Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Headphones
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II is an over-ear, closed-back wireless headphone with active noise cancellation. It sits around the $350 price range, making it a fairly expensive option but still less costly than some high-end wireless headphones. Most of its construction uses plastic, but the headphones feel durable and well built.
The PXC 550-II has padding on the top of the headband, although the earcups are not particularly comfortable. The clamping force is also a little tight. Several features are included, such as active noise cancellation and touch controls on the earcups. You can tap the earcup to pause your music or swipe up to increase the volume.
One of the weaker points is the way these controls are integrated. Compared with some competing headphones, they don’t feel as polished. The PXC 550-II can also connect to multiple devices, such as a computer and smartphone, at the same time. The sound has good clarity and detail, with an improvement over the previous model. If you want a less expensive Sennheiser option with good sound quality, the Sennheiser PXC 550 is another model worth considering.
Pros of Sennheiser PXC 550-II
- Great stability
- Comfortable for most listeners
- Effective active noise cancellation
Cons of Sennheiser PXC 550-II
- Relatively heavy design
- Tight clamping force
- Limited headband adjustment
Comparison With Previous Models
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II has a similar appearance and overall design to its predecessors. The main improvements are found in areas such as active noise cancellation and stability.
The ANC performs well and is better than on the previous models. Stability has also improved, so the headphones stay in place better during normal use.
The sound also has good clarity and detail compared with the previous version, making the PXC 550-II a noticeable improvement without changing the overall design too much.
Available Colors
After testing, we found the Sennheiser PXC 550-II available in black. We did not find other color options at the time of testing.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Sennheiser PXC 550-II is good. Dense plastic is used throughout the headphones, while metal straps are included in the headband structure.
The combination of plastic and metal gives the headphones a strong feel. They can handle regular use and are not easily damaged by minor accidental drops or impacts.
Comfort
The PXC 550-II provides good comfort overall. The earcups are relatively small, allowing them to sit closely around the ears. The cushioned headband and earcups also help when listening for longer periods.
The headband itself feels comfortable, but its adjustment is limited. It does not offer as many size adjustments as some other over-ear headphones, so the fit may not be ideal for every head size.
The clamping force is another point to consider. It is somewhat tight, which some listeners may notice during longer listening sessions.
Carrying Case
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II comes with a hard-shell carrying case that protects the headphones when traveling or storing them.
The case is useful for protecting the headphones from accidental drops and other damage. It also provides space for storing the headphones and their accessories.
For users who carry their headphones regularly, having a protective case is particularly useful because the PXC 550-II can be folded into a more compact shape.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the strongest parts of the Sennheiser PXC 550-II. The headphones produce an enjoyable and bright sound with good clarity and detail.
The sound works well with different music genres and everyday listening. Voices and instruments are clear enough to make the headphones useful for more than just casual music playback.
Compared with the previous model, the PXC 550-II provides better clarity and detail, which makes the difference noticeable when switching between the two.
Portability
The PXC 550-II is reasonably portable for an over-ear headphone. The earcups swivel and fold, allowing the headphones to become flatter and easier to carry.
They can be placed in a bag without taking up as much space as a typical full-size over-ear headphone. The included hard-shell case also makes them easier to carry while protecting them from damage.
Noise Isolation
Active noise cancellation is one of the better features of the PXC 550-II. It reduces surrounding noise and prevents a significant amount of outside sound from reaching your ears.
The ANC performs better than the previous models. Sounds such as automobile engines, people talking, and music playing nearby can be reduced, making it easier to concentrate on your own audio.
For travel and other noisy environments, this is one of the main reasons to consider the PXC 550-II.
Recording Quality
The PXC 550-II uses an integrated microphone, and its recording quality is fine for everyday communication.
Voices sound clear and contain a reasonable amount of detail. However, the microphone does not provide the same type of performance you would get from headphones with a dedicated boom microphone.
For phone calls and casual communication, the microphone is adequate.
Battery Life
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II provides around 21 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
The charging time is also reasonable, taking less than three hours for a full charge. For regular daily use, the battery can last long enough that you don’t need to charge the headphones every day.
Key Specifications
- Over-ear, closed-back wireless headphones with active noise cancellation
- Around 21 hours of continuous playback on a single charge
- Full charge in less than three hours
- Available in black
- Hard-shell carrying case included
- Earcups swivel and fold for portability
- Integrated microphone for calls and communication
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sennheiser PXC 550-II good for everyday use?
Yes. The PXC 550-II combines good sound quality, active noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and around 21 hours of battery life. These features make it suitable for everyday listening, travel, and computer use.
Does the Sennheiser PXC 550-II have active noise cancellation?
Yes. The PXC 550-II has active noise cancellation that reduces surrounding sounds. Its ANC performance is also better than that of the previous models.
Can the Sennheiser PXC 550-II connect to multiple devices?
Yes. The headphones can connect to multiple devices, such as a computer and smartphone, at the same time.
How is the sound quality of the Sennheiser PXC 550-II?
The PXC 550-II produces an enjoyable and bright sound with good clarity and detail. It works well for different types of music and everyday audio.
Is the Sennheiser PXC 550-II comfortable?
The cushioned headband and earcups provide good comfort, but the earcups are relatively small and the clamping force is somewhat tight. The limited headband adjustment may also affect the fit for some users.
Is the Sennheiser PXC 550-II portable?
Yes. The earcups can swivel and fold, making the headphones flatter and easier to carry in a bag.
How long does the Sennheiser PXC 550-II battery last?
The headphones provide around 21 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. A full charge takes less than three hours.
Does the Sennheiser PXC 550-II have a good microphone?
The integrated microphone provides clear recordings with a reasonable amount of detail. It is suitable for everyday calls and communication, although it does not perform like a dedicated boom microphone.
What are the main disadvantages of the Sennheiser PXC 550-II?
The main drawbacks are the relatively heavy design, tight clamping force, small earcups, and limited headband adjustment.
Is the Sennheiser PXC 550-II better than the previous model?
The PXC 550-II improves on the previous model in areas such as active noise cancellation, stability, clarity, and sound detail. The overall design remains similar, but these improvements make it a stronger option than its predecessor.
Is the Sennheiser PXC 550-II Worth It?
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II is a good choice if your priorities are sound quality, noise cancellation, wireless use, and stable fit. Its ANC is one of its strongest features, while the 21-hour battery life is enough for regular daily use and travel.
There are a few things to keep in mind before buying. The clamping force is somewhat tight, the earcups are not particularly large, and the headband does not provide extensive adjustment. The microphone is also suitable for everyday calls rather than demanding recording work.
If those limitations are not a problem for you, the PXC 550-II remains a solid over-ear wireless headphone, particularly for someone who wants good sound and effective ANC without moving into the highest-priced flagship models.