Sennheiser noise cancelling: Noise-Canceling Headphones: Lose yourself in sound

Jul 31, 2023 alexxlab

The 7 Best Sennheiser Headphones of 2023: Reviews

Table of Contents
Intro
Review Updates
Best Audiophile
Best Upper Mid-Range
Best Mid-Range
Best Budget
Best Casual-Use
Best Mid-Range
Best Budget
Comparison
Lineup
Page Updates
Conclusion
Discussions

Updated Jun 06, 2023 at 10:42 am

By Vanessa McCuaig

We’ve currently tested over 45 pairs of Sennheiser headphones. They’re a well-trusted brand that makes various models for different uses, focusing on open-back, reference-quality headphones. We generally test several Sennheiser headphones yearly, so we’ll update this article as we release new reviews.

Updates

06/12/2023

Sennheiser HD 800 S updated
03/08/2023

Sennheiser HD 660S2 reviewed
10/07/2022

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless reviewed
07/21/2022

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 reviewed
01/27/2022

Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless updated

Best Sennheiser Headphones

Best Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Searching

Finding Store

Searching

Finding Store

Neutral Sound

8. 5

Commute/Travel

4.0

Sports/Fitness

5.5

Office

4.7

Wireless Gaming

4.8

Wired Gaming

6.9

Phone Calls

1.7

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Open-Back

Wireless

No

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

No

See all our test results

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best Sennheiser headphones for audiophiles that we’ve tested. They have a high price point, which can set them out of reach for most people, and to get the most out of them, you’ll need an amp to power them, adding an additional expense if you don’t already have one. However, if you can afford it, these open-back headphones can create a wide, spacious, and natural soundstage that’s worth checking out.

They have a very well-balanced and neutral sound profile. Although they lack low-bass, like most open-back headphones, their sound has a touch of extra high-bass to add warmth to mixes without overwhelming vocals and lead instruments. The headphones are very well-built and have a very comfortable fit, so they’re a good choice if you like to listen to music for hours. However, you may find their ear cups large if you have a small head.

See our review
Best Upper Mid-Range Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones

Sennheiser HD 598

Searching

Finding Store

Searching

Finding Store

Neutral Sound

8. 0

Commute/Travel

3.9

Sports/Fitness

5.4

Office

4.8

Wireless Gaming

4.6

Wired Gaming

6.7

Phone Calls

1.7

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Open-Back

Wireless

No

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

No

See all our test results

If you’re looking for high-end audiophile headphones without shelling out quite as much as our top pick, check out the Sennheiser HD 598. Compared to the premium Sennheiser HD 800 S, they don’t feel as well built due to their cheaper plastic body. They’re also more prone to deviations in audio delivery, so it’s a good idea to take the time to adjust their fit to your head each time you use them. On the upside, they’re very comfortable and won’t get tiring to wear during long listening sessions.

While their soundstage isn’t as immersive as that created by the HD 800 S, it still feels open and natural. They also have a warm sound that delivers extra boom to audio. Vocals and instruments still sound clear, accurate, and detailed, though. If you’re looking for headphones with less warmth, consider the Sennheiser HD 600 instead. They’re better built and have a flatter bass range but aren’t as comfortable.

See our review
Best Mid-Range Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones

Sennheiser HD 560S

Searching

Finding Store

Searching

Finding Store

Neutral Sound

8. 3

Commute/Travel

3.8

Sports/Fitness

5.5

Office

4.6

Wireless Gaming

4.6

Wired Gaming

6.7

Phone Calls

1.6

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Open-Back

Wireless

No

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

No

See all our test results

The Sennheiser HD 560S are a more wallet-friendly audiophile alternative to Sennheiser’s pricier models. At this price point, there have been some small reductions in overall performance, and they only come with one audio cable, which is a step down from higher-end models that come with two or more cables. Their soundstage doesn’t feel as large or spacious as the Sennheiser HD 598, but it’s still quite decent overall.

That said, they retain a similarly decent build quality and can reproduce a bit more low-bass than their upper mid-range sibling, which is nice if you’re looking for a little more thump and rumble in your sound. Their well-balanced sound also reproduces bright vocals and instruments without becoming piercing. They’re comfortable, so you can wear them for long listening sessions without fatigue.

