Sennheiser HD 559From real comments

Verdict distilled from 23 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment55%
PROS 55%
CONS 45%

Rank based on 23 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a fun, bass-forward open-back sound for movies and gaming
  • You're okay with a plastic build that some found sturdier than expected
  • You're willing to EQ or break the headphones in for improved sound

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a balanced, neutral, audiophile-grade sound signature
  • You expect a 6.3mm-to-3.5mm adapter or 1/8in plug included in the box
  • You're sensitive to reports of inconsistent sound quality opinions

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in
Durability/Crackling Concerns
High Price
2Mid
Skullcandy Crusher
Signature haptic bass slider
Skullcandy Crusher
Signature haptic bass slider
3Premium
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Exceptional comfortStrong for gaming and imagingImprovement over HD 650/6XXIrritating L/R lettering inside padsBuild/pad quality issues reportedHigh price relative to alternatives
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Exceptional comfort
Strong for gaming and imaging
Improvement over HD 650/6XX
Irritating L/R lettering inside pads
Build/pad quality issues reported
High price relative to alternatives
4Mid
Sennheiser HD 25
Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side
Sennheiser HD 25
Exceptional durability
Balanced, quality sound
Fully repairable/modular
Cable-to-driver cutout issues
Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
5Mid
Philips SHP9500S
Exceptional comfort
Philips SHP9500S
Exceptional comfort
Best value
6Premium
Denon AH-D9200
Smooth, detailed treble and clarityStrong perceived value and end-game satisfactionTight, deep bassHigh price pointSibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive earsTight fit for larger ears
Denon AH-D9200
Smooth, detailed treble and clarity
Strong perceived value and end-game satisfaction
Tight, deep bass
High price point
Sibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive ears
Tight fit for larger ears
7Premium
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Excellent Call and Mic Quality
All-Day Comfort
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
High Price Point
Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
8Premium
Shure SRH1540
Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source
Shure SRH1540
Neutral, accurate sound
Exceptional comfort
Great detail and resolution
Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners
Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral
Sound highly dependent on seal and source
9Budget
Philips SHP9500
Exceptional value for moneyOutstanding comfortDetailed, neutral sound signatureLight or rolled-off bassCheap-feeling build qualityPerceived treble grain/sibilance
Philips SHP9500
Exceptional value for money
Outstanding comfort
Detailed, neutral sound signature
Light or rolled-off bass
Cheap-feeling build quality
Perceived treble grain/sibilance
10Budget
Apple EarPods
Excellent Sound Quality for PriceComfortable for Extended UseNo Charging RequiredLimited Noise IsolationBuild Quality ConcernsNot Secure for Active Use
Apple EarPods
Excellent Sound Quality for Price
Comfortable for Extended Use
No Charging Required
Limited Noise Isolation
Build Quality Concerns
Not Secure for Active Use
You are here
31Mid
Sennheiser HD 559
Strong bass for open-backEngaging, fun sound signatureImproves with break-in and EQInconsistent or disappointing sound qualityBass can be excessiveMissing adapter in box
Sennheiser HD 559
Strong bass for open-back
Engaging, fun sound signature
Improves with break-in and EQ
Inconsistent or disappointing sound quality
Bass can be excessive
Missing adapter in box

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality opinions are notably divided among users. Several commenters praised the HD 559 as engaging, alive, and easy to drive, with one even preferring it to the pricier HD 650. Others found the sound underwhelming or outright regretted the purchase, calling them terrible. Bass is frequently described as prominent, sometimes too much so, with EQ and amp pairing suggested to tame or enhance it, and break-in reportedly helps.

Build quality feels solid despite being plastic. One owner noted that although made of plastic, the HD 559 feels sturdier than a competing pair with a metal band and leather strap. However, another buyer felt the plastic build was disappointing given the price, wishing it were cheaper. This split suggests build perception varies by expectation and unit, but no structural failures were reported by owners in these comments.

Missing accessories are a common point of frustration. Multiple buyers were surprised and annoyed that the 6.3mm-to-3.5mm adapter was not included in the box, forcing them to wait or purchase one separately before use. One reviewer also called out the odd choice for Sennheiser not to include a proper 1/8in plug. This is a recurring, specific complaint across different unboxing and review contexts.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?