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AKG K701 vs Sennheiser HD 650

Both are open-back wired headphones with a 4.7 rating, but they suit different listeners. The K701 is brighter and more analytical, with a wide soundstage and velour pads that many find comfortable for long sessions. The HD 650 is warmer and smoother, with a detachable cable and a larger, more loyal owner base. Buy the K701 for critical listening and gaming imaging; buy the HD 650 for relaxed all-day listening and easier cable replacement.

  • Choose the AKG K701 if you want a bright, wide, analytical sound for studio mixing, classical and acoustic music, or positional audio in games.
  • Choose the Sennheiser HD 650 if you want a warmer, smoother, less fatiguing sound and a detachable cable you can replace.

Prices

  • AKG K701: $219.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 6)
  • Sennheiser HD 650: $403.99 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 7)
  • Difference: the AKG K701 is $184.00 cheaper than the Sennheiser HD 650 at the latest prices (Nov 6 and Nov 7)
AKG
AKG K701 Headphones

AKG K701

AKG K701 Headphones

4.7(185 ratings)
$219.99at eBayObserved Nov 6, 2026, 3:17 AM
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Wide, precise soundstage good for mixing and games
  • 62 Ohms runs from phones and laptops without an amp
  • Light at 235 g with breathable velour pads
  • 3.5 mm plug plus 6.3 mm adapter in the box
Cons
  • Bright treble can sound harsh to some listeners
  • Fixed cable cannot be replaced if damaged
  • Open-back design leaks sound both ways
  • Bass is lean compared with the HD 650
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 650

Sennheiser HD 650

4.7(562 ratings)
$403.99at Best BuyObserved Nov 7, 2026, 4:07 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Smooth, warm sound that is easy to listen to for hours
  • Detachable cable is easy to replace or upgrade
  • Solid metal-and-plastic build with a large owner base
  • Fuller bass and mids than the K701
Cons
  • 300 Ohms needs a headphone amp for full performance
  • 6.3 mm plug only, so phones need an adapter
  • Heavier than the K701 at about 260 g
  • Open-back design leaks sound both ways

What separates them

AKG K701Sennheiser HD 650
Sound signatureBright and analytical, with prominent highs and a wide soundstageWarm and smooth, with fuller mids and softer treble
Impedance62 Ohms, easier to drive from a phone or laptop300 Ohms, needs a dedicated amp to reach its best
CableFixed 3 m cable with 3.5 mm plug and 6.3 mm adapterDetachable 3 m cable with 6.3 mm plug
EarpadsVelour, replaceableVelour, replaceable
Weight235 gAbout 260 g (9.2 oz)
BuildPlastic and metal headband, not foldableMetal and plastic, not foldable, sturdier feel
Connector flexibilityWorks with 3.5 mm devices out of the box6.3 mm only, needs an adapter for phones
Owner base185 ratings562 ratings

Price history

$512.10$219.99
Nov 5Nov 7
  • AKG K701: lowest $219.99 on Nov 6 at eBay; $512.10 on Nov 7.
  • Sennheiser HD 650: lowest $403.99 on Nov 7 at Best Buy.

Prices at every store

AKG K701

  • Sam Ash DirectNew

    In stock

    $512.10Observed Nov 7, 2026, 6:16 PM
    Visit Sam Ash Direct
  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $599.00Free shippingObserved Nov 7, 2026, 6:16 PM
    Visit Guitar Center
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $219.99Observed Nov 6, 2026, 3:17 AM
    Visit eBay
  • Professional Audio DesignNew

    Availability unknown

    $549.00Observed Nov 6, 2026, 3:17 AM
    Visit Professional Audio Design

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 16 stores and price history →

Sennheiser HD 650

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $403.99Free shippingObserved Nov 7, 2026, 4:07 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • NordstromNew