See our review
Best Budget Audiophile Sennheiser Headphones

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016

Searching

Finding Store

Searching

Finding Store

Neutral Sound

7. 7

Commute/Travel

4.5

Sports/Fitness

4.7

Office

5.0

Wireless Gaming

4.0

Wired Gaming

6.0

Phone Calls

1.9

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

No

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

No

See all our test results

If you’re an audiophile that wants to keep spending costs down, we recommend the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016. Unlike all the other audiophile headphones that have come before this pick, the HD 280 Pro are closed-back headphones, which is more common at this price point. However, due to their design, their passive soundstage won’t be as immersive or spacious as open-backs like the Sennheiser HD 560S. At the same time, this design is good for users who want to monitor live recordings since they can block out some mid-range sounds like ambient chatter.

These over-ears deliver audio consistently, so you’ll get a consistent sound each time you use them. Their fairly balanced sound reproduces low-bass well and won’t overwhelm the rest of the mix. Vocals and instruments are present but veiled and dull due to a recessed treble. Their headband also feels tight on the head, which can be uncomfortable over time.

See our review
Best Casual-Use Sennheiser Headphones

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Searching

Finding Store

Searching

Finding Store

Neutral Sound

7. 3

Commute/Travel

7.8

Sports/Fitness

7.3

Office

7.6

Wireless Gaming

5.9

Wired Gaming

7.3

Phone Calls

6.9

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

Yes

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

Yes

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

If you’re looking for more casual-use headphones, try the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Unlike audiophile headphones, these well-built and premium over-ears are packed with features, including an active noise cancelling (ANC) system that does a good job of blocking background noise, an integrated microphone for calls, and multi-device pairing support. They have a bass-heavy sound profile, which is well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop, but you can adjust their sound using their companion app’s graphic EQ and presets.

They have a comfortable fit suitable for long listening sessions and last over 62 hours continuously. You can even use them wired in a pinch if you run out of battery. However, they can only receive audio via this connection, so you can’t use their mic. On the upside, they support multi-device pairing, so you can simultaneously stay connected to your PC and smartphone.

See our review
Best Mid-Range Casual-Use Sennheiser Headphones

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3

Searching

Finding Store

Searching

Finding Store

Neutral Sound

7. 1

Commute/Travel

8.2

Sports/Fitness

8.2

Office

7.6

Wireless Gaming

5.6

Wired Gaming

5.4

Phone Calls

7.0

Type

In-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

Truly Wireless

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

Yes

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

Users seeking mid-range casual-use headphones can consider the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3. They’re the best Sennheiser earbuds available and offer similar performance to the over-ear Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless in many aspects, even though they don’t support multi-device pairing. Their adaptive ANC system can block out significantly more ambient noise, which is great if you commute or work in a noisy environment. They also have a bass-heavy sound profile, but their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound.

Unlike over-ears, they’re smaller and more portable. You can bring them to the gym thanks to their IPX4 rating for resistance against water splashes. Thanks to their stability fin design, they’ll stay in place during tough workouts, although their fin design can be a little uncomfortable depending on your ear shape. Their continuous battery life of over eight hours is great, and their carrying case supplies an additional three charges if needed.

See our review
Best Budget Sennheiser Headphones

Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless

Searching

Finding Store

Searching

Finding Store

Neutral Sound

6. 6

Commute/Travel

7.6

Sports/Fitness

8.2

Office

6.8

Wireless Gaming

5.4

Wired Gaming

5.3

Phone Calls

6.2

Type

In-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

Truly Wireless

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

Yes

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

If you’re on a tight budget, Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless give the best bang for your buck. They’re the upgraded Sennheiser CX True Wireless variant and come with active noise cancelling (ANC). Despite their budget-friendly price, their build quality still feels premium. Their warm sound profile suits EDM and hip hop, but instruments and vocals sound somewhat dark and veiled. You can adjust their sound using their companion app’s graphic EQ and presets to suit your taste. They last about seven hours on a single charge and have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life when you’re not using them.

While lightweight, their bulky bud design sticks out of your ears. Where they show their price point, however, is in their ANC’s performance. It only offers an okay noise isolation performance and won’t block out as much ambient noise as the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3.

