Sennheiser makes genuinely good headphones across three distinct price tiers, but only one of these three models is worth buying for most people. The HD 400S is the entry point, the CX Plus delivers modern wireless convenience, and the HD 800 S is for serious audiophiles who can justify a five-figure investment. Your choice depends entirely on whether you value simplicity, portability, or absolute sound quality.
Why Sennheiser?
Sennheiser was founded in 1945 and has spent nearly 80 years building a reputation as one of Europe's most reliable audio manufacturers. They specialise in headphones, microphones, and wireless systems—not generic consumer tech. Unlike many competitors, Sennheiser still manufactures significant portions of their range in Germany and Ireland, which reflects in build quality and longevity. Their headphones are known for neutral tuning (particularly their professional lines), durability, and conservative but effective design. Most importantly, they don't chase hype—their product range has remained relatively stable, meaning you're not buying this year's flavour-of-the-month gadget.
Top Picks
HD 400S — £89.95
Best for students and casual listeners who want reliable audio without fuss.
The HD 400S is a lightweight, closed-back headphone with a 3.5mm cable connection. At 185 grams, they're genuinely comfortable for 6+ hours of wear. The 32-ohm impedance means they work with any device—phone, laptop, or basic audio interface—without requiring an amplifier. Sound is warm and forgiving rather than audiophile-accurate, which makes them excellent for music, podcasts, and video watching. The replaceable ear cushions (standard Sennheiser pads) mean you can refresh them after 2-3 years for around £15-20, extending the headphone's lifespan to a decade. Cable is detachable, so if it frays, you're not buying new headphones.
Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless In-ear Earbuds — £129.95
Best for people who want modern convenience without sacrificing sound quality.
The CX Plus are active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds with 7.5 hours of battery life per charge and a total of 31 hours when combined with the charging case. They use Bluetooth 5.3, so connection is stable and latency is low enough for video watching. The ANC blocks roughly 20dB of ambient noise—effective on trains and offices, though not airplane-level. Bluetooth codec support includes AAC and aptX, meaning audio quality is better than the base SBC standard. At 6.2 grams per earbud, they're lightweight enough for all-day wear without fatigue. Water resistance is IPX4, so they survive sweat and light rain but aren't designed for swimming.
Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-ear Audiophile Reference Headphones — £1,699.95
Best for professional mixing engineers and audiophiles with a dedicated listening space and amplifier.
This is a reference-grade headphone with a 300-ohm impedance, meaning it absolutely requires a quality amplifier (not a phone or laptop) to reach its potential. The 56mm dynamic drivers are hand-tuned at the factory, and the frequency response is ruler-flat from 10Hz to 40kHz—this is a measurement tool, not a casual listening device. Sound staging (the sense of instruments existing in three-dimensional space) is exceptional. Build is entirely aluminum and high-grade plastics with no cheap materials anywhere. Weight is 330 grams, but distributed ergonomically so headband pressure is almost unnoticeable. Warranty is generous—Sennheiser will repair or replace these for up to 10 years if manufacturing defects appear. This is the headphone professional studios use for mastering and critical listening.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | HD 400S | £89.95 | Students, casual listeners, portable use | Detachable cable, replaceable pads, 185g lightweight | | CX Plus | £129.95 | Commuters, mobile-first listeners, all-day wear | ANC, 31-hour total battery, IPX4 water resistance | | HD 800 S | £1,699.95 | Professional engineers, audiophiles, studio work | Hand-tuned drivers, 300-ohm reference quality, 10-year warranty |
What to Look For
- Impedance and amplification needs: The HD 400S (32 ohms) works with any device; the CX Plus needs only Bluetooth; the HD 800 S (300 ohms) demands a dedicated amplifier. Choose based on what equipment you already own.
- Portability vs. sound quality: Wireless earbuds are convenient but sacrifice some audio nuance. Wired over-ear headphones like the HD 400S are bulkier but deliver cleaner sound from any source device.
- Active noise cancellation trade-offs: ANC (available on the CX Plus) drains battery faster and adds slight electrical noise some people find fatiguing after 4+ hours. Not everyone needs it.
- Longevity and repairability: The HD 400S has replaceable pads and detachable cable. The CX Plus has sealed electronics (not user-serviceable). The HD 800 S has a 10-year warranty but no user-replaceable parts—you're paying for manufacturer support.
The Bottom Line
Buy the CX Plus at £129.95 if you want one pair that handles 80% of modern listening (commutes, gym, casual home use). Buy the HD 400S at £89.95 if you want wired simplicity and plan to keep them for a decade. Buy the HD 800 S at £1,699.95 only if you already own a headphone amplifier and mix or master audio professionally. Sennheiser's range doesn't have a weak link—it has a clear price-to-purpose hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sennheiser good value for money?
Yes, particularly at the budget and mid-tier levels. The HD 400S at £89.95 has build quality and repairability you'll struggle to find in cheaper alternatives—most £50-80 headphones use glued construction and sealed batteries. The CX Plus at £129.95 is aggressively priced for ANC and multi-codec Bluetooth support; equivalent features from Sony or Bose often cost £30-50 more. The HD 800 S is expensive, but it's a 10-year investment for professionals, not a consumer gadget.
Do Sennheiser headphones need an amplifier?
Only the HD 800 S genuinely benefits from one—its 300-ohm impedance means a phone or laptop won't drive it to full potential. The HD 400S at 32 ohms will work perfectly from a smartphone. The CX Plus are wireless and have built-in amplification, so no external amp is needed.
Which Sennheiser headphones are best for active noise cancellation?
The CX Plus are the only model in this range with ANC. They cancel approximately 20dB of ambient noise, which is effective on trains and in offices but won't match premium ANC from Sony WF-1000XM5 (which block up to 30dB). If noise cancellation is your priority and budget allows, consider comparing the CX Plus directly with Sony's current range.
Can you replace the cables on Sennheiser headphones?
Yes, on the HD 400S—the cable is 3.5mm detachable, so you can swap it for a replacement (£10-15). The HD 800 S uses a proprietary 2-pin connector, so replacements must come from Sennheiser but are readily available. The CX Plus are wireless, so there's no cable to replace.
