If you want an immersive, studio-grade audio experience for critical listening and gaming in a quiet environment, choose Sennheiser Headphones Open Type; if you need long battery life, active noise cancellation, and wireless freedom for travel or busy home offices, choose Edifier ES850NB.
• Sennheiser HD 600: Delivers unmatched soundstage clarity with open-back design but requires external amplification and offers zero isolation from outside noise.
• Edifier ES850NB: Offers impressive 92-hour battery life, hybrid ANC to block distractions, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity but trades some acoustic transparency for its closed design.
• Who it's for: The Sennheiser is the pick for audiophiles and gamers seeking pure, uncolored sound in a controlled room; the Edifier is the choice for commuters, travelers, and users who need all-day power and silence.
The Sennheiser HD 600 is built for people who treat their listening sessions as a serious activity rather than just background noise. Its design centers on an open-back architecture that allows air to flow through the earcups, creating a natural, spacious soundstage that many find essential for high-fidelity music and competitive gaming. This specific model features a professional theme with a sophisticated black and grey color scheme, using leather materials for the enclosure to ensure durability while maintaining a classic aesthetic. The weight of the unit sits at 258 grams, which is substantial enough to feel premium but light enough for extended wear without causing significant fatigue.
What truly defines this product is its audio engineering. With dynamic drivers tuned for a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, it captures the full spectrum of sound with remarkable detail. However, the impedance is set at 300 ohms, which means these headphones are not designed to be plugged directly into a phone or laptop. They require a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach their full potential, acting as a bridge between high-quality digital sources and analog perfection. This setup makes them ideal for a dedicated desktop gaming rig or a home studio where the user can control the entire signal chain.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-27 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
You should buy the Sennheiser HD 600 if you prioritize crystal clear calls and audio fidelity above all else and have a quiet space where sound leakage won't disturb others. The open design ensures that you hear every nuance in a game's soundtrack or a recording session, providing an immersive experience that closed-back cans often struggle to replicate. Conversely, you should skip this product if you plan to use it on a bus, in a coffee shop, or in an open-plan office. Because there is no active noise cancellation and the open design lets ambient sound in, you will hear everything happening around you, which can be distracting when you need focus.
The Edifier ES850NB is engineered for the modern user who demands versatility and independence from wires. It brings Hi-Res Audio certification to the table, supporting LDAC and SBC codecs over Bluetooth 5.4 to deliver rich, detailed sound without the tether of a cable. The ear placement is over-ear, utilizing skin-friendly leather cushions and an ergonomic steel headband to provide comfort during marathon sessions. Weighing in at 260 grams, it matches the Sennheiser in heft but balances it with a fully foldable design that makes it easy to pack into a bag for travel. The inclusion of memory foam ear cushions wireless headset technology ensures that even after hours of use, your ears remain comfortable.
A major differentiator here is the Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation system. This feature blocks up to -45dB of ambient noise, offering multiple modes including high, medium, wind reduction, and ambient sound. Whether you are trying to tune out a crying baby, the rumble of an airplane engine, or the chatter of coworkers, you can tailor the experience to your immediate needs. The battery performance is equally compelling, boasting up to 92 hours of playtime with ANC off and 53 hours with it on. A mere 15-minute fast charge provides 11.5 hours of playback, solving the anxiety of running out of power before you reach your destination.
This product is perfect for anyone who needs crystal clear calls head phones for gaming and work simultaneously. The combination of wireless connectivity, multi-point connection capabilities, and touch-to-chat controls allows you to switch seamlessly between devices. You should choose the Edifier ES850NB if you are frequently on the move or need a single pair of headphones that can handle both intense gaming sessions and long flights. However, if you are an audiophile who hates any form of compression or digital processing, the closed-back nature and Bluetooth transmission might feel like a compromise compared to the raw analog purity of an open-back wired system.
• Best for Immersive Soundstage → Sennheiser Headphones Open Type: The open-back design creates a wider, more natural auditory field that closed-back models cannot match.
• Best for Battery Life → Edifier ES850NB: With a claimed 92-hour runtime, it far outlasts any wired solution that relies on your computer's power.
• Best for Travel and Commuting → Edifier ES850NB: The active noise cancellation and foldable design make it portable and practical for noisy environments.
• Best for Quiet Room Gaming → Sennheiser Headphones Open Type: Ideal for memory foam ear cushions wireless headset for gaming setups where isolation isn't needed because the room is already silent.
• Best for Wireless Freedom → Edifier ES850NB: Bluetooth 5.4 and the absence of a physical jack offer true mobility without drag.
• Best for High-Fidelity Studio Work → Sennheiser Headphones Open Type: The 300-ohm impedance and dynamic drivers are tailored for professional monitoring and critical listening.
• Best for Multi-Device Switching → Edifier ES850NB: Touch controls and app integration allow easy management of audio sources without reaching for cables.
• Best for Durability in Motion → Edifier ES850NB: The steel headband and rugged build are designed to withstand the bumps of daily travel.
If I were buying a pair of headphones today specifically for gaming, my decision would depend entirely on my environment. If I have a dedicated, sound-treated room where I can plug into a high-end DAC and amp, I would choose the Sennheiser Headphones Open Type. The spatial awareness provided by the open-back design gives me a distinct advantage in competitive shooters, and the 300-ohm impedance ensures I get the most out of my audio interface.
However, if I wanted a single pair of headphones that could follow me from my desk to the airport, I would choose the Edifier ES850NB. The ability to block out 45dB of noise and the incredible 92-hour battery life mean I never have to worry about power or distraction. In my opinion, the Edifier is the smarter daily driver, while the Sennheiser remains the ultimate specialist tool for the dedicated enthusiast.
The Sennheiser HD 600 does not have a built-in microphone, so you must pair it with a separate boom mic or headset. The Edifier ES850NB includes features optimized for calls and supports multipoint connections, making it ready for voice chat without extra gear.
Yes, the 300-ohm impedance of the Sennheiser requires an external amplifier to drive the dynamic drivers properly and achieve the intended volume and clarity levels.
Absolutely. The 92-hour battery life and hybrid active noise cancellation make it an excellent choice for blocking out cabin noise during long-haul travel.
Both use leather and durable materials, but the Edifier adds a steel headband and a foldable design for portability, whereas the Sennheiser focuses on a fixed, robust structure meant for stationary use.
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