Available in black or white models, the circumaural (over-ear) HD 450BT headphones feature generously cushioned memory foam earpads and an overall comfortable fit. The semi-matte surface has an elegant, uncluttered design, with most of the controls gently pushed to side panels. Internally, each enclosure houses a 32mm dynamic driver delivering a frequency range of 18Hz to 22kHz. The headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 and supports AAC, AptX, and SBC codecs.
The power/pairing button, playback, track navigation, volume rocker, and dedicated voice assistant button are all located on the right earcup’s side panel. Pressing the power button for an extended period of time also activates the ANC function. An audio cable is supplied for the 3.5mm jack found on this same side panel, as is a USB-C-to-USB-A charging cable for the USB-C port also on this panel.
Specifications
- Headphone type: Over-ear, closed-back
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Supported audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency
- Frequency response: 18 Hz – 22 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sound pressure level (SPL): 108 dB (1 kHz/0 dBFS)
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.3% (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL)
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours of playtime
- Fast charging: 10-minute charge for 2 hours of playtime
- Active noise cancellation: Yes, with 2 microphones
- Cable: USB-C charging cable and audio cable included
- Weight: 238g
- Color options: Black or white
Where to get Sennheiser HD 450BT?
The audio cable can be used passively, with the headphones completely powered down, or it can be used with the headphones on and ANC enabled. The difference in audio quality in these scenarios (versus Bluetooth audio) is negligible.
The Sennheiser Smart Control app for Android and iOS has user-adjustable EQ and provides firmware updates for the headphones. To adjust the equalization, you drag a dot to different parts of the screen instead of using the usual sliders. Regardless of this slightly less intuitive appearance, it works, and you can save settings. You also get a remarkably tiny travel pouch. It flattens to a very thin profile when not in use and expands to house the folded headphones and cables.
Sennheiser estimates battery life to be around 30 hours, although your results will vary with your volume levels and your ANC usage. There is a little difference in audio performance when ANC is enabled, but it is incredibly subtle—some recordings sound just a touch more brilliant. Given the headphone’s relatively low price, this is nitpicking—very few ANC pairs below $200 offer quality noise cancellation, and the HD 450BT do a commendable job.