See our review

Compared to other brands

Great open-back models.
Sennheiser is one of the few companies to offer a wide variety of open-back headphones at varying price ranges, which helps ensure a spacious, immersive sound.
High audio fidelity.
Sennheiser’s lineup typically focuses on quality audio reproduction. Many of their headphones are geared towards neutral sound compared to all-purpose headsets.
Diverse headphone lineup.
One of the best advantages of such a longstanding company is the multitude of headphones it offers, from the best gaming Sennheiser headphones, the Sennheiser Game One Gaming Headset, to the Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless, which are home theatre headphones.

Mediocre noise isolation.
Some Sennheiser headphones block or cancel noise effectively, but unlike other brands like Sony or Bose, they don’t have the best isolation for similar headphones.
Expensive.
Although Sennheiser offers many cheap models, their better-sounding headphones tend to be more expensive than the competition.
Overlapping models.
Some models in the vast Sennheiser lineup are very similar, with only slight aesthetic changes and minor differences in sound.

Sennheiser vs HiFiMan

HiFiMan and Sennheiser both produce top-of-the-line audiophile headphones that are renowned for their accurate sound but differ in significant ways. While HiFiMan’s headphones feature a planar-magnetic driver that ensures a flatter sound, Sennheiser’s headphones feature dynamic drivers, which aren’t as prone to imaging issues due to their simpler design. Additionally, HiFiMan only produce expensive high-end audiophile headphones, while Sennheiser produce a wide range of headphones at different price points for both critical listening and casual use.

Sennheiser vs Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser make headphones for audiophiles, but each company is known for a different specialty. Beyerdynamic are best known for their closed-back models, which help passively isolate you from outside noise but don’t create as wide of a passive soundstage. Sennheiser, on the other hand, are best known for their open-back options, which give you a wider and more natural-feeling soundstage but leak more audio. Both headphones perform well, so the choice comes down mainly to your preferences and requirements for audio leakage. However, Beyerdynamic’s audiophile lineup is generally far more affordable than Sennheiser’s, making them a great option for the budget-conscious hi-fi enthusiast.

Sennheiser vs Apple

Apple and Sennheiser both offer upper mid-range in-ear headphones with premium features, great build quality, and powerful sound. Their flagship models often perform very similarly, so your ideal headphones may come down to personal preference. While Sennheiser’s in-ears often feature more bass than Apple’s, they lack Apple’s proprietary chips that help seamlessly integrate them with the brand’s product ecosystem. The best Apple headphones also support Spatial Audio, which changes the stereo image based on your head’s position. If you don’t have an Apple device or just don’t care about quick pairing, Sennheiser’s line of casual-use headphones are comfortable, stable, and have comparably good active noise cancellation (ANC) for commutes and busy offices.

Sennheiser vs Bose

Bose and Sennheiser are two headphone manufacturers with great-performing active noise cancellation (ANC) features. Bose’s lineup of over-ear and in-ear headphones is renowned for its versatile isolation system that cuts out noise across the entire audible range, making it a go-to for commuters. Sennheiser is a close runner-up to Bose regarding ANC, but not all their models have the same powerful noise cancelling performance. Additionally, Sennheiser’s lineup is quite large compared to Bose’s. They produce casual-use, audiophile, and gaming headphones that’ll suit many listeners’ needs and budgets.

Sennheiser vs Sony

Sony and Sennheiser have extremely diverse headphones that cover a wide range of uses and listener preferences. Both make truly wireless in-ears, Bluetooth noise cancelling over-ears, and audiophile headphones. Their offerings are comfortable and have great noise isolation performance, although Sony’s are typically better at blocking out the low-bass from traffic or bus rides. Sony’s casual-use lineup also leans more bass-heavy, which can better suit genres like metal and EDM than the neutral sound profile found in most models made by Sennheiser. If you want more from this manufacturer, check out our best Sony headphones article.

Overall, Sennheiser offers a variety of headphones for different uses. Many of their higher-quality models are on the pricey end; however, many of their cheaper models also perform admirably. They’re easily one of the best for high-end open-back headphones, with some models offering stellar sound quality for audiophiles.

Lineup

Sennheiser has a wide range of headphones that range in price and intended use.

If you’re an audiophile, you know this manufacturer as one of the key players in high-end reference headphones. They mainly produce these under one name:

HD = Open or closed-back dynamic-driven audiophile headphones. Intended for home listening and hi-fi sound.

