The HD 560S is the more neutral and accurate of the two. Its tuning sits close to a reference target, which means mixes that sound good on it tend to translate well elsewhere, and recordings are presented honestly with nothing pushed forward. The DT 900 Pro X is also well-balanced but slightly more "fun" - a little more bass body and a smoother, less clinical top end. For critical work the Sennheiser reveals more; for relaxed listening the Beyer is the easier listen.
Sennheiser HD 560S vs Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X: Which $179 Open-Back Wins? (2026)
The Sennheiser HD 560S wins on neutral accuracy, the DT 900 Pro X on comfort and bass. Two $179 open-back headphones compared for mixing, listening, and gaming.
Our picks are based on published specs, verified user reviews, and hands-on experience where noted. We always recommend checking product details and reading reviews relevant to your specific needs before purchasing. How we research · Editorial policy
Prices change daily on Amazon. Check today's price on the Sennheiser HD 560S before reading the full review.
Sennheiser HD 560S
$179
VS
beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
$179
Quick Answer
Sennheiser HD 560S wins overall
Both are excellent $179 open-back headphones. The HD 560S is the more neutral, accurate reference tool - the better choice for mixing and for hearing exactly what is in a recording. The DT 900 Pro X is more comfortable and a touch more fun, with a smoother top end and Beyer's plush velour pads. Pick the Sennheiser for accuracy, the Beyer for comfort.
Specifications
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 560S | beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179 | $179 |
| Tuning | Neutral, reference | Balanced, slightly fun |
| Soundstage Accuracy | Wide + accurate | Wide |
| Comfort | Light, good | Excellent (velour) |
| Bass Body | Tight, neutral | Fuller body |
| Easy to Drive | 120 ohm | 48 ohm |
Sound and Accuracy
Winner: Sound and Accuracy
Sennheiser HD 560S
HD 560S for accuracy and mixing. DT 900 Pro X for an easier, slightly warmer listen.
Comfort and Build
This is the Beyer's clearest win. The DT 900 Pro X uses Beyerdynamic's famous velour pads and a plush headband that many find more comfortable over long sessions than the Sennheiser's firmer fit. Both have detachable cables and replaceable parts. The HD 560S is light and perfectly comfortable, but the DT 900 Pro X is the one you forget you are wearing after three hours.
Winner: Comfort and Build
beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
DT 900 Pro X for marathon comfort. HD 560S is fine but firmer.
Use Case Fit
Mixing and critical listening: HD 560S (more neutral, more accurate). Long listening sessions and general music: DT 900 Pro X (comfort, fuller bass). Competitive gaming: HD 560S edges it for imaging accuracy, though both work well. Driving from a motherboard: DT 900 Pro X (48 ohm) is the easier load, but the 120-ohm HD 560S is also fine without an amp.
Winner: Use Case Fit
Tie
It comes down to accuracy (Sennheiser) versus comfort and warmth (Beyerdynamic).
Final Verdict
Sennheiser HD 560S takes it
At the same $179 price, you are choosing between accuracy and comfort. The Sennheiser HD 560S is the better reference tool - neutral, revealing, the smarter pick for mixing and for anyone who wants to hear exactly what is in the recording. The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is the more comfortable, slightly warmer headphone, with velour pads built for all-day sessions and an easier-to-drive 48-ohm load. Neither is wrong; pick by whether you value accuracy or comfort more.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HD 560S is the better mixing headphone. Its tuning is more neutral and closer to a reference target, so mixes made on it translate more reliably to other systems. The DT 900 Pro X is slightly more bass-forward and smoother on top, which is pleasant for listening but a touch less honest for critical mix decisions.
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is more comfortable for most people thanks to its plush velour pads and softer headband, especially over long sessions. The HD 560S is light and comfortable too, but its clamp and pads are firmer.
Neither strictly requires one. The DT 900 Pro X is 48 ohm and drives easily from a phone, laptop, or motherboard. The HD 560S is 120 ohm and also drives acceptably from most sources, though it scales a little with a basic $30-50 DAC/amp. For casual use, plug either straight in.
Yes, both are good open-back gaming headphones with wide soundstages for positional audio. The HD 560S has a slight edge for competitive play because its imaging is more precise, so footsteps localize more exactly. Both need a separate microphone since neither includes one.