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Sennheiser HD 650 — Over-ear · 2003
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 650

Over-ear · 2003

90
/ 100
From $499
VS
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black — Over-ear · 2020
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black

Over-ear · 2020

90
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 650 lands at 90 and Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Sennheiser HD 650 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($349 vs $499).

Sennheiser HD 650 90
vs
90 Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Sennheiser HD 650
90
anc 88
sound 90
comfort 89
battery 82
features 86
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black
90
anc 88
sound 90
comfort 89
battery 82
features 86

Specs side-by-side

Sennheiser HD 650 versus Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Sennheiser HD 650 Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black
Type
Over-ear
Over-ear
Release year
2003
2020

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

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black

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 650 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black

Which is better, Sennheiser HD 650 or Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black? +

Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sennheiser HD 650 worth the price? +

At $499, Sennheiser HD 650 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Is Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Does Sennheiser HD 650 or Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black 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.

Which is the better value, Sennheiser HD 650 or Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black? +

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black — more score per dollar ($349 vs $499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.