Best For
- You want best-in-class open-back comfort, especially with glasses.
- FPS gaming and an immersive soundstage are priorities.
- You'll use the pad sets and EQ to dial in the sound.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review: A Comfort-and-Gaming Favorite Open-Back
Quick take
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is an open-back that owners keep calling a favorite — best-in-class comfort (glasses and all), a wide, immersive soundstage, deep tight bass and detail that several rank above far pricier headphones, especially with EQ. It's a standout for FPS gaming too. The main caveats: a minority find it underwhelming or lacking detail next to alternatives like the HD 550, it leans slightly bright, and a newer HD 480 Pro now exists. For comfortable, immersive open-back sound, it's an easy recommendation.
Open-back studio headphones designed for mixing, mastering, and critical listening with a neutral reference sound.
Professional open-back headphones for critical listening
Quick Verdict: Is Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Worth Buying?
A comfortable, immersive open-back that's a favorite for FPS gaming and music, with deep bass and wide soundstage. The main caveat is a minority who prefer warmer or more detailed rivals.
Evidence confidence: High.
Product Signal Summary
These signals summarize buyer interest, feedback direction, discussion volume, and whether attention around Sennheiser HD 490 Pro appears to be rising, stable, or cooling. Based on 64 public discussions.
User Impression
+68%
Very Positive Sentiment Mix
64
16
45
3
Volume
64
Velocity (30d)
63.3%
Trending now Momentum
66.5%
Heating up Quick actions
Why owners call it a favorite open-back
Best-in-class comfort, standout FPS gaming and an immersive, detailed sound make it an owner favorite.
A minority find it underwhelming or prefer warmer rivals, and it leans slightly bright. • Total evidence snippets: 19 • Updated Jun 24, 2026
Strengths
- An open-back owners rank as a favorite
- Best-in-class comfort, even with glasses
- A standout for FPS gaming
- Deep bass, wide soundstage and tuning options
Common Complaints
- Underwhelming to a minority of listeners
- Slightly bright, and a more musical rival exists
Who Should Buy Sennheiser HD 490 Pro — and Who Should Avoid It
Best for buyers who care most about sound, comfort, and daily usability who care about comfort and fit. Compare alternatives if the HD 550 outclasses it in bass, mids, and treble would affect your daily use.
Not For
- You want a warm, musical signature.
- You're treble-sensitive and dislike a slightly bright tuning.
- You need closed-back isolation.
Check live pricing and availability — this link helps keep the research running.
Check local offer Affiliate link — supports the site at no extra cost.Evidence From Public Buyer Discussions
These examples show the repeated buying signals behind Sennheiser HD 490 Pro. Use them to check strengths, complaints, and buyer fit before treating isolated comments as full reviews. • Updated Jun 24, 2026
Pro Best-in-class comfort, even with glasses
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro gets its strongest positive signal from comfort and fit. The points below summarize why buyers keep it on their shortlist.
Like a reviewers favorite Sennheiser open-back 2026-06-07
I spent a lot of time thinking and writing about this in my HDB 630 review (here: [https://daemonxar.com/2026/02/05/sennheiser-hdb-630-great-sound-questionable-price/#overall](https://daemonxar.com/2026/02/05/sennheiser-hdb-630-great-sound-questionable-price/#overall) ) but I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze with the HDB 630, and I'd rather have the M4 for when I *need* ANC and a good pair of open backs for when I don't. For what it's worth, the 490 Pro is my favorite Sennheiser headphone, and I say that
Like better sounding than the hd 620s to this listener 2026-06-07
I've read the Maxwell 2 is considered a downgrade in sound quality to the original Maxwell, which was actually quite good. Between the 490 Pro(or 480 if that is what you meant) and the 620S, the 490 Pro is definitely the better sounding headphone in my opinion. However, it is an open back which will leak sound and let sound in.
Like great headphone to start or end on 2026-05-18
I’m sure you’ll like the 490 pro just fine. It’s a great headphone to start or end on
Like fOMO about newer model 2026-05-18
Bought the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro a week before the HD 480 Pro was announced, now feeling a bit of FOMO. I just bought the 490 Pro for $330 a week before the 480 Pro was announced, and now I'm feeling a bit of FOMO. Especially seeing all these reviews coming out about how the 480 Pro is the best closed back headphone on the market, with some even saying it's better than the 490 Pro (for example [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HklBGccI7m4&t=38s) one). So I can't help but feel like I bought the 490 Pro at the
Like sound fantastic 2026-03-19
Can’t comment on the Meze but I just got the 490 Pro’s this week and they sound fantastic. Nice deep tight bass, excellent layering and details and non sibilance in the treble. The soundstage is really open too, not HD800 levels but definitely more open than my HD6XX’s. I’d recommend the HD660S2’s over the 490 Pro’s personally but for gaming and more bass impact, the 490’s are better.
