Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone: A Well-Balanced and Portable Listening Experience

Published on June 13, 2023, 5:19 p.m.

Looking for a stylish yet affordable pair of closed-back headphones for on-the-go listening? The Sennheiser HD 400S may be just what you need. This compact headphone delivers impressive sound in a lightweight and portable package.

Overview

The Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone is a closed-back dynamic headphone released in February 2019. With German engineered 32mm drivers, foldable design, and convenient smart remote control, these headphones aim to provide detailed audio performance and portability at an affordable $69.95 price point.

 Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone

Design

The Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone has a clean and minimalist design with oval-shaped earcups and a plastic headband. The soft padded earcups fully enclose the ears, helping block out ambient noise. The foldable headband allows the headphones to fold into a compact size for easy portability. With a lightweight 7.7 oz frame, the Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone is comfortable for prolonged listening sessions.

Closed-Back Design for Noise Isolation

The HD 400S features a closed-back design, meaning the earcups fully enclose your ears. This creates a seal that effectively blocks out ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music without distractions. Whether you’re on a noisy commute or trying to concentrate in a busy office, the HD 400S’s closed-back design helps create a private listening environment.

The plush earpads further enhance noise isolation by creating a snug fit around your ears. This not only blocks out external sounds but also prevents sound leakage, ensuring that you don’t disturb those around you.

Ergonomic Fit for Extended Comfort

Sennheiser understands that comfort is key for long listening sessions. That’s why the HD 400S is designed with ergonomics in mind. The oval-shaped earcups are crafted to fit the natural contours of your ears, distributing pressure evenly and minimizing fatigue.

The soft, plush earpads provide a gentle cushion, ensuring a comfortable seal around your ears without feeling too tight. The self-adjusting headband further enhances comfort by adapting to the shape of your head, providing a secure fit that won’t slip or slide.

These thoughtful design elements make the HD 400S a pleasure to wear, even for extended periods. Whether you’re enjoying a long flight, working from home, or simply relaxing with your favorite music, the HD 400S will keep you comfortable throughout.

Sound Quality

The Sennheiser HD 400S may be budget-friendly, but it doesn’t compromise on audio quality. Its 32mm dynamic drivers, meticulously engineered in Germany, produce a well-balanced sound profile that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Expect crisp highs, warm mids, and a punchy bass that doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the spectrum.

Users frequently highlight the surprising clarity and detail offered by these headphones, especially considering their price point. Whether you’re listening to classical symphonies, grooving to pop hits, or headbanging to heavy metal, the HD 400S delivers an enjoyable and immersive experience.

The closed-back design further enhances the listening experience by effectively reducing ambient noise. This passive noise isolation allows you to focus on your music without distractions, making the HD 400S an excellent choice for commuting or studying.

Noise Isolation

The Sennheiser HD 400S boasts a closed-back design, which means the earcups fully enclose your ears, creating a seal that effectively blocks out a significant amount of ambient noise. This passive noise isolation is further enhanced by the plush earpads, which create a snug fit around your ears.

While not offering active noise cancellation, the HD 400S excels at passive noise reduction. This makes them an excellent choice for noisy environments like commutes, offices, or coffee shops. You can immerse yourself in your music, podcasts, or audiobooks without being disturbed by the hustle and bustle around you.

Connectivity

The headphones connect via a 3.5mm wired audio jack. The attached cable is 4.9 feet long and includes an in-line remote and mic.

 Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone

Convenient Smart Remote

The in-line one-button smart remote is a simple yet valuable feature that enhances the user experience. It allows for seamless control of music playback and calls without having to interact directly with your phone. This is especially convenient when you’re on the move or have your phone tucked away.

The smart remote is compatible with most smartphones and offers basic functionalities like play/pause, answer/end calls, and track skipping (depending on your device). This feature adds to the HD 400S’s overall convenience and ease of use.

Durable Construction for Everyday Use

The Sennheiser HD 400S is designed to be your everyday listening companion. To ensure it can keep up with your lifestyle, it’s built with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The headband and earcups are made from a sturdy plastic that resists cracking and breaking, while the earpads are crafted from soft, plush material that’s both comfortable and long-lasting.

The folding mechanism is another testament to the HD 400S’s durability. It feels robust and secure, allowing you to fold and unfold the headphones repeatedly without worry. The detachable cable is also a smart design choice, as it can be easily replaced if it becomes damaged, extending the overall lifespan of the headphones.

While not as luxurious as headphones made with metal or leather, the HD 400S’s plastic construction feels solid and well-made. With proper care, these headphones should provide years of reliable service.

 Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone

Usage Scenarios

The Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone is the perfect companion for people on the move. The closed-back design helps isolate you from outside noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in music during a crowded commute or while walking through a busy city. The lightweight and compact foldable design means you can easily toss these headphones in a bag or backpack without worrying about damage. The one-button remote makes it easy to control your music and answer calls without taking your phone out.

Value Proposition

At $69.95, the Sennheiser HD 400S offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers a level of audio quality, comfort, and functionality that often comes with a much higher price tag. The combination of balanced sound, effective noise isolation, convenient controls, and a portable design makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

User reviews consistently highlight the HD 400S’s value proposition, with many expressing surprise at the quality they received for the price. It’s a testament to Sennheiser’s commitment to providing excellent audio experiences without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a well-rounded pair of headphones that won’t empty your wallet, the HD 400S is a worthy contender.

 Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphone

Conclusion

The Sennheiser HD 400S Around Ear Headphones prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy high-quality audio. With their impressive sound, comfortable fit, convenient features, and durable build, they offer an exceptional value proposition. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone who simply wants a reliable pair of headphones for everyday use, the HD 400S is a worthy investment.

While they may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, the HD 400S excels in the areas that matter most: sound quality, comfort, and convenience. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that deliver on all fronts without breaking the bank, the Sennheiser HD 400S is an excellent choice.