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HEADPHONES · YOUR NEXT FACE-OFF

Sennheiser HD 550 vs Sennheiser HD 599

Real specs. Clear sources.Exact models · UK & US buying links

Compared products

YOUR FIRST CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 550

700455 · Black · wired

Sennheiser HD 550 open-back over-ear headphones in black, three-quarter view
Full product profile Official image
Exact model & source notes

The HD 550 (article 700455) is a passive, open-back over-ear headphone built on Sennheiser's HD 500 chassis, with a 150-ohm dynamic transducer, high-grade metal mesh earcup covers, a synthetic leather headband, a 1.8 m cable ending in a 3.5 mm plug, and a stated weight of 237 g. Sennheiser describes a neutral balance that extends further into sub-bass than the HD 599.

Specifications checked 26 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications
WHICH SUITS YOU?

Choose the HD 550 for

  • Higher stated nominal impedance: 150 ohm vs 50 ohm

Choose the HD 599 for

  • Lower stated nominal impedance: 50 ohm vs 150 ohm
  • Longer stated cable length: 3 m vs 1.8 m
Built from verified specifications that differ. Not a rating or a recommendation.
See the 11 verified differences
THE CONTENDER

Sennheiser HD 599

506831 · Ivory · wired (not HD 599 SE)

Sennheiser HD 599 open-back over-ear headphones in ivory with brown headband, three-quarter view
Full product profile Official image
Exact model & source notes

The HD 599 (article 506831) is an open-back, over-ear wired headphone that Sennheiser describes as topping its 500 series, in an ivory finish with brown headband stitching. It has a 38 mm transducer with Sennheiser's E.A.R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) design, which Sennheiser says channels the audio signal directly into the ears, a 50 Ω impedance and soft replaceable ear pads, and comes with two cables — 3 m with a 6.3 mm plug and 1.2 m with a 3.5 mm plug. Sennheiser gives its weight as 250 g and explicitly lists active noise cancellation as False.

Specifications checked 27 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications

HD 550 UK & US retailers

UK
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US
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UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

HD 599 UK & US retailers

UK
Search Amazon UKSearch eBay UK
US
Search Amazon USSearch eBay US

UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

Search links open retailer results, not a matched listing; eBay listings are checked daily. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE

Visual facts

Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.

How to read this comparison
  • Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
  • “Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
  • Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.
FEATURES SIDE BY SIDE8 topics

Yes and No describe the listed feature. Missing evidence stays unverified.

SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 08

Impedance

Nominal electrical load, not sound quality or loudness. Output capability and headphone sensitivity matter together; impedance alone cannot decide whether an amplifier is needed.

Explore the full specifications

Start with your listening environment. Open and closed earcups suit different surroundings. A closed back is not the same as active noise cancellation. Check the exact cable and headphone output. We do not turn impedance, driver size or unpaired lab results into a sound-quality score.

WHAT CHANGES BETWEEN THEM?

Key differences

Full specifications ↓

11 verified differences, most decision-relevant first. 2 are also drawn in Visual facts above. 1 feature is the same under different published names, grouped below. Missing information stays separate.

Wired / wireless connections

Sennheiser HD 550Wired analogue; 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug and supplied 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter; accepts balanced cables
Sennheiser HD 599Wired analogue; two cables supplied — 3 m with 6.3 mm straight plug and 1.2 m with 3.5 mm straight plug — plus a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's UK and US store product descriptions state 'Accepts balanced cables'; no balanced cable is in the box list. The product page states HD 500-range accessories are compatible and sells HD 500-series replacement cables; it does not state in the specification table whether the cable detaches.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specificationsSennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)Sennheiser US store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and UPC)

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Driver construction

Sennheiser HD 550150-ohm dynamic transducer made by Sennheiser in Ireland
Sennheiser HD 59938 mm transducer using Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology with the E.A.R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) design
Sources
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser says the E.A.R. design channels the audio signal directly into the ears; the specification table gives the transducer size as 38 mm.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specificationsSennheiser UK store — HD 599 product variant data (SKU and EAN)

Check whether the diameter describes the complete transducer or only its diaphragm. Different labels and driver sizes do not establish better sound.

Rated total harmonic distortion

Sennheiser HD 550<0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL)
Sennheiser HD 599<0.1% (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL)
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz and 90 dB SPL; other models use different test levels, so compare with care.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications

These published limits can use different input voltages, loudness levels and standards. They cannot establish lower distortion in matched listening conditions.

Show 5 more verified differences

In the box

Sennheiser HD 550Headphones, 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter, drawstring bag
Sennheiser HD 599HD 599 headphones, 3 m cable with 6.3 mm straight plug, 1.2 m cable with 3.5 mm straight plug, 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter
Sources

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Construction

Sennheiser HD 550High-grade metal mesh earcup covers; synthetic leather headband
Sennheiser HD 599Ivory colour scheme with brown headband stitching and matte metallic detailing on the ear cups and headband
Sources

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Rated sensitivity

Sennheiser HD 550106.7 dB SPL (1 V RMS)
Sennheiser HD 599106 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW; the test frequency is not stated.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW; listed as 'Sound pressure level (SPL)'.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications

Keep the frequency and voltage or power reference attached. Sensitivity describes output for an input, not sound quality; dB/V and dB/mW are different measures.