Like bright sound 2026-03-19
XS vs HD490 Pro I demoed the XS and they are seriously amazing. I've honestly never heard such clear guitar strums and never perceived soundstage in headphones until trying these so they work amazingly for movies and immersive singleplayer games which is most of my use case. The fit is also surprisingly great on me so I guess I have a big melon for a head. Two issues though--their notorious QC (I do live in US where apparently they have good support in though) and they are just a little bright for me (watched Scr
Like stellar can 2026-03-14
My vote is easily for the hd660s2. Own and game/listen to music for way too long everyday, I find myself reaching for the HD 660s2 no matter what. The 490 pros are a stellar can, and proof that Sennheiser can provide the perfect balance of consumer and mainstream in one cans tuning, with a great sound stage, but they lack that honey svelte experience that the more musical 660s2s effortlessly provide. I find the hd660s2 simply a dream as an all around headphones. My favorite out of all the sennheisers by far.
Like comfort and fit 2026-03-14
Should I get HD490 PRO or HD660S2 after Audeze Maxwell I've had the Audeze Maxwell for the past year and I was just wondering which open back headphone I should get next, hopefully to celebrate an acceptance to a university. Currently I'm thinking of HD490 Pro ($540 CAD) or HD660S2 ($450 CAD on sale) from what I have seen it seems like HD490 PRO has better soundstage and sub-bass while the HD660S2 have audio that consumers will like more with better mids (overall more consumer friendly) My Use Case: While I do
Like needs a DAC for best performance 2026-03-14
Sennheiser hd 490 pro, what amp and dac should I get? What do I need for a DAC and AMP regarding the sennheiser hd 490 pros? My motherboard is a bit old now, the asus b450m-a prime, so I know a new DAC will be in order. Would a Apple dongle be enough for the 130 impedence? Any budget is fine but best value/cheapest is preferable Thanks sennheiser hd 490 pro sennheiser hd 490 pro
Like highly recommend 2026-03-06
I have Hd490 pro’s. Highly recommend.
Like insanely good for fps games 2026-03-06
Hd 490 pro if you ask me. It’s what I got three weeks ago and they are mad comfy and insanely good for fps games (can’t say anything about other games because this is all I play). Also can’t really compare to others, but I know a lot of people vouch these as well for gaming
Like good for what it is 2026-02-20
The 490 Pro is good for what it is.
Like overall sound quality 2026-01-15
i just got Sennheiser HD490 Pro and they are the best headphones i have tested. I also had arctis 7, superlux and Beyerdynamic DT990 and they are all fall behind in terms of quality, spatiality and immersion. If you want premium headphones go for Sennheiser.
Like comfortable even with glasses 2026-01-15
Sennheiser HD490 Pro. They'll handily beat anything gaming-branded and give you good music to boot, and Sennheiser got a great reputation for comfort - they're among the few that really let me forget my glasses too.
Like best quality bass open headphones 2026-01-15
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro! My favorite headphones of all time, and I used to own the 800 S, Arya Stealth and Focal Clear MG. Especially good with EQ. Some of the best quality bass I’ve ever heard in open, dynamic headphones. They come with two sets of pads for different sound signature/comfort.
Like decently wide soundstage 2026-01-13
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro. Super comfortable, decently wide soundstage.
Con A standout for FPS gaming
Check the HD 550 outclasses it in bass, mids, and treble before buying Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, especially if it affects your daily use case.
Complaint The HD 550 outclasses it in bass, mids, and treble 2026-06-20
Have not heard the 480 Pro. But I can give \*\*my personal\*\* experiences with the other two. Which means this won't apply to everyone. I add this note above because \*\*I personally\*\* don't like how the 490 Pro sounds with either pad. The 550 clears the 490 for me in every aspect of sound quality. Better integrated bass(this includes against the Producing Pads), better midrange, better treble. Both have some lower-mid treble problems for me, 550 is much less egregious though. Midrange of the 550 is really gr
Complaint Narrow stage 2026-03-10
A dac and an amp. I personally wouldn’t get the 660S2 for gaming. It’s pretty expensive for what it is and it has a pretty narrow stage. I would recommend the 490 Pro instead + the JCally JM6 Pro
Complaint underwhelming and lacking detail 2026-01-20
I’ve been looking for open back headphones to upgrade from my airpods for quite a while. I’m looking for something for at most $900. What I’m looking for is probably a slightly v shaped signature, I don’t think i want something totally neutral. So far i’ve tried the Sennheiser hd490 pro and i found them to be underwhelming and lacking detail, but their sound signature was somewhat what I’d like, just with more clarity and a much better soundstage. And just with more of a wow effect. I also had the chance to try
View all retained evidence snippets (19)
Complaint The HD 550 outclasses it in bass, mids, and treble 2026-06-20
Have not heard the 480 Pro. But I can give \*\*my personal\*\* experiences with the other two. Which means this won't apply to everyone. I add this note above because \*\*I personally\*\* don't like how the 490 Pro sounds with either pad. The 550 clears the 490 for me in every aspect of sound quality. Better integrated bass(this includes against the Producing Pads), better midrange, better treble. Both have some lower-mid treble problems for me, 550 is much less egregious though. Midrange of the 550 is really gr
Like a reviewers favorite Sennheiser open-back 2026-06-07
I spent a lot of time thinking and writing about this in my HDB 630 review (here: [https://daemonxar.com/2026/02/05/sennheiser-hdb-630-great-sound-questionable-price/#overall](https://daemonxar.com/2026/02/05/sennheiser-hdb-630-great-sound-questionable-price/#overall) ) but I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze with the HDB 630, and I'd rather have the M4 for when I *need* ANC and a good pair of open backs for when I don't. For what it's worth, the 490 Pro is my favorite Sennheiser headphone, and I say that
Like better sounding than the hd 620s to this listener 2026-06-07
I've read the Maxwell 2 is considered a downgrade in sound quality to the original Maxwell, which was actually quite good. Between the 490 Pro(or 480 if that is what you meant) and the 620S, the 490 Pro is definitely the better sounding headphone in my opinion. However, it is an open back which will leak sound and let sound in.
