If you want better Microphone noise reduction
Choose OnePlus Buds 3. It scores 4.4 vs 2.0 for Microphone noise reduction, with a 4.0 overall score.
Sennheiser CX 80U Wired Earbuds Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Sennheiser CX 80U for detailed, comfortable USB-C wired listening at a low price. Skip them if you need deep sub-bass, waterproofing, wireless features, volume buttons, or a cleaner mic.
Best for
Best for budget listeners who want simple USB-C wired earbuds with detailed sound, strong comfort, good passive isolation, and plug-and-play compatibility across modern devices.
Not for
Not for shoppers who need deep rumbling sub-bass, waterproofing, wireless features, extensive controls, app customization, or a cleaner mic for frequent calls.
Verdict
The Sennheiser CX 80U come across as unusually strong budget wired earbuds, with both reviewers praising their detailed, balanced sound, comfortable fit, passive isolation, and USB-C convenience. Their best qualities are practical rather than flashy: they work easily across modern devices, include fit-friendly eartips, and deliver clear mids, vivid treble, and strong value for under $40. The main tradeoff is that the low end is not fully complete; bass is clean and punchy, but sub-bass can feel subdued or thin. They also have convenience compromises, including limited controls, cable tangling, no waterproofing claim, no companion app, and a mic that can pick up static.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
32 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.019 (59%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.45 (16%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.46 (19%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.42 (6%)
Pros
-
Comfort was excellent across both reviews, including multi-hour listening with no irritation and full marks for long-period wear.
-
USB-C was a major advantage in both reviews, improving fit with modern devices and making the earbuds more versatile.
-
Value was a standout strength in both reviews, with strong praise for the sub-$40 sound and overall bang for the buck.
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Both reviews valued the supplied eartip options because they helped users find a better fit and seal.
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Fit was a major positive, with the right seal improving comfort and Tom’s Guide’s chosen tips staying put securely.
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Passive noise isolation was repeatedly praised, with the seal and eartips blocking office chatter and reducing external sounds well.
Cons
-
The mic picked up noticeable background static, suggesting weak noise handling during recording or calls.
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Water resistance was a limitation because TechRadar wanted at least IPX4-style splash protection and found no waterproofing claim.
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Cable quality drew criticism from Tom’s Guide because the wires lack anti-tangle design and bunch up in a pocket.
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Call mic performance was a weakness in TechRadar’s testing, with acceptable voice clarity but below-best call quality.
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Equalizer customization is limited, but Tom’s Guide did not feel a need to tailor the sound profile during use.
-
The integrated mic was usable but not impressive, with decent voice clarity offset by static and limited call quality.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Earbuds, this product is above average in Lossless audio support, Software/setup simplicity, Ear tip size options, near average in Button control usability, Design and Aesthetics, below average in Water/sweat resistance rating, Microphone noise reduction, Microphone quality for calls.
Comparison summary
32 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher19 (59%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts5 (16%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower8 (25%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water/sweat resistance rating | 2.0 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
| Microphone noise reduction | 2.0 | 3.8 | -1.8 |
| Lossless audio support | 5.0 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
| Microphone quality for calls | 2.5 | 3.8 | -1.3 |
| Software/setup simplicity | 5.0 | 3.9 | +1.1 |
| Ear tip size options | 4.8 | 3.7 | +1.1 |
| Integrated microphone | 3.0 | 4.1 | -1.1 |
| Multi-platform compatibility | 5.0 | 4.0 | +1.0 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Cable quality
Choose Activo Scoop. It scores 4.4 vs 2.5 for Cable quality, with a 4.7 overall score.
If you want better Water/sweat resistance rating
Choose Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. It scores 4.5 vs 2.0 for Water/sweat resistance rating, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Integrated microphone
Choose Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds. It scores 4.8 vs 3.0 for Integrated microphone, with a 3.9 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Apple EarPods USB-C
- Cheaper: price The CX 80U cost more than the Apple EarPods USB-C in the reviewer’s price comparison.
- Compared: open design versus in-ear seal The Apple EarPods USB-C are contrasted as having a more open design rather than the CX 80U-style seal.
JBL Tune 305C
- Better: EQ controls The JBL Tune 305C is credited with going further by offering EQ switching from its in-line controls.
- Cheaper: price The CX 80U cost more than the JBL Tune 305C in the reviewer’s price comparison.
SoundMagic E80D
- Worse: button feel The CX 80U’s buttons are judged easier to press than those on the SoundMagic E80D.
- Better: flashy design The reviewer says shoppers who want a flashier look should consider the SoundMagic E80D instead.
FAQ
How good is the Sennheiser CX 80U sound quality?
Both reviews were very positive. They praised detailed sound, clear mids, vivid treble, and strong value, while noting that the deepest sub-bass can feel underpowered.
Are the Sennheiser CX 80U comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes. Reviewers reported multi-hour comfort, a secure in-ear feel, and useful eartip options for finding a better seal.
Do the Sennheiser CX 80U have noise cancellation?
They do not have reviewed ANC performance. Reviewers instead praised the passive noise isolation from the in-ear seal and noise-sealing eartips.
Do they work well with USB-C devices?
Yes. Reviews highlighted USB-C convenience, plug-and-play setup, seamless use across several devices, and built-in DAC support for hi-res playback.
Are the controls good?
Control feedback was mixed. TechRadar criticized the lack of volume buttons, while Tom’s Guide found the physical button easy to press and quick to register.
Is the microphone good for calls?
It is usable but not a strength. TechRadar found the voice decently clear but noted background static and said it would not provide the best call quality.
Are the Sennheiser CX 80U waterproof?
No reviewer found a clear waterproof rating. TechRadar specifically wished they had IPX4-style splash protection and listed no waterproofing as a limitation.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
tomsguide.com
- Review score
- 4.4
techradar.com
- Review score
- 4.1
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