Sennheiser PXC 550 vs PXC 550 ii | What's the difference?

[@bgan4826]

Great video stating the differences between the PXC550 and PXC550 II clearly and concisely. Saves me a lot of time.

[@frankflapper445]

Thanks for the vid dude. I got the right version. Android and Windows user only. Never touched Apple. Good job!

[@renelicea06]

But apples are healthy and good for you

[@frankflapper445]

@@renelicea06 Yes.....but they are probably not so good or healthy for the people who make them. 🙁

[@zeon86]

Very informative to tell me the differences between Gen.1 and Gen.2. I have Gen.1 and most of my devices are Android. These two pairs of headphones are the same look, so I didn't expect any ANC improvement on Gen.2 For everyone's information, PXC550 don't cancel the wind noise.

[@crj92]

Hi, @4:57 you said, we can change the voice assist to equaliser changer, I do not see this option in the Senn Control app

[@frope01]

Thanks. Very informative. I just broke my beloved 550's and wondered about the differences, since the 550ii is $200 right now on Drop. Well worth it.

[@coffeebreakhero3743]

I just bought the older generation in 178$. I hope I'll be pleased

[@rufatzeynalli5538]

Me too. Im still waiting for shipping from us to my country. Hope it`ll be great

[@coffeebreakhero3743]

@@rufatzeynalli5538 same haha

[@Kaldrax]

I own the PXC 550 for about 1,5 years now and mainly use them at work. The sound quality is amazing. With any other ANC headphones I tried out I always had pressure on the ears like in an airplane - not with the Sennheiser. In short: you will be pleased. :)

[@coffeebreakhero3743]

ok I'm super pleased aside from a few bugs when getting calls on the phone while playing a game on the laptop. game audio, unlike music/video, does not re-register, and I have to disconnect and connect again to make audio come from the laptop. also minor distortions over bluetooth. perhaps interference because everything on my house is wireless? otherwise, it's really perfect. sounds amazing. I would recommend people with big ears to maybe consider something else. Mine is really just right luckily 9/10 very pleased comfortable and sounds great and nice features

[@lloydchristmas4547]

@@coffeebreakhero3743 Thanks for the mini-review.

[@alessandrorusso7245]

Totally loved this review: straight to the point. Thanks for sharing =)

[@vinaykatta7373]

Best video out there for this comparision 👍🙂😁

[@michaelarmani8286]

I have both and this was quite accurate.

[@TheNick9910]

@NitroZerker lol

[@WarinPartita6]

Thanks for your straightforward comments, Phillip. :-)))

[@nackedgrils9302]

Thanks for breaking this down. As a happy user of the PXC-550 V1 for almost five years now, I'd been telling myself that if they ever failed on me, I'd buy the V2 as a replacement but I now know that it wouldn't make any difference for me (Windows+Android user) even though V1 is almost half the price of V2 in my country. Anyway, I just swapped the battery (bought the V2 battery which has a greater capacity I believe) and earpads and they're still going on strong, let's hope for a few more years of good services!

[@Deucethehero]

I can use the assistant on my Gen I pxc550s. You swipe back and then hold on the ear cup... Works on iOS and Android

[@ashash679]

GREAT COMPARISON. Thanks for your thorough explanation on differences.

[@ATOMICK1ONE]

I got the first model and they were great for the first year in which I only used them with bluetooth. When I used them for gaming on my ps4 using the wired connection the Bluetooth function stopped working as in it became non-existent. After looking up this problem online it becomes very apparent that this is a very common problem that when you plug in the jack which comes with the product it stops the Bluetooth function from working! Many forums filled with the same problem. I am currently waiting for sennheiser to repair or replace them with the 2 year warranty cover that all sennheiser products come with So I just received the pxc 550-II from sennheiser as a replacement so prop to sennheiser for this

[@DrSagaciousone]

Great job! Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!!

[@ChinTean]

i dont think pxc550 ‘s sound quality is bad in apple product.

[@nikovbn839]

This sentence makes no sense.

[@Rat_hunter_57]

@@nikovbn839 the pxc550 does not have bad sound quality when paired to an apple device.

[@bonezed]

agree, it is fine on Apple. and other reviews I have seen say v2 is worse

[@ryans6309]

I have the first Gen and it sounds exactly the same on my IPhone and PC

[@TimeIdle]

He didn't say it was "bad". He said that there's a slight delay due to older BT technology.

