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 (94th percentile) 94th
Cons
- Below average comfort (3rd percentile)
- Below average mic (18th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd 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 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | Apple AirPods Max Midnight | Technics EAH-A800 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | - |
| Impedance Ohms | 50 | - | 314 | 16 | 34 | 32 |
| 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 | - | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 24 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD 5 HD 599 | 32.1 | 18.1 | 95.7 | 50.5 | 44.7 | 3 | 42.5 | 93.9 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98 | 99.3 | 95.7 | 99.4 | 76.1 | 53.7 | 97.7 | 98.4 |
| Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B Compare | 98 | 85.3 | 77.8 | 95.6 | 76.1 | 53.7 | 98.9 | 87.5 |
| Apple AirPods Max Midnight Compare | 98 | 83.2 | 92.4 | 93.2 | 69.8 | 32.3 | 94.4 | 98.4 |
| Technics EAH-A800 Compare | 93.4 | 98.3 | 77.8 | 97.2 | 85.9 | 53.7 | 97.4 | 60 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Compare | 93.4 | 79.2 | 95.7 | 52.9 | 72.7 | 81 | 99.2 | 73 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
