The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For portability and convenience, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are the better choice as they’re wireless, compact, and have a charging case for extended use on the go. On the other hand, the Sennheiser HD600s offer superior sound quality with more accurate audio reproduction, making them ideal for at-home listening, especially if you're an audiophile or someone who appreciates the nuances in music. They are wired, over-ear headphones that are larger and require an amp for best performance. The AirPods also feature seamless integration with Apple devices and hands-free "Hey Siri" activation, but the Sennheiser HD600s lack smart features and microphones for calls. The initial higher cost of the HD600s may be justified by their sound quality and build, whereas the AirPods provide a more modern, wireless experience with good sound for everyday use. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
Good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sennheiser HD600
Excellent for music
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
9.3/10
The Sennheiser HD600 is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8/10
7.0/10
The Sennheiser HD600 is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
5.0/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Sennheiser HD600 is poor.
TV and Video
5.4/10
8.9/10
The Sennheiser HD600 is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Sennheiser HD600 does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$350
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Sennheiser HD600 costs $350.
Build Quality
7.6/10
9.0/10
The Sennheiser HD600 has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sennheiser HD600 is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
2.5/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Sennheiser HD600 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Sennheiser HD600 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The HD600 are state-of-the-art headphones with high sound quality and remarkable value, among most of the offerings in today’s time."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Sennheiser HD600
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sennheiser
A family-owned company, Sennheiser is a German, high fidelity, audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1945. Their consumer audio division is now owned by the Swiss hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer Sonova. Sennheiser offers a wide variety of, very high quality, audio equipment solutions, from headphones to earbuds, full sets of monitoring speakers, amplifiers and microphones. They also make what is widely regarded as the best, and most expensive, headphones in existence, the HE-1 Orpheus, costing a whopping $59,000 dollars.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.