Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM3
The Verdict
These headphones serve fundamentally different listening philosophies. The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is a wired, open-back audiophile tool designed for critical listening at a desk with dedicated amplification. Its 300-ohm impedance demands a quality DAC/amp setup, rewarding that investment with transparent, detailed mids and natural tonality that open designs excel at. The Sony WH-1000XM3 is a wireless lifestyle headphone emphasizing convenience and noise isolation, delivering 30 hours of battery life with excellent ANC processing. Sony's 40mm drivers pair well with multipoint connectivity and touch controls for everyday use. Sound quality differs markedly: the Sennheiser offers superior clarity and soundstage for classical, jazz, and acoustic material, while Sony prioritizes immersion and bass response for modern music and travel. The Sony costs $150 less and requires zero external gear, making it genuinely portable. The Sennheiser demands a $200-500 amplifier investment to shine properly. If you sit at a desk with quality source equipment, the Sennheiser is the clear choice for serious listening. If you value wireless freedom, active noise cancellation, and portability across commutes or flights, Sony wins decisively. These aren't competitors—they're solutions for different needs.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sennheiser HD 660S2 if…
- →Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- →Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- →Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM3 if…
- →Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- →Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- →30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Pros
- Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
- Lightweight at 260 g for an audiophile over-ear
- Replaceable parts make it a long-term investment
Cons
- 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amp/DAC to drive properly
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option
- Open-back leaks significant sound — not for shared spaces
- $499 is steep for headphones that need additional equipment
Sony WH-1000XM3
Pros
- Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- 30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
- Wide codec support including LDAC and aptX HD
- 10-minute quick charge gives 5 hours — great for travel
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks the stability and range of newer versions
- No water resistance — not suitable for workouts
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- Creaks and pressure can build on larger heads over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 660S2 | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 30 hrs with ANC |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, 10 min = 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 42mm dynamic transducer, 300 ohm impedance | 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer dome |
| Features | Open-back audiophile design, 300-ohm impedance for dedicated amp/DAC use, Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn cable included, Replaceable ear pads and cables, Handmade in Germany | HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, Adaptive Sound Control, Touch controls on ear cup, Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat (via update), DSEE HX upscaling |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 4.2 |
| 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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