The most effective Sennheiser headphones and earbuds provide you with all the pieces you need from the legacy audio model. Stellar sound: verify. Refined craftsmanship: verify. Spectacular energetic noise cancellation (ANC): verify. Premium equipment: verify.
There’s a set of Sennheiser headphones and earbuds for each audiophile on the market. The Momentum 4 stands out as one of many greatest noise-cancelling headphones, rivaling the category-leading Bose 700 in ANC and name high quality, whereas additionally crushing the competitors in sound and battery life. We share the identical sentiments in regards to the Momentum True Wi-fi 3 earbuds. Engineers trying to improve their mixes can get nice worth out of the open-ear HD 560 S, whereas important listeners that love analyzing their music will discover the in-ear IE 600 to be one of many best-sounding fashions that cash should buy.
These are only a handful of choices that we’ve examined. The place do they rank among the many greatest Sennheiser headphones and earbuds? Maintain studying to seek out out.
The most effective Sennheiser headphones and earbuds you should buy right this moment
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The Momentum 4 are Sennheiser’s greatest noise-cancelling headphones thus far. ANC is at all times on and routinely adapts to your setting, neutralizing noises throughout the frequency spectrum. Enabling the Wind Noise Discount characteristic closely reduces the presence of gusty winds on the soundscape. Sennheiser’s highly effective mic array additionally demonstrates excellent vocal seize throughout calls and voice assistant use. A robust 42mm transducer system, aptX Adaptive help for Hello-Res playback, and a number of EQ settings give these headphones distinctive sound that solely a handful of opponents can match. Most significantly, a full cost generates as much as 60 hours of listening time.
At $349, the Momentum 4 are priced decrease than ANC favorites just like the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM5, although the contact controls are higher executed on these two fashions.
Learn our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 evaluation.
For true wi-fi conformists, it doesn’t get any higher than the Momentum True Wi-fi 3. The design has been considerably modified from earlier variations, highlighted by an all-aluminum entrance with polished matte end and debossed Sennheiser insignia. A lot of the Momentum 4’s particular options can be found on these buds to personalize sound and noise cancellation, that are each high tier for immersive, distraction-free listening. Two different hallmarks value noting are the responsive contact controls and respectable battery life with wi-fi charging help.
Sennheiser’s mics carry out nicely for ANC and voice help, however they wrestle throughout voice and video calls.
Learn our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wi-fi 3 evaluation.
A number of critics felt Sennheiser dropped the ball with the unique CX True Wi-fi, the corporate’s first try at a mid-range mannequin with legacy sound. Not solely does the CX Plus repair a lot of the issues of the previous, nevertheless it provides noise cancellation into the combo, which performs higher than what the Momentum True Wi-fi 2 produces. Full-bodied sound is anticipated proper out of the field, although you will have the choice to tweak it through EQ. The onboard mics additionally pave the best way for excellent name high quality and voice help. Battery life is one other hallmark that shouldn’t be ignored, offering as much as 8 hours of ANC playtime per cost.
There are some standard options lacking, and the design may have been smaller, however the sound and noise cancellation are sufficient worth to warrant the acquisition.
Learn our full Sennheiser CX plus evaluation.
These hard-wired headphones are certainly one of Sennheiser’s extra reasonably priced and underrated releases. The HD 560S analyzes any music observe you play and presents each element with precision. Bass is clear and impactful, mids are engrossing, and highs are putting. Construct high quality is sturdy and supplies such because the velour-covered earpads really feel extremely soothing in your ears.
A scarcity of options and wi-fi performance make the HD 506S one of many least portable-friendly Sennheiser headphones on the market. Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless join it to any smartphone with a headphone jack and a conveyable DAC to present cellular sound an incredible enhance, which is one thing not many wi-fi headphones can do.
Wired earbuds aren’t that standard lately, however for old-school varieties that favor a wired connection, which does present higher sound high quality, the IE 600 is a unbelievable alternative. Some specialists confer with it as Sennheiser’s greatest in-ear displays and we gained’t argue that. The 7mm TrueResponse transducers produce extra-wide frequency vary and ultra-low distortion traits for correct sound. Craftsmanship is attractive; these buds are constituted of ZR01 amorphous zirconium utilizing a 3D printing course of. You even get upmarket equipment like a 4.5mm balanced cable for connecting to high-end audio programs.
You higher have lots of money saved up as a result of these don’t come low cost at $699. Be ready to cope with a super-thick cable as nicely.
