Philips Audio SHP9500 vs Sennheiser HD 560S at a Glance
• Philips Audio SHP9500: Its 32-ohm impedance and included 3.5 mm connection make it the more straightforward fit for compatible devices; the trade-off is a wired, open-back design with no noise control.
• Sennheiser HD 560S: Its neutral, detail-focused sound and angled driver alignment suit focused listening and sound-direction cues; the trade-off is its higher 120-ohm impedance.
• For PS5 players: Philips is the simpler pick if you want a wired headset with a 3.5 mm connection and easy-to-drive specs.
• For listeners who prioritize accuracy: Sennheiser is the more compelling choice if you want an analytical presentation for games, music, and close listening.
• Choose Philips Audio SHP9500 if you value the 50 mm drivers, low impedance, and removable 1.5 m cable.
• Choose Sennheiser HD 560S if you want sound tuned for accuracy, a wide articulated presentation, and velour earpads.
The Philips Audio SHP9500 is a wired, open-back, over-ear headphone built around 50 mm neodymium drivers. Its open acoustic design is intended to provide a more transparent listening presentation than a closed enclosure. The angled drivers are designed to align with the ears, while the listed frequency range of 12–35,000 Hz describes the range the headphones are specified to reproduce. Those figures describe the design; they do not, by themselves, guarantee how every game or recording will sound to you.
One practical point is its 32-ohm impedance. Philips describes the SHP9500 as suitable for use with or without a headphone amplifier, which makes it a comparatively uncomplicated wired option for a compatible listening setup. It comes with a removable 1.5 m cable for indoor use and a gold-plated 3.5-to-6.3 mm adapter. For PS5, the 3.5 mm connection is relevant if you plan to connect the headphones to a compatible controller or other 3.5 mm output. The cable still means you are choosing wired listening, not wireless freedom.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-13 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The double-layer headband cushion and breathable ear cushions are intended to support longer wear. That makes the Philips a sensible fit for someone who wants an open-back headphone for gaming, music, or other indoor listening and prefers not to depend on a headphone amplifier. Who should skip it: skip the SHP9500 if you need wireless listening, noise control, or a closed-back design to keep outside sounds and your audio more contained.
The Sennheiser HD 560S is also a wired, open-back, over-ear headphone, but its stated emphasis is natural, accurate, analytical sound. Sennheiser describes its tuning as neutral and suited to careful listening, including comparing recordings or audio components. For gaming, the claimed wide, articulate soundstage and ability to help pinpoint sound direction may appeal if you value spatial cues. These are design aims, not a promise that every player will perceive the same advantage in every game.
Its angled driver alignment is intended to recreate a speaker-like listening position. The listed frequency range is 6 Hz to 38 kHz, and the headphone has a 120-ohm impedance. The higher impedance is a meaningful consideration when choosing a source: compared with the Philips’ 32 ohms, the HD 560S is the less straightforward option if your priority is easy drive across devices.
The HD 560S has velour earpads and an open, around-ear design. Sennheiser says the ventilated cups are intended to remain cool without touching the ears, a useful design detail for longer listening sessions. Its listed sensitivity is 110 dB, and its connection is a 6.3 mm jack with a 3.5 mm adapter. That adapter offers connection flexibility, but the headphones remain wired. Who should skip it: skip the HD 560S if wireless convenience or noise isolation is essential, or if you would rather choose the lower-impedance option for a straightforward setup.
• Best for an easy-to-drive wired option → Philips Audio SHP9500. Its 32-ohm impedance is lower than the Sennheiser’s 120 ohms, and Philips says it can work with or without a headphone amplifier.
• Best for an accuracy-focused listening approach → Sennheiser HD 560S. Its neutral, analytical tuning is intended to make details easier to examine, whether you are listening to music or game audio.
• Best for a 50 mm driver design → Philips Audio SHP9500. The 50 mm neodymium drivers are a clear part of its design, alongside the open acoustic system and angled drivers.
• Best for a stated emphasis on directional cues → Sennheiser HD 560S. Sennheiser specifically describes the sound presentation as helping listeners pinpoint direction.
• Best for a removable cable detail → Philips Audio SHP9500. Its listed 1.5 m cable is removable, a useful feature to note if you prefer a detachable connection.
• Best for velour earpads → Sennheiser HD 560S. Its earpads are made of velour, and its ventilated open cups are designed with longer listening in mind.
• Best for a compatible 3.5 mm PS5 connection → Philips Audio SHP9500. It has a 3.5 mm jack and a 3.5-to-6.3 mm adapter. The HD 560S instead comes with a 6.3 mm jack and a 3.5 mm adapter, so check which connection your setup requires.
• Best for a more extended listed frequency range → Sennheiser HD 560S. Its stated range is 6 Hz to 38 kHz, compared with 12–35,000 Hz for the Philips; frequency range alone does not determine which headphone will sound better to you.
For PS5, connection details deserve attention before you choose. The Philips has a 3.5 mm jack, while the Sennheiser is listed with a 6.3 mm jack and a 3.5 mm adapter. Both are wired, so your listening setup will involve a cable rather than a wireless connection. Neither product lists noise control, and both use open-back designs. If you play in a noisy room, or need to avoid disturbing someone nearby, that open construction is an important trade-off rather than a minor detail.
Think about what you want the sound to do. The Philips is described as offering sound transparency and smooth high frequencies, with a low impedance that supports a wider range of source setups. The Sennheiser is described as neutral and analytical, with an emphasis on hearing details and locating sound direction. Those goals overlap, but they are not identical: a listener who wants an easy-to-drive everyday wired headphone may lean Philips, while someone who values a more explicitly accuracy-oriented presentation may prefer Sennheiser.
Comfort details also differ. Philips lists a double-layer headband cushion and breathable ear cushions. Sennheiser lists velour earpads and ventilated cups designed to stay cool without touching the ears. Neither set of details can determine which fit will feel better on your head, but they do show what each design prioritizes. If you expect long gaming or listening sessions, consider which materials and fit descriptions sound more appealing to you.
Finally, do not choose between them based on frequency-range figures alone. The Philips is listed at 12–35,000 Hz and the Sennheiser at 6 Hz to 38 kHz, but those specifications do not tell the whole story of tuning or personal preference. For a practical comparison, weigh the connection, impedance, open-back design, sound goals, and comfort features together. If the current price matters to your decision, check the current price on Amazon rather than relying on an old figure.
In my opinion, I would choose the Philips Audio SHP9500 for PS5 if I wanted a wired open-back headphone with a 3.5 mm connection and lower 32-ohm impedance. It is the more straightforward fit for a compatible setup, and its removable cable and cushioned design add practical appeal. I would choose the Sennheiser instead if accuracy-focused listening and its stated attention to directional detail mattered more to me than ease of drive. For my PS5 pick, Philips wins on the balance of connection simplicity and everyday flexibility.
FAQ
Both are wired, open-back, over-ear headphones. The Philips has a 3.5 mm jack; the Sennheiser has a 6.3 mm jack with a 3.5 mm adapter. Check the connection available on your setup before buying.
The Philips SHP9500 has a listed impedance of 32 ohms, compared with 120 ohms for the HD 560S. Philips says the SHP9500 works with or without a headphone amplifier; the Sennheiser’s higher figure makes source compatibility worth considering.
No. Both are listed as wired and open-back, and neither lists noise control. If you want wireless use or isolation from outside noise, these models do not match that need.
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