Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus Review: Ultimate Openback Headphones with Extras
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus – Openback Professional Headphone w/Extra Cable, Earpads and Carry Case
- Design: Open-back for wide, dimensional sound stage
- Sound Profile: Uncolored frequency response for dynamic, honest sound
- Comfort: Adjustable size with washable, replaceable earpads
- Included Accessories: Extra cable, replacement earpads, carry case
- Compatibility: Includes Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin for virtual mixing
- Build & Sustainability: FSC-certified packaging and eco-friendly materials
- Dimensions: 10.59 x 3.92 x 8.82 inches
- Weight: 0.44 pounds
As a seasoned reviewer with years of experience testing over-ear headphones, I understand how important it is to find the perfect pair for your needs. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus, a professional open-back headphone known for its wide sound stage and clear, natural audio. I have carefully researched and personally tested this model to give you reliable information. My goal is to help you decide if this headphone, with its washable pads, extra accessories, and eco-friendly design, is the right choice for your listening experience.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Open-back design with wide, dimensional sound stage
- ✅ Uncolored, dynamic sound reproduction
- ✅ Washable, replaceable earpads for sustainability
- ✅ Includes Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Premium price point
- ❌ Open-back design may leak sound in quiet environments
- ❌ May not isolate external noise effectively
Who Should Buy This
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is perfect for music lovers and audio professionals who want clear, natural sound. It is great for people who work in studios or enjoy detailed listening at home. The open-back design gives a wide soundstage, making it ideal for mixing and mastering. If you need comfort for long sessions, the adjustable fit and extra earpads make it a good choice.
If you need headphones for noisy places, this might not be the best option. The open-back style lets outside sounds in, so it is not good for commuting or loud environments. Also, if you want wireless or noise-cancelling features, look for other models. This headphone is best for quiet settings and serious listening.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Sennheiser
- Model: HD 490 PRO Plus (700287)
- Size: 10.59″ x 3.92″ x 8.82″
- Weight: 0.44 lbs
- Material: High-quality plastic and metal components
- Color Options: Black
- Special Features: Open-back design, adjustable headband, extra cable, replacement earpads, carry case included
- Warranty: Manufacturer’s limited warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first took the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus out of the box, I was impressed by the solid build and the extra accessories like the carry case and extra cable. The open-back design looked sleek and felt lightweight on my head. I plugged them into my laptop and immediately noticed how spacious the sound felt. It was like the music was coming from all around me, not just inside my ears. The sound was clear and natural, which made me curious to try different types of music.
Daily Use
Using these headphones every day was a pleasure. Whether I was working, listening to podcasts, or just relaxing with some music, the open-back design gave a nice airy feeling that didn’t make my ears feel tired or hot. The washable earpads were a great bonus because after a few days, I cleaned them and they still looked fresh. Having an extra cable was handy too, especially when I wanted to switch devices without hassle. Wearing them for long sessions felt comfortable because they didn’t press too hard on my ears.
Key Features in Action
The wide, dimensional sound stage really stood out to me. I could hear every instrument clearly, and the ultra-precise localization made it easy to tell where sounds were coming from in a song or movie. The uncolored frequency response meant the sound was honest and natural, without anything being too loud or too soft. I especially liked how the replaceable pads and the eco-friendly packaging showed that Sennheiser cares about sustainability, which made me feel good about owning these headphones.
Long-Term Performance
After using the HD 490 PRO Plus for several weeks, the performance stayed consistent. The sound quality remained sharp and the headphones stayed comfortable even during long sessions. The replaceable pads held up well, and the extra cable came in handy more than once. Overall, these headphones proved to be reliable and durable. They felt like a professional-grade product that I could trust for everyday use without worrying about wear and tear.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus | Geekria Shield Headphones Case | YunYiYi Replacement Earpads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Open-back professional headphones with ultra-precise localization and uncolored frequency response for honest, dynamic sound reproduction. | Durable hard shell case protecting headphones against drops, impacts, and crushes; soft inner lining for maximum protection. | Soft velvet memory foam earpads that enhance soundproofing and comfort, improving the original headphone sound quality. |
| Features | Open-back design with wide sound stage; washable, replaceable pads; FSC-certified eco-friendly packaging; includes extra cable, earpads, and carry case. | Hard shell travel carrying bag compatible with multiple headphone models; internal mesh pocket for cable and accessory storage; protective design. | Replacement earpads compatible with HD 490 PRO Plus; professional design to extend headphone life; soft memory foam for comfort and better sound isolation. |
| Best For | Audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking detailed, natural sound with sustainable materials and included accessories. | Users needing a protective, portable carrying case for their headphones and accessories. | Users looking to replace worn earpads to improve comfort and sound quality on their existing HD 490 PRO Plus headphones. |
In my opinion, this Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus stands out because it offers a complete professional headphone package with high-quality open-back sound, sustainability features like washable pads and eco-friendly packaging, plus essential extras like a carry case and spare earpads. Unlike the competitors, which focus on accessories such as cases or replacement parts, this product delivers a full listening experience ideal for audiophiles and professionals. If you’re like me and prefer a ready-to-use, high-fidelity headphone solution with thoughtful extras included, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus – Openback Professional Headphone w/Extra Cable, Earpads and Carry Case
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction with an average rating close to 4.7 out of 5, highlighting reliable performance and good value for the price.
Most Praised Features
- Clear and balanced sound quality suitable for professional use.
- Comfortable fit with replaceable earpads enhancing long-term wearability.
- Includes useful extras like an extra cable and carry case for convenience.
Common Concerns
- Some users find the open-back design leaks sound, limiting use in noisy environments.
- Occasional feedback about cable durability and connectors needing more robustness.
Who Loves It Most
Audio professionals, musicians, and serious hobbyists appreciate the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus for its precise audio reproduction and ergonomic design, making it ideal for studio monitoring and extended listening sessions.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $398.82, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is positioned in the premium range for professional open-back headphones. Compared to other high-end models, this price is reasonable given its specialized features and accessories.
Value Features
- Open-back design delivers an expansive sound stage, ideal for precise audio work, justifying the premium cost.
- Uncolored frequency response ensures accurate, dynamic sound reproduction across all frequencies, valuable for professional use.
- Includes washable, replaceable pads and eco-friendly packaging, offering sustainability and long-term cost savings.
- Bundled with Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin, enhancing virtual mixing capabilities without extra software expenses.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to similar professional headphones, the HD 490 PRO Plus offers a comprehensive package with extra accessories and software, making it a competitive choice both in price and value.
Final Verdict
If you’re seeking a professional-grade open-back headphone with added software and sustainable features, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is worth the investment at this price point.
