Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Review. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 is the third generation of Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless headphones. Following the release of the second generation just two years ago, these premium buds aim to enhance and refine the performance and design of their predecessors.
They have a new look that is more reminiscent of Sennheiser’s CX lineup, and their adaptive noise canceling (ANC) system will automatically adjust to the noise levels in your environment. They’ve re-tuned their sound to better match the manufacturer’s audiophile selections.
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Sennheiser Information
Sennheiser, founded in 1945, is one of the market’s oldest and most respected audio brands. With billions of headphones and IEMs sold each year, and legendary headsets such as the Orpheus and HD-25, the German brand continues to remain a reference for audiophiles as well as professionals even after more than 75 years in business.
However, in 2021, Andreas and Daniel Sennheiser chose to sell their consumer electronic division (AKA audio and audiophile headphones) to Sonova – a Swiss brand specializing in hearing aids – and concentrate on their pro division.
An unexpected move that actually sounds like the end of an era, but in the end, the catalog remained almost untouched, with the HD800S and HD660S remaining in the record, while some lesser models, such as the HD450BT, quietly left.
Having said that, Sennheiser, like every other manufacturer, faced an unnoticed competitor, more recognized for their players than their earphones: Apple. TWS was a competitor who dominated the market with a single item, the AirPods, which supplanted almost every portable headphone or IEM.
As a result, the brand, like everyone else, had to adapt and create the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless, a wonderful TWS with fantastic sound performance but plagued by various software issues. Then came Generation 2, with some improvements and the same prowess.
However, the gen 3 Momentum True Wireless is the first to be sold under the innovative Sennheiser-Sonova era. Is it better or worse? It’s time to find out!
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Review – Design & Build Quality
Shell
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 detracts from the early design as well as leans more toward the new Cx series, whereas the True Wireless 2 and 1 were nearly identical. The aluminum faceplate has been replaced by a semi-curved black plastic casing pierced with two microphone holes.
Less iconic and more inventive, I was initially frustrated by the new design, as the previous generations’ rounded silvery shell provided a nice variation from Apple’s pure-white AirPods. However, once in hand, the Momentum TW3 exuded confidence, which was bolstered by the thickness of the shell – those are built to last.
Similarly, the charging box is still one of the most elegant and beautiful solutions available today. This tiny box, covered in a greyish fabric, opens like a clamshell and provides a very enjoyable sensation once you close the lid, much better than my AirPods Pro box.
Quality of construction
As previously stated, the Momentum Wireless 3 feels less expensive than the 2. Despite this, they remain one of the best models available today, thanks to their sturdy design as well as excellent build quality.
I misplaced them several times whilst also removing them from my ear holes. They were fortunate to have survived the concrete, wood, tiles, as well as mud. They will break if you stomp on them, but so will all acrylic/plastic IEMs.
To ensure a flawless seal for the IPX4 certification, the three-layer shell is immaculately glued together. and is made up of:
the faceplate, which bears the Sennheiser logo, a middle ring designed to secure the Momentum in your ear, and the inner side, which houses the charging ports as well as the ear canal
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Review – Typical Application
The first launch is straightforward. You can either attach the ears straightforwardly to your smartphone via Bluetooth or download Sennheiser’s Smart control app, which activates additional features such as:
- Connection management, which allows you to see which devices are connected to your TWS, equalizer, which enables you to customize the sound to your liking, transparent hearing; which allows you to hear your surroundings whilst also wearing your TWS.
- To establish the level of noise attenuation you desire to use, use noise cancellation.
- Keep an eye on the battery life of your TWS/charging box
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Review – Battery life
Sennheiser claims 7 hours of continuous listening time on a single charge and up to 28 hours with the case. A full charge takes 1.5 hours, but going to charge just 80% takes less than one hour, and they should last about a week.
In real-world use, the Momentum is very close to the official figures, and I got between 25 and 26 hours – more than enough time on the go. Numbers? Each earbud has a 77mAh battery, while the charging box has a 950mAh battery.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Review – Microphone
Last but not least, a word about the microphone. Sennheiser equipped each earbud with three microphones, each with beamforming to encapsulate the most exact sound while speaking. I made a few phone calls and found them to be superior to the AirPods Pro in this respect: my interlocutor heard me loud and clear every time. Senn, congratulations!
The bottom line
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 headphones are ideal for commuting and traveling. They have a responsive ANC system that does an outstanding job of preventing background noise such as bus engine rumble and passenger chit-chat. Their constant battery life is also over eight hours, as well as their carrying case includes three extra charges if needed. They’re well-made and have a reasonably comfortable fit, making them suitable for long journeys.