Introduction
Sennheiser released the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 not very long ago. Are these in-ears an improvement over the previous generation (the True Wireless 2)? How long do the earbuds last and how do you like them? In this review, I’ll find out!
Specifications
First of all, of course, the 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): 107 dB SPL (1 kHz / 1 mW)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.08% (1 kHz / 94 dB SPL)
Frequency response (microphone): 100 Hz to 10 kHz
Microphone principle: MEMS
Microphone pick-up pattern: 3 mics per earbud, beamforming for noise reduction
Battery supply: built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries
Battery supply (earbuds): 77 mAh
Battery supply (charging case): 850-950 mAh
Charging port: USB charging via the USB-C socket of the charging case
Operating time (earbuds): 7 hrs.
Operating time (charging case): 28 hrs.
Charging time: approx. 1.5 hrs. for a full charge, after 10 min charging 1 hrs. music playtime
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2 compliant, class 1, 10 mW (max)
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Bluetooth Audio Codec: SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX adaptive™
Bluetooth output power: 10 mW (max)
Active Noise Cancellation: Hybrid Adaptive ANC
IPX rating: IPX4, splash resistant (earbuds only)
Weight (earbuds): 5.8 g
Weight (charging case): 66.4 g
Temperature range (operation): 0 to +45°C
Relative humidity (operation): 10 to 80%, non-condensing
Transmission frequency: 2,402 MHz to 2,480 MHz; GFSK, π/4 DQPSK / 8DPSK
Unpacking
It is time to unpack the earbuds.
Sennheiser supplies a comprehensive package with the in-ears.
– MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 earbuds
– Silicone ear adapter sets (XS, S, M, and L)
– Ear fin sets (S/M/L)
– Charging case
– Quick guide & safety guide
The rings you see at the bottom are silicone rings designed to seal off the ear from ambient noise. Should your ear be larger than the standard ring provided, it is possible to use another ring.
As is familiar from the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless is that the case again looks neat. In this case, however, the USB-C connection is placed on the front of the case, instead of the back.
The earbuds look slightly different compared to the previous generation (True Wireless 2). These look even more solid than the previous one. Furthermore – as usual – the earbuds are held in place via magnets. At the same time, the earbuds are charged when they are in the case. The earbuds themselves have a playing time of about 7 hours. The case offers a total of 28 hours of charging power. This means that with a fully loaded True Wireless 3 set, about 35 hours of fun can be achieved.
MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 vs. MOMENTUM True Wireless 2.
Fight! … The 3 is a bit more compact than the 2. And as mentioned, the USB charging port is on the front of the 3, whereas it is still at the back on the 2.
The difference between MOMENTUM 2 and 3 is also clearly visible here. Where those of the 2 are still round, the earbuds of the 3 are a bit more rectangular/oval.
These have also improved a lot in terms of finish. The 2 is often dirty between the rim, whereas the 3 has a rubber rim (which has the R on it). This edge/ring also ensures that the ear is closed off from ambient noise. This in turn benefits the ANC.
Where the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 still had a weird kind of sponge, the True Wireless 3 is simply sealed properly. This way no dirt ‘leaks’ into the earbud.
Software
The software is easy to use. The most important things emerge; battery life and EQ.
That is 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 are customizable.
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 earbud has its options, which can be controlled with a light touch.
It is nice to use the touch controls. But the fact that you can also customize it is of course completely epic!
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 when opened (this can also be checked manually via the settings menu at the bottom right).
The devices can be managed via the connection management menu.
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.
Sennheiser has also added several other options with the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3, such as Sound Zones. This allows you to set up to 20 different zones through locations. For example, if you set the gym as an ANC location, it will do so automatically in the future. If you do not want this at the office, then this can also be automated. You do need to register for this.
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 earbud does. By the way, you can also turn it off completely (touch control).
When playing music, the settings menu also shows which codec is currently being used. While playing it was AAC.
Can’t figure it out? No worries … there is also a FAQ.
Calling
Calling is fine via the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3, this was already the case for the 2. The other party could clearly understand me. When I asked my wife to put in the earbuds and call me, I also experienced the same thing.
Active Noise Cancelling
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 has Active Noise Canceling and that works well in my opinion. Compared to the 2, the 3 is a step forward. This is because the 3 seals the ear much better using the silicone rings. However, when using the standard ANC and walking through the wind, you will hear a lot of blowing. The anti-wind mode should be used for this. And I must confess, it works well! No wind and no noise. What else do you want…?