    In stock

    $579.95Free shippingObserved Nov 7, 2026, 4:07 PM
    Visit Nordstrom
  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $579.95Free shippingObserved Nov 7, 2026, 4:07 PM
    Visit Guitar Center
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $579.95Free shippingObserved Nov 7, 2026, 4:07 PM
    Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAKG K701Sennheiser HD 650
Water ResistantNoNo
Driver Size50 mm1.7
colorSilverBlack
WirelessNoNo
BluetoothNoNo
Connector on Cable3.5 mm, 6.3 mm6.3 mm
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)10.010.0
NFCNoNo
Simulated Surround SoundNoNo
Weight (oz)8.39.2
FoldableNoNo
Type of HeadphoneOver-EarOver-Ear
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAKG K701Sennheiser HD 650
Sensitivity (dB/mW)105.0103.0
Wi-FiNoNo
Suitable for TrainingNoNo
Speaker Configuration2.0 (stereo)2.0 (stereo)
Construction & ElementsDynamicDynamic
Detachable CableNoYes
Frequency Response (max) (Hz)39800.041000.0
MultipointNoNo
Impedance (ohm)62.0300.0
Background Noise Activation

What reviewers say

AKG K701

  • 4.7 / 5185 ratings

Owners rate the K701 highly, at 4.7 from 185 ratings, and most praise its spacious, detailed sound for the money. Complaints center on the open-back leakage and the need for proper amplification.

What people mention
  • SoundstagePraisedOwners describe a wide, precise image that places instruments clearly.
  • BassMixedSome find the bass tight and controlled, others want more weight and punch.
  • ComfortPraisedVelour pads and light weight are called comfortable for hours.
  • Sound leakageCriticisedThe open-back cups let sound out and room noise in.

Sennheiser HD 650

  • 4.7 / 5562 ratings

Owners rate the HD 650 highly, with 4.7 out of 5 from 562 ratings. Most praise its natural midrange, comfort over long sessions and the sense that it is a reference headphone for the money. Complaints center on the amp requirement, sound leakage and the modest bass.

What people mention
  • Sound signaturePraisedOwners describe a warm, smooth, mid-focused sound that is easy to listen to for hours.
  • AmplificationCriticisedThe 300-ohm load means weak sources like laptops and phones cannot drive it to satisfying volume.
  • ComfortPraisedThe light weight and soft pads let most owners wear it through long sessions.
  • Sound leakageCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The K701. Its wide soundstage and brighter treble make footsteps and directional cues easier to place. The HD 650 is fine for gaming but sounds more closed-in.
Do I need an amplifier for either?
The K701 runs acceptably from a phone or laptop at 62 Ohms. The HD 650 at 300 Ohms really wants a dedicated amp to sound its best.
Which is more comfortable for long sessions?
Both use velour pads and are comfortable. The K701 is lighter at 235 g, but its brighter sound can tire some ears sooner. The HD 650's warmer tuning is easier to wear for hours.
Which lasts longer?
The HD 650 has the edge. Its detachable cable can be replaced, and its metal-heavy build feels sturdier. The K701's fixed cable is its weak point.
Is the HD 650 worth stepping up to from the K701?
Only if you want a warmer, smoother sound and a replaceable cable. If you like the K701's bright, wide presentation, the HD 650 will sound darker and narrower to you.
Which leaks less sound?
Neither isolates. Both are open-back, so they leak sound out and let room noise in. Neither is suitable for noisy commutes or shared offices.

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More comparisons

  • Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser HD 650
No
No
Cable Length (ft)9.89.8
Voice ControlNoNo
Headphone Cup TypeOver-ear—
Body Part UseHead—
Connectivity TechnologyWired—
Compatible DevicesXbox One (Audio Only), PC / PS4—
Ports And Interfaces3.5mm Jack—
Cable Length3 m—
Earpad MaterialVelour—
Water ProtectionNot Water Resistant—
WaterproofNo—
Frequency Response10 - 39800 Hz—
Headphone Impedance62 Ohms—
Sensitivity105 dB—
Sound OutputStereo—
Audio HighlightsFlat-wire voice coil technology—
Maximum Input Power200 mW—
Total Harmonic DistortionUltra low transducer distortion—
The open-back cups let music out and room noise in, so it is not for shared or noisy spaces.