Sennheiser is an undisputable market leader when it comes to high-end headphones. Just looking at the review of the PXC 500 II we reviewed last year is testament to that. German technology and style ensure quality and admiring looks and these over-ear Momentum 3 Wireless headphones have no trouble ticking all the boxes in that department.
The Momentum range has long been the flagship for Sennheiser’s wireless range and this latest version brings some welcome feature additions over its predecessors. Autopower means there’s no off switch; it switches them on and off by simply unfolding or folding them and then switching into standby if you hang them around your neck. Multipoint technology allows two devices to be Bluetooth 5.0 connected simultaneously and tile tracking will let you know where you last left them.
I’ll rave about the sound quality in a moment, but first, let’s focus on the look. This is the shiny new sandy white version brought out as an alternative to the Momentum 3 black stablemate. It’s plain as day this is a premium brand: soft leather headband and cups making your ears feel they are wrapped in a soft sheepskin coat, matte steel arm sliders that should smoothly fit most head sizes comfortably and rubber controls clustered on the right can ensure your fingers get a decent grip. Talking of controls, the button array is simple, volume up and down buttons bookend a multi-function centre button that plays, pauses, plays next track and plays previous track via a one, two or three press. It also answers and ends a call. A busy button! There is one more lonesome button on the array which has a dual role; a five-second press initiates Bluetooth pairing, while a single press can summon your favourite digital assistant including Siri and Alexa.
To keep your Momentum 3 Wireless safe and sound there’s a rather fetching, hessian-style cloth carry case that easily collapses down for stowing.
Of course, looks aren’t everything. Let’s face it, it’s the sound quality that makes headphones desirable and these Momentum 3 Wireless headphones have been built to try and reproduce signature Sennheiser sonics on a par with studio quality. And you couldn’t put a cigarette paper between them. Crystal clear, powerful sound. My preference is always a strong bass with some added top and it seems this is an almost default setting. The good news is there is an EQ setting on the free app that will give you the control to change the setting to suit your own preferences. The app also handles a variety of functions from your phone such as changing the noise-cancelling setting, transparent hearing, checking battery life and updating the firmware.
The active noise cancelling (ANC) is another Sennheiser signature feature which has always been impressive. It comes in three modes, Max which is the standard-setting and literally cocoons you in sound. The second setting is Anti-wind which allows you to hear a little ambient sound while Anti-pressure is the lightest form of resistance. To go alongside ANC is Transparent Hearing a mode designed to allow you to hear announcements or questions from someone without having to shut off your music. This can also be controlled in the app to shut off music playback or mix it with ambient sound.
Sennheiser promises 17 hours of battery life and its true many other high-end wireless headphones offer more. However, avoiding ANC extends battery life and using the cable provided, just a few minutes quick charge can provide a welcome boost to battery life by nearly two hours.
Sennheiser has invested heavily in the wireless market and the Momentum 3 Wireless together with the Sennheiser PXC 550 II provides a twin flagship strike force. There’s not a lot to choose between them but for me, the PXC 550 II are designed primarily for the frequent traveller with an aircraft seat adapter supplied as standard, very compact with simple ear swipe controls. The Momentum 3 Wireless is a bigger more luxurious build, proper leather cups and has Tile built-in which accounts for the slightly higher price point. Both offer stunning sound and fold away stop/start.
Another epic pair of headphones from Sennheiser that sets the bar for outstanding wireless over-ear sound.
Tell me more about the Sennheiser White Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones
The new sandy white Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones are available from Sennheiser at £349.
