Side by side
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro vs Sennheiser HD 480 Pro
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
484 positive (81%) · 78 mixed (13%) · 36 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted: +75%
AI summary — not a quote
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is widely praised as a professional-grade open-back headphone that prioritizes extreme comfort and a neutral, analytical sound signature. Users frequently highlight its exceptional soundstage and imaging, making it a favorite for both critical audio work like mixing and mastering, as well as competitive gaming. While its 'clinical' nature is a strength for professionals, some casual listeners find the sound profile 'boring' or 'thin,' particularly regarding bass impact and vocal warmth.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort and lightweight design suitable for all-day wear
- Excellent soundstage and precise imaging for gaming and professional monitoring
- Versatile sound tuning via two included sets of ear pads (Mixing and Producer)
- Highly responsive to EQ adjustments
Cons
- Sound signature can feel 'sterile' or 'flat' for casual music enjoyment
- Bass may lack the physical impact or 'thump' desired by bass-heavy listeners
- Upper frequencies can occasionally sound thin or brittle with certain pads
- Isolated reports of quality control issues
Top excerpts
If you have issues with comfort, the HD490 is about as good as it gets (as someone else said, quite similar to the Meze 109 Pro). I like the 490s quite a bit better (sound wise) than the HD6xx
You should be fine with anything from Sennheiser from 500 series, so HD560S/505/550, including possibly HD58X from american Drop store, and also HD490 Pro.
There are plenty of new models which I would consider though, but I haven't tested them yet, so I can't make a recommendation. Those would be HD490 Pro, HD550, and HD505.
and I haven't yet tried the most recent HD560S nor the highly praised HD490 Pro
There is also HD490 Pro which reportedly has lower clamp force, and is particularly comfortable
Sennheiser HD 480 Pro
94 positive (83%) · 13 mixed (12%) · 6 negative (5%)
Trust + time weighted: +79%
Top excerpts
I'd actually start with an HD 480 Pro. Balanced, clean sound and incredibly light/comfortable, which IMHO is an underrated consideration for long hours of usage.
Will second the recommendation for an HD 480 Pro. I just picked up a pair and they're surprisingly good. Some of the best midrange in particular that I've heard on any headphone at any price.
HD 480 Pro if you need a phenomenal closed back. The stock cables are close to 6 feet so they’re perfect for your use case.
I also have large ears and am finding these things a little finicky and uncomfortable. If I get them JUST right they fit well, but if they're even slightly wrong I can never stop noticing them. The sound is incredible though. The treble is just right where it's always audible but never piercing or sibilant.
480 behaves very well with glasses btw, I measured a 2dB drop when wearing glasses