The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are the third generation of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless. After the second generation's release two years ago, these premium buds aim to improve and refine their predecessor's performance and design. They have a new look that's a lot more reminiscent of Sennheiser's CX lineup, while their adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) system automatically adjusts to your environment's noise levels. They've re-tuned their sound, bringing them more in line with the manufacturer's audiophile offerings.
Our Verdict
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are decent for neutral sound. They have a more balanced sound than their predecessor, but they still skew bass-heavy due to a dip in their treble range. This dip hurts the comprehensibility of vocals and lead instruments as well as dulls sibilants. On the upside, their companion app offers a basic 3-band graphic EQ and presets so that you can adjust their sound.
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3-band graphic EQ available in companion app.
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Bad passive soundstage.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are great for commute and travel. They have an adaptive ANC system, which does an excellent job of blocking background noise like the low rumble of bus engines and passenger chit-chat. Their continuous battery life also lasts over eight hours, and their carrying case supplies an additional three charges if you need them. They're well-built and have a decently comfortable fit, suitable for long trips.
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Outstanding noise isolation.
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Stable and decently comfortable in-ear fit.
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Premium build quality.
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Bad passive soundstage.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are great for sports and fitness. They have stability fins, which help ensure that the buds stay in your ear while you're moving, and the buds themselves are well-built and certified IPX4 for resistance against water splashes. They're very portable and lightweight, but their in-ear fit is a little bulky, and the stability fins can be uncomfortable, depending on your ear shape.
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Stable and decently comfortable in-ear fit.
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Premium build quality.
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Bad passive soundstage.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are good for office use. These buds have an ANC system that tackles typical workplace noise like ambient chatter and the hum of AC units well. They also leak very little audio at high volumes and have a decently comfortable fit. They last for over eight hours continuously too, and their carrying case supplies an additional three charges if you need it. They even support multi-device pairing with up to three devices.
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Outstanding noise isolation.
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Stable and decently comfortable in-ear fit.
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Multi-device pairing with up to three devices.
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Bad passive soundstage.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are Bluetooth-only headphones and aren't recommended for wireless gaming. They aren't compatible with most consoles, and even though you can use them on Bluetooth-enabled PCs or mobile devices, their latency is likely too high for competitive gaming.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are truly wireless earbuds, and you can't use them wired.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are decent for phone calls. These buds have an integrated mic with a noise gate to help it separate background noise from your voice. That said, the mic offers an okay overall performance. Your voice lacks body, and speech can be drowned out by loud noise. On the upside, the buds are noise cancelling and can block out an excellent amount of background noise.
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Outstanding noise isolation.
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Bad passive soundstage.
- 7.1 Neutral Sound
- 8.2 Commute/Travel
- 8.2 Sports/Fitness
- 7.6 Office
- 5.6 Wireless Gaming
- 5.4 Wired Gaming
- 7.0 Phone Calls
- Updated Aug 21, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless in Recording Quality.
- Updated Jul 21, 2023: Due to user reports regarding the ease of use of the controls, we've retested Controls. We've also looked into reports of a clicking/glitching sound when the ANC is on in Noise Isolation.
- Updated Apr 06, 2023: Firmware 2.10.19 has added multi-point connection, so we've retested Bluetooth, and the scoring of this test has changed. There have been no changes to the frequency response or noise isolation.
- Updated Feb 28, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 True Wireless in Bluetooth.
- Updated Nov 23, 2022: We have added a comparion between these headphones and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless in Comfort.
- Updated Oct 07, 2022: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless in Noise Isolation.
- Updated Jul 21, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Jul 18, 2022: Early access published.
- Updated Jun 30, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Jun 27, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated May 07, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 come in three color variants: 'Graphite', 'White', and 'Black'. We tested the Black variant, and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are the next generation of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2. While they look a lot more like the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless than the MOMENTUM 2, there have been a couple of performance-driven changes that help these headphones stand out from the rest of Sennheiser's truly wireless lineup. This manufacturer has improved the buds' ANC significantly, which now rivals competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless. They've also re-tuned the sound profile to even out their bass reproduction, but their 3-band graphic EQ is a bit limited when adjusting the dip in the treble range.
Check out our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the best noise cancelling earbuds, and the best wireless earbuds for Android.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are similarly performing headphones, and you may prefer either one. While both have a premium build quality, the Sony headphones have a virtual soundstage feature, and have a better overall battery performance. They also support LDAC, which is Sony's proprietary codec for high-res audio. In comparison, the Sennheiser headphones have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, their ANC blocks out significantly more ambient noise, and they support aptX Adaptive, which is a codec that helps lower audio latency and improves audio quality.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3. The Sony are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a better noise isolation performance, largely due to their memory foam ear tips, which help form an airtight seal. They also support LDAC, which is a hi-res codec. However, the Sennheiser are better-built and support multi-device pairing with up to three devices simultaneously, one more than the Sony.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless are better in-ears than Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3. The Bose are more comfortable, and their ANC system can block out significantly more ambient sound. However, the Sennheiser are better-built and have better overall battery life.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are better in-ears than the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless. The Sennheiser are better-built, have a significantly better noise isolation performance, and support aptX codec for better audio quality and lower latency via Bluetooth. That said, the Jabra are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile out of the box, which some users may prefer.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are better and more premium in-ears than the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless. The MOMENTUM 3 are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they have a significantly better noise isolation performance. They also have longer continuous battery life.
