At a glance
Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Great value for money
- Excellent sound quality
- Impressive battery life
- Bundled aptX adaptor
Cons
- Expensive
- Manual could be clearer
- Not everyone needs aptX
Our Verdict
It’s aimed at audiophiles who really care about sound quality, but the HDB 630 is excellent value for money. It provides a quick-and-easy Bluetooth connection when convenience is most important, and a separate aptX Adaptive dongle for times when you want the best sound quality. It also provides impressive battery life and useful accessories that are ideal for life on the road.
Price When Reviewed
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Best Pricing Today
Price When Reviewed
$499.95
Best Prices Today: Sennheiser HDB 630
$499.95
$499.95
$499.95
$499.95
Many high-quality Bluetooth headphones use the popular aptX codec for Bluetooth audio – well, it’s popular with Android users, Apple has avoided aptX for years (possibly because of a long-running patent dispute between Apple and Qualcomm, which owns the aptX technology).
Luckily, most of the best Bluetooth headphones and earbuds support Apple’s preferred AAC codec, so you can still use Apple devices with a wide range of Bluetooth headphones, but many people argue that aptX provides superior sound quality, especially for listening to the lossless or hi-res music that is now available on Apple Music and other streaming services. Apple’s refusal to support the aptX codec means that it’s not something AirPods users can enjoy, but non-Apple headphones are starting to add their own means of support, and we are looking at one such pair of headphones here. (The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 also support aptX).
Priced at $499.95, Sennheiser’s HDB 630 offers a solution for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound without sacrificing compatibility. These noise-cancelling headphones give Apple users a choice: stick with AAC for convenience, or unlock high-quality aptX Adaptive audio with a little help.
Designed for “the high-performance audio enthusiast who wants it all,” the HDB 630 supports both aptX Adaptive and AAC for Bluetooth audio, and also offers a wired USB-C connection. For Apple device owners lacking aptX support, Sennheiser includes the BTD 700, a USB-C Bluetooth dongle that transmits aptX Adaptive.
Sennheiser states the dongle’s aptX Adaptive can handle hi-res audio up to 24-bit/96KHz, making it ideal for lossless or hi-res streaming.
The HDB 630 can be used with Bluetooth or wired connections, and also includes a USB-C adaptor for aptX as well.
This flexibility means Apple users aren’t locked into AAC. A quick Bluetooth connection is perfect for workouts or commutes, while the dongle unlocks superior sound quality for focused listening sessions.
And the sound quality is genuinely impressive. The HDB 630’s design echoes Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 headphones, but with refined internal tuning for improved mid-range and lower-treble performance.
While some debate aptX’s superiority over AAC, the difference was noticeable listening to The Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby in hi-res on Apple Music. Using the BTD 700 dongle, the strings felt more impactful and the cellos resonated with richer depth compared to the standard AAC connection.
The dongle also excelled with Sturgill Simpson’s Sing Along, delivering a deep, grinding sound for the fuzzy guitars while highlighting the subtle ticking percussion.
Sennheiser’s Smart Control app offers a Bass Boost option that adds satisfying weight to low frequencies.
The headphones boast up to 60 hours of battery life, making them ideal for long journeys. Using the BTD 700 reduces this to around 45 hours, still ample for extended use.
The BTD 700 dongle allows Apple devices to use the high-quality aptX Adaptive codec for Bluetooth audio.
The only hiccup was connecting to the BTD 700 dongle. It took a few tries before the headphones recognized it. Once connected, the Sennheiser app clearly displays both connection options, making switching easy, but the manual could offer clearer instructions.
The Sennheiser app also features an updated parametric equalizer for precise frequency control and improved noise-cancellation settings. The noise cancellation performs well, offering presets and a manual slider for customization.
In simulated tests, the HDB 630 effectively reduced low-frequency engine rumble. While it let in some higher frequencies, headphones from Apple and Bose still offer slightly more effective noise cancellation.
However, the HDB 630’s BTD 700 dongle provides a unique advantage for Apple users seeking enhanced sound quality with lossless and hi-res audio.
Sennheiser includes a sturdy carrying case, airline adapter, USB-C cable, and a 3.5mm cable, adding to the overall value.
Useful accessories for travellers include a carrying case and airline adaptor.
Are the Sennheiser HDB 630 Headphones Worth the Investment?
If you’re simply seeking affordable Bluetooth headphones, cheaper options exist. However, the HDB 630 shines for audiophiles prioritizing sound quality, thanks to its versatile connectivity—standard Bluetooth, the aptX Adaptive-enabled BTD 700 dongle, and wired options. Combined with impressive battery life and a generous accessory kit, the HDB 630 delivers exceptional value.
