Introduction
Music colors your life, and for me, that is almost every moment of the day. I love music. Is it jazz, blues, classical, rock, hardcore, or hardstyle, I listen to almost everything. And of course also during sports! After all, I also have to keep my super athletic body in shape. Or is round just a shape?
In this review, I will take a closer look at whether the Sennheiser SPORT True Wireless is an ideal partner during exercise.
Specifications
Wearing style: true wireless stereo earbuds
Ear coupling: ear canal
Frequency response (speaker): 5 Hz to 21 kHz
Transducer principle: dynamic, closed-back
Transducer size: 7 mm, TrueResponse™
Sound pressure level (SPL): 110 dB SPL (1 kHz/0 dBFS)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0,08 % (1 kHz, 94 dB SPL)
Frequency response (microphone): 100 Hz – 10 kHz
Microphone pick-up pattern: 2 mic beamforming arrays (4 mic total)
Battery supply: Built-in, rechargeable lithium polymer battery
Battery supply (earbuds): 55 mAh
Battery supply (charging case): 400 mAh
Charging port: USB charging via the USB-C socket of the charging case
Operating time (earbuds): 9 hrs.
Operating time (charging case): 27 hrs.
Charging time: approx. 1.5 hrs. for a full charge, after 10 min charging 1 hrs. music playtime
Temperature range (operation): 0 to +40°C
Relative humidity (operation): 10 to 80%, non-condensing
IPX rating: IP54, dust protected and splash resistant (earbuds)
Weight (earbuds): 6.8 g
Weight (charging case): 41.6 g
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2 compatible, class 1, BLE
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Bluetooth output power: 10 mW (max)
Bluetooth Audio Codec: SBC, AAC, aptX™
Sennheiser signature sound
Adaptable acoustics
Secure customized fit
IP54: Dust, splash & sweat resistance
Battery life of up to 27 hours
Unpacking
After the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3, it’s also time to get our hands on the SPORT True Wireless.
What’s in the box?
SPORT True Wireless earbuds
Charging case with lanyard
USB-C charging cable
Closed and Open ear adapter sets (S/M/L)
Ear fins sets (N, S1, S2, S3)
Quick Guide & Safety Guide
The extra strap that can be attached to the case is quite handy. Especially if you just run with the case while running, then it is easy to hold. Or hanging on a device while exercising in a gym.
In addition, it is nice that different sizes of caps and rings are included. The latter ensures that a good seal is formed in the auricle, providing passive noise cancellation.
The case of the SPORT True Wireless just looks great. The reason that this is plastic instead of fabric, as with the MOMENTUM True Wireless, is that the user can be covered in sweat during exercise, causing the fabric to get dirty or even wear off very quickly. The case is sturdy and does not open easily. The earbuds are held in place by magnets. In addition, the earbuds themselves have a playing time of about 9 hours. The case also offers an additional 27 hours of playtime.
Because the earpiece also remains clamped in the earlobe, these earbuds stay in place really well. While running or even mountain biking I could do the craziest things. Because they are also splash-proof, you can get around quite a bit.
In addition, it is also the case that the earbuds create a good seal in the ear through these ‘rings/protrusions’. This gives you a passive ANC.
The USB-C port is on the back of the case. With 1.5 hours you are fully charged. If you notice just before exercising that the earbuds are almost empty, don’t worry! With 10 minutes of charging you have 1 hour of extra fun. And that is very convenient.
In terms of model, the SPORT True Wireless is quite similar to the MOMENTUM True Wireless. Whether they just sound that good, I’ll come back to that in a moment.
Software
The software is easy to use. The most important things emerge; battery life and EQ.
That is actually everything you want to be able to see or control with the earbuds. The EQ works very easily – just move the pointer to more/less bass or treble and enjoy the adjustments immediately. This way the earbuds can be used as desired.
The Smart Control app that can control the earbuds can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store.
It’s an easy process. Pairing the earbuds via Bluetooth and opening the app worked best for me.
What is nice is that each earpiece has its options, which can be operated with a light touch.