Like great headphone to start or end on 2026-05-18
I’m sure you’ll like the 490 pro just fine. It’s a great headphone to start or end on
Like fOMO about newer model 2026-05-18
Bought the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro a week before the HD 480 Pro was announced, now feeling a bit of FOMO. I just bought the 490 Pro for $330 a week before the 480 Pro was announced, and now I'm feeling a bit of FOMO. Especially seeing all these reviews coming out about how the 480 Pro is the best closed back headphone on the market, with some even saying it's better than the 490 Pro (for example [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HklBGccI7m4&t=38s) one). So I can't help but feel like I bought the 490 Pro at the
Like sound fantastic 2026-03-19
Can’t comment on the Meze but I just got the 490 Pro’s this week and they sound fantastic. Nice deep tight bass, excellent layering and details and non sibilance in the treble. The soundstage is really open too, not HD800 levels but definitely more open than my HD6XX’s. I’d recommend the HD660S2’s over the 490 Pro’s personally but for gaming and more bass impact, the 490’s are better.
Like bright sound 2026-03-19
XS vs HD490 Pro I demoed the XS and they are seriously amazing. I've honestly never heard such clear guitar strums and never perceived soundstage in headphones until trying these so they work amazingly for movies and immersive singleplayer games which is most of my use case. The fit is also surprisingly great on me so I guess I have a big melon for a head. Two issues though--their notorious QC (I do live in US where apparently they have good support in though) and they are just a little bright for me (watched Scr
Like stellar can 2026-03-14
My vote is easily for the hd660s2. Own and game/listen to music for way too long everyday, I find myself reaching for the HD 660s2 no matter what. The 490 pros are a stellar can, and proof that Sennheiser can provide the perfect balance of consumer and mainstream in one cans tuning, with a great sound stage, but they lack that honey svelte experience that the more musical 660s2s effortlessly provide. I find the hd660s2 simply a dream as an all around headphones. My favorite out of all the sennheisers by far.
Like comfort and fit 2026-03-14
Should I get HD490 PRO or HD660S2 after Audeze Maxwell I've had the Audeze Maxwell for the past year and I was just wondering which open back headphone I should get next, hopefully to celebrate an acceptance to a university. Currently I'm thinking of HD490 Pro ($540 CAD) or HD660S2 ($450 CAD on sale) from what I have seen it seems like HD490 PRO has better soundstage and sub-bass while the HD660S2 have audio that consumers will like more with better mids (overall more consumer friendly) My Use Case: While I do
Like needs a DAC for best performance 2026-03-14
Sennheiser hd 490 pro, what amp and dac should I get? What do I need for a DAC and AMP regarding the sennheiser hd 490 pros? My motherboard is a bit old now, the asus b450m-a prime, so I know a new DAC will be in order. Would a Apple dongle be enough for the 130 impedence? Any budget is fine but best value/cheapest is preferable Thanks sennheiser hd 490 pro sennheiser hd 490 pro
Complaint Narrow stage 2026-03-10
A dac and an amp. I personally wouldn’t get the 660S2 for gaming. It’s pretty expensive for what it is and it has a pretty narrow stage. I would recommend the 490 Pro instead + the JCally JM6 Pro
Like highly recommend 2026-03-06
I have Hd490 pro’s. Highly recommend.
Like insanely good for fps games 2026-03-06
Hd 490 pro if you ask me. It’s what I got three weeks ago and they are mad comfy and insanely good for fps games (can’t say anything about other games because this is all I play). Also can’t really compare to others, but I know a lot of people vouch these as well for gaming
Like good for what it is 2026-02-20
The 490 Pro is good for what it is.
