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HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone

  • Based on 381 reviews
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Style: HD 490 PRO


Features

  • Open-back design with an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage and ultra-precise localization
  • Uncolored frequency response (5 - 36,000 Hz) for honest, dynamic sound reproduction across the full spectrum. Innovative low-frequency cylinder system for full, accurate, and clearly defined low end./
  • Sustainability-inspired with washable, replaceable pads and FSC-certified, forest-friendly packaging
  • Sennheiser Open-frame Architecture reduces total harmonic distortion (THD) and minimizes resonance, improving audio accuracy
  • Two unique sets of ear pads for producing or mixing help eliminate ear fatigue and pinpoint frequencies
  • Right and left ear jacks with detachable cable easily adapts to any studio configuration. Patented cable coil structure blocks cable-borne noise, ensuring the clearest signal.
  • Patented cable coil structure blocks cable-borne noise, ensuring the clearest signal

Description

Experience the perfect mix of clarity, comfort, and reliability. HD 490 PRO studio reference headphones are built to handle all the complexities of today’s music production. Featuring an open-back design that delivers an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage and ultra-precise sound reproduction, HD 490 PRO gives you the clarity you need for your most critical mixing decisions. Handcrafted and German-engineered with built-to-last components and a lightweight, comfortable design, HD 490 PRO lets you feel the music and forget about the headphones. Meticulously engineered ergonomics eliminate pressure points while the open-back design provides natural ventilation, making hours in the music feel like minutes. Two sets of switchable ear pads, each with a unique sound signature for long hours of mixing and producing, eliminate ear fatigue and are designed with sustainability and durability in mind — they’re both washable and replaceable. HD 490 PRO also includes the innovative dearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality, placing you in the “sweet spot” and turning your DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment. DearVR MIX-SE simulates the carefully designed acoustics of mixing studios, helping you ensure a balanced, consistent translation of your mix on different systems. HD 490 PRO helps you achieve your full creative vision, eliminating audio blind spots, putting you in full control of every detail, and ensuring accurate playback beyond the studio. HD 490 PRO includes: 1.8 m cable, mixing ear pads, producing ear pads.

Brand: Sennheiser


Color: Black


Ear Placement: Over Ear


Form Factor: Over Ear


Impedance: 130 ohm


Brand Name: Sennheiser


Model Number: 700286


Model Name: HD 490 PRO


Built-In Media: 1.8m cable, 3.5mm - 6.5mm jack adaptor, HD 490 PRO, Mixing Ear Pads, Producing Ear Pads


Age Range Description: Teen


Warranty Description: 2 year manufacturer


Number of Items: 1


Series Number: 700286


UPC: 615104387676


Manufacturer: Sennheiser Pro Audio


Headphones Ear Placement: Over Ear


Headphone Folding Features: Over Ear


Earpiece Shape: Over-Ear (Circumaural)


Control Type: Media Control


Control Method: Remote


Controller Type: Wired


Impedance: 130 ohm


Noise Control: None


Frequency Response: 36000 hertz


Sensitivity: 105 db


Audio Driver Type: Dynamic Driver


Enclosure Material: Aluminum


Specific Uses For Product: Multi-Purpose


Compatible Devices: Music Production Equipment, Desktops, Laptops


Cable Features: Retractable


Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant


Additional Features: Adjustable Headband


Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm Jack


Connectivity Technology: Wired


Color: Black


Style Name: HD 490 PRO


Item Weight: 200 g


Unit Count: 1 Count


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Sunday, Oct 4

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • At my purchase price of $350, this is an excellent value headphone
Style: HD 490 PRO
At my purchase price of $350, this is an excellent value—just one pair of headphones offering two distinct sound signatures. The default velvet earpads deliver a warm, thick-bodied sound with a rich bass presence that enhances the atmosphere, though it slightly dampens high-frequency details. In contrast, the fabric earpads offer a completely different profile: they emphasize the highs and reveal more detail, while delivering less bass volume. However, I can still sense deeper bass extension without any interference to the mids or highs. Some people claim the HD490 Pro isn't much different from the HD560S (or HD400 Pro), even suggesting it's an upgrade. I believe this view is overly simplistic. Regardless of which earpad is used, the HD490 Pro produces a sound signature entirely different from the HD560S. The 560S has a flat frequency response, resulting in a thin, bright tone that can even become somewhat harsh. Even with fabric pads, the HD490 Pro never exhibits harshness in the highs. In my opinion, the HD490 Pro clearly outperforms the 560S in handling both highs and lows, whereas the 560S excels in vocal clarity and midrange brightness. Rather than being an upgraded or successor model to the 560S, I see them as two headphones with fundamentally different tuning philosophies. Although both are designed for professional use, the HD490 Pro is also suitable for everyday entertainment listening, while prolonged use of the 560S may not be comfortable for those sensitive to high frequencies. In terms of comfort, the HD 490 Pro is quite comfortable among Sennheiser's lineup, although it still feels a bit tight on my head. My head shape suits Sony headphones better—after all, I'm Asian—and Sony models generally offer more comfortable fit for me. However, among Sony's headphones in a similar price range, I don't think any match the HD 490 Pro in sound quality and tuning. The MDR-MV-1 might be a decent option, but I believe it falls short of the HD 490 Pro in both performance and value for money. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2026 by Amazon Customer

