The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are true wireless earbuds that offer active noise cancellation, a portable form factor, and are optimized for use with Apple devices, with features like spatial audio and easy switching between Apple products. However, they have a closed-back design which might not provide the most natural soundstage. Conversely, the Sennheiser 560S are over-ear, open-back headphones known for a wider soundstage and detailed sound, which can enhance the music listening experience, but they lack noise cancellation and are less portable. The 560S might be more comfortable for extended listening and better suited for critical listening environments but are not ideal for noisy settings or workout sessions. If convenience and features like noise cancellation are priorities, especially for an Apple user, the AirPods Pro 2 could be the better choice, despite the higher price. If sound quality and comfort are your main concerns and you primarily listen in quiet environments, the Sennheiser 560S may serve you better. 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 2
Good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Sennheiser 560S
Best in class for music
Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
9.5/10
The Sennheiser 560S is best in class for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good.
Gaming
8.4/10
6.9/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Sennheiser 560S is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.8/10
5.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the Sennheiser 560S is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
8.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Sennheiser 560S are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8/10
9.1/10
The Sennheiser 560S is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
2.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sennheiser 560S is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sennheiser 560S does not have a battery.
Cost
$199
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the Sennheiser 560S costs $180.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the Sennheiser 560S has very good build quality.
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
"Sennheiser made a near perfect pair of studio monitors with the HD 560S. Flat bass response? Check. Neutral and uncolored midrange? Check. Extended treble with a bit of lower-treble emphasis to highlight mastering flaws? Check. Fairly easy to drive? Check. Good soundstage and imaging? Check, and check."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 2 or the Sennheiser 560S
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
166,400
Recommendations made
24,960
Consumer hours saved
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.