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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for portability and convenience for on-the-go listening, the Apple AirPods Pro are a great choice as they offer noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and easy pairing with Apple devices. However, if you're seeking the highest quality audio experience at home and price is less of a concern, the Sennheiser HD800S headphones, known for their wide soundstage and detailed sound reproduction, may suit your needs better, especially if you listen to high-fidelity recordings or use them in a quiet environment. The AirPods Pro are more suited to casual, everyday use, while the HD800S cater to audiophiles and professional use. Keep in mind, the HD800S require additional equipment like a high-quality amplifier to get the best sound quality. 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 Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Sennheiser HD800S
- Best in class for music
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8
9.9
The Sennheiser HD800S is best in class for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
7.5
The Sennheiser HD800S is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
5.0
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Sennheiser HD800S is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
9.7
The Sennheiser HD800S is best in class for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sennheiser HD800S is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Sennheiser HD800S does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$1,400
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Sennheiser HD800S costs $1,400.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
8.1
The Apple Airpods Pro and Sennheiser HD800S are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Sennheiser HD800S both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Sennheiser HD800S compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Sennheiser HD800S |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $1,400 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sennheiser | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | December 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 9.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 371.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
Sennheiser HD800S
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | March 2023
"The cans offer stellar sound quality, comfort, and good maintenance options—so they're an easy recommendation if you have the cash and the need for the last headphones you'll buy for years."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the Sennheiser HD800S
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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Why trust us
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.
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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.
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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.
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