Sennheiser, a mainstay for audiophiles and commuters alike, just gave fans of wired listening two new reasons to celebrate. As of January 2026, the company has added the CX 80U wired earbuds and HD 400U wired over-ear headphones to its lineup—both designed with today’s digital devices in mind. The big change? Sennheiser has ditched the old-school 3.5mm audio jack in favor of a modern USB-C connector, making these headphones compatible with pretty much anything—iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOS, and even SteamOS for the gaming crowd.
Affordable Hi-Fi for Modern Devices
Sennheiser isn’t exactly known for bargain-bin prices—some of its headphones run up to $500—but both of these new models are firmly in entry-level territory. The CX 80U earbuds come in at just $40, while the HD 400U headphones retail for $100. Despite the wallet-friendly tags, both sets support 24-bit, 96 kHz digital audio playback, a spec that’s usually reserved for much pricier gear. If you’re after that signature Sennheiser sound but don’t want to fuss with dongles or adapters, these are worth a look.
The HD 400U is an over-ear, closed-back design that builds on the popular HD 400S. It’s got a bass-driven sound profile, a foldable frame for easy travel, and is aimed at those who want to block out the world on the go. Meanwhile, the CX 80U earbuds are tiny but mighty, delivering a balanced sound signature and coming with three different sizes of ear tips for a snug, noise-isolating fit—ideal for everything from gaming to Zoom calls.
Wired Options Still Matter
Wireless audio might be everywhere, but there’s a steady crowd who still prefers the reliability and straightforwardness of wired headphones—especially when latency or battery life is a concern. With the shift to USB-C, Sennheiser’s new models are a nod to the reality that not everyone wants to go fully wireless, and that modern devices (many of which have ditched headphone jacks entirely) still need quality wired options.
These launches land in a competitive market, as lower-priced, open-design wireless earbuds like the Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro (now just $100, down from $180) continue to improve. But for those who want plug-and-play simplicity with top-notch audio, Sennheiser’s CX 80U and HD 400U might just hit the sweet spot.