If you’re looking for casual use, Sennheiser has a few sub-categories to suit your preferences:

Momentum = Flagship in-ear and over-ear wireless closed-back headphones with ANC and a durable build for everyday listening.
CX = Mid-range, truly wireless in-ears with a carrying case. Stable enough for sports and commuting, and some models have ANC.
HD xBT = Low mid-range Bluetooth over-ear headphones without ANC.

Sennheiser also produces models for specialty uses, like the SPORT, which are In-ears with stability fins and an IP54 rating for dust, splash & sweat resistance. They also manufacture a line of TV headphones:

RS = Over-ear headphones with side controls and a dock for low-latency TV watching.

Sennheiser also makes gaming headphones, like the Sennheiser Game One Gaming Headset, but their naming conventions aren’t as strict with these kinds of models. They frequently collaborate with other companies in the gaming space, like Drop, who released the Drop + Sennheiser PC38X and the audiophile-centric Drop + Sennheiser HD 8XX as website-exclusive models.

Recent Updates

Jun 06, 2023:
We’ve checked our picks for product accuracy and availability. However, our recommendations have remained the same.
Feb 03, 2023:
We’ve overhauled our Lineup section to better reflect Sennheiser’s current offerings and improved the “Compared to other brands” section with more detailed comparisons between Sennheiser and its competitors in both audiophile and casual-use markets.
Oct 25, 2022:
We’ve overhauled this article to better represent the breadth of this manufacturer’s offerings. We’ve added the following headphones: the Sennheiser HD 598, Sennheiser HD 560S, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016, Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3.
May 31, 2022:
Verified that picks represent the best recommendations in their categories and that the products are in stock.
Mar 02, 2022:
We’ve checked our picks for product accuracy and availability. There hasn’t been a change in our recommendations.

Conclusion

Sennheiser is a big brand. Therefore, they have a wide variety of headphones that are either specific to a certain use or well-rounded enough for everyday casual use. However, they tend to focus more on better sound quality than versatility, offering more models that cater to critical listening or home theater entertainment than sports or travel.

Test results

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2023

The best noise-canceling headphones (or best “noise-cancelling” headphones as some companies spell it) tend to cost more than $200, with some premium models like the AirPods Max costing well north of that. But fear not — you can also find good noise-canceling headphones and earbuds with great audio performance at more affordable prices, and I’ve included some top budget noise-canceling picks on this list. If you’re just looking for a list with only budget noise-canceling headphone picks, check out our best noise-canceling headphones under $100 list. And we also have a list of best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds for those just looking for top noise-canceling earbuds.

What are the best noise-canceling headphones right now?

There’s a lot of debate around this question, and it’s hard to name one single model as the best overall noise-canceling headphones. But a few models do stand out a bit from the rest of the pack, which is why we’ve given them our prestigious CNET Editors’ Choice Award. From 2022, these include the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 and I’m sure we’ll see some worthy Editors’ Choice candidates arrive in 2023. These headphones and true-wireless earbuds (aka in-ear headphones) offer not only offer excellent ambient noise-muffling capabilities but a comfortable fit, very good sound and strong voice-calling performance. Those are the key factors I evaluate when determining what products end up on this list. Pricing is also a consideration for value picks.

I’ve fully reviewed or had hands-on listening time with all the devices on this best noise-canceling headphones list. My recommendations are updated regularly as I test the new models hitting the market.

Best noise-canceling headphones of 2023

‘Noise canceling’ vs. ‘noise cancelling’: Different spelling, same technology

Either spelling is correct, as “canceling” is more common in American English while “cancelling” is more common in British English. CNET uses “noise canceling” since the company is based in the US, but the noise is canceled just the same, regardless of spelling. If you’re looking to see what different noise-impacting technology is out there for headphones, check out our article on noise-canceling versus noise-isolating headphones, which highlights differences in function (and not just a difference in spelling).

Honorable mentions for noise-canceling headphones

Mark Levinson No. 5909: The No. 5909 are premium audio brand Mark Levinson’s first headphones and, yes, they’re really expensive at $999. But they’re also really good. They have a sturdy design without managing to feel hefty on your head (read: they’re substantial but not too heavy) and they’re comfortable to wear over long periods thanks to their nicely padded (and replaceable) leather-covered earcups and headband. Read the Mark Levinson No. 5909 hands-on.

