music lovers and gamers seeking a more immersive alternative, and creators working on at home audio or video content.
- Neutral, Accurate Sound
- Precision-tuned transducers reveal subtle details across the entire frequency range. Excellent for audiophile listening and refining audio during content creation.
- Lightweight Comfort
- Velour ear pads and ventilated earcups reduce heat buildup and pressure, supporting long listening sessions for music, gaming, schoolwork, or content creation from home.
- Reliable Wired Performance
- Includes detachable cable with 6.35mm plug and 3.5mm adapter for PCs, laptops, record players, and home audio. Excellent headphones for PC, corded listening setups, and plug-in devices.
- Clarity for Gaming & Detailed Listening
- Open-back acoustics improve positional accuracy, helping you hear subtle details across music, games, and voice recordings; great for gamers and creators.
- Engineered for Everyday Reliability
- Built with durable materials and Sennheiser acoustic design heritage for consistent sound quality across entertainment, work, creative recording, and at home listening.
- Made for Your Everyday Devices
- Works effortlessly with PCs, laptops, DACs, home stereos, and other plug-in sources, ideal for listeners who prefer dependable wired headphones over wireless options.
- Complete Listening Package
- Includes HD 560S headphones, detachable cable, 6.35mm–3.5mm adapter, and quick-start guide for easy setup with your existing audio gear.
What I didn't expect is for it to sound so incredible. Like I get they are high end headphones but WOW. People say they sound flat (or neutral?)
I expected these headphones to deliver a fast attack on synths, drums, rhythms. Expected almost more staccato in the way fast rhythms are delivered.
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
“Sennheiser HD 560S Review in FIVE MINUTES” · YouTube
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