When the standard ANC comes on, the world around you is put on ‘silence’ for a while. While getting your groceries, you don’t immediately hear the people talking around you. This also applies to working in the office, or even at home, and that’s nice. When you turn on the option for Transparent Hearing, the environment is simulated on the earbuds. This way you can have a nice conversation or hear what is being announced on the train. By tapping the earbuds again (depending of course on how you have set it yourself via the software), the Transparent Hearing is switched off again and you can then shut yourself off from the world again.
The advantage of these earbuds is that the ANC does not affect the music. The ‘anti noise’ is not annoying and does not distort the sound or songs you listen to. For example, I could noticeably enjoy listening to classical music while ANC is on, while that can also be experienced as ‘oppressive’. That is not the case in my opinion.
Sound and use
I must confess that with the previous generation, I don’t hear that much difference in quality. Both earbuds just sound very good. This one just has some better ANC and options in the app. The sound just sounds very good/deep. And that’s what the MTW 3 are known for to me. That is also the reason that I prefer these earbuds over others.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 sound very full. The lows are great for in-ears. What I still find quite special is that there are so many undertones in the earbuds. Yes, headphones have even deeper bass, but these are one of the best earbuds in this segment and with this sound.
But then we are only talking about sound… as for using the earbuds? I have good news about that too! The earbuds are very comfortable. This is enough to keep up with the full working days. Because the True Wireless 3 are well sealed off from the environment, it is also great to work with for a day, if you want to focus. In addition, ambient noise can of course be heard via the transparency mode, while music is still playing in the background. Ideal.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 VS Apple AirPods Pro 2
Still, I want to touch back on audio quality, because I did reach into my pocket to check out something extra. Apple indicates that it has better in-ears with the new AirPods Pro. After having been able to play with the True Wireless 3 for a long time, I am curious how this compares to the Apple AirPods Pro 2.
Compared to the previous generation, the 2022 model is indeed better. I’m not going to talk about the options that the earbuds offer, that should be clear.
Only in terms of sound, do the AirPods fall short with the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3. The Sennheiser in-ears have more sound and deeper bass. It does sound a bit more refined. However, it is no longer a difference of 50% (as with the previous generation), but rather 25%. So the MTW 3 sounds 25-30~ish percent better to me.
The MTW 3 also has a larger sound box, and that is also quite audible.
Despite the features that Apple’s earbuds offer, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 earbuds remain the ones that I would continue to take with me every day. The AirPods Pro 2 (2022 version) are back on the marketplace…
Conclusion
Headbanging or not, Sennheiser has once again released in-ears with the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 that stay put for hours. For example, I hardly touched the earbuds during a working day – until I was able to charge the earbuds again in the accompanying case during lunch.
For fairly small earbuds like the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3, I’m fairly impressed with the battery life. With about 7 hours of playtime and to charge for another 28 hours via the case, the True Wireless 3 can get ahead!
The in-ears stay in place perfectly and do not feel irritating. After all, they are also very light, and that also makes a difference! Because the True Wireless 3 is well sealed (due to the ring on the side), they also provide good passive noise canceling.
It is also an advantage that Sennheiser provides different silicone earpieces so that the right size can always be found.
As mentioned, I also quickly purchased the AirPods Pro 2, especially for this review, but they are (still) one step behind the Sennheisers. And as an audio whiner, I think that’s a thing. Especially with frequent use (and also long days), I love it when the audio sounds as it should. And that is pure enjoyment…
I think this third version is better than the first and second – especially because of the improved ANC and seal to seal off the environment much better.
The redesign of the earbud is also simply better than the previous one so that less dirt enters the earbud.
The advantage of this Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 is that it can also be operated via the app. When there’s too much bass, it can be reduced with a simple adjustment – and vice versa!
During the review, I switched from many different genres. Trance, techno to classical, or hardstyle can be played with great pleasure.
If you are looking for a set of more luxurious earbuds with a lot of options – and a reasonable battery life, then I would definitely give the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 a try. And I also said this for the 2nd version. It’s just really lame, but I think this is still one of the better earbuds on the market – for a good price.
I give the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 the full 5 stars.