Technics EAH-A800: There’s a bit of an old-school vibe to the Technics EAH-A800 — and it’s not just the Technics brand, which Panasonic resurrected in the last few years. Their design is something of a throwback but the headphones are comfortable and both fold up and fold flat. They feature a big, energetic sound with powerful bass and good detail (however, they take a day or two to break in).

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: Featuring excellent sound, improved noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well a smaller, more refined design that includes stabilizing fins (so the earbuds stay in your ears more securely), the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are among the best true-wireless earbuds, giving the Sony WF-1000XM4 a run for the money. Read the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review.

Sennheiser 450BT: Sennheiser updated its well-regarded 4.50BTNC noise-canceling headphones in 2020. The new headphone model is called the 450BT and it has some notable upgrades, including better battery life (up to 30 hours with noise canceling on), USB-C charging, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX support for devices like the Samsung Galaxy smartphones that support it and more comfortable earpads. The 450BT noise-canceling headphones list for $200, but usually cost around $150 although they have dipped to as low as $100 in flash sales (they’re a good value at that price).

Google Pixel Buds Pro: The Pixel Buds Pro are Google’s first earbuds to feature active noise canceling. While it’s nice that they finally have a feature that a lot of true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately sets the Pixel Buds Pro apart and makes them worth considering — particularly for Android users — is their distinct design and winning fit. That helps enhance their performance on both the sound quality and noise-canceling fronts. While not quite elite for voice-calling, they also performed well as a headset for making calls. Read the Google Pixel Buds Pro review.

How we test noise-canceling headphones

We test noise-canceling headphones and earbuds based on six key criteria. These criteria include design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, voice-calling performance, features and value.

Design: Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones and earbuds fit (their ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. When it comes to earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings.
Sound quality: We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
Noise-canceling performance: We evaluate noise-canceling performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do muffling not only street noise but people’s voices.
Extra features: Some great-sounding noise-canceling headphones and earbuds aren’t loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user friendly it is.
Voice-calling: When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voice.
Value: We determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones and earbuds against all these criteria and what they’re able to deliver compared to other models in their price class.

Noise-canceling headphone FAQs

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it?

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Does noise canceling drain the headphones’ battery?

Does noise canceling impact sound quality?

More headphone recommendations

Best True Wireless Earbuds for 2023
Best Back-to-School Headphones for 2023
Best Noise-Canceling True Wireless Earbuds for 2023
Best Wireless Earphones and Wireless Headphones for Making Calls
Best Headphones for 2023
Best Cheap Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones Under $100
Best Headphones for Running in 2023
Best Over-Ear Headphones for 2023
Best Cheap Earbuds and Headphones
Best Sony Headphones for 2023
Best Apple AirPods Max Alternatives for Less: Sony, Bose, AirPods Pro and More

Sennheiser unveils its most affordable active noise canceling wireless headphones

org/Article”>

3DNews Technologies and IT market. News A/V Peripherals, Headphones, Webcams… Sennheiser Unveils Its Most Affordable…

The most interesting in the reviews

09/13/2021 [15:27],

Ruslan Avdeev

Sennheiser, known for its advanced music equipment, has unveiled the CX Plus True Wireless headphones starting at $180. Today, these are the most affordable active noise-canceling headphones in the manufacturer’s portfolio.

digitaltrends.com

The headphones are available in black and white and will be available in the near future – in some regions the model will appear in stores on September 28th.

So far, a new set of Sennheiser Active Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones starts at $300 (Momentum True Wireless 2). The new CX Plus is part of a strategy to sell more affordable solutions. As for non-noise-cancelling models, earlier this year the manufacturer halved the price of the $200 CX 400BT True Wireless, and in July, the $130 CX True Wireless came out with similar sound quality but longer battery life.

With the introduction of the CX Plus, Sennheiser is offering an active noise-cancelling variant that costs a lot less than the AirPods Pro (starting at $249) while significantly outperforming them in sound quality. The novelty supports most of the features of the more expensive Momentum True Wireless 2. This is noise reduction, a transparency mode that allows you to talk without removing the earbuds from your ears, and automatic pause playback when the earpiece is removed from the ear. The CX Plus also uses the ultra-compact TrueResponse 7mm drivers found in many of the company’s models.

