Jabra Elite 4 Active vs Sennheiser HD 560S
The Verdict
Jabra Elite 4 Active and Sennheiser HD 560S serve fundamentally different purposes. Jabra's compact in-ears prioritize portability and active noise cancellation, delivering 7 hours of ANC-enabled playback with IP57 durability for workouts and commutes. Sennheiser's over-ear design offers reference-grade audio through 38mm dynamic transducers and an open-back configuration, ideal for critical listening at a desk with no battery constraints. Sound quality favors Sennheiser's wider frequency response and reference tuning for audiophiles, while Jabra excels in versatility and convenience features like Google Fast Pair. Choose Jabra Elite 4 Active for active lifestyles requiring wireless freedom and ANC; select Sennheiser HD 560S if stationary, high-fidelity listening matters most and a wired connection suits your setup.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Jabra Elite 4 Active if…
- →ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- →Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- →7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
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
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Pros
- ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- 7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
- Compact and lightweight at 5 g per earbud
- Google Fast Pair for instant Android setup
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth — connects to one device at a time
- No wireless charging on the case
- ANC is functional but not deep — best for light noise reduction
- Call quality drops in windy conditions
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 | Jabra Elite 4 Active | Sennheiser HD 560S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 5 g (each) | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | USB-C (no wireless charging) | N/A |
| Drivers | 6mm dynamic driver | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, HearThrough mode, Secure ActiveGrip coating for workouts, Jabra Sound+ app, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap, IP57 dust and waterproof | 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 | SBC, AAC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP57 | 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 Jabra products or all Sennheiser products. View full details for the Jabra Elite 4 Active or the Sennheiser HD 560S.