The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earplugs offer better passive noise cancellation and a modified design compared to its predecessors. In addition, the charging case has improved. What about the audio experience?
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Recommended retail price € 249,-
Colors White, Black, Gray
Link bluetooth 5.2
Weight 5.5 grams
codecs AAC, SBC, aptX and aptX Adaptive
Certificate ipx4
In the box Earplugs, storage case, multiple types of plugs
Website www.sennheiser.com
8 Score 80 
- Pros
- Fairly neutral audio reproduction
- Passive noise cancellation
- Wireless charging
- Sound test and equalizer
- Negatives
- Noise reduction could be better
- The app is actually mandatory
- Silicone caps
If you take a first look at the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, you may immediately notice the similarities with the Sennheiser CX and CX Plus, which appeared on the market last year. All three models have a kind of oval-like wing design, which, by the way, sit comfortably in the ears. Initially it takes a while to find the right silicone cap for the ear canal; but once you have the right model, they will stay put.
Sennheiser supplies a number of caps, all of which are made of silicone. While that is probably fine for many people, it is also true that earplugs with memory foam as tips last much better and longer. This is proven by market leader Sony with the Sony WF-1000XM4 earplugs, also launched last year. Because both earplugs have approximately the same suggested retail price, a comparison with that set is also appropriate for this review.
Also read: What are the best earphones? 18 bluetooth in-ears tested
The charging case is almost identical to the box of the Momentum True Wireless 2. Both boxes have a fabric exterior. However, this time the USB-C port, for charging, is on the front. Not necessarily better or worse, but a change. The fact that we can charge the box wirelessly this time is a valuable adjustment. This way you can provide your earplugs with power on the go if your smartphone supports reverse charging.
Same kind of drivers inside
As with its predecessors, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 has a TrueResponse transducer in drivers that are 7 millimeters in size. TrueResponse is patented driver technology designed to deliver deep bass, natural mids and clear highs. In addition, there is support for the audio codecs SBC, AAC, aptX and this time also aptX Adaptive, via bluetooth 5.2. That is an energy-efficient connection option for audio.
The earbuds last up to seven hours on a full battery. You stretch that number to 28 hours, if you take a fully charged box with you. A showpiece for this model is the noise reduction† The Momentum True Wireless 3 offers three microphones per earplug and can therefore stop a lot more noise compared to the True Wireless 2. Unfortunately, it is not enough to mute (loud) music in the gym or counteract the sound of a keyboard. .
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless also have a transparent mode, with which you let sound through, and an adaptive noise reduction. The level of suppression is adapted to the location of the wearer; this happens automatically and unfortunately you cannot arrange this yourself. You’ll find these features, along with a somewhat basic sound test, all in the free Sennheiser app. The software for your smartphone is simple, yet clear and functional.
So new options, and the audio?
Fortunately, we have little to complain about the audio experience. In fact, the earplugs sound just a bit more neutral and more balanced than the aforementioned Sony WF-1000XM4. Despite their high price, these earplugs are still popular among editors. Where the Sony earplugs sound a bit warmer due to the emphasis on bass, we have to give it to Sennheiser: the Momentum True Wireless 3 sounds open and has an impressive soundstage.
Within the Sennheiser app you can play with an equalizer and select, for example, a bass boost. However, that mode does not really provide warmth, but makes certain music sound somewhat hard and cold. The equalizer allows you to clean up the experience here and there. But straight out of the box, it’s better to turn to Sony if you’re looking for a warm sound. The True Wireless 3 moves the music directly to the center of the head, giving full scope to different tones.
Higher tones come out nicely from behind, while the bass layer – especially when the boost mode is off – never sounds overpowering. Mids float nicely with the rest of the audio experience, while voices are never overwhelmed by all kinds of musical sounds. The fine stereo reproduction is also well able to move music from one side to the other. In general the music sounds very defined and at times even very powerful.
Connection issues
In terms of audio experience, it is therefore a must. The passive noise reduction can sometimes be a bit better; that is also an area where Sony scores better. Then we have to talk about the connection. The Bluetooth connection is in principle stable, provided you open the app and keep it active in the background. If the app is not open in the foreground or background, you will run into connection problems within a minute. We have tested this on several smartphones.
That’s a shame, because we’re not used to that from Sennheiser. The cheaper CX and CX Plus do not have those problems. Admittedly, it doesn’t detract very much from the experience. But it is a bit annoying that you have to deal with crackles and beeps when you want to listen to your music, when you have forgotten to open the app. If the app is open, you will not be bothered by anything and the earplugs will maintain a perfect connection with your smartphone.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 – Conclusion
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 has its problems. The connection isn’t strong without an app, and the noise cancellation is better on models in the same price segment. But in terms of audio experience, you can’t ignore Sennheiser. The earplugs sound clear, pretty neutral and really give songs a lot of space. They are also a bit more compact than their predecessor and last a long time: seven hours. That’s as much as the True Wireless 2, but it’s still fine.
Within this same price segment we find the Sony WF-1000XM4 and, for example, the AirPods Pro. Sometimes your choice of earbuds depends on design, functionality or a particular ecosystem. Apple enthusiasts will find few reasons to switch here, except for the more neutral soundstage. Fans of Sony earplugs would do well to at least give the Momentum True Wireless 3 a chance. Although we have to say that the WF-1000XM4 are much more comfortable, sound warmer and last longer.
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