To get the finest from the HD 4.50 SE you need to utilize them in a noisy place, so we were then on busy city roads and streets, on a computer train, and on a small flight. The noise guard noise-canceling feature uses dual omnidirectional mics to monitor the ambient sound quality, which then electronically cancels out. For calls, depress the switch button only once to either answer or end the call, holding the switch button will hold the call But for all the fast charging abilities, the listening time of these is underwhelming, with Soundcore’s Life Q35 hitting 40 hours and the Cleer Enduro ANCs enduring for 60 hours. Sennheiser opted for lighter headphones than the competition, but the weight reduction compromises battery life. Sennheiser HD 450SE: Call quality and connectivity They didn’t quite shut out the level of noise that my Sony WH1000X M4 did on the same flight, but they were not too far off. In a previous life as a working club and radio DJ, I regularly used the company's pro headphones as my weapon of choice.

Making a hard turn into classic R&B bangers with “Millionaire” by Kelis proves these work well across any genre. The more subtle mid-tones continue to have great representation amidst the bass punch. But the hi hats can sound harsh when the composition gets busy. They have 32mm drivers and I’m a fan of the flat and nicely balanced tuning that delivers clear and precise audio across the musical spectrum. For the last couple of months, I've been comparing the best over-ear ANC headphones for non-Apple users, Sony's WH1000x M4, to Sennheiser's more affordable HD 450SE. Compared to the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones, the build of the new cans feels less premium and less sturdy: the plastic construction could even be described as feeling flimsy. Unfortunately, there is no transparency mode on the HD 450SE, which when paired with the naturally strong noise isolation of over-ear headphones makes these slightly inconvenient for being able to hear someone calling for you, like what happened much to the frustration of my partner who spent five minutes shouting for me to come through to the living room. Sennheiser HD 450SE: AppThe less obvious feature attraction is Sennheiser’s Smart Control app, required to access specific audio presets or the customisable EQ. The app also reveals current battery status. While that lower-grade build is reflected by the lower price, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a more luxurious finish for the money. The mids are impressive and the music comes loud and clear, you won’t miss any tone at all. What’s more, they don’t lose any richness even at higher levels, that’s a plus cause there’s barely any distortion.

If there was ever a criticism, it was that some of its cans were not as robustly made as those of competitors. And I was one of many in the game who, for years, chose Sennheiser above other brands generally for their audio quality. The build of the new cans isn't as sturdy or premium as the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones, and the plastic construction can feel a bit flimsy at times.If there’s one word that sums up the HD 450SE, it’s balance. With no EQ applied, these Sennheisers present everything with an even hand. They don’t shy away from deep bass, but they never sound overly booming. Dialogue clarity is good, with zero sibilance. If headphones are intrinsically a fashion item, the HD 450SE are a staple you can wear with anything. Recognisably Sennheiser, they offer the same uncluttered profile and build quality as the brand’s cheaper HD 350BT. The earcups are reasonably padded, and the headband sufficiently cushioned. The HD 450 SE, however, did not succumb to this problem, with the flatter profile of Sennheiser’s audio tuning giving everything room to breathe, allowing you to easily identify each instrument. Sennheiser HD 450SE: Active noise cancellation and ambient listening

However, in every other respect the BT and SE editions are a match. Design, features and performance are identical. Battery life at 30 hours on both iterations is formidable, and Bluetooth implementation features aptX Low Latency, for better gaming and movie watching on the go. In recent years I've watched Sennheiser win universal acclaim for their in-ear wireless headphones such as Momentum which are regarded as one of the best true wireless earbuds on the market. The headband is quite sturdy, unlike as soft as I’ve seen in most headphones, which makes it great for people with long hair since it won’t pull the hair. I’ve had a bad experience with soft silicone headbands before. Obviously, you will achieve better audio quality if using a wired set of Sennheiser headphones but that applies to all brands.

Brilliant sound and a comfy fit

Still, I can’t overhype it. Compared to the likes of Bose noise-canceling headphones 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4, it is uncomparable because the latter ones are just unbeatable in the ANC aspect. The languid piano, vocals and harmonies of Tears for Fears’ Rivers of Mercy ebb and flow, exhibiting air and rhythm, while Explosions in the Sky’s Wilderness drops deep, confirming a decent bass extension, all without comprising some sharp, synthy jangles. Sennheiser promises 30-hour battery life for the HD 450SE, which I hit in my own testing (give or take 20 minutes depending on how loud I had them). Charging is nice and fast too, with the ability to juice them to 80% in around 30 minutes, and fill them up to 100% in just under an hour. The left ear cup keeps an NFC chip for rapid pairing with compatible devices, as observed by the icon etched even so faintly into the plastic material exterior.