Weight

Sennheiser HD 550237 g
Sennheiser HD 599250 g
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Stated in the feature copy; Sennheiser does not say whether the figure includes the cable.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser does not say whether the figure includes the cable.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications

A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.

Same feature, different names (1)

The sources publish different names for the same feature. Both names and their sources are shown; they are not counted as differences.

Missing or non-comparable evidence (8)

Active noise cancellation

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified
Sennheiser HD 599No
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Sennheiser explicitly describes a direct analogue signal path without sound-shaping electronics, but does not explicitly name an active noise cancellation absence. Preserve that operating claim separately; ANC remains unknown pending exact scope resolution. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · The specification table lists 'Active Noise Cancellation: False'; passive open-back headphones.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Microphone

In Visual facts
Sennheiser HD 550Not verified
Sennheiser HD 599Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Sennheiser advertises a microphone-ready design but does not identify a supplied microphone in the package list. Presence or absence of a microphone remains unresolved for this exact configuration. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Battery life

Sennheiser HD 550Not required: passive wired headphones powered by the audio source
Sennheiser HD 599Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Passive headphones with no battery or charging.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Cable arrangement

Sennheiser HD 550Not verified
Sennheiser HD 599Detachable; two cables supplied (3 m with 6.3 mm plug, 1.2 m with 3.5 mm plug)
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded for this side.

Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · The specification table lists the cables as '1: 6.3mm 2: 3.5mm detachable'.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Frequency tuning

Sennheiser HD 550Neutral balance; response described as very close to what is considered ideal for headphones
Sennheiser HD 599Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's description ('Punchy bass, brilliant treble extension, and natural, lifelike mids' in the store description); not a measurement by this site.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specificationsSennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)
Sennheiser HD 599

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Serviceability

Sennheiser HD 550Replacement parts such as ear pads are offered; HD 500-range accessories are compatible
Sennheiser HD 599Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 599

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Manufacturer sub-bass claim

Sennheiser HD 550Extends further into sub-bass than the HD 599
Sennheiser HD 599Not verified
Sources
Sennheiser HD 599

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

1 shared field has the same recorded value.

YOUR HEADPHONES. YOUR RULES.

Check against your must-haves

Feature matching for the features you select. It doesn’t rate sound or comfort.

Start with your listening setup.

Choose a starting point, then fine-tune your must-haves.

FINE-TUNE THE DETAILS

Your essentials.

These shortcuts select the features shown above. Check the fit against your own equipment and listening space.

A feature match describes the selected requirements. It doesn’t rate sound or comfort.

YOUR CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 550

Select a feature to check your fit.

YOUR CHOICE

Sennheiser HD 599

Select a feature to check your fit.

Feature matching, not a sound-quality score. The specification table links to the evidence for each feature.
WHAT EACH CHOICE ASKS OF YOU

What it brings and what to check

Sennheiser HD 550

What it brings

What to check

Sennheiser HD 599

What it brings

  • Two cables are supplied — 3 m with a 6.3 mm straight plug and 1.2 m with a 3.5 mm straight plug — plus a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter.
    Manufacturer source
  • Sennheiser publishes both the 50 Ω impedance and a 106 dB SPL at 1 V rating, which helps estimate how much output a source needs to drive it.
    Manufacturer source
  • The large ear cups use soft ear pads that Sennheiser describes as replaceable.
    Manufacturer source Manufacturer source

What to check

  • It is an open-back design, and Sennheiser publishes no ambient-noise attenuation figure for it.
    Manufacturer source
  • Sennheiser does not say whether the 250 g weight includes a cable.
    Manufacturer source
COMPARE THE DETAILS

Full specifications

How we verify
21 of 21 specifications Sources in each row
Source-backed specifications for Sennheiser HD 550 and Sennheiser HD 599
SpecificationSennheiser HD 550Sennheiser HD 599
Wearing style
Sources
Over-ear, open-back dynamic headphonesOver-ear, open-back wired headphones
WeightDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Stated in the feature copy; Sennheiser does not say whether the figure includes the cable.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser does not say whether the figure includes the cable.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
237 g250 g
Acoustic design
Sources
Open-backOpen-back
Ear padsDifferent
Sources
Synthetic velourSoft, replaceable ear pads on large ear cups
ConstructionDifferent
Sources
High-grade metal mesh earcup covers; synthetic leather headbandIvory colour scheme with brown headband stitching and matte metallic detailing on the ear cups and headband
Serviceability
Sources
Sennheiser HD 599

No source recorded.

