Is the HD 550 good for gaming?

Yes. The wired connection has no latency and no charging, and the open soundstage helps with locating sounds. It has no microphone, so you need a separate mic for chat.

Can I use it on a commute or in an office?

Not really. Open-back headphones leak sound outward and block almost no noise, so they suit quiet rooms at home rather than trains or shared offices.

Does it need an amplifier?

It runs from a phone, laptop or controller jack, but a dedicated amp or DAC will get more from it, especially for volume headroom and control.

Does it have a microphone or controls?

No. It is a plain wired headphone with no inline mic, volume buttons or playback controls.

How does it compare with closed-back headphones?

It sounds wider and more open, but closed models isolate far better. Choose the HD 550 for quiet-room listening and closed headphones for travel or noisy spaces.

What comes in the box?

The headphone and its attached cable. Check the listing for the exact cable and any adapter included.

What do buyers say about the Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones?

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 25 ratings.

Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones

Best price now

$349.95at WalmartChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones

Best price now

$349.95at WalmartChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $349.95 at Walmart on Nov 11.

Our take on the Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 550 is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone aimed at listeners who want audiophile detail without a high-end outlay. Being open-back, it trades isolation for a wide, airy soundstage and a natural tone, and it needs no battery or charging, so latency is zero for gaming and video. It suits desk listening, mixing on a budget and long sessions at home. Against closed rivals it leaks sound and blocks none, and against pricier open models it gives up some refinement, but owners rate it highly for comfort and value.

Best forHome and desk listeningGaming and video with zero latencyBudget-minded audiophile upgradesLong listening sessions

Pros

Open-back design gives a wide, airy soundstage
Wired connection means no charging and no latency
Natural, detailed tuning for the money
Comfortable for extended wear
Works straight from a phone, laptop or controller jack

Cons

Leaks sound and blocks almost no outside noise
Not suitable for commuting, offices or noisy rooms
No microphone or inline controls
Needs a decent source to show its best

Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Sennheiser Consumer AudioReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$349.95Free shippingChecked Nov 11
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What reviewers say

4.8 / 525 ratings

Owners rate the HD 550 very highly, praising its open, detailed sound and comfort for the money. Complaints center on sound leakage and the lack of isolation, which come with the open-back design.

What people mention

SoundstagePraisedOwners say the open-back design spreads instruments wide and gives an airy, roomy presentation.
DetailPraisedListeners report hearing more in familiar tracks than with cheaper closed headphones.
ComfortPraisedWearers describe it as light enough for hours of listening without pressure.
Sound leakageCriticisedOwners note that people nearby can hear the music and outside noise comes straight in.
ValuePraisedBuyers call it a strong entry point into audiophile sound for the outlay.

About the Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 550 is a pair of open-back, wired headphones for music and gaming. They have no battery, so they never need charging and there is no wireless latency.

The HD 550 is meant for listening at home, where its open-back design suits a quiet, private setting.

Brand: Sennheiser
Model: HD 550
Type: Open-back headphones
Color: Black
Power: No charging required

Specifications

color: BlackSource

Questions and answers

Is the HD 550 good for gaming?: Yes. The wired connection has no latency and no charging, and the open soundstage helps with locating sounds. It has no microphone, so you need a separate mic for chat.
Can I use it on a commute or in an office?: Not really. Open-back headphones leak sound outward and block almost no noise, so they suit quiet rooms at home rather than trains or shared offices.
Does it need an amplifier?: It runs from a phone, laptop or controller jack, but a dedicated amp or DAC will get more from it, especially for volume headroom and control.
Does it have a microphone or controls?: No. It is a plain wired headphone with no inline mic, volume buttons or playback controls.
How does it compare with closed-back headphones?: It sounds wider and more open, but closed models isolate far better. Choose the HD 550 for quiet-room listening and closed headphones for travel or noisy spaces.
What comes in the box?: The headphone and its attached cable. Check the listing for the exact cable and any adapter included.
Where is the Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones cheapest?: At Walmart, for $349.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Sennheiser HD 550 Open-Back Audiophile Headphones?: Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 25 ratings.