  • My Favorite Heaphones so far.
Style: HD 490 PRO
I bought these on an impulse really. I am not a pro of any kind, I am just looking for the good stuff. So I saw new Sennheiser's actually being marketed to working professionals instead of their usual "cool guy" marketing I decided it give it a go. Reviews on the usual sites like rtings were good too. I have to say these things are fantastic. They are actually MORE comfortable than Hifiman Edition XS. In part because they weigh less than half those weigh. My ears are on the large size and they fit in the cups just fine. And I listen to music all day long while working, and so far these clear 8 hours a day with comfort. Oh and I have a huge head. Like I have to get the largest sizes for hats. They fit me fine, no hot spots. Now onto build. The new adjustment mechanism is very nice, the headband is spring steel, and the earcups and hinges are fiberglass-reinforced polymer. So the stuff they make tools and firearms out of. Sure it doesn't feel all that nice to the touch, its a bit like fine sandpaper, but the stuff is 2nd only to steel in terms of durability. This is a HUGE step up from the usual simple plastics of my other headphones. This gives me hope these headphones will stand up well without physically breaking like a few have over the years. I also really like the standard 4 pin mini-XLR connector. This means these are balanced capable right out of the box. And you can switch sides. Now at present its hard to find these since not many companies offer it for headphones, but it means the cable will be easily replaceable when it inevitably breaks. Speaking of cables, the little coil near the headphones really does eliminate "microphonics" from the cable rubbing your shirt. Now for the big one. Sound. I am no pro, and I don't have a fancy set up. But I can say I really like these. I am using the velour "producer" pads because I enjoy that softer sound profile. First of all these ARE producer/mixer headphones. Meaning they are flat, and rather uncompromising. Despite that, they manage to deliver an enjoyable listening experience directly out of my DAC/amp. I can't say the same for some of the Beyerdymanics or Sony production headphones I've tried. They also are sensitive enough to run off typical audio devices like your laptop without an amp, but they do appreciate an amp. What really shines here? They are bright and detailed on the top end yet extend nicely down to give a rich, full bass. Quite possibly the strongest, best bass you are going to find in open-backed dynamic driver headphones. Its deep, rich, clean, and with a nice bit of thump/punch. I find I notice more high end details in my songs wearing these. All while avoiding the piercing, sibilant nature found in so many production headphones. They manage to keep that characteristic "Sennheiser veil" which makes these easy to use and enjoy. The bass its rich, deep, and full. Bass has always been a weakness of open back headphones. These extend down deep and loud like closed backed headphones. It even honestly thumps when the song was mixed for it. And despite this I have never felt the bass was muddy or distorted. Honestly these sound like quality planar magnetic headphones, all while using dynamic Drivers. These also have amazing sound stage, making both games and music a joy to enjoy with these. This is probably the best spatial audio I have ever heard. In games the location of audio is so good I have to resist instinctively looking over my shoulders, and I have been honestly confused if it was storming outside for real, or it was just the game until I checked the game. I have about 6 different pairs of headphones in the $400 range. These are BY FAR my favorite and the ones I keep going back to. I am not sure I am going to find better headphones unless I am willing to spend double the price they go for. I think we can rest easy that Sennheiser Pro still has their magic. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024 by Chris M.

  • Easy to Drive, Comfortable headphone with fantastic sound in this price. My starting point
Style: HD 490 PRO
This headphone is my first I believe hi-res headphone, so I would first focus on the physical aspect: weight, comfort, design etc. 1. Weight: This headphone is light and I am able to wear it 8 hours straight without any issue. 2. Comfort: Very Very comfortable and it does not feel tight to my head. Because the ear cups are flexible and twistable, it covered my ear perfectly. 3. Design: Very simplistic (which I really like). Although 490 pro is very light, when I hold it, it feel very sturdy, the headband doesn't feel cheap and the adjustable part feel easy to adjust while also hold it position fairly tightly. Notable mention: The cushion is not leather like surface, so no need to worry about the surface get peeled off one day and stuck to your hair. So in terms of the physical aspect of headphone itself, it is 5/5. Now comes to sound quality: - please note: I am not any music creator or professional musical listener. I am just a normal consumer and this is my first time step into this territory. The sound is crisp compared to my previous gaming headphone and it is further enhance if you do some EQ. It is ok if you don't do any EQ but I still feel like do some adjustment is better as after I did some EQ, without it feel a bit plain. But again, the sound itself is very clear and crisp. Very good! New user friendliness: Although the product state it is "Professional Headphone", I feel like it is still very friendly for new user, and here is my reason- no need a bunch of setup for it to work. HD 490 pro has a low enough resistance and fairly high sensitivity to plug directly into your pc and drive using your motherboard. Compare to some other high resistance and/or low sensitivity headphones which needs dedicated amp and/or DAC, HD 490 pro doesn't need you to pay a fortune for it to work. I feel like it is a pretty good entry point for new users who just into music and want to enjoy more on music (like me). You can just get this headphone first to feel the sound enhancement, then after you can by those frontend and get other headphones which needs dedicated frontend. Worth every single penny for this headphone. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2026 by wei ming liu

