Sennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Over-Ear Wired Headphones – Neutral, Natural Sound for Music, Gaming, and Content Creation, Black
Best for
Best open-back under $200
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 HD 560S is positioned as a neutrality benchmark at its price. audiosciencereview's measurement-focused write-up came away "happier after I tested it," praising the light weight and low price while singling out "high distortion in low" frequencies as its main weakness. homestudiobasics calls it a "solid 500 series headphone" with a midrange that delivers vocals and instruments cleanly, and headphones.com notes the all-plastic build "feels cheap" but is forgivable at the price.
What reviewers liked
- Widely cited as a neutral, accurate reference at a sub-$200 price
- High-trust community praise for imaging and soundstage coherence on busy tracks
- Lightweight and easy to drive from modest sources
Where it falls short
- audiosciencereview measured high distortion in the low frequencies
- Reviewers describe the all-plastic build as cheap-feeling with stiff, tight clamp
- Some listeners find the neutral tuning clinical or "without soul"
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Across the reviewers we read, the HD 560S is positioned as a neutrality benchmark at its price. audiosciencereview's measurement-focused write-up came away "happier after I tested it," praising the light weight and low price while singling out "high distortion in low" frequencies as its main weakness. homestudiobasics calls it a "solid 500 series headphone" with a midrange that delivers vocals and instruments cleanly, and headphones.com notes the all-plastic build "feels cheap" but is forgivable at the price.
Community sentiment is largely positive but not universal: high-trust r/headphones posters were surprised how "incredible" they sounded and praised imaging and soundstage coherence in busy tracks, while others found the neutral tuning "without soul" or that it "sounded like speakers in a room" rather than the most realistic neutral set they'd heard. The verified-purchase notes on Sennheiser's own listing also flag stiff, tight clamp and questionable build. The consensus: an outstanding-value, accurate open-back for music and mixing under $200, with the trade-offs being plasticky build and a tuning some find clinical.
- 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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