Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: Now with better noise cancellation
test conclusion
The latest version of the Momentum True Wireless goes home with the best result in the entire series. This is due to the improved battery life, the higher wearing comfort and the simpler operation. The noise canceling works very effectively and music fans can enjoy their favorite titles undisturbed. They also sound really good. The unadulterated and above all powerful sound pleases. Small weaknesses such as the sharp highs and the quiet mids are noticeable, but they don’t bother us. However, they do not make it into the top ten of the best wireless in-ear headphones, as there are too many better and cheaper competitors.
Per
Powerful sound
High wearing comfort
Long battery life (7 hours 9 minutes)
against
Treble a bit pointed
Slow loading time
Every two years, Sennheiser renews its Momentum True Wireless series and improves it every time. From May 10, 2022, the third version will be available on retail shelves for 250 euros (price at the time of testing at the end of April 2022). The wireless in-ears not only want to be better than their predecessors, but also better than the competition. The manufacturer has screwed on the sound, the noise canceling, the battery and more. COMPUTER BILD reveals how well the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 performs in the test.
The best true wireless in-ear headphones
LG Electronics
Details about the test
Per
Clear and unadulterated sound
Can also be used on the headphone output
KEF
Details about the test
Per
Very clear and precise sound
High resolution
against
Complicated relationship
Chunky transport box
Sony
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Great noise cancellation
against
Only three sizes of eartips
Samsung
Details about the test
Per
First class sound
Active noise cancellation
against
Somewhat fiddly operation
Restrictions for iOS users
Samsung
Details about the test
Per
Outstanding sound quality
Useful automatic functions
JBL audio
Details about the test
Per
Clear and precise sound
Battery life of almost 8 hours
against
Touch operation reacts very sensitively
Phillips
Details about the test
Per
Very detailed and balanced sound
Good, adjustable noise cancelling
against
Comparatively large and heavy
Large charging box
jabra
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Long battery life (7.5 hours)
against
Only three pairs of essays
Angry
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Very effective noise canceling
against
Press continuously
Few replacement ear pads
Complete list: The best true wireless earphones
New look: The Momentum TW 3 (right) are square and are based on models like the CX Plus TW (left)
Visually, the Momentum True Wireless 3 differ significantly from their older siblings. While the first two generations were very round, the current in-ears are based on the manufacturer’s CX series: the housing is square, angular on the sides and rounded at the bottom. The case with the chic glossy finish looks high quality and almost like it’s made of metal. On closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that the case is made of plastic. According to the manufacturer, the plastic successfully repels water drops (protection level IPX4). A rubber attachment and a small rubber apron with a tiny nose ensure a firm and comfortable hold. The Momentum True Wireless 3 sit quite deep in the ear canal and exert a slight but not uncomfortable pressure.
The outer sides of the Sennheiser headphones are touch-sensitive and the current track can be paused with a tap. The touch surfaces react quickly to inputs, can be programmed and switched off if desired. Music fans can use the free “Sennheiser Smart Control” app (for iOS and Android) to customize the controls according to their preferences. You can also set whether the in-ears automatically pause the current track when you remove them. Practical: The manufacturer app also controls the transparency mode of the in-ears. For example, they switch to swipe when users briefly stop the current title.
The app not only keeps the firmware up to date, but also comes with many functions such as “sound zones” (middle) and a control adjustment (right).
The “Soundzone” function hides a location-specific programming of the ambient mode and the equalizer. For example, when the music fan reaches home, the Momentum True Wireless switches to active noise cancellation. The smartphone analyzes the GPS data. In the test, the Sennheiser in-ears always switched to the appropriate mode without much delay. However, the Sennheiser are not as smart as the Sony WF-1000XM4, which even register whether music fans are jogging or sitting down, for example. However, the noise canceling works at a similarly high level as the competition. Ambient noise never disturbs the music enjoyment. Integrated microphones that record environmental noise are responsible for this. In addition, the in-ears reproduce opposing sound waves, which are superimposed as anti-noise with the ambient noise, resulting in silence. The effect of the noise canceling can be adjusted in the Sennheiser application. Users can choose between a mode that automatically adjusts to the ambient volume or one that primarily filters out wind noise.
The massive Lower Saxony
An equalizer for sound adjustments can be found in the smartphone application. However, this is not absolutely necessary, because the Momentum True Wireless 3 already sound pleasant in the basic setting. Singing voices are reproduced unadulterated by the wireless in-ears. The highs are quite clear, but taper off a bit. This characteristic is particularly audible with a hi-hat. The upper mids, on the other hand, could be a bit louder, voices lack some assertiveness depending on the pitch. Sennheiser covers the low frequency ranges more than adequately. The bass substructure is powerful and goes deep. However, it is softer than crunchy. The punch is a little lacking, especially in titles with a present double bass pedal. The round sound is fun and comes close to the qualities of the Apple AirPods 3 and Sony WF-1000XM4.
The case with the fabric cover pleases and looks high-quality.
The carrying case of the Momentum True Wireless 3 has the distinctive fabric cover that was already popular with the predecessors. The box is a bit bulky, but just about fits in your pocket. The plugs can be easily removed and a small colored LED on the front provides information about the current charge level. To the right is a USB-C charging socket. Alternatively, the case can also be charged with a wireless charger – great. In the test, the battery life of the earphones was seven hours and nine minutes. They beat their predecessors by two and a half hours (Momentum True Wireless 2) and three hours (Momentum True Wireless). After a ten-minute rest in the charging box, they continue playing for almost an hour.
The latest version of the Momentum True Wireless goes home with the best result in the entire series. This is due to the improved battery life, the higher wearing comfort and the simpler operation. The noise canceling works very effectively and music fans can enjoy their favorite titles undisturbed. They also sound really good. The unadulterated and above all powerful sound pleases. Small weaknesses such as the distinctive highs and the somewhat quiet mids are noticeable, but not disturbing. However, they do not quite make it into the top ten of the best wireless in-ear headphones, as there are too many better and cheaper competitors. Test grade: good, 1.7
