JBL Live 660NC vs sennheiser HD 450BT

JBL and Sennheiser have established themselves as famous audio brands, producing high-quality headphones for discerning consumers. The JBL Live 660NC and Sennheiser HD 450BT are premium active noise-cancelling headphones that provide a cordless and high-quality audio experience.

In this comparison, we will look closely at the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT, delving into their unique features, sonic excellence, comfort levels, active noise-cancelling proficiency, and overall performance.

Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision while looking for the best pair of active noise-cancelling headphones to enrich your aural trip.

JBL Live 660NC vs sennheiser HD 450BT: A Complete Guide

Specification

Feature	Sennheiser HD 450BT	JBL Live 660NC
Form Factor	Over Ear	On Ear
Frequency Response	18 Hz – 22000Hz	16 Hz – 20000 Hz
Impedance	18 Ohms	32 Ohms
BATTERY LIFE	30 h	50 h
Charging Time	2 h	2 h
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m
Bluetooth Version	5	5
Color	Black, Blue, White, Black &  White	Black, Blue, White, Black &  White
Weight	238 g	265 g
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sennheiser HD 450BT	JBL Live 660NC
Headphone	Headphone
Protective Case	Case
Cable	Type-C charging cable
User Guide	User Guide

Fit & Comfort

The fit and comfort comparison of the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT highlights two headphones built for long listening sessions.

Both models prioritize user comfort with cushioned earpads and adjustable headbands. The JBL Live 660NC has plush ear cushions and a lightweight design, ensuring a comfortable fit even after extended use.

Similarly, the Sennheiser HD 450BT has a design that emphasizes comfort, with soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband that allows users to achieve their ideal fit.

Whether you choose the Live 660NC’s lightweight design or the HD 450BT’s plush comfort, both headphones strive to give a comfortable listening experience for hours on end. 

Finally, the choice between the two will come down to your particular comfort preferences, but rest assured that both headphones are designed to keep you immersed in your music or audio content while minimizing discomfort during long listening periods.

Design & Build

Both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT prioritize user comfort, offering an enjoyable listening experience even during extended sessions. These headphones have plush cushioned earpads that delicately cradle your ears, minimizing pain or tiredness even after extended use.

Furthermore, all versions have adjustable headbands, letting you find the best fit for your head shape and size. This customized fit is critical for comfort, ensuring that the headphones stay securely in place without producing pressure spots or pain.

Whether you’re settling in for a lengthy journey, a busy workday, or a prolonged music listening session, the Live 660NC and HD 450BT excel at giving a comfortable and fatigue-free experience.

Choosing between them will come down to your particular style preferences and which design feels more comfortable on your head, as both headphones are designed to prioritize the wearer’s well-being throughout long listening sessions.

Sound Quality

The JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT both have excellent sound quality, but they cater to slightly different audio preferences.

JBL’s Live 660NC headphones are noted for their deep bass, which is a hallmark of JBL’s trademark sound. They do, however, preserve clarity in the mids and highs, offering a dynamic and exciting listening experience.

The Sennheiser HD 450BT, on the other hand, has a balanced sound profile and is a fantastic choice for audiophiles who value precision and detail in their music.

The HD 450BT produces a polished and immersive soundstage, with clear vocals and well-defined instrument separation. 

Finally, whether you prefer the powerful bass of the JBL Live 660NC or the balanced and detailed sound of the Sennheiser HD 450BT is a personal taste.

Noise Cancellation

When it comes to active noise cancellation (ANC), both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT provide effective solutions, but with slightly different techniques.

The JBL Live 660NC has adaptive noise cancellation, which means it adapts its noise-cancelling strength depending on the surrounding environment.

This dynamic ANC enables you to customize the level of noise suppression to the situation, ensuring you receive the ideal combination of isolation and awareness. The Sennheiser HD 450BT, on the other hand, excels at improving isolation.

Its ANC is meant to deliver effective noise reduction, making it excellent for people who wish to immerse themselves in their music without any external interruptions. 

Both headphones do an excellent job of reducing ambient noise, but the choice between them may come down to whether you prefer a more adaptive and situation-aware ANC, as provided by the JBL Live 660NC, or a stronger and more isolating ANC, as provided by the Sennheiser HD 450BT, depending on your specific needs and listening environments.

Microphone or Call Quality

When it comes to microphone and call quality, both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT excel in providing clear and consistent communication. The JBL Live 660NC is outfitted with an array of microphones to ensure that your speech is picked up clearly even in noisy surroundings.

Its powerful noise-canceling technology reduces background disturbances during calls, resulting in greater call quality. The Sennheiser HD 450BT, on the other hand, has two built-in microphones that provide exceptional call clarity.