[@loveurselfilm]

Thank you for this video, really help me for buying decisions 👍🏼

[@kubapuchalski8633]

So I'm glad that I bought used first generation of them today, for £70.

[@LovroSabljak]

How to change button functionality on 2nd gen? I can't find it in app

[@Slon104]

think a lot of points you made by tallying about apple and 5.0 are miss leading i am interest it in this that is not in your video - is noise canceling better? - is there still the same problem in windy environments ? - is the anc or acc or what codec working through bluethooth 4.something as not everyone is rocking the newest iphone? :) - Is calling possible in loud environments? - senhaser claimed that voice in your Voice call improved is it real? mb do some voice recording - can i play music from my phone and when i connect to pc when pc starts playing some sound thru us is it posible to have phone playing in backroad simultaneously? (i have problem with notifications that are cutting the pc audio) thank you :)

[@likeyourdie5387]

One more question that I wanna ask, if u connect it to Your pc and it starts using mic the quality of the music gets worse, is it Still like that?

[@johnnykawakid]

GREAT VIDEO MAN, HAVE THE GEN 1 HEADPHONES, AND LOVE THEM.

[@different.5800]

can you compare it other headphone in term of sound quality such as sony or bose at same price, and is it still good in 2024

[@paede39]

The software of the PXC 550 II is also updateable, the old model is not. Also it has "Anti Wind" noise reduction, which the old model hasn't

[@PTNLemay]

For the old one the anti-wind feature was "increase the volume". Elegant in it's simplicity.

[@TheGordonFamily11]

How do I disable voice assistant on the gen2s and specify it to be the equalizer in the app?

[@1boboha]

You can't unfortunately. The video was misleading.

[@SteveTeo99]

And there still isn’t a way to control Effect Mode from the headphones. You can only select one of the modes using the app and the headphones remember that one setting.

[@nikovbn839]

Why still not usb-c though? :/

[@nikovbn839]

@YggdrasilAE ?

[@nikovbn839]

@YggdrasilAE It's not about the size at all... Besides, usb-c is small enough to put in headphones.

[@lloydchristmas4547]

@YggdrasilAE I don't think you know what's going on.

[@jeff5wms]

Great video. The Gen 1's sound fantastic with my iPhone X.

[@gustavomeza8117]

Really helpful and straight to the point. Thank you very much

[@johangustafsson6862]

You can use the voice assistant on gen 1 as well (working at least with my Android phone). Simply put your finger on the touch panel and "draw back" towards you horizontally. Hold for a sec and it activates the phones voice command. Opposite direction is redial. The battery life actually seem to be worse on gen 2, at least according to Rtings.com test. Seem to be a 5 hour difference or so. But it advertised the same. Don't know if you said that but gen 2 is supporting Aptx(LL) which I think is a big deal. Keep up the good work!

[@andreargolo2915]

The Gen1 supports Aptx too. That information can be found on the manual PG 5-> assets.sennheiser.com/global-downloads/file/6983/PXC550_IM_A02_EN.pdf

[@DJohnson1993]

I have had PXC 550’s for a while only running apple devices without any problems. Zero delays and still brilliant to make calls from. Couldn’t justify $200 more for black trim, slight upgrade to Bluetooth and changing the functionality of the button from modes to assistant. I have compared sound quality (playing the same music on both series 1 and 2) of there is a difference it is certainly underwhelming. All in all, brilliant set of head phones, if mine broke I’d just buy series 1 again for excellent value for money/noise cancelling/comfort/quality!

[@tde2019]

Glad to hear because today I bought the first gen to use with only Apple products. I went first gen due to $50 price difference and I like the look of the silver trim better. This will be my first pair of wireless headphones.

[@xangelux]

You totally saved me, Gen 1 would be a disappointment with my apple devices, thanks for the info :)

[@radreviewz9482]

Sounds like not a worthy upgrade for how many years apart these headphones have been out. Is the noise cancelling better? Anything different about the fit? I kinda skipped around your video so sorry if I missed these points but your answers will be seen here by others :)

[@eduarda.costache7321]

Very well done comparison review

[@jcru40]

The gen 1 will work fine I’ve been using with iPad for the longest they improve anc and sound a smitch on all black gen 2 . They really messed up on not putting USBc .

