Sennheiser HD 201 vs. HD 202: Use Cases Considered

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Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…

Let’s compare the Sennheiser HD 201 vs. 202 and see if there are any marked differences. By the end of this article, you’ll know which one may be right for you!

Sennheiser HD 201

Specifications

• Price: Check Amazon! | check eBay!
• Type: Closed-back
• Fit: Circumaural
• Impedance: 24 Ohm
• Frequency Response: 21Hz – 18kHz
• Material: Plastic, leatherette
• Headband: Leatherette Padding
• Color: Black/Silver

Summary

I’ve had quite a love-hate relationship with the HD201 over the years. When I first bought one around 2015, I was severely underwhelmed.

It sounded dull, drab, and boring. I ended up giving them away.

Years later, I got a chance to listen again because someone from my old church used them for tracking. Because I had a lot more experience in music production, I finally understood their intended purpose and eventually fell in love.

These aren’t for casual listening, though they can theoretically work for that. The HD 201 is meant for critical listening, but I will caution you that the sub-bass does roll off considerably.

The sound is incredibly flat, neutral, and mostly balanced, with surprisingly good resolution at the price point and a relaxed overall vibe. No mud, no bloat, and no major frequency response issues. There’s a reason they’ve been around for so long.

They’re decently comfortable, but you’ll start to feel them digging into your ears after about an hour. Made of all plastic, they’re also severely underweight and feel like a toy from your local Walmart, but I’ve never had any issues with the structural integrity of them breaking down.  

The faux leather will likely start to peel after a year or 2, but overall, they’re compact and work well in mixing environments. 

The non-detachable cable is rather flimsy and terminates in a 3.5mm jack at the business end.

Video Review

Please keep in mind this is an older evaluation.

Amplification

At 24 Ohm Impedance, the HD201 doesn’t require amplification but I suppose you could plug them into something like a BTR3K. 

Verdict

Sennheiser’s HD 201 is still an excellent headphone and makes a perfect entry-level tracking/recording headphone if you’re on a budget.

Sennheiser HD 202

• Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay!
• Type: Closed-Back
• Fit: Supra-Aural (On-Ear)
• Impedance: 32 Ohm
• Frequency Response: 18Hz-18000KHz
• Material: Plastic, Leatherette
• Headband: Soft padded headband construction
• Color: Black

Summary

That same year, I also bought a pair of HD 202s, and the 2 headphones couldn’t be any more different.

While the HD 201 has a traditional click mechanism for the headband, the HD 202 is literally a piece of plastic that connects to the 2 ear cups.

Taking them apart is rather simple, and it certainly helps with long-term durability.

You’d think this would mean they’re less durable, but I found the opposite to be true.

Less moving parts typically = fewer problems down the road, and the 202 is a fine example of such a headphone that you can toss around without worry. 

It also makes a perfect upgrade from trashy sub $10 earbuds, or a crappy set of headphones you’d find at CVS or something.

Sound-wise also marks a significant difference, as the 202 opts for a boost in the most relevant parts of the bass around 60-90Hz followed by a cut in the 200-300Hz region. The sub-bass still rolls off a bit, but this is a perfectly legitimate way to tune bass and the 202 follows one of the preferred bass curves nicely.

In some ways, I feel as though this is one of the last decently tuned consumer headphones that exist; at least as far as what I’ve heard. The treble is rather subdued, but the mids are good and overall, the price to performance is excellent considering these are incredibly cheap. 

If the HD 201 is meant for critical listening, the 202 is most certainly tuned for enjoyment and fun. In fact, this is a perfect entry-level bass head product and they even come with a cord clip. 

Comfort is similar to the HD 201 and will start to dig into your ears after a while, but I’d saythe  build here is better overall.

Amplification

At 32 Ohm Impedance, you won’t have to worry bout purchasing a separate Amp/DAC, but again, a BTR3K would be good for on-the-go users.

• Required Reading: How to Choose a Headphone Amp [Complete Guide]

Verdict

Sennheiser’s HD 202 is still a great option for budding audio enthusiasts, donning a very accessible bass head type sound at an affordable price. 

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

• Both are entry-level, closed-back headphones from Sennheiser.
• Both have similar impedance levels.
• Both have a long, somewhat cheap-feeling wire, that comes out of both ear-cups.
• Both come with a 1/4″ adapter, which is nice at this price point.
• Neither comes with a carrying case.
• Neither have much of a Soundstage. 

Differences

• Build. The HD 201s are lightweight and feel a lot cheaper than the HD 202’s plastic. The 202 is built very differently in that the headband adjusts from the earcups. It’s one piece of plastic attached to 2 cups. To me, they are more durable because fewer parts can break. I could toss these around without an issue. The HD 201s utilize a traditional build but feel cheaper by contrast. Still, they’ve never given me problems.
• Sound. The HD 201 is meant for critical listening while the HD 202 is built for fun and enjoyment. Both have some bass roll-off, but the 202 opts for some slam around 60-90Hz. Both cut or keep flat the mud regions of 200-300Hz.
• Features/Accessories. The 201s have none. The 202’s earcups can be removed, and they come with a belt clip for your extra slack. Yes, the cable feels somewhat cheap and long, but it does come in handy when watching movies at night from your TV.
• Fit. The HD 201s are circumaural, meaning they go around your ears. The HD 202s are supra-aural and rest on your ears.
• Comfort. Both tend to dig into your ears, but I found the HD 202 to be a bit more comfortable over extended listening sessions. I found that the HD 202s were more comfortable over long listening sessions. The 201s are some of the most uncomfortable headphones I’ve ever worn. They needed a lot more frequent adjustment.
• Look/Aesthetic. Their visual styles are completely different.

Closing Thoughts

These headphones are polar opposites in terms of sound, so if you’re looking for an entry-level headphone for tracking/recording, etc., it’s hard to argue with an HD 201.

For a bass head sound at an affordable price, the HD 202 is still good but if I were you, I’d check out the best headphones for hip-hop first. 

Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Sennheiser HD 201 vs. HD 202 comparison and came away with some valuable insight.

Which of these sounds like it would suit you best? Be sure to let me know!!

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

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All the best and God bless,

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

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