Second-generation high-end true wireless earbuds from Sennheiser are gaining noise-canceling and longer battery life to battle Sony and Apple.
The first earbuds from the German firm were among the best-sounding available. Now Sennheiser is hoping his £280 Momentum True Wireless 2 can once again steal the show.
The first thing you notice is just how big the earbuds are. Despite being slightly smaller than the previous versions, they are still significant, shaped like a fez with the ear tip projecting out of one corner. They protrude noticeably from your ear when worn.
They ‘re more comfortable than the previous models, but they still place pressure on certain parts of my body because of their size. People with larger ears may find it easier to put them more comfortably, but there are no wings or similar to keep them protected. I didn’t need them, but some could, mainly to run.
The case covered with fabric is also more massive than I would like to. It’s pocketable but only because it’s a little thick, sticking out in your jeans like a lump. It’s smaller than Sony’s WF-1000XM3 but much more extensive than AirPods Pro’s or Libratone’s Track Air+’s case.
They ‘re more comfortable than the previous versions, but because of their size, they still put pressure on some parts of my ears. People with larger ears may find it easier to place them more comfortably, but there are no wings or similar to keep them protected. I didn’t need them, but some might, especially to run.
The case lined with cloth is also more significant than I would like to. It’s pocketable but only because it’s a little thick, sticking out in your jeans like a lump. It’s smaller than Sony’s WF-1000XM3 but much more significant than AirPods Pro’s or Libratone’s Track Air+’s case.
Specifications
- Water resistance: IPX4 (resistant to splashes)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, SBC, AAC, aptX, Canceling Active Noise (ANC)
- Battery life: listening for seven hours, up to 28 hours with a case
- Weight to the earbud: 6 g
- Case dimensions for charging: 76.8 x 43.8 x 34.7 mm
- Bodyweight charging: 58 g
- Loading case: USB-C
Battery and Casing
With noise canceling on, the earbuds lasted about six hours and switched off longer with it. The case charges the earbuds complete three times with a cumulative playing time of up to 28 hours.
In the case, the earbuds snap magnetically into place to charge and store them, with a flip-top lid also protected by a magnet. A USB-C socket on the back is responsible for charging, which takes approximately 90 minutes via cable. A 10-minute charge provides enough empty playback for about 90 minutes.
The Momentum True Wireless 2 is not repairable as with most true wireless earbuds, and the batteries are not replaceable. The cells are rated for 500 full charge cycles, subsequently falling to 80 percent capacity. For replacement, each earbud and case are available separately, but Sennheiser does not operate a trade-in or recycling scheme, nor are the earbuds made using recycled materials.
Connectivity and Controls
Even in congested areas, the Momentum True Wireless 2 supports Bluetooth 5 and has a rock-solid connection to an iPhone 11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
The earbuds support the standard SBC Bluetooth audio format and the improved AAC and aptX, but not the aptX Low Latency from Qualcomm, which their predecessors have done. Not many devices support aptX LL, so while gamers might be put out, most users won’t matter. With no video apps, Lipsync was a concern.
Just the right earbud can be used separately, and this is misleading.
Each earbud ‘s metal cap is a touch panel for controls, supporting single, double, and triple gestures, plus a default volume-adjustable tap and hold. Using the Smart Control app, each gesture can be customized to different earbud actions, including pause/play, skip track, trigger the voice assistant on your phone, toggle on ANC, or the ambient listening mode.
Touch panels generally work great, although they are further up your ear than you might expect at first due to the size of the earbuds.
When an earbud is removed, music is paused and resumed when reinserted.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent sound, long battery life, ANC, AAC and aptX, robust and secure Bluetooth link, the medium-sized case with USB-C. | The earbuds are very large and may be uncomfortable for those with smaller ears, but it is not possible to use a bit heavy, costly, left earbud alone. |
Conclusion
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is an excellent set of true high-end wireless earbuds that will tick most boxes.
They sound fantastic, especially when you’re a fan of clean, controlled, and very detailed sound. They last between charges for a long time, have a good set of gesture controls like volume change, and have rock-solid Bluetooth compatibility with SBC, AAC and aptX support.
The earbuds also have excellent passive noise isolation and good noise cancellation, but not class-leading. The case is exceptional, but it’s a little too big to pack comfortably.
The two most significant issues are their bigger size, which makes it difficult for them to position comfortably for smaller ears, and their high cost, which is greater than Sony and Apple ‘s chief rivals.
But if the most important thing for you is a great sound, then the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 should come very close to topping your list.
Lucas is a freelance media designer for image and sound also works for various production companies as a motion designer. He is regularly testing new wireless headphones on in the rehearsal room and there are now more than 70 wireless headphones on the shelves.
Last update on 2023-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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