Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review: They’re still great, except for one thing

In terms of premium earbuds, 2 brands tend to come to mind – Sony and Sennheiser. Both companies have produced wireless noise-cancelling earbuds that are suspiciously good over the last few years.

While we can't prove that any kind of blood magic was involved in the creation of them, we're also not ruling it out.

A little while back Sennheiser released the second generation of its premium earbud offering, the Momentum True Wireless 2. But are they still worth it 18 months later?

Looking for the latest model? Here's our full review of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.

Design

Image: Tegan Jones/Finder

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are reminiscent of the originals. They have a rounded design that contain touch-sensitive controls.

This time around Sennheiser has shrunk the size of its true wireless buds, but they're still on the larger and heavier side, especially compared to competitors like the AirPods Pro.

That being said, I found them to be more comfortable in longer listening sessions than the Sony WF-1000XM4s. And there are several different tip options if you're having trouble with the default inclusions.

On the plus side, these lads have an IPX4 water resistance rating. This means they're splash-proof and quite safe for exercising. You just don't want to start swimming laps with them.

The fabric case is also on the larger side, but it's worth noting that they have been on the market since early 2020. Back then, true wireless earbud cases did tend to be on the larger side. Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM3 and Powerbeats Pro cases, the Sennheiser Momentum 2 case is practically minuscule.

Still, you will notice a difference in size between and in more modern offerings like the AirPods Pro, Jabra Elite 3 and Beats Studio Buds.

At the rear of the case you'll find a USB-C charging port (praise be) as well as a small button that reveals the battery health when pressed, with a green, orange or red light. This is cute, but in terms of inclusivity I would prefer a line of lights or some other solution to take into account people with colour blindness.

Sennheiser has kept colours refined and elegant with classic black and white options.

Performance

Image: Tegan Jones/Finder

But there is a downside to moving a little away from the Apple ecosystem.

The non-audio related performance of the Momentum 2 earbuds was largely great.

Connectivity and set-up was a breeze over Bluetooth, allowing me to start listening in under a minute.

The touch-sensitive controls were also versatile and easy to use. By default they can be used for music control, answering calls and using a voice assistant. You can also customise the functionality in the Sennheiser Smart Control app.

But perhaps more importantly, depending on your priorities, the Momentum 2 has in-ear detection. This means that when you take the buds out the sound will automatically pause.

This is one of my favourite features in wireless earbuds both for convenience and for saving battery life.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 audio performance

I've spent the last few years waxing rhapsodic about both generations of Sony's high-end wireless noise-cancelling earbuds.

Sure, the naming conventions make my eyes bleed. But I was convinced that nothing could touch the Sony WF-1000XM3 and Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds when it came to sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC).

Until now.

Don't get me wrong. I still love the XM4s. But the Momentum 2 earbuds have me seriously considering a throuple situation.

This is largely thanks to the 7mm drivers, which help the mids, lows and highs to be incredibly well-balanced. I also found that more complex songs didn't lose their individual components.

Grimes' Oblivion is a track with a punchy bass, middling synth (and what sounds a lot like a keytar), with incredibly high wispy vocals. All of these elements are highlighted through the Momentum 2 earbuds, with no dampening or unwanted blending.

If you're looking for something a little more folky, Ophelia by the Lumineers sounds gorgeous through the Momentum 2. The piano dances magically between the 2 buds, with the vocals cooing unapologetically imperfect in the highs.

You won't find any bass in the above, but you'll certainly find it in Doja's Boss Bitch. It pumps across both buds with measure, letting you know it's there without eclipsing the other elements of the track, like that incredible cowbell. Even Doja Cat's voice remains complex, with some breathiness even being discernible within the strong lyrical performance.

Of course, if you're more of an audiophile than I am you can choose to customise the buds further. The EQ is set to 'neutral' by default but you can play around with it in the app, as well as create your own presets for the bass, mid and treble.

In terms of ANC, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds are fantastic, coming in just a touch ahead of the Sony WF-1000XM4s. In act, we awarded them the 'best for noise-cancellation' spot in our guide for the best wireless earbuds in Australia.

While both buds do a fantastic job of this, the Sennheiser's are just that tiny bit better at blocking out the noise.

That being said, I do find that that the Sony's do a better job of it at lower volumes, which is a boon.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Battery

Image: Tegan Jones/Finder

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2's biggest let-down is the battery. Considering that they are still pricey even so long after release, this is a shame.

Sennheiser says the Momentum 2 buds have 7 hours of battery life, which is an upgrade from the mere 4 hours offered by the first generation.

The charging case offers an additional 3 charges, bringing battery life up to 28 hours. This is roughly on par with competitors like Sony in the market.

What isn't mentioned here is that the number significantly drops if you have ANC activated. I found the buds to get between 4 and 4.5 hours with ANC toggled on and with the volume at around 50% (I don't do well with loud).

Should you buy the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2?

When the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 first landed in the market they cost $499. That's a huge number and one that warrants perfection.

While these buds are truly excellent, they aren't perfect.

Luckily we're 18 months out from release, meaning you can snatch them up for cheaper. While the current RRP is $399, there are plenty of deals online that see them go as low as $250.

This is a much more appropriate value proposition. While they're still expensive buds, they are also high quality and worth spending a bit more on. Between the sound quality, ANC and USB-C charger, they will be future-proofed for a number of years and offer decent value for money.

But if you would rather spend less and can't find a deal, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro and Apple AirPods 3 are an excellent options. The former have great ANC and sound and the latter are most comfortable buds we've tried in a long time.

Sennheiser has also released the new mid-range CX Plus True Wireless earbuds.

Image: Tegan Jones/Finder

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Pricing and availability

Price

RRP: $399.00

Where to buy

From $250.00 at eBay

Check price at Amazon

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How we tested

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 were tested extensively over a 2-week period. They were used for music, podcasts and phone calls while stationary and during exercise.

Specifications

Where to buy

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Images: Tegan Jones