[@lloydchristmas4547]

@YggdrasilAE like the other thread, you still don't know what's going on.

[@ryans6309]

There’s lag when I use the 1st one on my iPhone but it sounds exactly the same when I use it on my PC

[@milanrastelli4026]

I can confirm that while taking calls in Mac using PXC 550, the bluetooth connection gets disconnected after 30 min or so :( I have to use the USB cable which is annoying!

[@emilybohr7798]

I am an Apple iPhone user who just upgraded from the PXC-550 to the PXC-550 ii based on the information relayed in this video. My 1st gen (after 3ish years of wonderful and almost daily use) started to have issues with charging and maintaining a charge... Honestly, I thought the PXC-550 sounded amazing (even when using Bluetooth) and was excited to see the difference. The only thing I was annoyed with (from the video regarding changing the effect mode and to disable the voice command button functionality) was having to download Sennheiser’s app to do so- but small inconvenience, not a big deal, right? Sadly, the iPhone users are unable to use the app w/ these headphones as their current firmware version is incompatible with iOS 13.3 or higher and the app recommends using iOS 13.2 or prior to use the app (current iOS 13.4- anyone who uses Apple products knows there is not a way to go back once you’ve updated), therefore, rendering this solution... well.. useless. Another note, the app recommends using an Android device to upgrade the firmware (when it becomes available)... but... what if you don’t have an Android device? Am I supposed to borrow a friend’s device? That seems really inconvenient and awkward- especially during COVID. 😷 I realize this video is 9 months old and I honestly can’t remember what iOS was out at that time but you may want to consider updating the video or putting a disclaimer to state that these two products really aren’t compatible.

[@kanchouscorner2074]

In your video you said one could switch on the sound mode toggle feature for the voice assist button on the 550-II via the app, but I can not find this option anywhere. Could you please tell me where exactly I can find this option? Thanks in advance

[@tamarasthornton]

It's in the 'Smart Control' app, under Acoustical Settings

[@IszakG]

Tamara Thornton is this in the android version only? I can not find a way for that and I use iPhone. Would be awesome though because I do not use voice control.

[@kanchouscorner2074]

@@IszakG It isn't in the android version either. I guess Tamara misread my question. I contacted sennheiser customer support and their technical support will look into it.

[@IszakG]

Kanchous Corner okay, pls update here if you find a solution!

[@kanchouscorner2074]

@@IszakG Sennheiser just got back to me. The product manager will add this feature to the pool of ideas, but there is currently no priority to implement it. So this means two things: 1. Three is currently no way to change the sound mode without cramming out the app. 2. This video here is inaccurate and was most likely just shoved out quickly to produce clicks before other channels can produce actual useful content about the PXC 550-II. What a shame. You should write Sennheiser that you would like to see this feature. Maybe it will heighten the chance of implementation. Have a good one

[@sarracenogamer7375]

Nice review, thank you for this comparison

[@Smokdeel]

Thank you very much. I’m using apple so I will go for V2 🎧👍🏻

[@aiden2638]

I love your review,your video make me to buy sennheiser

[@harlawood9811]

Thanks for the review. But doesn’t the PXC 2 have a different app to control the equalizer than the PXC 1? Smart Control vs CapTune?

[@naveej]

both use smart control now - according to Sennheisers website at least

[@jokerperson1572]

Honestly they’re both not great

[@tamarasthornton]

I love mine. I've had them for 1.5 years and just upgraded to the new version, which I like even better.

[@KiwiClawDHA]

New app. Is it better than captunes

[@mikewilson1957]

Excellent review!

[@laulovincent8167]

cool! j'ai enfin trouvé la pertinente vidéo que je recherchais, merci pour les descriptifs détaillés ainsi que les pertinents conseils permettant de bien choisir. Pour ma part ça sera gen1.désolé pour les éventuelles erreurs de traductions. cool! I finally found the relevant video I was looking for, thank you for the detailed descriptions and the relevant advice to help you choose. For my part it will be gen1. Sorry for any translation errors.

[@meeokosett4928]

Viewing it on my pxc 500 2

[@SKY911]

I own the PXC 500! If you have any questions! I can answer you!