  • Perfect open back headphones side from price
Style: HD 490 PRO
Lightweight, comfortable, and perfect sound without any equalisation (production pads). No fatigue wearing for extended periods and music is very enjoyable. I question the price tag but I'm still very happy with the purchase. If you like prefer Sennheiser headphones but want something with flat but engaging these might be the answer. Made in Romania. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2026 by A Reviewer

  • Sennheiser lives up to the hype
Style: HD 490 PRO
I absolutely love these headphones. After years of constantly buying mid-tier headsets, I decided to treat myself to something top shelf. Throughout the years, I always heard of the Sennheiser hype, and wasn't sure if I believed it or not. The hype was definitely warranted. The headphones themselves, are super comfortable, and can be worn on top of my head all day without hurting. They are light enough to be insanely comfortable, but also sturdy enough that they feel like they belong at this price point. The actual material of the earpads is a super light and breathable material, that doesn't make my ears sweat whatsoever. That has always been my biggest issue with most headphones, is how I have to take them off to cool my ears down, but these headphones do not have this issue. I know these headphones are marketed towards audiophiles, but as someone who uses them for competitive shooters, and is always listening to music, these are a dream. Pair them with a DAC to get the most value out of them (I personally use the FiiO K11), and enjoy the money you spent on these. They are super durable, while still being lightweight enough for long sessions. Although I do understand the open-back is what allows for the best sound stage, I do wish they had noise-cancellation abilities. However, these headphones support more than enough volume and power to feel like you are in your own little audio-paradise. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2026 by Alex

  • overpriced, but for the comfort and build quality I think it’s almost worth it.
Style: HD 490 PRO
I’ve tried other Sennheiser headphones and I really like the sound, but I’ve never been a huge fan of having cables on both sides of my head and also the clamping was a bit too much and just never found them that comfortable. I read reviews on this headphone with different cup shape and super comfortable pads and good build quality and I thought it might be worth it. Although I do find the price too high, I still like what I ended up getting and with the pads, easily replaceable and the headband and replaceable as well as the cable, I plan to have these for many years and they seem like they’ll hold up. sometimes, you have to pay extra for something a bit different. It also seems like the basic extension and mid bass is better than the 560S and 6XX while retaining the high frequency response. I find them to sound really nice and the comfort is just a new bar in my opinion. And comfort is hugely important for headphones that you plan to wear for more than an hour. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024 by D. Frost

  • Way Better Than I Thought
Style: HD 490 PRO
I bought these for Sound Design and Audio Engineering and I really am in love. I run these through an Apollo Twin X. My previous headphones were the Beyerdynamic DT 990's and its a noticeable improvement. I will say, I prefer the fabric earpads to the velvet ones. I think the velvet pads sound too muddy for my tastes. The soundstage is super wide too; it makes it so much easier to work with a mix and tweak individual tracks without soloing them out. That packed in with its flat freq. response and outstanding comfort makes these a solid choice for anyone in the audio industry. I will say... if youre looking for a consumer headphone just to listen to music, this probably isnt for you. If you wanna just listen to music, pick up a pair of 6XX's since they sound warmer. For gaming, its a different story! If you wanna be that snob that buys expensive audio equipment to have an advantage during gaming, then this is a good choice as well. The sound stage makes it pretty easy to spot where people are and differentiate sounds around your character. Will they make you better at the game?... probably not. Best headphones in this priceline!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2026 by Robert Ruzell Ramsey

  • oh my, ohhhhhh my, wow. SR in tarkov shot up
Style: HD 490 PRO
Im coming from the 660s and just holy moly. I play a lot of fps and comp games and these headphones are exceptional for the job. Everything the 660s lacked, these have to offer in heaps. Imaging? Sound stage? Bass? its all there and its pin point accurate. The 660s are beutiful headphones, perfect for narrative games and music but they fall flat in fps games especially wehre imaging is important. The 490 pros offer some of the best directionallity I have every experienced. I do think the dt 1990 pro mkiis have better imaging but the 1990s are also twice as heavy, have an exhausting treble, arent balanced, and theyre twice as expensive... I tried both of these headphones side by side and for me, the 490s are the clear all-around winner, with the DT1990s being superior in a few places but far inferior everywhere else. the 490 pros are sooooo comfortable, you will forget that theyre on your head. No battery, good cord options. Get an aftermarket balanced cable. I love these headphones. My survival rate in tarkov has shot up since getting these headphones. Thank gawd. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2026 by Himsa

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