Just recently, both the Sennheiser HD 450BT and the Sony WH-1000XM3 were just released in the market. The features of these headphones are also relatively close to each other, and so it is understandable if some people are confused when trying to pick out which one between these two headphones they should opt for. Comparing them by their specifications alone might make the choice seem easier since both of them have very similar features, but that is not always the case with audio equipment.
When it comes to headphones especially when you’re into audio, you need to be very careful with what you pick out. Just because a headphone claims to be the best doesn’t necessarily mean it is; we should always go for quality over quantity. It may be true that no one can ever get tired of music, but not all headphones can give the same kind of experience while listening to music.
Sennheiser HD 450BT vs Sony WH-1000XM3 – Specs Difference
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 450BT | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | Unknown | 1.57 “ |
| Noise Cancellation | Hybrid ANC | Advanced NC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Aux | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency | 18 Hz to 22,000 Hz | 4 Hz – 40,000Hz |
| Impedance | Unknown | 47 ohm when ON 16 ohm when OFF |
| Playtime with NC | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Playtime without NC | 38 hours | 40+ hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 7.31 x 2.94 x 10.44 inches | 6.1 x 2.6 x 7.6 inches |
| Price | Check Amazon | Check Amazon |
Sound Quality
Winner: Tie
When it comes to sound quality, both the Sennheiser HD 450BT and the Sony WH1000XM3 are very close to each other. Both of them have a very detailed audio output with a great bass and treble effect which ensures great audio quality when listening to your favorite music tracks.
Frequency Response
Sennheiser HD 450BT: 18 Hz to 22,000 Hz
Sony WH1000XM3: 4 Hz – 40,000Hz
Winner: Sony WH1000XM3
The frequency response of the Sony WH1000XM3 is slightly higher than the one of the Sennheiser HD 450BT. This means that when you are using a Sony WH1000XM3, it will be able to produce a sound that is more detailed and has a wider range.
The frequency of the audio signal is what decides the depth and quality of the sound. That’s why it is important to consider this feature when looking for a pair of headphones. In case you are not familiar with these technical terms, it means that the range of human hearing only goes from 20Hz to 20kHz so as long as the audio codecs support this range, then those are good enough for professional usage.
Touch Control
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Yes
Sony WH1000XM3: No
The Sennheiser HD 450BT can be controlled by touch on their ear cup controls. There are quite a few other headphones out there that have the same feature as well, but still, not all headphones have it. The touch control feature in audio equipment proves to be very handy and is very easy to use. However, everyone may not like the touch control features as they may accidentally trigger them. Sadly, the touch sensor control panel of the Sennheiser HD 450BT cannot be turned off or disabled.
Noise Cancellation
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Yes
Sony WH1000XM3: Yes
Winner: Sony WH1000XM3
Since both the Sennheiser HD 450BT and the Sony WH1000XM3 both have active noise cancellation features, you might be thinking about it hard to decide which one is better.
However, Sony WH1000XM3 is far better than the Sennheiser HD 450BT, as it has far better noise cancellation capabilities. Sony’s WH-1000XM3 headphones are equipped with the company’s most highly advanced noise-canceling technology. In addition to the headphones’ close-fitting ear cushions, Sony has incorporated its HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 into the headphones. A dedicated NC processor assures that you will never lose quality in your music reproduction.
Bluetooth Version
Sennheiser HD 450BT: 5.0
Sony WH1000XM3: 4.2
Winner: Sennheiser HD 450BT
The Sennheiser HD 450BT has equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and the Sony WH1000XM3 uses the 4.2 version of Bluetooth. Bluetooth 5.0 has a much better transmission range than Bluetooth 4.2, and it also has a faster streaming speed. Having the latest Bluetooth version helps to enhance the connection speed and audio quality when pairing the two headphones.
Microphone
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Yes
Sony WH1000XM3: Yes
Winner: Tie (none is great)
Sony WH1000XM3 claims it features multiple microphones
The design of this kind of headphones doesn’t allow them to put the microphone in the right place. No matter how sensitive microphones are used, they often catch ambient noises more than the speaker. If you are particularly looking for a microphone option, these may not be the right candidates.
