Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
Sennheiser's HD 660S2 and Sony's WH-1000XM4 serve distinctly different audiophile needs. Sennheiser delivers exceptional sound quality through its handcrafted 42mm dynamic drivers and 300-ohm impedance design, requiring a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance,ideal for stationary listening sessions. Sony prioritizes versatility with industry-leading ANC, 30-hour battery life, and seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with LDAC hi-res support, making it perfect for mobile use. The HD 660S2's open-back design excels in soundstage and detail retrieval, while the WH-1000XM4's closed-back architecture isolates noise effectively. At $499 versus $349, the Sennheiser justifies premium pricing for pure audio fidelity in controlled environments. However, Sony's feature-rich package,including multipoint pairing, quick charging, and adaptive sound control,offers superior real-world practicality. Choose the HD 660S2 for studio-quality listening; select the WH-1000XM4 for everyday versatility and wireless convenience.
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-1000XM4 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- →LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- →Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
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-1000XM4
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups for long sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the same price
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- No IP rating — avoid using in rain or at the gym
- Microphone quality is average for calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 660S2 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 42mm dynamic transducer, 300 ohm impedance | 30 mm |
| 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 | Industry-leading ANC with Dual Noise Sensor technology, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wearing detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | 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.
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