Sennheiser HD 450BT: ANC Headphones with aptX Low Latency
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Bluetooth 5.0, active noise cancellation, aptX Low Latency, and 30 hours of battery. All the specs and what this model can do for you.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone with active noise cancellation that lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge. For you as a DJ, it's not a booth tool, but a companion for everything before and after: listening to promos on the train, preparing sets in the hotel, re-listening to your own mix from the weekend.
At a glance
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and SBC codecs
- Active Noise Cancellation and up to 30 hours of battery life, 2 hours charging time via USB-C
- Frequency response 18 to 22,000 Hz, weight 238 g
- Sound customization via equalizer in the Sennheiser Smart Control App
What makes the HD 450BT special
Sennheiser positions the HD 450BT as headphones for home and on the go. The compact, foldable housing is available in black and white, and it charges via USB-C. In addition to AAC, it supports aptX Low Latency, which, according to What Hi-Fi?, has a latency of under 40 milliseconds – designed to keep audio and video in sync for videos and games.
Operation is entirely via buttons instead of touch surfaces. What Hi-Fi? describes a button for the voice assistant, a slider for playback, calls, and track skipping, a volume button, and a dedicated button for noise cancellation and power on/off. The magazine found the arrangement initially confusing because you can't blindly hit the right button.
Technical Specifications
| Design | Over-ear |
|---|---|
| Transducer Principle | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 18 – 22,000 Hz |
| Sound Pressure Level | 108 dB (1 kHz, 0 dBFS) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Audio Codecs | aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Profiles | AVRCP, A2DP, HFP, HSP |
| Battery Life | up to 30 hours |
| Charging Time | 2 hours (USB-C) |
| Microphone | Dual-beamforming, 80 – 6,000 Hz |
| Cable | 1.5 m, 3.5 mm angled plug |
| Weight | 238 g |
According to the manufacturer, the box contains headphones, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, carrying case, quick guide, and safety instructions.
Sound: warm, with pressure from below
What Hi-Fi? describes the tuning as soft and full, with a slight emphasis on bass: bass lines sound powerful, while the mids are somewhat recessed. More neutral competitors, in the magazine's assessment, extract more texture and dynamics. If that's too much low end for you, you can shift the balance towards the highs in the Smart Control App's equalizer. The app also shows the battery level, installs firmware updates, and offers a podcast mode for spoken content.
“While not class-leading performers in the competitive mid-range market, these well-featured Sennheisers are still worthy of consideration”
— What Hi-Fi?, Conclusion on the HD 450BT
According to the magazine, the noise cancellation reliably blocks out keyboard clatter, background conversations, and quiet street noise. A busy street and loud voices, however, remain audible.
Who the HD 450BT is for
The manufacturer's specifications reveal a clear profile: you travel a lot, want to listen wirelessly, and need a battery that lasts several days of travel. The low-latency support helps if you watch recordings as videos. For the DJ booth, you're better off looking for a wired model – such as the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus. A wireless alternative with studio heritage is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2.
FAQ
Does the Sennheiser HD 450BT support aptX Low Latency?
Yes. In addition to aptX Low Latency, it supports aptX, AAC, and SBC. What Hi-Fi? states a latency of under 40 milliseconds for aptX Low Latency.
Can I use the HD 450BT with a cable?
Yes, an audio cable is included. It plugs into a 2.5 mm jack on the headphones, and according to the manufacturer, the other end has an angled 3.5 mm plug, with a cable length of 1.5 m.
How long does the battery last?
Sennheiser states up to 30 hours of battery life. A full charge via USB-C takes 2 hours.
Source: Sennheiser – HD 450BT, What Hi-Fi? – Sennheiser HD 450BT