These microphones are designed to catch your speech precisely while eliminating ambient noise, making them perfect for productive calls and virtual meetings.

Whether you choose the JBL Live 660NC or the Sennheiser HD 450BT, you can anticipate great microphone and call quality, ensuring that your voice comes through crisp and clear throughout discussions, whether you’re on a busy street or in a quiet room.

These headphones are ideal for both casual conversations and professional conference calls, boosting your overall communication experience.

Battery Life

When deciding between the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT, battery life is critical. In this regard, the JBL Live 660NC takes the lead, with an amazing playback time of up to 50 hours without active noise cancellation (ANC).

This increased battery life means that your music will continue to play for an extended amount of time before you need to recharge.

The Sennheiser HD 450BT, on the other hand, falls short of the Live 660NC in this category, although it gives a commendable 30 hours of listening on a single charge. The JBL Live 660NC may be the better alternative for consumers who value long listening sessions and fewer charging interruptions. 

However, take note that real battery life might vary depending on factors such as volume levels and ANC usage, so individual experiences may vary. When it comes to uninterrupted music enjoyment, the JBL Live 660NC’s extended battery life is an appealing aspect to consider.

Control System

The control systems of the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT provide intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for managing audio playback, calls, and settings.

The JBL Live 660NC has touch-sensitive controls on the earcups that let you adjust volume, play or pause music, skip tracks, and take calls with simple motions.

Furthermore, it has useful functions like as Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, which are available via these controls and improve your awareness of your surroundings without removing the headphones.

In comparison, the Sennheiser HD 450BT has physical buttons on the earcups for convenient operation. These buttons give tactile feedback, making it simple to control volume, change tracks, and answer calls. Furthermore, it enables voice assistants, allowing you to manage your music and obtain information using voice requests.

Finally, the decision between these two approaches in terms of control system comes down to personal preference. If you prefer touch-sensitive controls with extra functions, the JBL Live 660NC is a good option. If you want tactile physical buttons and voice assistant integration, the Sennheiser HD 450BT may be a better choice.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT provide dependable and varied alternatives for improving your listening experience.

The JBL Live 660NC has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which ensures a stable wireless connection to your devices. It also supports multi-device pairing, which allows you to smoothly swap between two linked devices.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is another useful feature for quick and easy first pairing. With these features, you may quickly connect to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop for a hassle-free listening experience.

The Sennheiser HD 450BT, on the other hand, has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which ensures low-latency audio streaming and dependable connections.

Furthermore, it supports high-quality audio codecs such as aptX Low Latency, aptX, and AAC, which improves audio quality when connected to compatible devices. This is especially useful for audiophiles who seek the highest possible sound quality from their headphones.

Both headphones also provide a wired option for audio playback through the accompanying 3.5mm audio connection, giving versatility for different listening circumstances. Whether you prefer wireless connectivity or prefer cable listening, both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT have you covered.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

When it comes to Bluetooth codec support, both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT offer compatibility with a variety of codecs to enhance your wireless audio experience.

The JBL Live 660NC supports a variety of codecs, including SBC, AAC, and LDAC. SBC is the default codec for most Bluetooth devices, although AAC is preferred by Apple devices for high-quality audio streaming.

LDAC, developed by Sony, is a high-resolution codec that can transport audio at greater bitrates, resulting in superior audio quality when paired with LDAC-compatible devices. This codec adaptability guarantees that you may enjoy high-quality audio regardless of your device’s compatibility.

The Sennheiser HD 450BT, on the other hand, supports a number of codecs, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, and AAC. These codecs are well-known for their ability to transmit audio with low latency and excellent-quality sound.

AptX and aptX Low Latency, in particular, are famous for their outstanding audio performance, making them perfect for audiophiles and consumers who require top-tier wireless sound quality.

In summary, both headphones offer strong codec support, allowing you to experience high-quality audio streaming with a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs.

Whether you value audio quality, minimal latency, or broad compatibility, both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT are fantastic choices for your wireless listening needs.

Extra Feature

The JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT both bring their own set of capabilities to the table. The JBL Live 660NC has an adaptive noise-canceling technology that tailors its noise cancellation to your environment, ensuring that you get the optimum level of isolation no matter where you are.

It also has Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, which allow you to stay aware of your surroundings or engage in conversations without removing your headphones, which is very handy in crowded urban situations or while traveling.

The Sennheiser HD 450BT, on the other hand, provides a tailored sound experience through the Smart Control app. 

