German audio specialist Sennheiser enjoys a well-deserved reputation in the audio industry. The company has consistently delivered headphones with impressive baseline quality. Their somewhat “Germanic,” industrial design has been a recognizable feature throughout their history, as has their pricing strategy, which spans from budget-friendly to exceptionally high-end. Today’s focus is on the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3, the brand’s latest wireless headphones positioned in the mid-range to lower high-end category. We conducted a thorough evaluation, paying close attention to audio performance and overall design.
Design and first impressions
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3 bears a strong resemblance to the previous Momentum Wireless M2, which was considered a reference model a few years ago. The signature metal rail extending over the earcups remains a prominent feature, and the headphones exhibit a blend of contemporary style and robust build quality. The headband is crafted from stylish leather, while the earcups are plastic and feature exposed cables that could potentially be integrated more seamlessly into the overall design. While lacking the outright luxury and elegance of models like the B&O Beoplay 9Hi, the Momentum Wireless 3 possesses an understated aesthetic. The all-black version appears more refined than the lighter variant we tested.
The included carrying case is functional, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. Unlike some manufacturers who opt for rigid designs and faux leather, Sennheiser provides a soft case reminiscent of a linen storage bag. While lacking visual appeal, the case offers flexibility in tightly packed bags. The initial impression is that the overall package doesn’t project a premium high-end feel, despite the price range of SEK 3,500-4,300.
The sound – Momentum Wireless 3
The standout feature of the Momentum Wireless 3 is undoubtedly its audio performance. Sennheiser excels at combining crystal-clear sound with a rich bass response, a characteristic that makes their headphones suitable for a wide range of audio content. In addition to the standard SBC and AAC codecs, the headphones support aptX and aptX LL (Low Latency, a codec designed to minimize audio delay during Bluetooth transmission – refer to our Creative BT-W3 review for a detailed examination). Upon initial connection, the default voice prompt sounds somewhat thin, lacking bass. However, when playing reference tracks such as Mark Knopfler‘s Sailing to Philadelphia, the soundstage expands impressively, exhibiting both width and well-defined height. The sonic landscape becomes spacious and musical, with accurate detail reproduction of high-frequency elements, accompanied by a pleasingly warm and controlled bass. A live performance recording, such as Patricia Barber‘s Use Me, captures the intimacy of the vocals, while the instruments create an immersive soundstage, simulating the experience of sitting near the stage.
Increasing the tempo with The Knife‘s Silent Shout allows us to assess the bass response and the clarity of digital instruments and samples. The Momentum Wireless 3 performs admirably here, reproducing audio with impressive precision and accuracy. While the Momentum Wireless 3 may not offer the absolute deepest bass extension compared to other headphones, the bass remains consistently pleasant and well-balanced. Even tracks like Dr. Dre’s Xxplosive, which can present challenges for some headphones, are reproduced effectively, providing sufficient impact for hip-hop enthusiasts while maintaining clarity and control.
In summary, the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3 delivers exceptional sound quality for its price point. These are among the most accurately calibrated headphones we have tested in this segment.
Functions and buttons
The Momentum 2 featured a somewhat convoluted button layout. The Momentum Wireless 3 represents an improvement, although it is not entirely optimal. While there are multiple buttons, their similar design and close proximity can lead to confusion.
The headphones incorporate ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) with three modes: Max (maximum noise cancellation), Wind (optimized for windy conditions), and Anti-Pressure (designed to minimize the sensation of pressure in the ears). A microphone is also included to allow for environmental awareness.
The Momentum Wireless 3 includes a “smart” function designed to detect whether the headphones are worn. We generally disable such features for testing purposes, as we require a minimum of 10 hours of burn-in time before evaluation. The headphones lack a dedicated power button, automatically activating when unfolded and deactivating when folded. While innovative in concept, this approach may not be ideal in practice, as users may not always wish to fold the headphones. When worn around the neck, the headphones remain in standby mode, consuming battery power. A dedicated on/off button would be a welcome addition.
Regarding battery life, the headphones provided approximately 14 hours of use at moderate volume levels with ANC enabled, decreasing slightly at higher volumes and with aggressive ANC settings. The Momentum Wireless 3 supports fast charging via USB-C, a feature expected in this price range.
Additional features include support for voice assistants (Siri, Alexa, and Google) and integrated Tile functionality, enabling users to locate their headphones (assuming battery power remains). Skullcandy has implemented this feature for some time, and we welcome its inclusion in more headphones. The headphones utilize Bluetooth version 5. Initial range was limited but improved after a firmware update – users should download the app to ensure the latest software version is installed.
Summary – Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3
The Momentum Wireless 3 offers few significant drawbacks. These headphones deliver a wide and engaging sound experience, suitable for a diverse range of genres, from singer-songwriter pieces to electronic music, hard rock, and classical compositions. If we could request improvements for the next iteration, we would prioritize aptX HD over LL (or, ideally, aptX Adaptive), as audio quality is generally more critical than latency (except for users who frequently consume video or play games wirelessly). Additionally, we would prefer a more luxurious selection of design elements and materials, such as more comfortable and less dense ear cushions, which can become warm after extended use.
However, in terms of sound quality, build quality, and technical execution, the Momentum Wireless 3 is nearly flawless. For users seeking exceptional sound quality within this price range, the Momentum Wireless 3 represents an excellent choice. Alternative options may offer more visually striking designs.
“When it comes to sound, image means nothing,” as Sennheiser themselves might say.
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