7 Best Alternatives to Sennheiser HD 560S in 2026

Why look beyond Sennheiser HD 560S

The Sennheiser HD 560S are established open-back headphones known for their neutral sound reproduction, wide soundstage, and relatively flat frequency response, making them suitable for critical listening, music production, and gaming applications [1]. However, users may seek alternatives for several reasons. While the HD 560S offer a balanced signature, some listeners might prefer a different tonal balance, such as a more pronounced bass response for casual music enjoyment or a brighter treble for enhanced detail perception in specific genres. Comfort can also be a subjective factor; while generally well-regarded, individual head shapes and ear sizes might find other designs more accommodating for extended sessions. Furthermore, the 120-ohm impedance of the HD 560S [2], while manageable for many devices, might prompt some users to explore lower impedance options for direct use with laptops or consoles, or higher impedance alternatives that scale better with dedicated amplification. Finally, those looking to upgrade for a noticeable leap in audio fidelity, or explore different driver technologies like planar magnetics, will find compelling reasons to consider other headphones in similar or higher price brackets.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. Sennheiser HD 660S2 — Refined neutrality with improved bass extension

   The Sennheiser HD 660S2 represent an evolution from the acclaimed HD 600 series, offering a more refined sound profile compared to the HD 560S. While maintaining a neutral and detailed presentation, the HD 660S2 feature enhanced sub-bass and mid-bass presence [3], addressing a common desire for more low-end impact without sacrificing clarity. Their 300-ohm impedance [4] suggests they benefit from dedicated amplification, making them a suitable upgrade for users with existing audio setups. The HD 660S2 maintain the comfortable, lightweight build and open-back design characteristic of Sennheiser's premium headphones, providing a natural soundstage ideal for critical music listening and audiophile-grade gaming.

   Best for:

   • Critical music listening
   • Audiophile gaming
   • Users seeking enhanced bass from a neutral profile
   • Pairing with dedicated headphone amplifiers

   Learn more on the Sennheiser HD 660S2 profile page or visit the official Sennheiser HD 660S2 website.

2. 2. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO — Wide soundstage with a V-shaped signature

   The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are open-back studio headphones widely recognized for their expansive soundstage and detailed treble [5]. Unlike the more neutral HD 560S, the DT 990 PRO typically exhibit a V-shaped frequency response, characterized by elevated bass and treble, which can make them engaging for music and immersive for gaming, particularly for positional audio cues. Their velour earpads contribute to a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. Available in 250-ohm [6] and 600-ohm versions, they generally require a headphone amplifier to reach their full potential, offering a robust build quality suitable for studio and home use.

   Best for:

   • Immersive gaming
   • Music enjoyment with a more pronounced bass and treble
   • Users prioritizing soundstage width
   • Studio monitoring and mixing (with caution for V-shape)

   Learn more on the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO profile page or visit the official Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO website.

3. 3. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x — Ultra-lightweight and exceptionally open

   The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are professional open-back reference headphones designed for accuracy and comfort. With a very open design, they offer an exceptionally natural and spacious soundstage, often perceived as even more open than the HD 560S. Their sound profile is generally neutral with good detail retrieval, making them excellent for critical listening, mixing, and mastering [7]. The ATH-R70x are notably lightweight, featuring Audio-Technica's 3D wing support system for long-term comfort. With a high impedance of 470 ohms [8], they strictly require a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal performance, catering to users with professional-grade audio interfaces or desktop DAC/amp stacks.

   Best for:

   • Professional mixing and mastering
   • Critical listening with maximum transparency
   • Users prioritizing extreme comfort and lightweight design
   • Pairing with high-fidelity headphone amplifiers

   Learn more on the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x profile page or visit the official Audio-Technica ATH-R70x website.