Depending on your preferences, you may enjoy either the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 or the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. While both headphones are well-built and have similarly excellent levels of noise isolation thanks to their ANC systems, the Sennheiser have a significantly better battery performance, and you can customize them using their companion software's graphic EQ and presets. In comparison, the Apple are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are both premium in-ears with slight differences. The Apple are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also offer a few Apple-centric features such as an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your iOS devices and Spatial Audio for a more immersive audio experience. However, the Sennheiser can block out significantly more ambient noise, have a better overall battery performance, and their sound profile is more customizable. They can also be paired with up to three devices at a time.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are similarly performing in-ears, so depending on your usage, you may prefer one over the other. While both headphones are well-built and decently comfortable, the Bose have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they have a more stable in-ear fit. However, the Sennheiser have even better noise isolation and support aptX codec, which can help improve latency and sound quality over Bluetooth.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are better in-ears than the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless. The Sennheiser are more comfortable, feel better built, and have significantly better noise isolation. They also have better battery performance, and their app offers more customization features. However, the Beats have a more stable in-ear fit and a more neutral default sound profile.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are slightly better headphones than the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 True Wireless. While both headphones have high-end build quality, the Sennheiser are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they can block out more background noise. They also have a significantly better battery performance, their app offers more customization features, and they support aptX Adaptive. However, the Bowers & Wilkins support a wide array of codecs, including aptX HD and aptX-LL.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have different strengths and depending on your usage, you may prefer either one. While both pairs of headphones have a premium build, the True Wireless 3 are lighter, more portable, and stable, thanks to their in-ear design. They're less prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery and have a better noise isolation performance. However, the MOMENTUM 4 are more comfortable. They have a significantly better battery performance, and support aptX Adaptive codec for hi-res audio.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are the next generation of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 and are an improvement worth checking out. The third generation are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their noise isolation performance is significantly better. Their continuous battery life is much longer, and they support aptX Adaptive codec, which the manufacturer advertises to lower latency and improve audio quality.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have a slight edge over the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 True Wireless. While both buds are decently comfortable and have premium builds, the Sennheiser sound a bit more neutral but can be customized using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Their ANC system blocks out more background noise, and the buds have a significantly better battery performance. Conversely, the Bowers & Wilkins's case also doubles as a wireless transmitter.
Test Results
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 look more similar to the Sennheiser CX True Wireless than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2. The buds have a rectangular face embossed with the manufacturer's logo. Some users may not feel they look as sleek or stylish as the previous generation's round, metallic buds. These headphones come in three colors: 'Black', 'White', and 'Graphite'.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are decently comfortable. Their fit is a step up from the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 as they're a bit smaller, hurting the ears less. Overall, they're lightweight and come with three differently sized pairs of ear tips. Using their controls also doesn't push the buds deeper into your ear. However, they're still bulky in design and have a deep in-ear fit. The stability fins can also be uncomfortable, depending on the shape of your ears. If you're looking for comfortable ANC in-ears, then check out the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have good touch-sensitive controls. Although they're a little tricky to remember, you have a lot of control with the buds right out of the box. You can also customize controls in the companion app. The controls have lots of tones and voice prompts to let you know when you've registered a command. However, it can be easy to accidentally trigger a command when adjusting the buds since the activation area covers the whole exterior. Some users have also reported that if you're in mono mode and want to use the second bud, your audio will restart the track. In some cases, the buds will restart any audio, even if they're not placed in your ears, which can drain the battery.
On the left earbud:
- Single tap: Enters transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without taking the buds out of your ears.
- Double tap: Skips to the previous track.
- Triple tap: Turns the ANC on and off.
- Press and hold: Lowers the volume.
On the right earbud:
- Single tap: Plays and pauses audio.
- Double tap: Skips to the next track.
- Triple tap: Activates voice assistant.
- Press and hold: Raises the volume.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are very portable, which is normal for in-ear headphones. They're a little more compact than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 and can easily fit into most pockets and bags without a problem.
The carrying case is great. It's a little smaller than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2, but is similarly sturdy and lightweight. It's made of hard plastic with a texturized cover. There's also a magnet to keep the lid closed, and a single LED light inside the case to let you know its battery status.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have a great build quality. They feel similarly well-built to their predecessors and are made with dense plastic. The buds have a filter inside the ear tips. Overall, they feel sturdy enough to survive a couple of accidental drops, and they're rated IPX4 for resistance against water splashes.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have good stability. They come with stability fins to help keep them in place, and you can wear them for a run in the park without them moving around in your ears. That said, they stick out of your ear a bit.