NFC
Sennheiser HD 450BT: No
Sony WH1000XM3: Yes
Winner: Sony WH1000XM3
Sony WH1000XM3 features NFC options when it comes to pairing the two devices. NFC will make the pairing process faster, and you can automatically switch to your headphones when you place your smartphone near them. Sennheiser HD 450BT doesn’t come with NFC.
Aux Port
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Yes
Sony WH1000XM3: Yes
Winner: Sony WH1000XM3
Both these headphones allow you to connect the source using an Aux cable, however, Sony WH1000XM3 gives good audio quality when the source is connected this way, Sennheiser HD 450BT sounds a tad bit muffled and flat when you connect it this way.
Battery Life
Sennheiser HD 450BT: 30 Hours
Sony WH1000XM3: 30 Hours
Winner: Tie
Both these headphones have a battery life of 30 hours with noise cancellation is switched on. However, Sony WH1000XM3 lasts for 38 hours without noise cancellation and Sennheiser HD 450BT lasts for 40+ hours.
As mentioned above, even though the battery dies or is turned off, you can listen to the music, however, the noise cancellation feature doesn’t work.
Charging Time
Sennheiser HD 450BT: approx 2 Hours
Sony WH1000XM3: approx 3 Hours
Winner: Sennheiser HD 450BT
Both these headphones are lightning fast to charge when you’re electronics are being plugged in by a source such as your laptop or an external charger. Sennheiser HD 450BT is faster than the Sony WH1000XM3 because of its shorter charging time.
You cannot listen to Sony WH1000XM3 while charging, however, you may plug in the supplied aux cable to continue listening while charging. But, note that noise cancellation doesn’t work when headphones are turned off.
For both headphones, the battery is charged via USB-C, and fast charging is available as well. The Sony WH1000XM3 can be used for up to 5 hours after 10 minutes of charging.
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Yes
Sony WH1000XM3: Yes
Winner: Sony WH1000XM3
Comfort is very subjective as it depends on your ear shape. Both these headphones are very comfortable to use. You must know that comfort is not the main focus of either of these headphone models. They were designed for their noise-canceling capabilities rather than comfort.
However, Urethane foamed ear pads in Sony WH1000XM3 cushion your ears and relieve pressure. They stay in place better so you don’t lose them. Ergonomically constructed ear spaces provide a wider and deeper fit.
Foldable Headphones
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Yes
Sony WH1000XM3: Yes
Winner: Sony WH1000XM3
Both Sennheiser HD 450BT and Sony WH1000XM3 are foldable headphones, but Sony WH1000XM3 is the winner when comparing them since they can fold very flat and take the smallest space in your bag when you travel.
Innovation
Winner: Sony WH1000XM3
Real-time upscaling of compressed digital audio files is achieved using DSEE ExtremeTM (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) in the WH1000XM3. It recovers the high-range sound lost in compression for a richer, more comprehensive listening experience by dynamically identifying instruments, musical genres, and specific song components such as voices or interludes.
Sony WH1000XM3’s Adaptive Sound Control changes ambient sound settings based on your activities as you travel, stroll, or wait. It is possible to adjust the volume of your headphones without removing them, and Quick Attention gives you the freedom to converse without unplugging them.
For Sennheiser HD 450BT, the Sennheiser Smart Control App’s podcast functionality significantly enhances the listening experience of podcasts, audiobooks, and other speech-based content.
Price
Sennheiser HD 450BT: Check Amazon
Sony WH1000XM3: Check Amazon
Winner: Sennheiser HD 450BT
At their original listing price, Sennheiser HD 450BT is more affordable than Sony WH1000XM3. However, it is not the cheapest pair of headphones in the market. These headphones are available on Amazon, and their prices are dynamic, so be sure to check the above links for the most current prices they are available for.
Conclusion
Sennheiser WH-1000XM3 and Sony 1000X M3 are two of the best wireless noise-canceling headphones in the market, and they both have their own advantages and impracticalities, so we cannot say that one is better than the other. However, which one to go with – depends on your budget of course.
Other than budget, Sony WH1000XM3 has a better sound quality than Sennheiser HD 450BT, and it also has more features. Even if you are looking for something that is comfortable and can be used for a longer time, Sony WH1000XM3 is the best choice.