This software allows you to fine-tune the audio settings to your liking, allowing you to alter the EQ, and sound profiles, and even receive firmware upgrades for your headphones. This level of customization is ideal for audiophiles and individuals who desire complete control over their listening experience.

Finally, the choice between the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT comes down to your priorities. If you value adaptive noise cancellation and situational awareness capabilities, the JBL Live 660NC could be your best choice.

However, if you’re an audiophile looking for significant sound modification, the Sennheiser HD 450BT with its Smart Control software would most likely be a better fit.

Which is the Winner?

The choice between the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT is based on your personal preferences and demands.

If you appreciate long battery life, JBL’s signature bass-driven sound, and adaptive noise-canceling features, the Live 660NC may be the right choice for you. It has up to 50 hours of playback life (without ANC) and delivers JBL’s renowned bass-heavy audio profile.

Alternatively, if you value a balanced sound character, effective noise cancellation, and the ability to customize your listening experience, the Sennheiser HD 450BT stands out.

Sennheiser’s dedication to audio quality shines through in its well-balanced sound profile, and the Smart Control software allows you to precisely fine-tune your audio settings.

In conclusion, your choice is determined by the factors that are most important to you. Choose the Live 660NC if battery life and bass-heavy sound are important to you, while the HD 450BT is a great choice if you want balanced sound and audio customization.

Alternative Options

If you’re contemplating the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT but are open to researching other options, there are plenty of fantastic options on the market.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is an intriguing alternative because of its remarkable noise-canceling capabilities, great sound quality, and comfort. These headphones feature LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming as well as a configurable EQ for individualized sound.

Another notable option is the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, which is known for its industry-leading noise cancellation and balanced sound character. Bose’s characteristic comfort and durability make it a popular choice among travelers and professionals.

Budget-friendly alternatives are the Anker SoundCore Life Q30 and the Jabra Elite 85h. These headphones offer outstanding noise-canceling capabilities, sound quality, and battery life without breaking the bank.

If you’re an audiophile seeking premium sound, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 provides great audio quality and a luxury aesthetic. These headphones are ideal for those who value both sound quality and fashion.

Finally, the decision between the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT comes down to personal preferences and priorities.

However, these options offer a wide range of features and performance to meet a variety of audio needs and budgets, helping you find the best headphones to fit your lifestyle.

JBL tune 660NC VS Skullcandy hesh ANC – FAQs

Which headphones have greater sound quality, the JBL Live 660NC or the Sennheiser HD 450BT?

Both headphones have good sound quality, yet they have distinct sound characteristics. The JBL Live 660NC emphasizes bass, making it excellent for bass fans, whilst the Sennheiser HD 450BT has a more balanced sound profile. Your choice should be based on your preferred audio experience.

Do the JBL Live 660NC and Sennheiser HD 450BT provide effective noise cancellation?

Yes, both headphones have active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. The JBL Live 660NC has adaptive noise canceling that adjusts to your surroundings, whilst the Sennheiser HD 450BT has excellent ANC. Consider whether one meets your noise-cancelling requirements.

How long do the JBL Live 660NC and Sennheiser HD 450BT batteries last?

The JBL Live 660NC has a greater battery life (up to 50 hours without ANC) than the Sennheiser HD 450BT, which has 30 hours. If battery life is important, the JBL Live 660NC may be a better option.

Are these headphones comfy to wear for extended periods of time?

Yes, both headphones are built for long-term comfort. Cushioned earpads and adjustable headbands give a secure fit. Individual comfort preferences may differ, so try them on if feasible.

Do these headphones support voice assistants and have configurable settings?

Yes, both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT feature voice assistants. The JBL Live 660NC stands out with adaptive noise reduction and features like Ambient Aware and TalkThru.

The Sennheiser HD 450BT provides a unique audio experience with the Smart Control app, which allows you to configure settings. Choose based on your preferences for more features.

Final Thoughts

The comparison of the JBL Live 660NC with the Sennheiser HD 450BT reveals two great active noise-canceling headphones, each catering to a distinct set of preferences and needs.

Both versions provide high sound quality, wireless convenience, and comfort, making them appealing alternatives for audiophiles and music aficionados seeking an immersive listening experience.

Consider your sound preferences, noise-canceling needs, battery life requirements, and comfort preferences while making your pick. 

Whether you value extended battery life and JBL’s characteristic bass or a well-balanced sound profile, effective noise cancellation, and audio customization via the Smart Control app, you’re sure to discover a headset that meets your audio preferences.

Finally, both the JBL Live 660NC and the Sennheiser HD 450BT claim to boost your listening experience by providing great clarity and precision for your favorite music and audio programs.