Sennheiser HD 4 30 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser HD 4 30 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Good
5.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.8

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

3.9

Connectivity

6.0%

8.7

Battery

4.0%

6.8

Calls & Controls

Good
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(395)
amazon
4.0
(238)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(395)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(238)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.4
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 4.30 is a wired, closed-back around-ear headset featuring 32mm proprietary transducers that deliver a frequency response of 18 Hz to 22,000 Hz and a high sound pressure level of 120 dB. Its main characteristics include a low impedance of 18 ohms for easy driving by mobile devices, a folding headband for portability, and a detachable 1.4m tangle-free cable equipped with an inline 3-button remote and microphone optimized for either Android (G version) or iOS (i version). The primary pros are its impactful, well-controlled bass, overall lightweight design (approximately 196g), and the effective passive noise isolation provided by soft leatherette ear pads. Main cons include a predominantly plastic construction that may feel less premium, a narrow oval ear cup shape that can be tight for some users, and a high-end treble that lacks the fine detail found in more expensive models.

Technical Specifications of Sennheiser HD 4 30

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.8

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

3.9

Connectivity

6.0%

8.7

Battery

4.0%

6.8

Calls & Controls

5.2
Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a technical score of 5.18 points, which is higher than that of 59% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(395)
amazon
4.0
(238)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(395)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(238)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.9
Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a user score of 8.86 points, which is higher than that of 80.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.1
Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is higher than 65.7% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sennheiser HD 4 30 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

32 mm
Sennheiser HD 4 30 uses a driver size of 32 mm, smaller driver size than 74.5% of headphones and equal to 3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Sennheiser HD 4 30 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

18 Hz
Sennheiser HD 4 30 reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sennheiser HD 4 30 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Sennheiser HD 4 30 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Sennheiser HD 4 30 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Sennheiser HD 4 30 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sennheiser HD 4 30 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sennheiser HD 4 30 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sennheiser
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

196 g
Sennheiser HD 4 30 weighs 196 g, lighter than 57.3% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Sennheiser HD 4 30 vs the average headphone

  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • USB-C charging
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • Play while charging
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    wired mode only
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 10.1% lower weight
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 is lighter than the average headphone (196 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 is lighter than the average headphone (196 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.196 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10.1% lower weight
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 is lighter than the average headphone (196 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • USB-C charging
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • In-line controls
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup width
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.32 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 5 mm tighter earcup width
    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sennheiser HD 4 30 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.38 mm vs 43 mm

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser HD 4 30 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser HD 4 30?

  • Clean, tight bass that is prominent without being muddy or overpowering
  • Lightweight and portable design with foldable earcups for easy storage
  • Soft, thick ear cushions that provide high comfort for long listening sessions
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to the closed-back design and snug fit
  • High-quality integrated microphone suitable for clear voice calls
  • Detachable cable with a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection

What customers dislike about Sennheiser HD 4 30?

  • Heavily plastic construction can make the headphones feel somewhat 'cheap' or less durable
  • The high-end/treble range can lack detail and may sound slightly rolled off for some users
  • Narrow or small earcups can cause discomfort or 'fitment issues' for users with larger ears
  • Plastic headband may lack sufficient clamping force to keep cups securely in place for everyone
  • Device-specific cable variants (iOS vs. Android) mean full remote functionality is limited if swapped

Expert reviews

G
gavinsgadgets.com
03/10/2017

The Sennheiser HD 4.30G Around-Ear Closed-back Headphones are highly recommended by reviewer Gavin Fabiani-Laymond for their outstanding performance under £100. The reviewer notes that they are explicitly engineered to be driven easily by mobile devices, featuring an optimal 18-ohm impedance and 120dB sound pressure level that pair flawlessly with smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy...Read more

L
livemint.com
13/06/2017

The Sennheiser HD 4.30 headphones offer a design focused on classy elegance, featuring a lightweight build despite their bulky appearance. Available in universally acceptable black and white colors, the design incorporates a generous amount of cushioning on each earpiece, ensuring long-term wearing comfort without discomfort. Performance-wise, the headphones deliver Sennheiser’s...Read more

R
reviewcentralme.com
17/01/2017

The Review Central Middle East evaluation highlights the Sennheiser HD 4.30 as a light, sturdy, and highly portable option for consumer audio, carrying a retail price of approximately $100. The reviewer notes several prominent design pros, including its exceptionally comfortable around-ear fit—even during extended listening periods—and its foldable construction which makes it highly...Read more

A
absolutegeeks.com
17/10/2016

The Sennheiser HD 4.30 is an elegant, foldable, and highly comfortable over-ear headset designed for portability and daily use, featuring heavily cushioned ear pads, a detachable AUX cable, and a convenient inline remote with microphone. It provides a precise, punchy sound with effective passive noise isolation for commuting, though its relatively bulky appearance is noted. While...Read more

D
daradiser.com
Date not specified

The Sennheiser HD 4.30 is a budget-friendly, wired headphone made of hard plastic with a matte-like finish and a foldable design for easy storage. It features 40mm drivers that deliver a clear, balanced, and neutral sound signature without overemphasizing highs, mids, or lows. The headphones operate passively via a detachable cable that includes convenient mic and inline controls,...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
04/10/2016

The Major HiFi Review evaluates the Sennheiser HD 4.30G as a stylish, portable, closed-back headphone priced competitively at $99.95. The pros of this model center on its specialized, high-performing low end, which delivers an immaculate, punchy, and tightly controlled bass that remains clean without bleeding into other frequencies. Additionally, it features an impressive soundstage...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
28/02/2017

The Sennheiser HD 4.30 is a robust, foldable over-ear headphone designed as a versatile daily all-rounder for music, phone calls, and audiobooks. Structurally, it features a clean and durable build typical of the Sennheiser brand, integrating a high-quality detachable cable equipped with a secure bayonet lock. Its audio profile leans toward a bass-heavy, modern sound that is...Read more

Q
quechoisir.org
20/06/2017

The Sennheiser HD 4.30i is a budget-friendly, wired, supra-aural (on-ear) headphone designed primarily for Apple devices, featuring an integrated inline remote and microphone. Retailing for under €100, this entry-level model offers a practical, travel-friendly design that allows the earcups to fold tightly for storage inside the included protective pouch. For users outside the iOS...Read more

H
hardware.info
08/09/2019

The Sennheiser HD 4.30i is a budget-friendly, over-ear headphone designed for everyday use on the go, featuring a conventional design with an adjustable headband and highly compact, foldable earcups. The build quality is satisfactory with smooth plastics, while comfort is enhanced by very deep, soft ear cushions wrapped in faux leather, though the clamping force can feel slightly...Read more

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