If you want natural, reference-quality audio for critical listening at a desk, choose Sennheiser HD 560; if you need low latency over ear headphones for meetings with wireless freedom and a built-in microphone, choose ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16.
• Sennheiser HD 560: Delivers an open-back soundstage with exceptional depth and realism, but requires a wired connection and offers no noise isolation or active mic.
• ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16: Provides true wireless mobility with aptX low-latency codecs and environmental noise cancellation for calls, yet trades some acoustic transparency for its in-ear design.
• Who is the HD 560 for? Audiophiles and engineers who prioritize absolute sonic accuracy and wide soundstages while seated in a quiet environment.
• Who is the E16 for? Professionals and commuters who need a reliable wireless headset for video conferences, travel, and active listening on the go.
The Sennheiser HD 560 S is engineered for one specific purpose: to tell the truth about your music. This is not a headphone designed to hide flaws or add artificial color; it is a reference tool that reveals the entire journey of your audio signal. The open-back earcups are the defining feature here, allowing sound waves to expand naturally rather than being trapped inside a sealed chamber. This design choice creates a lifelike depth and realism that many closed-back alternatives simply cannot match. When you put these on, you are not just hearing a track; you are experiencing the spatial arrangement of instruments as if you were sitting in the studio with the musicians.
The driver technology further supports this mission of accuracy. The new polymer-blend transducer membrane offers highly-linear excursion, which means the bass remains gratifying and present without becoming muddy or overpowering. This allows complex modern music to be reproduced with superb control. Combined with the ergonomic acoustic refinement (e.a.r.) that tilts the drivers to the natural angle of your ears, the result is a wide, articulate soundstage. You get a sense of width and height that feels immersive, making it ideal for analyzing mixes, studying classical compositions, or enjoying jazz where instrument separation is paramount.
However, this focus on fidelity comes with significant trade-offs regarding connectivity and isolation. The HD 560 is strictly a wired device, utilizing a detachable 3-meter cable with a 6.3mm plug and a flexible 3.5mm adapter. There is no Bluetooth, no battery, and no wireless capability. Furthermore, because the earcups are open, they offer zero noise isolation. Sound leaks out easily, and ambient noise from your room enters freely. This makes them unsuitable for noisy environments like coffee shops or busy offices. They also lack a built-in microphone system for calls, relying entirely on external input if you wish to use them for communication.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-27 · 8 min read · Independent comparison
Who should skip this: If you work in a shared office, commute daily, or need a single pair of headphones that can handle phone calls and video meetings without extra dongles, the Sennheiser HD 560 will frustrate you. It is too tethered and too exposed for mobile or social use.
The ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16 represents a different philosophy entirely, prioritizing versatility, mobility, and performance in dynamic environments. These in-ear buds utilize a coaxial dual-driver architecture, combining a dynamic driver for powerful bass with a balanced armature driver for clear vocals and delicate details. This hybrid approach aims to give audiophile-level clarity without sacrificing the impact needed for modern genres. Whether you are streaming high-resolution files via Qualcomm aptX or standard AAC, the transmission stability provided by Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a consistent experience that rarely drops or stutters within its 10-meter range.
For anyone working remotely or traveling, the E16 is designed with practical features that the Sennheiser lacks. The inclusion of CVC call noise reduction technology and environmental noise cancellation makes these earbuds capable of handling conversations even when background noise is present. The low latency of 40 milliseconds is a critical specification for those who need to watch videos or participate in real-time discussions where lip-sync matters. With up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 30 hours when using the charging case, you have enough power for a full day of work and travel. The USB-C fast charging and Qi wireless charging support mean you can top up quickly during a break, ensuring you stay connected without hunting for a specific wall outlet.
The design focuses on comfort for long sessions, fitting securely into the ear canal to provide passive isolation against the outside world. While the open-back nature of the Sennheiser offers a wider stage, the in-ear seal of the E16 provides a more intimate and focused listening experience that blocks out distractions. This makes them excellent for focusing on tasks, taking important calls, or enjoying music in transit. The automatic pairing feature adds to the convenience; you simply open the case, and they connect immediately, removing friction from your workflow.
