Sennheiser is expanding its lineup of wired headphones with two new USB‑C models designed for modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops: the in-ear CX 80U and the over-ear HD 400U. These headphones are aimed at listeners who prefer the simplicity of a cable while also avoiding the rechargeable lithium batteries found in many wireless earbuds and headphones.
Both the CX 80U and HD 400U are based on familiar designs from Sennheiser’s 3.5 mm range, mirroring the CX 80S and HD 400S. The big difference is the USB‑C connection, which lets you plug in directly to compatible devices without relying on Bluetooth. For anyone frustrated by wireless compression, this wired digital approach can be a major upgrade—Sennheiser says both models support digital audio streams up to 24-bit/96 kHz, helping preserve detail that can be lost when streaming over common Bluetooth codecs.
Sound tuning is another shared focus. Sennheiser describes both headphones as using a U-shaped frequency response, meaning the bass is given extra emphasis to add weight and excitement to music. Between the two, the HD 400U is positioned as the warmer-sounding option, while the CX 80U is slightly more neutral for listeners who want a more balanced presentation.
In terms of specs, the HD 400U covers 18 Hz to 20 kHz, reaches up to 120 dB SPL, and keeps total harmonic distortion under 0.5%. The CX 80U runs from 17 Hz to 20 kHz, hits up to 119 dB SPL, and also stays under 0.5% THD. Both models include an in-line MEMS microphone for calls, rated for a mic frequency response of 100 Hz to 10 kHz, with 24-bit/48 kHz output.
Pricing puts these USB‑C headphones into accessible territory for different budgets. The Sennheiser CX 80U is listed at $39.95, while the Sennheiser HD 400U comes in at $99.95. Both models are available now through authorized sellers and Sennheiser’s official sales channels.
