HD 560S vs HE400se: Which Buy-It-For-Life Headphone Should You Get
Part of our buy-it-for-life headphones guide, built from 51,738 real Reddit discussions. The HD 560S and HE400se are the two most-mentioned headphones in the entire dataset — here’s how they actually compare.
The core difference
The HD 560S is a neutral dynamic-driver open-back — unhyped, nothing exotic to fail, and the single most-recommended headphone in our entire dataset. The HE400se is a planar magnetic driver, a fundamentally different (and inherently more durable, since there’s no fatiguing voice coil) technology, at the cheapest price HiFiman sells it for. Both regularly show up in the same “what should I buy first” threads:
“A 560s, 6XX/600, 400SE, or Sundara are safer blind buys in my opinion — at that price, they’re the ones people actually recommend.”
Sennheiser HD 560S
12,463 mentions · highest average reported ownership (7.5 years) of any headphone we measured
The HD 560S wins on sheer consensus — it’s recommended more often than anything else in this category, and owners report keeping it longer on average than any other pair.
“I really think the HD 560S are one of the best value-for-money purchases in the hobby. I’ve heard better-sounding headphones, but the 560S are about 90% as good as it gets for me, at a fraction of the price.”
Choose the HD 560S if: you want the safest, most-proven pick with the longest average ownership in the data.
HiFiMan HE400se
7,360 mentions · 2nd most-discussed
The HE400se is the cheapest way into planar magnetic sound, and it converts skeptics regularly — including people who expected a “beater” pair and got something better:
“I wanted a pair of beater headphones and I’d heard good things about the HE400SE, so I figured I’d try a pair. I’m quite pleasantly surprised.”
The honest caveat: HiFiman has a real, widely-discussed reputation for inconsistent quality control, with the highest negative-mention rate of any headphone in our data (16.3%). Most units are fine, but use the return window if you land a bad one.
Choose the HE400se if: you want planar detail on a budget and are comfortable dealing with an exchange if needed.
Side-by-side
Driver type: HD 560S is a traditional dynamic driver. HE400se is planar magnetic — generally considered more durable long-term since there’s no voice coil to fatigue.
Reliability track record: HD 560S has the highest average ownership length and lowest complaint rate of the two. HE400se has real, documented QC inconsistency.
Sound signature: HD 560S is neutral and unhyped. HE400se has the planar “speed and detail” character at a price no dynamic driver in this range matches.
Safer first buy: The HD 560S, by the numbers — but both are genuinely recommended, low-risk picks compared to the rest of the market.
FAQ
Which is better, the HD 560S or the HE400se? Neither is strictly better — the HD 560S has the stronger reliability track record, the HE400se has planar detail for less money. Most people are happy with either.
Is the HE400se worth the QC risk? For most buyers, yes — the sound-per-dollar is exceptional and most units are fine. If you want zero hassle, the HD 560S is the safer bet.
Can I use either for gaming and music both? Yes, both are commonly recommended for general use, not just critical listening.
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