Sennheiser HD 800 S Review

The buying question: would I choose the Sennheiser HD 800 S as a dedicated full-size headphone rather than a compact everyday pair? Based on the product facts, I’d treat it as a serious listening component first and a convenience product second. This is not the kind of headphone I’d buy to live at the bottom of a backpack.

Why I would not compare the HD 800 S to travel headphones

The HD 800 S is listed at 10.7 x 5.7 x 13.8 inches, so my read is simple: this is a large headphone meant to have a place in a home setup, desktop rig, or studio-style workspace. If someone asked me whether it makes sense as a commuter headphone, I’d steer them toward something smaller and more travel-focused instead.

That size is not automatically a negative. For the right buyer, a full-size design is exactly the point. At 11.64 ounces, the listed weight is not extreme for a headphone of this scale, so I would not dismiss it purely as bulky. But I would still want buyers to be honest about where they will actually use it. If the answer is “on trains, in offices, and while moving around,” I’d skip this category and look at compact closed-back or wireless options.

What I would check before ordering the HD 800 S

The model is the HD 800 S, from Sennheiser / Sennheiser Consumer Audio. That puts it in a category I associate with intentional listening rather than casual accessory shopping. If I were buying at this level, I’d make sure I had a proper place to keep it, enough desk or shelf space, and a use case that justifies owning a large headphone.

One limitation I have to flag is the recorded battery note: one lithium-ion battery required. I would verify that detail with the seller before ordering, because any battery requirement changes ownership slightly. It can mean charging, replacement planning, or at least one more thing to check before use. If your goal is the simplest no-battery setup possible, that is a point I would not ignore.

The first availability date, January 25, 2016, also tells me this is not a quick trend product. I tend to like established models when buyers are making a deliberate purchase, but age alone is not a guarantee that it is right for every listener.

Who I think should buy it, and who should skip it

I’d consider the Sennheiser HD 800 S if you want a large, dedicated headphone for focused listening and you have a stable place to use and store it. I would skip it if portability, strong outside-noise blocking, rugged travel convenience, or avoiding any battery-related uncertainty matters more than owning a full-size Sennheiser headphone.