[@buleulek5153]

Very good video, thank you 💓

[@SkyPirateU]

Dope review...!!!

[@zyghom]

few comments: 1- it is NOT PCX but PXC ;-) 2- I am using every day version 1 with both Android and Apple devices (Macbook and iPad) and I don't see any difference and no lags 3- that functions under button in version 1 is ... COMPLETELY useless - I would rather make it programable 4- I am using version 1 on the train and tube for about 2.5h every working day - the noice cancellation is PERFECT!

[@cubidup.]

Thank you! -I am about to buy the first gen because of the Unbox Therapy video and then I saw this video talking about issue with Apple devices ( I am iPhone user ). I hope there will be no problems with it.

[@ajbadenhorst]

Also if using Gen 1 with a mac you can set the used codex to AptX so you get the best latency and sound quality that they offer.

[@MontyGumby]

so if NOT using USB but the audio cable - sound quality wise there's no difference ?

[@barsozturk2227]

Are they both the same volume?

[@maxheadrom3088]

I wanted to know about the Bluetooth. I will go for the BT5, even though I don't use Apple products, because of higher bit rate and lower power consumption. I have a Sennheiser 565 Ovation that I purchased in the 1990s and it still sounds great! I replaced the cable, the pads and the head pad. I hope this characteristic (replaceable ear pads) is in the 550 and 550 II. I like Sennheiser because their sound is closer to flat than other headphones that usually enhance the bass. Sennheiser also created the first ANC for Lufthansa in the 1980s. One question: how good is AptX and lossless on the old version?

[@samuelrein5960]

Repeats the same things a lot... One thing you don't speak about is Skype/Teams support. I have learned the hard way that the PXC 550 don't support Skype and Teams Calls via Bluetooth with windows. The sound connection just drops. I've had it confirmed from Sennheiser customer service that if you want that extra feature, you need to buy the skype certified MB660PRO which are nearly the same as the PXC 550 but with a bluetooth dongle and that are skype/teams certified. Do the PXC 550 II support Skype and Teams Bluetooth calls out of the box or is that also a special feature that comes from a slightly different product range?

[@adrianborinsky2989]

He probably didn't talk about it because nobody uses skype anymore....

[@barsozturk2227]

Which one has better sound quality?

[@mouinemhb4960]

gonna have to cop these

[@valiantpramana]

Which one better between sennheiser, bang olufsen or bowers wilkins?

[@JackOfHarts96]

Is the ANC any better on the II version?

[@okaydaniel8239]

it matters even for windows user 2nd gen supports APTX LL which first gen doesn't

[@andreargolo2915]

The Gen1 supports Aptx too. That information can be found on the manual PG 5-> assets.sennheiser.com/global-downloads/file/6983/PXC550_IM_A02_EN.pdf

[@serhiich4]

Hey, thanks for the comparison! As for mantioned ability to re-setup main button on II-th it's not correct from my experience. I just bought the pair and so you can just disable voice assistant but no more.

[@serhiich4]

I have the last firmware version and I don't really think they just got rid of that feature

[@tariqrashed3993]

Nice review 👍🏻 thx

[@عادلعيساوي-د8ض]

Thank you broo good information,I'm New here 🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿

[@charlesa1234]

Are the pads made of authentic leather?

[@evan2640]

When u said the battery life was 30 hours wirelessly that’s with anc on and using them plugged in when using Bluetooth and anc it’s rated at 20 hours

[@AB-qy9er]

I disagree strongly with you making using Apple or Android a distinction. Fact is the PXC 2 is no upgrade in anyway on the PXC - which might be why you had to try so hard to create a reason for a difference. I have an Apple phone and the gen 2 sounded horrible even with the equalizer effects on. The Gen 1 actually sounds better - with the effects on to be clear - but really both Gen 1 and Gen 2 sound like crap compared to the Momentum 3 or even the older M2. but between the PXC,s get the PXC Gen 1. Gen 2 sounds thin and tinny like an old transistor radio - even with the effects on.