For the first time, the manufacturer used the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec, which, when working with a compatible smartphone, provides better sound quality than standard SBC, AAC and regular aptX codecs.

digitaltrends.com

According to Sennheiser, the headphones will last up to 24 hours with the case, but there is no exact data on battery life on a single charge. Like the Momentum True Wireless 2 and CX True Wireless, the new CX Plus meets the IPX4 water-resistance standard, enough to keep out sweat or raindrops.

If you notice an error, select it with the mouse and press CTRL+ENTER.

Related materials

Permanent URL:

Headings:
News Hardware, audio/video peripherals, headphones, webcams,

← В
past
To the future →

Overview Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless with Active Noise Canceling

It’s been almost 4 years since the last full size version of the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless with Noise Canceling. During this time, several generations of Bluetooth have changed, and voice assistants and USB-C for charging have practically become the standard. The competition in the premium wireless noise-canceling headphone segment is as strong as ever, so the third generation Sennheiser Momentum Wireless was a matter of time. Presented at IFA 2019the model retained its recognizable and stylish retro design, but acquired a number of new features and technologies. It’s time to test something new.

Boxed

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones
3.5mm Audio Cable
USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable
USB-C to USB-C A
Carry case
Documentation

Design and construction

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless (hereafter Momentum 3) has received a new round carrying case. It is fabric and zipped, the bottom/top sides are padded for rigidity. Inside, in a folded state, at first glance, the same good old Momentum lie. The difference is in the details – matte cups, a redesigned solid headband, new control buttons. In general, the design has become even more minimalistic and neat, and the design feels stronger than the previous generation.

Comfort and fit

Momentum 3 has a tighter fit, the ear cushions are well pressed to the head, but due to the large thickness and softness, the head does not suffer from this, and passive noise isolation has improved. The headband is softer than the Momentum 2 and covered in the same leather as the ear cups.

Technology & Control

Momentum 3 is expected to support Bluetooth 5.0 as well as NFC for quick and one-touch pairing. Connections with two devices are supported at the same time. Of the codecs, in addition to the standard SBC, there is AAC, aptX and aptX Low Latency. Together with ANC, the headphones will work up to 17 hours – not the longest indicator today, but, as a rule, this is enough for any flight, and fast charging will provide another 1.5 hours of music after just 10 minutes at the outlet. Well, and – “at worst” – you can use a wired connection. The battery charge can be found in the application (more on that later) or by holding the play button for 2 seconds. All controls are concentrated on the right ear cup: pairing button / voice assistant call; volume control buttons with a multifunctional playback control and call answering key, as well as a rocker for ANC / Transparent Hearing modes. The headphones are equipped with sensors that automatically turn Momentum 3 on/off when you fold them and automatically pause/resume playback when you take them off/put them on.

Noise Cancellation and Application

The tighter fit provides better passive noise isolation and contributes to better active noise cancellation, which is definitely more powerful than the Momentum 2. In addition, ANC now has 3 modes: Max – maximum cancellation (uses all microphones) , Anti-Wind – “windproof” mode for outdoor/on-the-go use (uses microphones pointed towards the ears), and finally Anti-Pressure mode – provides a comfortable level of noise reduction without feeling pressure in the ears, for indoor use (uses microphones outward). Out of the box, the headphones work in Max mode, you can change the modes in the Sennheiser Smart Control App (for iOS and Android). From the headphones themselves, you can only switch between ANC and the Transparent Hearing function, which has the opposite effect of noise reduction (or turn off both functions). By default, Transparent Hearing mixes the signal of external microphones with the music, but in the application you can select a mode when turning on “transparent hearing” muffles the music. In addition, an equalizer and integration with Tile technology will be available to you in the application, which will help you find forgotten headphones.

Sound

As expected from Sennheiser, the new Momentums sound great. The sound is fully consistent with the premium appearance. Since this is a consumer model, and not a professional one, its sound signature is not “dry” / reference, but “live” / captivating, with accentuated bass. At the same time, the basses are full-bodied and well controlled, they do not mask the middle or vocals at all (but if there are still too many of them for you, for example, for classical or acoustic recordings, you can always clean up the basses in the application). The mids and highs are transparently clear, well detailed and keep the bar set by the bass, high dynamics, no sibilants, excellent separation of instruments, the stage is not the widest, but for closed and wireless headphones it is very convincing.