Google Pixel Buds Pro vs Sennheiser HD 560S
The Verdict
Google Pixel Buds Pro and Sennheiser HD 560S serve entirely different listening preferences at identical price points. Pixel Buds Pro deliver wireless convenience with effective Silent Seal ANC, 7-hour battery life on a charge, and Google ecosystem integration including real-time translation. Their custom 11mm drivers provide balanced audio optimized via Volume EQ across various listening levels. Conversely, Sennheiser HD 560S cater to audiophiles seeking reference-grade sound through open-back design, 38mm drivers, and 120-ohm impedance suited for critical listening without battery dependency. HD 560S lack ANC and wireless capability but excel at sound clarity and comfort for extended sessions. For daily commuting and convenience, Pixel Buds Pro win decisively. For home studio use and demanding audio work, HD 560S prove superior. Choose based on lifestyle: portability favors Pixel Buds Pro, while reference accuracy favors Sennheiser.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro if…
- →Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- →Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
Buy the Sennheiser HD 560S if…
- →Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- →120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- →Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Pros
- Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
- 7-hour battery with ANC is strong — 31 hours total with case
- Comfortable secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- Limited to AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- ANC can produce some wind noise in outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.0 instead of newer 5.2 or 5.3
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- IPX4 is basic water resistance — not suitable for swimming
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- 120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
- Lightweight and comfortable for marathon listening sessions
- Excellent value as an entry into open-back audiophile headphones
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound heavily — no isolation
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass can sound lean for casual listeners who prefer warmth
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Sennheiser HD 560S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 6.2 g (each) | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 hrs (ANC on), 11 hrs (ANC off), 31 hrs total with case | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | N/A |
| Drivers | Custom 11mm dynamic driver | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance |
| Features | Silent Seal active noise cancellation, Google Assistant with hands-free activation, Multipoint Bluetooth, Volume EQ for balanced sound at all levels, Real-time translation through Google Translate | Open-back reference design, 120-ohm impedance — can be driven by most sources, Detachable cable, Velour ear pads for comfort, Wide frequency response (6 Hz – 38,000 Hz) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Google products or all Sennheiser products. View full details for the Google Pixel Buds Pro or the Sennheiser HD 560S.