It is clear that it is nice to use the touch controls. But the fact that you can also customize it is of course completely epic!
As mentioned, the SPORT True Wireless has a passive ANC.
By using the focus or aware option, the passive ANC is further used. With aware, the ambient noise is filtered through the earbuds.
Not only the earbuds have become more mature, but the app is also ‘better’ than what it used to be.
The app checks for software updates upon opening (this can also be checked manually via the settings menu at the bottom right).
Of course, there are standard presets, but custom presets can also be made if the standard presets are not sufficient. Custom EQs can also be made via Sound Check.
The devices can be managed via the connection management menu.
As I hinted at earlier; the settings of the touch controls (sides of the earbuds) can also be customized. This allows you to decide for yourself what one click on the left earpiece does. By the way, you can also turn it off completely (touch control).
Music and use
Let’s kick off with the use of these earbuds. Because the rings cover the cracks, the earbuds are easy to keep clean. The only point of criticism is that there is a small cushion behind the speaker to keep dirt out. This was also the case with the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 and the CX Sport. I had hoped that, just like the new MOMENTUM True Wireless 3, there was some kind of seal/gauze over the outlet – the part where the silicone cap goes on. This wadding does get a bit dirty over time. Shame … missed opportunity.
Just for the image. As you can see the earpiece on the right, where there is a silicone cap there is a kind of gauze over the entrance/exit.
Other than that, the earbuds are just perfect. In terms of sound, the Sennheiser SPORT True Wireless are just a lot better than the Sennheiser CX SPORT. And they sounded just fine for new ears back then. These really sound 50% better, also due to the large sound box. I must therefore also confess that I find the 100 euros (time of writing) just very neat. Of course, you don’t have to use them only for sports.
Working out is also more enjoyable when the music sounds good. And with these earbuds that is all right. Of course, it cannot be compared to a Sennheiser HD820, but it does what it’s supposed to do.
Connecting to my Apple Watch goes without any problem, and I can play a lot of podcasts or even via Spotify. Whether these are sets from Vision, Headhunters, or other podcasts with a beat… the earbuds can deliver. It even motivates you to try harder while exercising.
I don’t mind that it doesn’t have ANC either. These earbuds can also be used while cycling or running (on the street), where ANC is not so handy. The passive ANC stops enough ‘noise’. The focus or aware mode is of course also useful. For a gym, it is nice to put it on focus, on the street again on aware.
Calling
Can you make calls with the Sennheiser SPORT True Wireless? Yes, of course! Although, I do not recommend calling while panting while running like a jaded horse… Other than that, calling is fine. You can be heard well at the other end, and the other user can also be heard well.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Sennheiser has launched a great set of in-ears with the SPORT True Wireless. The CX Sport used to be the headphones I used regularly (this review was also from February 2019). Since the True Wireless, however, it has simply been left on the pile. Somewhere a huge shame, but they are simply defeated… and how!
The sound of the Sennheiser SPORT True Wireless in this case is simply to write home about. While running, working out in a gym, or working a day at work, the user is simply motivated to go a little harder, further and better. The earbuds have that kick/bass and that is great. While running I connected the earbuds to my watch. I didn’t take the in-ears out of my ears until I walked back into my house. In the meantime, I don’t even have to touch the earbuds once. This then also paired (via Bluetooth) with a smartwatch in no time.
The battery life of the earbuds is also just fine. In many sports sessions, I have not had to charge the earbuds at all, with the 35 hours in total there is plenty of exercises before they have to be connected to the charger again. Fortunately, you don’t see me exercising for 35 hours in a row. So it provides plenty of opportunity.
With 1.5 hours you are fully charged. If you notice just before exercising that the earbuds are almost empty, don’t worry! With 10 minutes of charging you have 1 hour of extra fun. And that is very convenient.
It should be clear that I am very pleased with the earbuds, in my opinion, they are highly recommended. It is that I received them in exchange for this review, but had I had to return them, I would have ordered them tonight.
The Sennheiser SPORT True Wireless gets 4 out of 5 stars.
