Sennheiser HD 550 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Sennheiser HD 550

Reviewers converge on the HD 550 as the best-sounding model in Sennheiser's HD 500 series — a neutral, well-extended signature with a more complete bass body, an organic midrange and a slightly forward treble that can occasionally turn gritty. It is honest rather than exciting, and rewards critical listening.

• Having heard almost every HD 500 series headphone, Headfonics calls the HD 550 the best-sounding one of the series, crediting refined bass and treble for a small but real step up over its predecessors.
• The bass is one of the most potent in the series — fuller and more satisfying than older 5-series models, with the usual sub-bass dip far less pronounced, though it could still use a touch more punch and dynamism.
• The midrange is where the HD 550 excels — vocals are warm, organic and clearly centred, with enough detail for critical listening, classic Sennheiser house sound done well.
• Trusted Reviews praises a beautifully neutral, even-handed frequency response with high detail retrieval and good bass control, but says the presentation lacks energy and excitement — analysis over entertainment.