In the world of audio, Sennheiser is a brand synonymous with quality. Their HD series headphones are incredibly popular among those who value audio above all else, and for the longest time, their most celebrated models have been wired offerings. That might finally change with the HDB 630, the company’s flagship wireless headphone designed to bring the audiophile experience untethered. Has Sennheiser made it compelling enough to entice this notoriously picky crowd? Read on to find out.
Box Contents
- HDB 630 closed-back headphones
- BTD 700 Bluetooth USB C dongle
- 1.20 m USB C-C audio and charging cable
- 1.20 m audio cable with 3.5 mm plug
- In-flight adapter
- Carrying case
Build Quality and Design
Take one look at the HDB 630 and you can immediately recognize elements of Sennheiser’s classic design language. From the shape of the earcups to the two-tone finish, the HDB 630 has a simple, clean, and mature design that looks professional and premium. Compared to the Momentum series, which targets the mainstream audience, the HDB 630 looks decidedly more muted and restrained. “German,” if you will.
The earcups have black leatherette earpads that feel plush and comfortable against the ear, which is great for long listening sessions. However, they do not let your ears breathe, and in hot, humid climates, sweat will accumulate against the earpads. It never became uncomfortable enough to force me to remove the headphones, but when I did take them off, my ears welcomed the fresh air. A more significant concern is that the earpads are glued on and not user-replaceable. For a product at this price point, one that is expected to last years, that is a disappointing omission. The earpads will inevitably wear out over time, and Sennheiser should have made replacement straightforward.
The earcups have good depth and are roomy enough for most ears. On the inside, “L” and “R” markings help identify orientation quickly. The cups swivel in all the necessary directions, aiding compatibility with different head shapes and improving overall comfort. On the outside, the earcups are finished in a soft-touch plastic that feels premium and does a decent job of resisting fingerprints. This is particularly useful given that the right earcup houses a touchpad for controls.
The headband is wrapped in leatherette on the outside, with a soft rubber finish on the interior. This combination distributes pressure comfortably across the top of your head. The adjustment sliders, finished in a contrasting silver, move smoothly and feel robust. Also on the right earcup, you will find a multi-function button, a 2.5mm audio jack, a USB-C port, and a row of LEDs that indicate battery level and connection status. Both earcups have small cutouts for the built-in microphones.
The HDB 630 does not fold, which limits its portability somewhat. The included hard carrying case is sturdy and will protect the headphones adequately when packed away. The construction is largely plastic, which keeps the weight down to a comfortable 311g. The headphones handle flex well, which suggests they are built to last. Overall, the HDB 630 feels well-built for its price category and holds its own against the competition.
App and Features
The HDB 630 comes with an enthusiast-friendly companion app called SmartControl Plus, available for Android and iOS but not for PC or Mac. If you need to adjust any settings, you will need a smartphone on hand.
Sennheiser offers multiple connectivity options with the HDB 630. Bluetooth is the primary method, with support for aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and AAC. Notably absent is LDAC, which is an interesting omission for an audiophile-focused headphone. The second wireless option is the included BTD 700 Bluetooth USB-C dongle. This is particularly useful for connecting to devices that lack Bluetooth support or do not offer the faster audio codecs. For wired listening, you can connect via the 2.5mm audio jack or the USB-C port. Sennheiser recommends a wired connection for maximum audio fidelity, which makes sense given the superior bandwidth it offers over Bluetooth.
Sennheiser SmartControl Plus App
The SmartControl Plus app is where the HDB 630 truly shines in terms of customization. Sennheiser has done a commendable job with the breadth of options on offer. You get ANC control, an anti-wind noise toggle, crossfeed, Smart Pause, and on-head detection.
The standout feature for audiophiles, however, is the parametric EQ. Unlike the simple five-band EQs found in most companion apps, SmartControl Plus lets you precisely control the frequency, gain, and Q factor across each band. You can also quickly A/B between EQ settings to compare them directly. For those who find this level of control overwhelming, preset EQ profiles are available as well.
Additional features include location-based zones, where the headphones can automatically switch settings depending on whether you are at home, at work, or at the gym. You can also manage which devices the headphones maintain multipoint connections with.
The app further displays useful real-time information, such as the active codec and the full audio signal path from source to headphone. This level of transparency is a welcome touch for the intended audience.
Controls on the headphones rely primarily on the touchpad on the right earcup, which handles playback, volume, ANC adjustments, and calls. I personally prefer physical buttons, but the touchpad proved responsive and accurate throughout my time with the headphones.
Audio Quality
For a headphone to belong to Sennheiser’s 6-series lineup, it needs to meet a high standard of audio quality. When you consider that the HDB 630 is one of their flagship wireless offerings, that standard is raised even higher.
The good news is that the HDB 630 meets these expectations head-on, making it one of the best wireless offerings from Sennheiser in recent memory. Music playback carries Sennheiser’s signature neutral sound, with the excellent midrange performance the company is known for. Vocals sound warm and forward, with pleasing tonality for both male and female voices.
Where the HDB 630 particularly shines is in its treble performance. The highs are detailed and airy without ever feeling fatiguing, even during extended listening sessions. The ANC contributes here as well, reducing background interference and allowing the treble to come through cleanly.
In the low end, the HDB 630 stays true to its neutral character. The bass is clean and controlled, never overpowering the mix. While 6-series headphones typically have a steeper roll-off in the bass and sub-bass, the HDB 630 holds onto a respectable amount of low-end presence. There are certainly headphones that hit harder in this region, including Sennheiser’s own Momentum series. However, a few adjustments in the parametric EQ can easily address this to suit your preferences.
This brings us to one of the HDB 630’s greatest strengths: its neutrality. With such a clean and balanced foundation, paired with one of the most capable EQ implementations in a wireless headphone, you can shape the sound precisely to your liking.
Soundstage, as expected from a closed-back design, is good but has its limits. It cannot match the openness of an open-back headphone, but within the closed-back category, the HDB 630 performs admirably.
Overall, the HDB 630 delivers the signature Sennheiser sound in a wireless package. And if there is anything you want to change, the EQ is always there to help.
Battery
Sennheiser claims the HDB 630 delivers up to 60 hours of battery life, and from our time with the headphones, this holds up well in practice. The company makes no official claims about quick charging, but the battery does charge fairly quickly. A welcome bonus is that connecting via USB-C charges the headphones while audio plays simultaneously.
Verdict
The Sennheiser HDB 630 is a serious contender for the best wireless headphone available today. It has a clean design, solid construction, and an enthusiast-friendly app that offers deep customization and control. The highlight is its audio quality, which carries Sennheiser’s signature neutral sound backed by one of the most capable parametric EQ implementations in a wireless headphone. It is the ideal choice for audio enthusiasts who want to cut the cord without compromising on sound quality. At this level, it stands as a genuine competitor to the likes of the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Priced at Rs. 44,990, the HDB 630 commands a premium. But it delivers a premium experience to match, and for that reason it has our recommendation. It is available for purchase on Amazon, Sennheiser’s online store, and Headphonezone.in.