Mainly, Sennheiser repackaged its standard wi-fi earbuds with an even bigger battery and energetic noise cancellation, and the top product is simple. The Momentum True Wi-fi 2’s ANC efficiency are up there with the AirPods Professional, utilizing a single mic on every bud to reduce ambient sound at excessive ranges; loud TVs and noisy neighbors will go unnoticed. Playtime has been elevated from 4 to 7 hours, with the attractive slate grey cloth charging case housing an additional 3 expenses. These buds additionally retain the gorgeous sound of the unique, delivering luxurious audio with exact element, which will also be personalised through the Sennheiser Good Management app, although the default profile is nice as is.
These with small ears and pockets will discover the Momentum True Wi-fi 2 much less attractive, because the buds don’t present the perfect consolation or match for tiny ear holes, whereas the upscale price ticket ($300) makes them one of many dearer choices within the class.
See our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wi-fi 2 evaluation.
A mid-range pair of headphones with superior sonics and strong noise cancellation may appear unrealistic to some, however the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC is an exception to the rule. There may be a lot to admire right here moreover its affordability, together with a relaxed match, easy controls, and clear, tight sound. Battery life isn’t too dangerous both for a mannequin that has been available on the market for over three years. And what’s to not love in regards to the luxe design, which is highlighted by a matte-black end with accented chrome?
Sennheiser’s NoiseGard expertise does not match Bose’s or Sony’s ANC energy, however it might silence out of doors rackets and as much as 70% of airplane rumble. If it weren’t for the faint hiss within the background when enabling ANC and lack of a premium journey case, the HD 4.50 BTNC can be deserving of upper placement on our record.
As eloquently put in our evaluation, “take premium supplies and make a fantastic pair of headphones, add stellar sound and an awesome companion app, shake vigorously and you’ve got the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wi-fi.” Enhancements in noise cancellation and area of interest options like Tile integration make these cans interesting to model fans that need a extra traditional-looking Sennheiser headphone in wi-fi type. A wealthy, heat soundstage solely sweetens the deal.
Battery life is shorter than the competitors and there nonetheless appears to be some bugs within the system, however these are the one compromises you’re making to take pleasure in satisfying ANC and wi-fi sound.
How to decide on the perfect Sennheiser headphones and earbuds for you
Know what class of headphones or earbuds you’re searching for. Sennheiser sells so many who can be utilized for various functions, from important audio duties to informal listening. Commuters ought to lean in direction of noise-cancelling headphones, whereas engineers and studio mixers can take a look at among the model’s skilled on- and over-ear headphones. Informal customers that need a little bit of all the pieces could discover simply that with a few of Sennheiser’s wi-fi earbuds.
Like Sony, Sennheiser’s legacy revolves round audio high quality. Any pair of brand name headphones or earbuds should exhibit Sennheiser signature sound. What does that include? Excessive constancy, numerous element, and well-balanced frequency vary to listen to lows, mids, and highs clearly. A few of Sennheiser’s newer releases include settings to customise audio, which is elective.
With the corporate venturing extra into present client traits, particular options have gotten extra essential and assist hold sure fashions futureproof. For those who can snag a pair of headphones or earbuds with noise cancellation, go for it, however reference our record to see what efficiency is like. You’ll need entry to a companion app with a number of instruments for personalizing the consumer expertise. Don’t overlook necessities like fast charging and voice assistant help.
Lengthy battery life is significant for all wi-fi headphones and earbuds. Sennheiser does present prolonged playtime for his or her fashions. These utilizing wired headphones will need to make sure the aux cables bundled with their headphones are each sturdy and suitable with completely different audio units.
How we take a look at the perfect Sennheiser headphones and earbuds
When testing for the perfect Sennheiser headphones and earbuds, we consider a number of components, together with design, consolation, sound, and worth. All choices are in comparison with comparable merchandise when it comes to options, match, and pricing.
Sennheiser headphones and earbuds are worn over the course of every week for two to three hours day by day. Throughout this era, Laptop computer Journal assesses consolation, ease of use, noise cancellation (if relevant), and audio high quality. Our reviewers then hearken to pattern tracks throughout a number of music genres, together with hip-hop, rock, jazz, and classical, whereas analyzing readability, depth, imaging, and quantity. Audiobooks, video games, podcasts, and movies are additionally accounted for.
Any headphones or earbuds that includes the newest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) are examined utilizing suitable hi-res streaming providers (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). To study extra about how these providers can enhance the sound high quality in your laptops and cellular units, take a look at this skilled audio codec FAQ that breaks down FLAC recordsdata, MP3s, and all different audio file codecs.
As soon as testing is full, we price these fashions primarily based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = greatest). Any product that’s actually exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Alternative.
