Sennheiser HD 5 HD 599
The open-back design and dynamic transducer deliver reference-grade spatial audio with a wide 12Hz–38.5kHz frequency response, and the oversized ear pads with replaceable velour cushions ensure secure, long-lasting comfort. Its 50-ohm impedance allows efficient driving from smartphones and laptops, while the flagship 500-series build offers near-audiophile quality without a premium price tag. Best for critical listeners seeking an expansive, natural soundstage for music and movies at home, rather than travel or noisy environments.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong build (96th percentile) 96th
- Strong social proof (95th percentile) 95th
Cons
- Below average comfort (3rd percentile)
- Below average mic (20th percentile)
- Below average anc (33rd percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 38 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open |
| Foldable | No |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | soft replaceable ear pads |
| Headband | Aluminum |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Freq Min | 12 |
| Freq Max | 38500 |
| Impedance | 50 |
| Sensitivity | 108 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| Transparency | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 6.35mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 2.99 |
Microphone
| Microphone | No |
vs Competition
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 5 HD 599 | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | Apple AirPods Max Midnight | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | JBL Tune 670NC | Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear | on-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 40 | 40 | - | 32 | 45 |
| Impedance Ohms | 50 | 314 | 16 | 32 | 32 | 48 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | open | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 20 | 24 | 70 | 40 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD 5 HD 599 | 33.2 | 19.9 | 96.2 | 59.4 | 50.6 | 2.5 | 49.1 | 94.7 |
| Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B Compare | 98.4 | 88.3 | 80.6 | 96.6 | 80.8 | 59.6 | 99.1 | 88.9 |
| Apple AirPods Max Midnight Compare | 98.4 | 86.7 | 93.5 | 94.7 | 75.7 | 34.1 | 95.6 | 98.7 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Compare | 94.8 | 83.5 | 96.2 | 61.3 | 78 | 84.5 | 99.4 | 75.9 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.4 | 73.6 | 80.6 | 64.8 | 95.2 | 90.1 | 99.4 | 98.7 |
| Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609 Compare | 98.4 | 83.5 | 96.2 | 98.7 | 85.1 | 59.6 | 98.2 | 59.7 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Amazon.co.uk 1 offer From £116
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
