The Swift Summary
Pros
Cons
- Superb active noise cancellation
- Clean minimal design
- High quality audio performance with aptX encoding
- Battery life could be better
- Mic only works when in wireless mode
Features list for the Sennheiser HD 4.50 Special Edition headphones
The HD 4.50 SE headphones have pretty much the same spec as the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones with the additional of a super stealth matte black finish.
- Wireless Bluetooth connection (with aptX audio coding)
- NoiseGuard active noise cancellation
- Instant pairing to devices via NFC
- Closed back around ear cup design
- Integrated controls and microphone
- Matte black colour
- Up to 25 hour battery life (19 hrs with NoiseGuard active)
- Adjustable padded head strap
- 1 year manufacturers’ warranty
Swift Thoughts
Design
If you’re looking for clean lines, minimal design with subtle branding and embellishment, then the HD 4.50’s offer a superb choice. This special edition version of the HD 4.50BTNC was a matte black finish which really gives them that ‘stealth’ look. The over-the-ear cups are slightly larger than on-ear alternatives but they don’t look or feel overly big or clumsy when worn.
Audio Performance
Sennheiser are well known for superior audio quality and the HD 4.50’s really deliver. The balance and range from bass to treble tones are on point.
My only criticism would be that some audiophiles might notice a slight lack of audio range with the noise cancellation feature switched on.
Comfort
Super comfortable over ear design. You can wear these for long periods. Over the ear cup designs are less well suited to exercising in as your ears will sweat more.
Build Quality
I found no issues with build quality. If you look after them these headphones will last a long time. The headphones come with a nice soft case to protect them which might save you a bit of extra cash.
Functionality
The buttons around the ear cups are easy and intuitive to use. Pairing via NFC is also a nice feature.
The HD 4.50 headphones work well when answering calls, the mic picks up your voice without needing to talk louder than normal. Unfortunately the microphone will only work with the headphones connected wirelessly via Bluetooth – which is a bit odd but no big deal.
Swift Scores
Design
Audio Performance
Comfort
Build Quality
Functionality
Battery Life
FAQs
Q: Does it have a mic
A: Yes
Q: Will these connect to my Bluetooth TV?
A: The headphones will connect to most Bluetooth devices but it does largely depend on the device’s particular Bluetooth firmware being compatible. Older devices with older Bluetooth firmware are more likely to have connection issues.
Q: What’s the difference between the HD 4.50 and the HD 450BT headphones?
A: Essentially the 450BT is the newer version of the 4.50 range, which includes the 4.50 BTNCs and the 4.50 Special Editions. More info can be found in the ‘Alternatives’ section below.
Q: What’s the difference between version 4.50 and the 4.4 version?
A: The new version has active noise cancelling!
Q: What’s the difference between version 4.50 and the special edition 4.50?
A: The unique matte black finish.
Q: Can people sitting next to you hear the noise?
A: No, the headphones are really well insulated.
Q: Can I use these headphones for gaming on the PS4 or XBox?
A: These headphones are not aimed at gamers and I wouldn’t recommend them for that use.
What’s in the box?
- Sennheiser HD 4.50 Special Edition Headphones
- Carry Case
- Audio cable with 2.5mm and 3.5mm jack plugs
- USB charging cable with micro USB connector
- Quick guide
- Safety guide
Tech Talk
What does NFC device pairing mean and how does it work?
These Sennheiser headphones allow you pair them with NFC compatible Bluetooth devices. NFC stands for Near Field Communication which is a short-range wireless technology in which pairing starts by simply touching the two devices to each other.
To pair your HD 4.50 to your device, first activate NFC on your smartphone or device, then scan (touch) the device onto the left ear cup. You’ll hear a voice prompt “power on” and a beep sound. The LED will flash blue and red. You may then need to confirm pairing on your device by clicking “Yes”. Once connected correctly the voice prompt with say “connected” and the LED will flash blue 3 times.
You want it? We’ve found it.
The HD 4.50 Special Edition’s are available in matte black.
Download the manual
If you’re interested you can download the Sennheiser HD 4.50BTNC Manual in PDF format. Just look directly underneath the ‘Product Details’ section header. Here you’ll also find the ‘Quick Start’ guide.
Alternative headphones
The newer version of these headphones are the Sennheiser HD 450BT (without the decimal point). Not to be confused with their predecessor the HD 4.50 BTNC and its matte black special edition variant. These new headphones are slightly more expensive than 4.50SE but you get better audio encoding (Bluetooth v5.0 with low latency aptX) and a longer 30 hour battery life.
Recommended accessories
If you are looking for a case offering more protection than the one supplied then I’d recommend this hard carrying case. The 4.40 and 4.50 ranges fit perfectly without any rattle.
