Sennheiser HD 560S vs Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass
The Verdict
Sennheiser HD 560S and Sony WH-XB910N serve different listening preferences at distinct price points. The Sennheiser excels as a reference-grade wired headphone with its open-back design, 38mm drivers, and neutral frequency response spanning 6 Hz to 38,000 Hz, making it ideal for critical listening, mixing, or anyone prioritizing audio accuracy. Its 240g weight and velour pads provide comfort for extended sessions, though lack of wireless connectivity and ANC limits versatility. The Sony targets bass enthusiasts and casual listeners, delivering punchy low-end through its 40mm driver with Extra Bass tuning, paired with active noise cancellation, 30-hour battery life with ANC enabled, and Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint connectivity. Fast charging provides 4.5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes. At $199 versus $249, the Sennheiser offers superior sound neutrality and reference accuracy for audiophiles and professionals. The Sony justifies its $50 premium through wireless freedom, noise cancellation, and all-day battery performance for commuting and travel. Choose the Sennheiser if you value pristine, accurate sound from a stationary setup. Choose the Sony if you need modern wireless convenience, active noise cancellation, and bass-forward tuning for everyday use.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass if…
- →Extra Bass delivers deep, powerful low-end for bass-heavy genres
- →30-hour battery life with ANC matches the premium XM series
- →LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass
Pros
- Extra Bass delivers deep, powerful low-end for bass-heavy genres
- 30-hour battery life with ANC matches the premium XM series
- LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable, lightweight design at 252 g
Cons
- Bass emphasis can overwhelm mids and highs for balanced listeners
- ANC is decent but noticeably weaker than WH-1000XM5
- No water resistance limits outdoor use
- Touch controls lack the precision of the XM5's panel
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 560S | Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 252 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 30 hrs with ANC |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, 10 min = 4.5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance | 40mm driver with Extra Bass |
| Features | 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) | Extra Bass for deep, punchy low end, Noise Cancellation, Quick Attention mode, 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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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.
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