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Ultrasone HFI 450 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£60
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Ultrasone HFI 450 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.4

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%

4.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.4

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%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.8

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    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%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 3.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    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

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £60

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Ultrasone HFI-450 is a closed-back, circumaural hi-fi headphone featuring 40mm Mylar drivers and Ultrasone's proprietary S-Logic Natural Surround Sound technology, which aims to provide a more natural, three-dimensional soundstage while allowing for lower decibel output (up to 40% reduction) to protect hearing. Technically, it offers a frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, an impedance of 32 ohms, and a sensitivity of 96 dB, making it easy to drive from portable sources without an external amplifier. Its main pros include a lightweight (approx. 265g) foldable design for portability, effective passive noise isolation for studio or home use, and the inclusion of a 3-meter cable with a gold-plated 3.5mm plug. However, potential cons include a non-detachable cable that may be cumbersome for some users and the lack of included accessories like a travel case beyond a soft pouch.

Technical Specifications of Ultrasone HFI 450

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.4
Ultrasone HFI 450 has a technical score of 4.42 points, which is lower than that of 76.2% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Ultrasone HFI 450 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

4.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.1
Ultrasone HFI 450 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 78.9% 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
Ultrasone HFI 450 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

40 mm
Ultrasone HFI 450 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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
Ultrasone HFI 450 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

20 Hz
Ultrasone HFI 450 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Ultrasone HFI 450 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Ultrasone HFI 450 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

N/A
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
Ultrasone HFI 450 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

N/A
Show more
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
Ultrasone HFI 450 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
Show more
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
Ultrasone HFI 450 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

no
Ultrasone HFI 450 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

Ultrasone
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

265 g
Ultrasone HFI 450 weighs 265 g, heavier than 68.5% of headphones and equal to 0.8% 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

?
Show more

Ultrasone HFI 450 vs the average headphone

  • Spatial audio support
    Ultrasone HFI 450 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Ultrasone HFI 450 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Ultrasone HFI 450 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Ultrasone HFI 450 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Foldable design
    Ultrasone HFI 450 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

    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Foldable design
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Spatial audio support
    Ultrasone HFI 450 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Ultrasone HFI 450 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 21.6% higher weight
    Ultrasone HFI 450 is heavier than the average headphone (265 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Ultrasone HFI 450 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 14 dB lower max SPL
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (96 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • No voice assistant support
    Ultrasone HFI 450 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 9 years older release date
    Ultrasone HFI 450 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    July 2008
  • No voice assistant support
    Ultrasone HFI 450 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    Ultrasone HFI 450 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 21.6% higher weight
    Ultrasone HFI 450 is heavier than the average headphone (265 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

    Ultrasone HFI 450 is heavier than the average headphone (265 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.265 g vs 218 g
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    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

    Ultrasone HFI 450 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4.65x less popular
    Ultrasone HFI 450 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Ultrasone HFI 450 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Ultrasone HFI 450 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Ultrasone HFI 450 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 10.5% worse value for money
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.09 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Ultrasone HFI 450 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.09 vs 6.736).6.09 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Ultrasone HFI 450 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Ultrasone HFI 450?

  • Excellent instrument separation and clarity for the price point
  • Expansive soundstage for a closed-back headphone design
  • S-Logic technology provides a more natural, 'live' listening experience
  • Lightweight and foldable design makes them portable and easy to store
  • Efficient and easy to drive even without an external amplifier
  • Effective passive noise isolation for studio or home use

What customers dislike about Ultrasone HFI 450?

  • Ergonomic issues where ears may rub against the internal metal driver plates
  • Bass can lack punch or impact compared to bass-focused models
  • High frequencies can be perceived as overly bright or fatiguing
  • Fixed, non-detachable cable makes repairs difficult if the wire fails
  • Revealing nature makes low-quality audio files or poor recordings sound worse
  • Reported durability issues with the right channel failing after long-term use

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010
Ultrasone HFI-450 - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Ultrasone HFI-450, as reviewed on Head-Fi, delivers a tight, strong bass response with surprisingly grain-free, clear audio for its price point. It features a robust build quality and a high-quality cable, with the ability to achieve good transparency through equalizer adjustments. Head-Fi.orgHowever, significant drawbacks include poor comfort due to stiff headband foam, a...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
20/02/2013
Ultrasone HFI-450 review on kopfhoerer.de

The Ultrasone HFI-450Go to product viewer dialog for this item. review from kopfhoerer.de highlights a closed-back over-ear headphone that balances a budget-friendly price point with solid build quality and practical functionality. On the positive side (pros), the headphones offer an excellent price-to-performance ratio, featuring a robust plastic construction that avoids feeling...Read more

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