Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless Review

There are so many different types of Bluetooth headphones on the market these days. Sennheiser has done their part in releasing their share of wireless cans ranging from affordable to audiophile-grade. In doing so, some customers have asked what are the primary differences between two of their new, popular makes – Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless. You’re about to find out.

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2.0 Wireless Review

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless Review – Packaging

Breaking down the packaging it’s not hard to tell that the more expensive HD 1 is shipped with premium accessories. The carry case is a hard-grade case, covered in soft fabric. The headphone, which is slipped inside of a silky, soft pouch, is nestled inside of the case and its ear cushions are protected with sponge molds. The 4.50 BTNC is folded and nestled inside of a plastic mold. It is shipped with a pouch, but it is a softer nylon bag. This pouch will also protect the headphones, but it is obviously not of the same caliber.

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless Review – Build & Design

The two headphones have similar shapes, but in very different frames. Both headphones are collapsible and include a detachable cable. The 4.50 BTNC is comprised of a hard-grade durable frame that features oval ear cups. To note, these ear cups rotate slightly up and down and left to right, but not all the way meaning this headphone can’t lay flat but neither can the HD 1. The ear cushions on the 4.50 BTNC are soft and thick. The headband is slim and features some padding on the underbelly. There is enough padding to fit comfortably on the head, but there could be more. Also, it is all over black with slivers of silver tones.

The HD 1 is a more premium make. It features oval-shaped lambskin leather ear cushions, stainless steel exposed sliding extenders, and a durable, but lightly padded headband. The headband is like a very lightweight belt with a thin strip of padding. It’s constructed with a slot that alleviates some of the pressure that would be applied to the top of the head. The ear cups are a pearly ivory (there’s also a black colorway) color. The HD 1 has a vintage look while the 4.50 BTNC has more of a modern aesthetic.

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless Review – Features

The 4.50 BTNC and HD 1 are both built with Sennheiser’s patented NoiseGard aka noise-cancelling. A small button on the bottom of the right ear cup allows users to turn the 4.5 BTNC on and off.  Noise-cancellation is automatically turned, this is the same for the HD 1. If you wish to go ANC-free, you’ll have to use the headphones in wired mode. Both headphones feature buttons (not smart controls) for taking calls, pausing/playing music, and switching tracks.

The 4.50 BTNC and HD 1 also offer the ability to personalize and tailor your listening experience with the use of Sennheiser’s CapTune companion app. It is pretty thorough in that it allows for a great deal of customization. First, you have the option of streaming tracks from your own library or TIDAL. There’s also the ability to adjust the EQ. If you aren’t into tailoring your audio, the app monitors and displays the battery life of your headset, so there’s a win!

My only vice is that you can’t use CapTune to adjust the noise-cancelling to various levels on either headphone.

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless Review – NoiseGard aka Noise-Cancelling

Both headphones have the capacity to reduce exterior noise. However, operating at maximum attenuation the headphones differ quite a bit. Both headphones perform well when it comes to NoiseGard and I’m quite proud of Sennheiser for creating a model that provides ANC without a terribly audible hiss. In fact, neither of the headphones do this. With the HD 1, there’s no need to turn the volume of your music up to damaging volumes in order to tune out your co-workers. The same can be said for the 4.50 BTNC.

At about three bars (volume-wise on an iPhone, which is not very loud at all) the HD 1 paired with NoiseGard tuned out my surroundings at an impressive level. I’m talking elevator music on speakerphone from my boss who sits next to me and has been on hold for like 30 minutes.

However, I will argue that the HD 1 is much stronger than the 4.50 BTNC in terms of attenuation. I can hear and feel the strength of the NoiseGard more than that of the 4.50 BTNC.

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless Review – Sound

To be honest, there’s a significant difference in sound. While both headphones provide a warm and overall well-rounded sound – a signature of the Sennheiser brand – the older sister of wireless ANC headphones aka the HD 1 is more refined than the 4.50 BTNC. When I think of the 4.50 BTNC, I think of it as the younger sibling of the HD 1 Wireless – it’s got the same parent and shares a few similar family traits like build, but it just isn’t as developed as its elder. Not to say the $200 headphone can’t get meet your ANC and wireless needs. It can and it does it well. But, if you’re comparing it to the $300 more premium make it will fall a bit short.

The 4.50 BTNC, as I’ve said before, delivers rich audio across the entire frequency range, but in comparison the highs and treble are slightly more forward and subsequently not as rounded and smooth as the HD 1. Nonetheless, both headphones deliver accurate, detailed audio with a warm tone and overall rounded reproduction.

If you want a great headphone that can provide you with warm, lush audio and pretty good noise-cancelling, the 4.50 BTNC is your guy, at the affordable cost of $199.99. However, if you can spare a couple hundo and want a more rounded sound and expansive sound stage, the HD 1 is the better bet.

Sennheiser HD 1 is retailing at Audio 46 Sennheiser Shop (price match guarantee) and Amazon at the lowest price of $499.95.

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC is also available at Audio 46 Sennheiser Shop (price match guarantee) and Amazon at the lowest price of $199.95.

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC vs Sennheiser HD 1 Momentum 2 Wireless Review – Specs

Sennheiser HD 1

Frequency Response Range 16 Hz – 22,000 Hz

Sound Pressure Level

Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.5%

Impedance 28 ohms

Battery Life 22 Hours

Sennheiser 4.50 BTNC

Frequency Response Range 18 Hz – 22,000 Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.5%

Impedance 18 ohms

Battery Life 25 Hours