Sennheiser HD 599 open-back wired headphones with detachable cables

Some headphones are designed to shut out the room, the Sennheiser HD 599 takes a more open approach for listening at home. Its around-ear, open-back design is made to deliver a natural, spacious presentation, while plush velour ear cushions and a padded headband support longer sessions.

Two detachable cables make it easier to connect to different audio setups: a 3 m cable with a 6.3 mm jack for home equipment, and a 1.2 m cable with a 3.5 mm jack for compatible devices such as laptops and phones.

Quick overview

The HD 599 is a wired, over-ear headphone built around an open acoustic design. Sennheiser’s transducers use aluminum voice coils, and the manufacturer describes the sound as naturally balanced, with a spacious presentation. That combination suits music listening when you want room for detail and separation rather than a closed-in feel.

Comfort is part of the design, not an afterthought. Large ear cups with velour-covered cushions and a padded headband help make extended listening more comfortable. The two detachable cables add practical flexibility: use the longer 3 m cable with a 6.3 mm connection for a home entertainment setup, or the shorter 1.2 m cable with a 3.5 mm connection for compatible devices. Compared with a closed-back, isolation-focused design, the HD 599 puts more emphasis on an open soundstage for relaxed listening in a suitable setting.

Usage tips

For a simple home listening session, connect the 6.3 mm cable to compatible audio equipment and settle in with an album, film or game. If you’re listening from a compatible laptop or phone, the 3.5 mm cable offers a more compact connection. Choose the cable that matches the device’s audio jack, then connect it to the headphones as needed.

The open-back construction is a useful choice when a spacious presentation matters more than blocking out the surrounding environment. It is not described as noise-cancelling, so it is best suited to settings where outside sound is not a concern. That makes it a natural fit for a dedicated listening spot at home, rather than situations where you need strong sound isolation.

Practical tips

Keep the cable choice in mind when moving between devices: the 3 m lead offers reach for a home setup, while the 1.2 m lead is shorter for closer listening. Both are detachable, which makes switching between the supplied connection options straightforward. The 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm jacks cover common audio connections, including compatible computers and home entertainment equipment.

Buyers frequently praise the sound and comfort, with some also appreciating the lightweight feel and appearance. Feedback on noise handling and fit is mixed, which is worth bearing in mind when choosing between an open-back listening headphone and a design intended to isolate more of the surrounding sound. The HD 599’s large velour-covered ear cups and padded headband are designed with comfort in mind, while its open acoustic approach remains the key distinction.

Should you buy it?

Choose the Sennheiser HD 599 if your priority is natural, spacious-sounding music listening at home, paired with comfortable around-ear padding and flexible wired connections. Its two detachable cables make it practical to move between compatible home equipment and devices with a 3.5 mm jack. For listeners who value an open presentation and long-session comfort, it brings those benefits together in one straightforward wired headphone.