Replacement parts such as ear pads are offered; HD 500-range accessories are compatibleNot provided
Wired / wireless connectionsDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's UK and US store product descriptions state 'Accepts balanced cables'; no balanced cable is in the box list. The product page states HD 500-range accessories are compatible and sells HD 500-series replacement cables; it does not state in the specification table whether the cable detaches.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specificationsSennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)Sennheiser US store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and UPC)
Wired analogue; 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug and supplied 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter; accepts balanced cablesWired analogue; two cables supplied — 3 m with 6.3 mm straight plug and 1.2 m with 3.5 mm straight plug — plus a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter
Battery life
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Passive headphones with no battery or charging.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish battery life or that no battery is required for operation. A wired/dynamic audio path, omitted charger or Battery included N is not an explicit operating-power requirement. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
Not required: passive wired headphones powered by the audio sourceNot listed by the manufacturer
Cable lengthDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · Longer of the two supplied cables (6.3 mm plug); the other is 1.2 m with a 3.5 mm plug.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
1.8 m3 m
Cable arrangement
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded.

Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · The specification table lists the cables as '1: 6.3mm 2: 3.5mm detachable'.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
Not providedDetachable; two cables supplied (3 m with 6.3 mm plug, 1.2 m with 3.5 mm plug)
Driver constructionDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser says the E.A.R. design channels the audio signal directly into the ears; the specification table gives the transducer size as 38 mm.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specificationsSennheiser UK store — HD 599 product variant data (SKU and EAN)
150-ohm dynamic transducer made by Sennheiser in Ireland38 mm transducer using Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology with the E.A.R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) design
Rated frequency rangeDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · No tolerance is stated.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · No tolerance is stated.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
6 Hz – 39.5 kHz12 Hz – 38.5 kHz
Frequency tuning
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Sennheiser's description ('Punchy bass, brilliant treble extension, and natural, lifelike mids' in the store description); not a measurement by this site.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specificationsSennheiser UK store — HD 550 product variant data (SKU and EAN)
Sennheiser HD 599

No source recorded.

Neutral balance; response described as very close to what is considered ideal for headphonesNot provided
Manufacturer sub-bass claim
Sources
Sennheiser HD 599

No source recorded.

Extends further into sub-bass than the HD 599Not provided
Nominal impedanceDifferent
Sources
150 ohm50 ohm
Rated sensitivityDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW; the test frequency is not stated.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · Voltage reference (dB/V), not dB/mW; listed as 'Sound pressure level (SPL)'.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
106.7 dB SPL (1 V RMS)106 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
Rated total harmonic distortionDifferent
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Manufacturer specification · Rated at 1 kHz and 90 dB SPL; other models use different test levels, so compare with care.

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
<0.2% (1 kHz / 90 dB SPL)<0.1% (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL)
Driver diameter
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

No source recorded.

Not provided38 mm
Active noise cancellation
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Sennheiser explicitly describes a direct analogue signal path without sound-shaping electronics, but does not explicitly name an active noise cancellation absence. Preserve that operating claim separately; ANC remains unknown pending exact scope resolution. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

Manufacturer specification · The specification table lists 'Active Noise Cancellation: False'; passive open-back headphones.

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
Not listed by the manufacturerNo
In the boxDifferent
Sources
Headphones, 1.80 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, 3.5-to-6.35 mm screw-on adapter, drawstring bagHD 599 headphones, 3 m cable with 6.3 mm straight plug, 1.2 m cable with 3.5 mm straight plug, 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter
Show unverified (1)Not verified, not provided or conflicting for both products. Kept for completeness; never counted as a difference.
Specifications without verified values for either product
Microphone
Sources
Sennheiser HD 550

Sennheiser advertises a microphone-ready design but does not identify a supplied microphone in the package list. Presence or absence of a microphone remains unresolved for this exact configuration. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 550 — official UK product page and specifications
Sennheiser HD 599

The reviewed exact sources do not explicitly establish microphone absence. Omission from a package or technical inventory, a stereo audio connector, and a without-remote statement do not establish microphone=false. · Manufacturer specification

Sennheiser HD 599 — official UK product page and specifications
Not listed by the manufacturerNot listed by the manufacturer
First product manufacturer sourceSecond product manufacturer source
FIND YOUR CONTENDERS

More products

Closest headphones to this pair by shared key specifications. Not a popularity ranking.

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beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X open-back studio headphones in black with grey velour ear pads, perspective view

Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

Impedance
48 Ω
Cable length
3 m
Wearing style
Over-ear (circumaural), open-back wired studio headphones
Prices & product profile
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 ohm open-back studio headphones with grey velour ear pads, perspective view

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 ohm

Impedance
250 Ω
Cable length
3 m
Wearing style
Over-ear (circumaural), open-back wired studio headphones
Prices & product profile
beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R open-back gaming headphones in black with velour pads

Beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R

Impedance
32 Ω
Cable length
1.6 m
Wearing style
Over-ear (circumaural), open-back wired gaming headphones
Prices & product profile
beyerdynamic MMX 330 PRO open-back gaming headset in black with boom microphone

Beyerdynamic MMX 330 PRO

Impedance
48 Ω
Cable length
2.5 m
Wearing style
Over-ear (circumaural), open-back wired gaming headset with boom microphone
Prices & product profile

Each record represents an explicitly checked model and configuration. Original import: 5 Sept 2026; this is not its verification date. This is not a list of current offers or a popularity ranking.