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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and a more expansive soundstage, consider the Sennheiser 560S, especially for a wide range of music genres and TV/video use. They also offer an over-ear design which is typically more comfortable for longer listening sessions. However, they are open-back, which offers a natural sound but lets in more outside noise and leaks sound, making them less suitable for noisy environments and preserving privacy. On the other hand, the Beats EP, being on-ear and closed-back, provide better noise isolation and are more portable, but they don't match the Sennheiser in sound quality or comfort. Neither model has a microphone or wireless capabilities, so they might not be the best for calls or exercising. If budget is a key concern, the Beats EP are less expensive while still offering decent quality for casual listening. Remember to consider the fit and design you prefer, as the Beats EP's on-ear form factor might be less comfortable than the over-ear design of the Sennheiser 560S for some users. 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 Beats EP
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the Sennheiser 560S.
Advantages of the Sennheiser 560S
- Best in class for music
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
9.5
The Sennheiser 560S is best in class for music, while the Beats EP is very good.
Gaming
6.3
6.9
The Sennheiser 560S and Beats EP are both only fair for gaming, though the Sennheiser 560S is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.1
The Sennheiser 560S and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Sennheiser 560S is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.1
The Sennheiser 560S is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
9.1
The Sennheiser 560S is excellent for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Beats EP and Sennheiser 560S are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$100
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Sennheiser 560S costs $180.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Beats EP and Sennheiser 560S both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Sennheiser 560S compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Sennheiser 560S |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sennheiser | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.5/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 244.9 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Sennheiser 560S
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | March 2022
"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 Beats EP or the Sennheiser 560S
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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