[@rhymequick]

I think he's reaching as well. I use my PXC-550 gen 1 with both an iPhone for work and my Note 9. If there is any delay on Bluetooth or SQ difference on the iPhone, it is hardly noticeable. I resisted for years purchasing the Sony XM2s and XM3s, waiting for Sennheiser, just to get this dud. PXC-550-ii may be one of the most disappointing product releases I can remember. All I wanted was ANC improvement (on par with Sony/Bose) and USB-C and they failed to deliver on either. All they did was change the accent on the earcups.

[@AB-qy9er]

yes, since I think the Momentum 3 was such an upgrade on the Momentum 2 I was really excited they were bringing out a PXC 2. I ordered it before it was even on sale. But the PXC 2 was a huge disappointment. I returned it. Even with the effects button it still sounded like crap. I didn’t even feel the effects on the app worked as effectively or made the same improvement in sound as the effects button on the PXC 1. They didn’t even upgrade the PXC 2 to USB C. I honestly felt the only improvement was that they removed the silver trim to make it more low key but that’s not why we buy headphones. I put up with the look of the momentum’s for sound and I think that the M3 and the Momentum Truly wireless earbuds ( I own 2 of the buds bc battery life sucks at only 4 hours) is where Sennheiser was putting in the work. PXC 2 was an afterthought and no real upgrade here.

[@ryans6309]

I used my PXC 550s 1st gen for my computer and iPhone and legit had no idea what this guy is talking about. He doesn’t even talk about the sound quality difference without some apple bull shit

[@abvmoose87]

Ive used the pxc 550 with ios devices 6+ hours a day everyday for the last year. Theres no problem with audio quality. I guess you mean that the audio quality aint that good because the transport protocol is only sbc and not aptx but your putting way to much importance on it. The quality of the recording and good eq setting will impact the sound far more. I like your channel and vids over all though. You put out alot of good stuff

[@antoniosc394]

Con iPhone XS Max suena mucho peor y más bajo que con androides. A ganado algo usando la app VOX. Compré el pxc550, si lo hubiera sabido hubiera tirado hacia el 550-II.

[@ryans6309]

My pxc 550 1s literally sound the same on my iphone and computer

[@gildog]

I can hear the difference between SBC,. AAC, And Aptx. My JBL tune 760s sound great, but the music always sounds like I'm outside a music venue. Mega loss and compression. I guess I'm an audiophile and I just didn't know it.

[@andyaranda2460]

Great review. I’ve been debating on getting the version 2s or the momentum 3s.

[@shafyethossain8220]

Get momentum 3 it has usb c.

[@sidney4542]

I didn't pay that much attention to the price, but if that's not a big deal to u, Imo, the momentum's have a way better sound quality.

[@andyaranda2460]

Shafyet Hossain usb c is a big plus. Momentum 3 is the way I’m leaning

[@shafyethossain8220]

@@sidney4542 I agree.

[@shafyethossain8220]

@@andyaranda2460 Thank You I appreciate.

[@SuperJulie14]

Of course both are excellent headphones but I personally think the first version looks better.

[@vinaykatta7373]

Did anyone else notice him saying PCX instead of PXC at start of video?

[@jreverie7018]

hmm I've owned two pairs of pxc 550, first pair lasted a few months and got a new one with warranty, the second lasted about a year and a half. best headphones ive owned but yeah, sadly havent lasted :(

[@apoboul]

Regarding the codec compatibility of version 1, “Apple products” isn’t quite accurate. I’d say “iOS products”, as Macs work very well with it. Anyway, great review!

[@cxmxc]

Aptx LL bro...no delay on Android devices

[@n8n8n8n]

I am not apple user and never will be, so I will stick with the 1st edition, cheaper and sound quality is the same, such difference between BT standards (4.2 vs 5.0) doesn't bothers me at all, the older one is way more stable.

[@coffeebreakhero3743]

video was informative, but too repetitive

[@sebastianalleyne1073]

The Bluetooth codec has no effect on the sound quality coming out of the headphone. The only difference is AAC has less latency than SBC but not better sound quality. This is false information. Also, these are not audiophile-grade headphones and differences in Bluetooth codecs will not be noticed on a headphone like this.

