Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
The Verdict
Sennheiser's HD 660S2 and Sony's WH-1000XM5 serve fundamentally different listener needs. HD 660S2 excels as a premium wired audiophile headphone with open-back acoustics, 42mm drivers, and 300-ohm impedance designed for dedicated amplification,ideal for studio monitoring and critical listening. Sony's WH-1000XM5 dominates wireless convenience with industry-leading ANC, 30-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and adaptive sound features at a lower price point. Sound signature differs markedly: the Sennheiser delivers neutral, detail-rich reproduction favored by purists, while Sony emphasizes consumer-friendly tuning with enhanced bass and practical noise cancellation. Comfort is comparable at 260g versus 250g. Choose the HD 660S2 if you prioritize sonic accuracy with a dedicated amp/DAC setup; select the WH-1000XM5 for versatile all-day wireless listening with superior active noise isolation and portability.
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-1000XM5 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation
- →Excellent call quality with beamforming mics
- →Lightweight, comfortable for long sessions
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-1000XM5
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation
- Excellent call quality with beamforming mics
- Lightweight, comfortable for long sessions
- LDAC hi-res Bluetooth support
Cons
- No longer folds flat for travel
- No IP rating against sweat or rain
- Expensive at launch
- Mediocre wired/USB audio quality
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 660S2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 30 hours ANC on |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours quick charge |
| Drivers | 42mm dynamic transducer, 300 ohm impedance | 30mm dynamic carbon fiber composite |
| 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, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, Multipoint pairing, DSEE Extreme upscaling |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| 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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