What Hi-Fi? Verdict
After some closed-back cans to use on the commute? These Sennheisers are well worth an audition
Pros
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Leak minimal noise
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weighty, clear delivery
Cons
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Lack the spaciousness of open headphones
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bit more detail and tighter bass would be nice
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
As far as affordable on-ear headphones go, it may seem iGrados are the de facto choice. Not so; their open-back design means they leak noise badly, making them an inconsiderate choice for commuters.
That's where closed-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD 218s come in. They may lack the spaciousness of open models, but at least you won't fall out with a stranger on the train.
What they offer is a weighty, clear and refined delivery that'll flatter heavily compressed music and tame a bright-sounding MP3 player.
We would like greater detail and attack, and bass – though deep – could be tighter, but they're good by the standards of affordable closed-back cans.