Complaint underwhelming and lacking detail 2026-01-20
I’ve been looking for open back headphones to upgrade from my airpods for quite a while. I’m looking for something for at most $900. What I’m looking for is probably a slightly v shaped signature, I don’t think i want something totally neutral. So far i’ve tried the Sennheiser hd490 pro and i found them to be underwhelming and lacking detail, but their sound signature was somewhat what I’d like, just with more clarity and a much better soundstage. And just with more of a wow effect. I also had the chance to try
Like overall sound quality 2026-01-15
i just got Sennheiser HD490 Pro and they are the best headphones i have tested. I also had arctis 7, superlux and Beyerdynamic DT990 and they are all fall behind in terms of quality, spatiality and immersion. If you want premium headphones go for Sennheiser.
Like comfortable even with glasses 2026-01-15
Sennheiser HD490 Pro. They'll handily beat anything gaming-branded and give you good music to boot, and Sennheiser got a great reputation for comfort - they're among the few that really let me forget my glasses too.
Like best quality bass open headphones 2026-01-15
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro! My favorite headphones of all time, and I used to own the 800 S, Arya Stealth and Focal Clear MG. Especially good with EQ. Some of the best quality bass I’ve ever heard in open, dynamic headphones. They come with two sets of pads for different sound signature/comfort.
Like decently wide soundstage 2026-01-13
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro. Super comfortable, decently wide soundstage.
Compare Alternatives
Products frequently compared alongside Sennheiser HD 490 Pro:
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Cheaper open-back for gaming, though brighter; the 490 Pro is more comfortable and refined
HiFiMAN Edition XS
Planar alternative with standout value; one owner cross-shopped both for soundstage and detail
Trend and Demand Signals
These charts show discussion volume, sentiment direction, momentum, and alternatives so you can judge whether interest in Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is rising, stable, or cooling.
Sentiment Distribution, Keyword Volume, and Momentum
What this shows How positive, neutral, and negative opinions about this product are distributed across public discussions.
How to read it Larger areas or segments indicate a bigger share of discussion; green is positive, yellow is mixed, red is negative.
What it suggests here Mostly positive overall (Very Positive +68%).
Sentiment counts
Positive · 16
Neutral · 45
Negative · 3
What this shows How often this product is discussed compared to other products in the same category.
How to read it Longer bars indicate more frequent mentions in public discussions.
What it suggests here Above-average discussion volume vs category peers (rank #7).
What this shows How quickly discussion interest is changing, and whether that change is accelerating or slowing down.
How to read it Points further to the right indicate faster velocity; higher points indicate accelerating interest.
What it suggests here Trending quickly right now, and momentum is heating up.
Buying Questions About Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Quick answers to the main review, complaints, buyer-fit, and comparison questions shoppers ask before choosing Sennheiser HD 490 Pro.
Is the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro good for gaming?
Yes — it's a standout for FPS gaming. Owners call it insanely good for competitive shooters, say it beats gaming-branded headsets, and prefer it over the HD 660S2 for gaming and bass impact, all while staying comfortable for long sessions.
Is the HD 490 Pro comfortable for glasses wearers?
Very. Comfort is one of its strongest points, and owners specifically note that Sennheiser's design lets them forget they're wearing glasses — a real plus for long gaming or work sessions.
How does the HD 490 Pro sound?
Owners describe deep, tight bass, excellent layering and detail, non-sibilant treble and a wide, open soundstage, with two included pad sets to adjust the signature. It responds well to EQ. A minority find it underwhelming or slightly bright, so taste matters.
HD 490 Pro vs HD 660S2: which is better?
It depends on use. Owners favor the 490 Pro for gaming, bass impact and soundstage, while the HD 660S2 is warmer and more 'musical' for pure listening. Choose the 490 Pro for immersive gaming and a wider stage, the 660S2 for a cozier music signature.
Does the HD 490 Pro need a DAC and amp?
It benefits from proper amplification — at 130 ohms, owners recommend pairing it with a dedicated DAC/amp rather than relying on an old motherboard or basic dongle to get the best performance.
Is the HD 490 Pro worth it now that the HD 480 Pro exists?
The newer HD 480 Pro (a closed-back) has drawn strong reviews, and one 490 Pro buyer felt some FOMO. They're different designs, though — the 490 Pro remains an excellent open-back, so the choice comes down to open vs closed and your use case.
How We Analyze Buyer Feedback
These insights are generated from public Reddit posts and comments, then grouped into recurring praise, complaints, and buying patterns to make the page easier to scan.
Evidence snippets are selected from public discussions and grouped into themes. Counts represent how often a theme appears in the available evidence, not a survey or rating.