Introduction
The Sennheiser HD 400S are over-ear headphones from Sennheiser, a longstanding audio manufacturer known for producing consumer and professional headphones. This model is positioned as a comfortable, everyday wired headphone with a built‑in microphone and inline remote, aimed at listeners who want reliable sound quality for music, video and hands‑free phone calls.
Product Overview
Manufacturer: Sennheiser
Product category: Over‑ear wired headphones with inline mic/remote
Intended use: Casual and critical listening at home, commuting, office use, phone/video calls, and general multimedia consumption where a wired connection and inline controls are preferred.
Appearance and Build
The HD 400S have a simple, contemporary aesthetic that prioritizes comfort and understated style. The earcups are over‑ear and appear generously cushioned, and the headband is adjustable to suit most head sizes. Materials lean toward lightweight plastics with soft padding on the headband and ear cushions; the finish is neat and utilitarian rather than flashy. The inline microphone and remote are integrated into the cable for convenient call and playback control.
Unique design elements:
- Over‑ear cups designed for extended wear and passive sound isolation.
- Inline mic and remote for hands‑free calls and basic music control without touching the source device.
- Compact profile suitable for everyday use; design focuses on comfort rather than foldability or travel‑optimized packing.
Key Features and Specifications
- Form factor: Over‑ear (circumaural) headphones
- Connectivity: Wired (inline microphone and remote on the cable)
- Built‑in microphone and remote for calls and playback control
- Comfortable, padded earcups and adjustable headband for long sessions
- Closed/over‑ear design for passive noise reduction (no active noise cancellation)
- Designed for smartphone, tablet and laptop use (inline controls are smartphone‑friendly)
- Plug‑and‑play — no battery required
Note: The above list focuses on observable and functional features. For precise technical specifications such as impedance, driver size or frequency response, consult the manufacturer’s datasheet or product page.
Performance and Use‑Case Experience
Music Listening
The HD 400S deliver clear, balanced audio that emphasizes midrange clarity and vocal presence. Acoustic and vocal tracks sound natural, and the treble is generally clean without harshness. Bass is present and controlled, making the headphones suitable for most genres; however, listeners who prefer deep, heavy sub‑bass for electronic or hip‑hop may find the low end less pronounced than on bass‑focused models.
Calls and Video Chats
The inline microphone provides convenience and acceptable voice clarity for everyday calls, video meetings and casual voice chats. It is well suited to smartphone use and desktop calls, but it is not a replacement for a dedicated headset or studio microphone if you need broadcast‑quality capture.
Commuting and Office Use
As a wired, closed over‑ear headphone, the HD 400S offer reasonable passive isolation from ambient noise, making them a solid choice for bus, train or office environments. They do not include active noise cancellation, so they are less effective at isolating low‑frequency noises than ANC models, but still useful for reducing general background sounds.
Gaming and Video
The headphones produce clear dialogue and in‑game sound cues, which makes them suitable for casual gaming and video playback. Because the mic is inline rather than boom‑mounted, microphone positioning is less flexible, so competitive gamers who need precise voice pickup may prefer a dedicated gaming headset.
Comfort and Long‑Term Wear
The padded earcups and adjustable headband provide comfortable wear for extended listening sessions. Clamp force is balanced—secure enough for daily use without feeling overly tight. The earcup materials appear breathable enough for moderate durations, though ears can warm during very long sessions as with most over‑ear designs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Clear, balanced sound with good midrange and treble clarity.
- Comfortable for extended listening thanks to padded earcups and adjustable headband.
- Built‑in mic and inline remote make phone calls and playback control easy.
- Wired design requires no battery and provides reliable, low‑latency audio.
- Sennheiser brand heritage — reliable build quality and tuned sound signature.
Cons
- No active noise cancellation — passive isolation only.
- Wired connection limits mobility compared with Bluetooth/ANC options.
- Mic performance is adequate for calls but not suited for high‑quality vocal recording.
- Bass may be less powerful than on bass‑oriented headphones; not ideal for listeners who prefer heavy low end.
- Some competing models offer foldability or detachable cables for travel convenience; the HD 400S prioritize simplicity over travel features.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser HD 400S are a strong choice for users who want an affordable, reliable wired over‑ear headphone with a comfortable fit, clear audio and the convenience of an inline microphone and remote. They excel at vocal clarity and general music listening, and they perform well for phone calls and everyday multimedia use. If you need active noise cancellation, a wireless connection, or an exceptionally bass‑heavy sound, there are other models better suited to those specific needs. Overall, the HD 400S represent a balanced, practical option for commuters, students, remote workers and anyone seeking a straightforward, well‑tuned pair of over‑ear headphones.
Recommendation: Consider the HD 400S if you prioritize sound clarity, comfort and wired reliability with an integrated mic. Look elsewhere if you require ANC, wireless freedom, or a headphone with heavily emphasized bass.