4. 4. HIFIMAN Sundara — Planar magnetic detail and expansive soundstage

   The HIFIMAN Sundara distinguish themselves from the HD 560S by utilizing planar magnetic drivers, which typically offer faster transient response, lower distortion, and a more detailed sound compared to dynamic drivers [9]. The Sundara present a neutral-bright sound signature with excellent clarity and resolution, coupled with a wide and accurate soundstage. This makes them highly suitable for critical listening and appreciating the nuances in music. While generally comfortable with large earcups and a suspension headband, they are heavier than the HD 560S. With an impedance of 37 ohms [10], they are relatively easy to drive, but still benefit significantly from a dedicated amplifier to fully realize their potential, offering a significant upgrade in technical performance for audiophiles.

   Best for:

   • Audiophiles seeking planar magnetic technology
   • Critical listening with exceptional detail and resolution
   • Users desiring a wide and precise soundstage
   • Music production and mastering requiring high accuracy

   Learn more on the HIFIMAN Sundara profile page or visit the official HIFIMAN Sundara website.

5. 5. Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed — Wireless gaming with competitive audio

   While the Sennheiser HD 560S are wired, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed offers a compelling wireless alternative specifically designed for competitive gaming and esports. These closed-back headphones prioritize low-latency wireless connectivity [11], comfort for long sessions, and clear communication via a detachable boom microphone. Featuring Graphene drivers, they aim for clear, detailed audio reproduction suitable for pinpointing in-game sounds. Their closed-back design provides passive noise isolation, which is beneficial in noisy gaming environments, contrasting with the open design of the HD 560S. While not intended for critical music production, the Pro X 2 Lightspeed excel in delivering a high-performance, untethered gaming audio experience with robust software customization options.

   Best for:

   • Competitive wireless gaming
   • Esports professionals
   • Users requiring a reliable, low-latency wireless connection
   • Communication with a high-quality boom mic

   Learn more on the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed profile page or visit the official Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed website.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Choosing an alternative to the Sennheiser HD 560S involves evaluating your primary use case, desired sound signature, and existing equipment. The HD 560S are known for their neutral-bright sound and good technical performance, so alternatives often cater to specific deviations from this baseline or offer superior technicalities at a higher price.

For Upgraded Neutrality and Resolution:

• Sennheiser HD 660S2: If you appreciate the Sennheiser sound but want improved bass extension and overall refinement, the HD 660S2 are a direct step up. They maintain a neutral character but offer a more engaging low end and better detail. Be prepared for their higher 300-ohm impedance, which benefits from a dedicated headphone amplifier.
• Audio-Technica ATH-R70x: For the most transparent and open sound, particularly for professional mixing and mastering, the ATH-R70x excel. Their extreme openness and lightweight design make them incredibly comfortable and accurate. However, their very high 470-ohm impedance makes a powerful amplifier almost mandatory.
• HIFIMAN Sundara: If you're ready to explore planar magnetic technology, the Sundara offer a significant leap in detail retrieval, speed, and soundstage. Their neutral-bright signature is highly resolving. While easier to drive than the HD 660S2 or ATH-R70x, they still benefit from amplification to perform at their best.

For a Different Sound Signature:

• Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: If you find the HD 560S a bit too flat and desire a more exciting sound with emphasized bass and treble, the DT 990 PRO's V-shaped signature might be more to your liking. They offer a very wide soundstage, great for immersive gaming, but the treble can be fatiguing for some. Like many open-back studio headphones, the 250-ohm version benefits from an amplifier.

For Gaming-Specific Features (Wireless):

• Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed: If your priority is a high-performance wireless gaming experience with a microphone for team communication, the G Pro X 2 Lightspeed is a strong contender. While not a direct audiophile comparison to the HD 560S due to their closed-back design and focus on gaming features, they offer excellent low-latency wireless audio and comfort for competitive play. This is a shift from a purely audiophile-focused headphone to a dedicated gaming headset.

Consider your personal listening preferences, the type of audio content you consume most (music, gaming, production), and your budget. If you already own a headphone amplifier, high-impedance options like the Sennheiser HD 660S2, Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, or Audio-Technica ATH-R70x become more viable. If you prioritize detail and technical performance above all, the planar magnetic HIFIMAN Sundara are a strong choice. For dedicated wireless gaming, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed offers a different, but highly effective, solution.