[@blacknapalm2131]

*I have both sets and use them with Spotify on my iPhone and they BOTH sound AMAZING. Spotify on Apple has an EQUALIZER which makes them sound even better. So hey, if you see the 550's or the ii's on a great sale, grab either of them!* The TOUCH pad to control your music is a game changer you will never be able to go back again. Also the 'turn the ear cups to turn the power off' feature which at first might seem strange is amazing too, you learn to instinctively 'twist' them off and wear them around your neck when not using them

[@DenizYener43]

Hi! Is there a difference in noise canceling at all? I’m particularly bothered by outside noise and just returned the pair of Momentum 4s I had just bought. I’m still using my broken pxc 550 because of it, wondering if i should buy it again or upgrade. The noise cancelling is a big issue for me!! Thanksss

[@blacknapalm2131]

@@DenizYener43 To be honest there's very little difference at all between the 550 and 550-II, but that's really because both models are exceptional! The best noise canceling and very good sound. But its the overall package, battery life and especially the touch pad controls and twist on/off that makes them outstanding overall. I tried the new Momentums too but they just felt clunky and old fashioned compared to the 550's. So I would just get whichever pair you can find that is cheapest.

[@toms.4311]

Today I received my PXC 550-II set. I expected it to be an upgrade to my PXC 550 as I'm using them primarily with my iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. Alas, I am really disappointed: the previous PXC 550 without AAC indeed sounds much better than the 550-II with AAC. They're already back in their package and will be returned to Sennheiser.

[@Teamshmo]

These are basically the same product with the smallest differences. They should of at least put usb c on the new ones.

[@andreargolo2915]

Folks, there are some misleading information in the comments section. I'll point only one, the Sennheiser PXC 550 gen1 does support Aptx. That information can be found on the manual PG 5-> assets.sennheiser.com/global-downloads/file/6983/PXC550_IM_A02_EN.pdf

[@skyry101]

If the sound ain't broke...don't fix it and send the premium to the moon for the sequel

[@jadyassine8484]

Nice video, thank you!

[@seansangster896]

What I will say is while the pxc 550 doesn't support the assistant directly it does support 'voice dial' which literally just activates the assistant, that's what I have been using from day one😂. And while Bluetooth 5.0 is good I still can't justify the cost of the new headset even though my device supports it

[@mikolajr4700]

I cannot recommend this video simply because you omitted how much worse PXC 550 ANC on wind is compared to PXC 550-II. I have both and the difference is huge. Still experience is bad on PXC 550-II, but at least you can manage to keep them on ears. Honestly, Sennheisser is not worth the money, because connectivity sucks in general.

[@urgr8stfear987]

Does it have usb type c charging?

[@hlapatsas]

Nope. Micro usb, still.

[@shafyethossain8220]

It is stupid to put micro usb on a prenium headphone instead of usb c.

[@brendansmart2337]

@@PeakSurfer except usb type c doesn't really have that problem

[@sidney4542]

Plus, they advertise 30 hours, but thats in wired mode. U have to read very carefully. They're trying to pull one over on us! Completely wireless, its only 20. Thats just acceptable in 2020.

[@keraldgoode1089]

Both v1 use voice assistant as well. Tap and swipe backwards for (voice dial) voice assist

[@b.helvaci6113]

This review is not accurate. I trusted this guy, and to my stupidity I did not do alot of research, bought pxc 550. But I wasn't happy with the noice cancellation at all. İf you search professionally you'll see pxc 550 ii has much more improved ANC over pxc 550. Consider that into thy calculations. And anyways, this video doesnt mention the hiss pxc 550 produces which becomes very annoying if you are listening at low volumes like me.

[@RR-xu7zl]

NEVER buy Sennheiser PXC 550 !!! There is issue with cable in the bar which gets corrupted after a while and Sennheiser doesn't provide this cable as replacement as other producers. This is completely waste of money !!!

[@broncochannel7145]

He said bott en... not bottom

[@onecrispyfrie1932]

ThE pCx 550

[@surveyguyor8958]

let's talk about the buh-on. or is it buh-un? buh-un. that's it. It's not a word. I know a similar sounding word that is actually a word, it's called button.

[@svenkuhlmann5665]

Jesus. There is not much in this, beside Android and Apple. You use Android buy the gen.1. You use Apple, buy the gen.2. Thats the main point in this.

[@ryansi55]

Guy said pcx oml

[@ishxn5755]

PCX

[@andrewford80]

wwwwwhats up guys

[@midnightmover2329]

Cheap and Nasty Headphones