Over-Ear
Focal Elegia
67Good
$890
Full review dataFocal Elegia vs Sennheiser HDB 630: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HDB 630 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HDB 630 - Outstanding overall at around $450.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HDB 630
86Outstanding
$450
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sennheiser HDB 630 leads on 7 of 7 measures.
- Focal Elegia
- Sennheiser HDB 630
HearWiki score
67
86
Sound
7.8
9.4
Noise cancelling
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.7
Calls
-
8.5
Value
4.6
8.4
Price (USD)
$890
$450
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Half a step newer
Sennheiser HDB 630 (2025) against Focal Elegia (2018). The Sennheiser HDB 630 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing and USB-C.
- Elegia2018
- HDB 63020257 yr newer
What differsElegiaHDB 630
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Platform
Everyday features
Specifications
ElegiaHDB 630
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $890
- $450
- HearWiki score
- 67
- 86
- Released
- 2018
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 42 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 42 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 23 kHz
- 6 Hz - 40 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral
- Impedance
- 35 Ω
- 480 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 105 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.2
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- Yes
- Battery life
- -
- 60 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- -
- 60 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 120 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 10 min → 7 h
- Wireless charging
- No
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- Yes
- ANC type
- -
- adaptive
- Transparency mode
- -
- Yes
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- Yes
- Controls
- -
- touch
- Voice assistant
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 430 g
- 311 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
- Microphones
- -
- 4
What reviewers said
Focal Elegia
The Focal Elegia is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone that prioritizes neutral, detailed sound for critical listening, with an easy-to-drive 40mm dynamic driver. Its sophisticated build and spacious presentation make it a strong portable choice, though its specialized tuning and firm clamping force limit its appeal as an all-purpose headphone.
- Pro:Detailed, neutral sound signature
- Pro:Easy to drive from portable sources
- Pro:Classy, well-built design
- Con:Firm clamping force reduces comfort
- Con:Lacks wireless and ANC features
- Con:Not ideal for casual or mixed use
Sennheiser HDB 630
The Sennheiser HDB 630 is a premium wireless over-ear headphone that prioritizes audio fidelity above all else, pairing a detailed 42 mm driver with adaptive noise cancellation and extensive aptX codec support. Its standout feature is the bundled BTD 700 dongle, which unlocks high-resolution wireless performance, while a long 60-hour battery life and comfortable fit make it suitable for extended listening sessions. Though it lacks water resistance and wireless charging, its balanced tuning and engaging sound make it a top choice for audiophiles on the go.
- Pro:Excellent, balanced sound quality
- Pro:Adaptive ANC with strong performance
- Pro:Support for aptX Adaptive and aptX HD
- Con:No water resistance
- Con:No wireless charging
- Con:Some noticeable sonic quirks in certain settings
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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