Sennheiser's cheap new USB-C headphones and earbuds mean you have no excuse for not listening in glorious Hi-Res Audio everywhere

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Sennheiser gives its affordable in- and over-ears a USB-C boost

Sennheiser CX 80U and HD 400U shot in front of a gradient grey to white background
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
  • USB-C upgrades for Sennheiser's popular headphones and earbuds
  • Wide compatibility and up to 24-bit/96kHz audio
  • From £34.99 / $39.95 / €39.90 (about AU$69)

Sennheiser has updated its fan-favorite CX 80S and HD 400S earbuds and headphones with USB-C connections that deliver 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res Audio directly to your ears, with no lossy wireless tech involved.

The new models, dubbed CX 80U and HD 400U, work with a wide range of devices including smartphones, handheld gaming consoles, tablets and PCs, and they're clearly aimed at cost-conscious customers.

USB-C is a welcome upgrade to these well-liked models, and a necessary one: the existing models require 3.5mm headphone sockets, which are an increasingly rare sight, especially in portable devices (much to many people's on-going chagrin).

Sennheiser HD 400U on a wooden desk or table with a smartphone's corner just visible next to it

The closed-back HD 400U promise punchy bass and the familiar Sennheiser sound (Image credit: Sennheiser)

New boss, same as the old boss

Other than the hi-res upgrade, the specs are largely the same as before. Both models are compatible with iOS, Android, ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, SteamOS and more, and both feature a microphone for calls.

The HD 400U are closed-back over-ear headphones with passive noise isolation, and they promise to deliver the same rich bass as the previous model. They come with a detachable cable and a storage pouch, like many of the best wired headphones.

If you prefer in-ears listening, the CX 80U come with three sizes of ear tips and promise a "balanced yet punchy" audio experience to compete with the best wired earbuds.

As before, the headphones and earbuds are priced competitively for buyers on a budget: the CX 80U earbuds have a recommended price of $39.95 / £34.99 (about AU$69) and the HD 400U headphones are $99.95 / £69.99 (about AU$138). Both models are available now.

Wish you could add USB-C Hi-Res Audio support to your existing 3.5mm wired headphones? Check out list of the best USB DACs:

iFi Go Link Max
The best headphone DACs for all budgets

➡️ Read our full guide to the best headphone DACs
1. Best budget USB-C portable DAC:
iFi GO Link Max
2. Best budget desktop DAC:
iFi Uno
3. Best premium portable DAC:
iFi xDSD Gryphon
4. Best wireless DAC:
Fiio BTR17

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Carrie Marshall
Carrie Marshall

Contributor

Writer, broadcaster, musician and kitchen gadget obsessive Carrie Marshall has been writing about tech since 1998, contributing sage advice and odd opinions to all kinds of magazines and websites as well as writing more than twenty books. Her latest, a love letter to music titled Small Town Joy, is on sale now. She is the singer in spectacularly obscure Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind.

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