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Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White wins by 5
Sennheiser HD 600 — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 600

Open-back

90
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White lands at 95 and Sennheiser HD 600 at 90. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sennheiser HD 600 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White leads on sound (95 vs 90).

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

Sennheiser HD 600

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sennheiser HD 600 more score per dollar ($399 vs $1,699).

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White 95
vs
90 Sennheiser HD 600

Score breakdown

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White
95
anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 600
90
anc 0
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White versus Sennheiser HD 600 — full spec comparison
Spec Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White Sennheiser HD 600
Type
Open-back
Open-back

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White

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 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

FAQ: Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White vs Sennheiser HD 600

Which is better, Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White or Sennheiser HD 600? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Is Sennheiser HD 600 worth the price? +

At $399, Sennheiser HD 600 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.

Does Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White or Sennheiser HD 600 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 better for sound quality, Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White or Sennheiser HD 600? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White — leads on sound (95 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Sennheiser HD 800 S · Arctic White or Sennheiser HD 600? +

Sennheiser HD 600 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $1,699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.