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 headphones
- 4x pairs of ear tips
- 3x sets of stability fins
- Charging case
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Manuals
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have a bass-heavy sound profile, mostly due to the recessed treble range. However, they still reproduce more bass than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2, even if you swap out their ear tips for the ones that came with the third-gen. They deliver a touch of extra boom and warmth to mixes, but vocals and lead instruments are a bit veiled. Luckily, you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion app's 3-band graphic EQ.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3's frequency response consistency is excellent. Once you achieve a consistent fit using the included ear tips, you'll receive consistent bass and treble delivery.
The bass accuracy is outstanding. The response is very flat, so mixes have adequate thump, rumble, and boom. The bass won't overwhelm vocals and lead instruments, though.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3's mid accuracy is excellent. Both the low and high-mid ranges are flat and neutral, ensuring that vocals and lead instruments are clear and present. A small dip in the mid-mid nudges these sounds to the back of the mix, though.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have sub-par treble accuracy. The recessed treble hurts the comprehensibility of vocals and lead instruments while sibilants are dulled. In the chorus of Melanie's song, Brand New Key, her bright and lilting voice is veiled compared to the piano accompaniment.
The peaks and dips performance is very good. A small dip in the mid-mid nudges vocals and lead instruments to the back of the mix. A peak in the high-mid makes the upper harmonics of vocals and lead instruments harsh, but a dip in the low-treble weakens veils them. The uneven mid-treble makes sibilants alternatingly dull and piercing.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 True Wireless' imaging performance is outstanding. This test allows us to see the alignment of the left and right drivers. It indicates how well headphones accurately reproduce and place spatial objects like footsteps in the stereo image.
The group delay falls below the audibility threshold, which results in tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. The L/R drivers of our unit are matched in terms of phase, amplitude, and frequency response. It's important so that objects like voices or footsteps are accurately reproduced in the stereo image. Keep in mind that imaging can vary between units, and it can indicate a manufacturer's quality control and ergonomics.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3's passive soundstage performance is bad, which is normal for in-ears. By default, sound doesn't interact with your outer ear, and as a result, the sound seems to be coming from inside your head rather than from speakers placed in the room around you. They also have a closed-back design, so their soundstage seems closed off.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3's weighted harmonic distortion performance is decent. There's a peak between the low to mid-treble range at both normal and high listening volumes. That said, it can be hard to hear with real-life content.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when using them in this configuration.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have excellent noise isolation performance. They have an adaptive ANC system that adjusts to the noise around you and can block out more overall noise than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. They can block out a lot of the low rumbles of bus and plane engines. They can block out a significant amount of mid and treble-range noise, like ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of an AC unit. However, there's little difference between ANC on and off in the mid to treble range. Unfortunately, some users have reported hearing a clicking or glitching noise while the ANC is on. However, we couldn't get our buds into pairing mode to see if this was the case for our unit.
These headphones also have an anti-wind setting. Although there's a little more white noise present than with ANC on or off, it still does a pretty good job of blocking out sounds like fan noise. That said, it seems better at cutting out higher frequency sounds more than ANC on, but not as good when it comes to mid-range noise.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 True Wireless' leakage performance is fantastic. You can crank your music up without worrying that others around you will hear it, even in quiet environments.
The integrated mic's recording quality is okay. Your voice lacks a lot of depth and body, but speech is still clear enough to follow. It also sounds more natural than that of the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless.
The integrated mic has an okay noise handling performance. Unlike the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2, these headphones have a noise gate. However, it doesn't seem like it improves the mic's performance compared to their predecessor. As a result, the mic struggles to separate your voice from moderate ambient noise. If you're taking a call from a busy street, your voice can be drowned out.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 True Wireless have a good battery performance. The manufacturer advertises them to last seven hours continuously with their ANC off and with the volume at 50%. However, we could reach over eight hours continuously with the ANC on. Battery life can vary depending on use, though. Their carrying case holds an extra three additional charges if you need it, and you can even use one bud while the other charges. There's an auto-off timer that you can adjust in the companion app.
The Sennheiser Smart Control app is great. There's a 3-band graphic EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound. You can also remap the controls and turn smart pause on and off. You can access Sound Zones, which automatically applies EQ and ANC presets depending on the zone you're in. You can access multi-point connectivity, change the settings for transparency mode to play or pause music when using this mode, adjust the auto-off timer, change the voice and tone prompts, and see the battery life. You can even turn on and off the auto-accept call feature.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have great Bluetooth connectivity. Thanks to firmware update 2.10.19, they now support multi-device pairing with up to three devices at a time, meaning you can stay connected to your PC, tablet, and smartphone simultaneously. That said, they have high latency on PCs when connected via SBC or aptX codecs. Like the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 True Wireless, they also support aptX Adaptive, which the manufacturer advertises to help lower latency and improve audio quality. However, we don't currently have a device to measure this latency. These earbuds have a low latency when connected to iOS and Android, so your audio and visuals stay in sync while watching videos. Some devices and apps compensate for latency, so your real-life experience may vary.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are Bluetooth-only headphones, and you can't use them wired. They come with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable for the carrying case.
These headphones can connect to Bluetooth-enabled PCs with full compatibility. However, they can't connect to PCs in any other way.
These headphones come with a carrying case that holds roughly three additional charges. It has a USB-C port for charging and supports Qi wireless charging.