Who should skip this: If you are a purist who demands the widest possible soundstage and does not care about wireless convenience or microphone quality, the E16 might feel too "processed" compared to a dedicated open-back reference. The in-ear form factor also prevents the "barely there" feeling that some users prefer for long-term home listening.
When deciding between these two distinct categories of audio gear, you must weigh the physical constraints of your daily life against your audio goals. The Sennheiser HD 560 demands a stationary setup. Its 240-gram weight is distributed across your head, which is comfortable for hours of seated listening, but the lack of a carrying case in the box (relying on lightweight protective packaging) and the 3-meter cable mean you are tied to your source device. You need a dedicated space where silence is guaranteed, such as a home studio or a quiet home office corner. The impedance of 120 ohms suggests it may require a decent amplifier or interface to reach its full potential, though it can run off portable players.
In contrast, the ICESOMNUS E16 is built for movement. Weighing significantly less at 280 grams for the set including the case, the earbuds themselves are barely noticeable. The 10-millimeter dynamic unit paired with the balanced armature creates a sound profile that is detailed yet compact. The 32-ohm impedance makes them easy to drive directly from a smartphone or laptop without needing an external amp. The 60-minute charge time for the buds is efficient, and the ability to switch between USB-C and Qi charging adds flexibility. However, the 106 dB sensitivity and 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response indicate a consumer-grade tuning optimized for clarity and punch rather than the flat, uncolored response of the Sennheiser.
If your primary activity involves attending virtual meetings, the microphone capabilities and low latency become non-negotiable. The E16's environmental noise cancellation and CVC technology are specifically designed to isolate your voice from background chatter, a feature the Sennheiser completely lacks. Conversely, if your primary activity is critical listening—analyzing a mix, studying a recording, or deep-dive listening to classical music—the open-back design of the HD 560 offers a transparency that in-ear buds cannot replicate. The trade-off is always between the "truth" of the open-back design and the "utility" of the wireless ecosystem.
• Best for soundstage and imaging → Sennheiser HD 560: The open-back design creates a triangular listening position that places instruments precisely in front of and around you.
• Best for wireless mobility → ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16: Bluetooth 5.2 and a 10-meter range allow you to move freely without being tethered to a computer or player.
• Best for meetings and calls → ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16: Built-in microphones with CVC noise reduction make these the superior choice for professional communication.
• Best for low latency video → ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16: A 40-millisecond latency ensures audio stays perfectly synced with video content.
• Best for long-term seated listening → Sennheiser HD 560: The lightweight design and angled drivers reduce fatigue during marathon sessions in a quiet room.
• Best for battery independence → ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16: Up to 30 hours total playtime eliminates the need for constant recharging during multi-day trips.
• Best for detailed vocal analysis → ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16: The coaxial dual-driver setup separates vocals crisply from the instrumental backing.
• Best for flat, uncolored response → Sennheiser HD 560: Tuned to reveal the truth in your music without sacrificing the presence needed for complex tracks.
After reviewing the specifications and intended use cases, I would buy the ICESOMNUS Sabbat E16 for my personal needs. While the Sennheiser HD 560 is a magnificent piece of engineering for critical listening, it is too limited for modern life. The requirement for a wired connection and the absence of a microphone make it impractical for the frequent video conferencing and mobile usage I do daily. The E16, with its aptX low latency, environmental noise cancellation, and all-day battery life, solves the actual problems I face in a remote work environment. It delivers high-fidelity audio through its dual-driver setup while providing the utility of a true wireless headset. For anyone torn between these two for best with mic wireless headphones for meetings, the E16 is the only logical choice.
No, the Sennheiser HD 560 does not include a built-in microphone and is wired-only, making it unsuitable for direct phone calls or video meetings without external equipment.
The ICESOMNUS E16 offers up to 6 hours of playback per charge and 30 hours total with the case, whereas the Sennheiser HD 560 has no battery as it is a purely wired device.
The ICESOMNUS E16 provides passive isolation through its in-ear fit and active noise reduction features, while the Sennheiser HD 560 is open-back and lets in all surrounding noise.
Yes, the E16 features a 40-millisecond audio latency, which is low enough for most gaming and video applications to prevent noticeable audio delay.
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