Sennheiser HD 450BT Bargains
Sennheiser is well known for its unusual sound noise canceling headphones, and its latest, the Sennheiser HD 450BT, offers a cheaper alternative option to predecessor models like the Momentum 1000 Wireless and class leaders like the Sony WH-3XMXNUMX.
With a minimalist design and built-in noise cancellation, These fully foldable wireless earphones speak directly to the on-the-go crowd. Plus,
How do they stack up against their more expensive contenders?
We have put the Sennheiser HD 450BT to the test, and we think the company is ready to win with these very stylish on-ear headphones.
Prices and availability
The Sennheiser HD 450BT is available to buy for $199 / €159, which comes down to around AU$280, plus we're still awaiting official pricing and availability in Australia.
It's noticeably more affordable than the best headphones of 2020, the Sony WH-1000XM3 at $349 / €300 / AU€499 and the previous model of the brand; the Sennheiser Momentum three Wireless is $399 / €349 / AU$599.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Integrated
These minimalist over-ear headphones are free in black and white color alterations. We tested the white model, which sports very stylish silver-grey ear cushions and headband details. They look quite elegant enough, if not
as attractive as the recently launched Sennheiser Momentum XNUMX wireless headphones; For some, the modest design can be a little off-putting, but if you prefer a modest design, these tins are sure to be on your way. fully collapsible,
the Sennheiser HD 450BT is built for hearing on the go and can be easily stored in your bag when you're not on the job. Thanks to their collapsible design, they take up minimal space in your bag, making them ideal for travel.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Compared to Momentum XNUMX Wireless EarbudsHowever, the construction of the new cases feels less premium and less sturdy: the plastic construction could still be described as flimsy. The construction of the new boxes isn't quite as sturdy or premium as the Momentum XNUMX wireless earbuds, and the plastic build can feel a bit wonky at times. Although this lower quality build is reflected in the lower cost tag, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a more sumptuous finish for the money. One of the benefits of this plastic design
is that the HD 450BT are very light and comfortable to use throughout long listening sessions. The ear cups are luxuriously padded and don't cause the feeling of tightness that is common with on-ear and on-ear headphones. At the bottom of the right earcup, you'll find a USB-C charging port, a 3,5mm jack, buttons for monitoring music playback and voice calls, and a dedicated button for calling your voice assistant. Of your choice, either Siri or Google Assistant.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Battery life and connectivity
With 30 hours of battery life (that is, with active noise cancellation enabled), the Sennheiser HD 450BT can compete with the Sony WH-1000XM3 and beat the Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 by a significant 10-hour margin. It is also better than the 17 hours offered by the more expensive Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless.
Pairing these wireless headphones with our devices was a snap, thanks to compatibility with Bluetooth 5.0. Gamers will be happy to know that, as well as codecs like aptX, AAC, and SBC, these cans support aptX Low Latency, so you shouldn't experience an annoying lag between what you see on your screen and what you hear on your screen. through audio. When we watch a video on our smartphone, we don't find any latency issues either.
(Image credit: TechRadar) The Sennheiser HD 450BT works with the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which lets you toggle the equalizer settings. An excellent touch that will appeal to those who really like to personalize the sound of their headphones. Unlike the Sennheiser Momentum XNUMX Wireless, there's no option to switch between noise-canceling modes;
You can only turn noise cancellation on and off with the dedicated switch on the right earcup.
We found noise cancellation to work quite well, though it did seem to block out stealthy noises and rumble better than louder tones. For example, when used outdoors, they did a great job of canceling out the sound of strong wind blowing through the trees, but we were still able to spot sirens in the distance (for safety's sake, this isn't necessarily a bad thing). .
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Sound quality
Sennheiser is on a winner with the soundstage developed for the HD 450BT; Detailed and clear, without seeming too dry and listless, these headphones deliver a terrific blend of high-fidelity sound with warm low frequencies that are easy to listen to. This combination of controlled (warmer) lows and crisp, clean highs became apparent when we listened to Kendrick Lamar's Alright; Soft, jarring vocals gave a rather difficult harmonic background that was cut through by clean snare drums and rumbling drums. The move to King Kunta gave the Cans a chance to truly show off those low frequencies, with deep, spongy bass lines sustaining wry chimes and spent electric guitars with punchy energy.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Looking forward to testing the Sennheiser HD 450BT on something a bit softer, we opted for Joanna Newsom's Sprout and the Bean. The dotted harp showcased the full range of these headphones, with resonant bass notes and trickling high harmonies. While listening to this song, we felt that the headphones handled any and all active and temporal changes really well. Sure, you'll get a more active range and larger soundstage with the Momentum 450 Wireless, but the XNUMXBts HD sound is clear enough to bring out hidden details in your music. We appreciate that the headphones struggled with heavy-duty, loaded midrange tracks like The National's Sea of Love. We would have liked to hear more of the high end on this track, and found that some higher guitar drones got lost in the mix. If we had to be picky, we'd also have preferred a more open sound from these headphones;
they have a more closed feel than the Momentum XNUMX Wireless.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Final verdict
Generally,
we are quite impressed with the Sennheiser HD 450BT, especially with its sound; its well-balanced profile should appeal to audiophiles and wolf hunters alike.
Battery life and connectivity are great, and noise cancellation works pretty well, although these headphones may not block all external noise. Our biggest scarecrow is the flimsy construction of these cans; Even though they're more affordable than the Momentum 159 Wireless, at $159 / €1000, that's still a lot of money to shell out for the headphones, which is why we think it's fair to expect a more premium version. That said, they do look pretty good, and if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the Sony WH-3XM450, the Sennheiser HD 450BT is a great option. Cost - Sennheiser HD XNUMXBT: ▼