Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 600
Open-back
90
/ 100
From $399
VS
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 650
Over-ear · 2003
90
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 600 lands at 90 and Sennheiser HD 650 at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sennheiser HD 600 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Sennheiser HD 650 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Sennheiser HD 600 90
vs 90 Sennheiser HD 650
Score breakdown
Sennheiser HD 600
90 anc 0
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 650
90 anc 88
sound 90
comfort 89
battery 82
features 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 600 | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2003 |
Sennheiser HD 600
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
Sennheiser HD 650
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Sennheiser HD 600 vs Sennheiser HD 650
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 600 or Sennheiser HD 650? +
Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sennheiser HD 600 worth the price? +
At $399, Sennheiser HD 600 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.
Is Sennheiser HD 650 worth the price? +
At $499, Sennheiser HD 650 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Does Sennheiser HD 600 or Sennheiser HD 650 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.