In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, Sennheiser has long been a name synonymous with quality and innovation. Known for their exceptional sound engineering, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the audio space. The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds are the latest addition to their impressive lineup, promising to deliver superior sound quality, advanced features, and the freedom of true wireless connectivity. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the design, build quality, audio performance, battery life, connectivity, features, and overall value of the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal
The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds are a blend of modern aesthetics and functional design. The earbuds sport a sleek, minimalist look with smooth curves and a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Available in classic black and a subtle white variant, these earbuds exude a sense of sophistication and style. The charging case mirrors this design ethos with a compact, rounded form factor that easily slips into pockets or bags.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a crucial factor for any in-ear device, and Sennheiser has taken great care to ensure that the Accentum earbuds provide a snug yet comfortable fit. The earbuds come with multiple sizes of silicone ear tips, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. The ergonomic design ensures that the earbuds sit securely in the ear canal, reducing the chances of them falling out during physical activities. The lightweight construction further enhances comfort, making them suitable for extended listening sessions without causing ear fatigue.
Durability
Build quality is another area where Sennheiser excels. The Accentum True Wireless earbuds are crafted with high-quality materials that feel sturdy and durable. The earbuds and the charging case are both rated IPX4 for water resistance, meaning they can withstand splashes and sweat, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor use. The hinge of the charging case is robust, and the magnets that hold the earbuds in place are strong enough to prevent accidental drops.
Audio Performance
Sound Signature
At the heart of the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds lies their superior sound quality, a hallmark of the brand. These earbuds are equipped with 7mm dynamic drivers that deliver a balanced and rich audio experience. The sound signature is distinctly Sennheiser, with a natural and detailed reproduction of music across various genres.
The bass response is deep and well-controlled, providing a solid foundation without overpowering the mids and highs. This makes the Accentum earbuds suitable for a wide range of music styles, from bass-heavy tracks to more acoustic and vocal-centric genres. The mids are clear and precise, allowing vocals and instruments to stand out with remarkable clarity. The highs are crisp and airy, adding a touch of brilliance to the overall sound without becoming harsh or sibilant.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the standout features of the Accentum True Wireless earbuds is their impressive soundstage. For in-ear monitors, they offer a surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage, giving a sense of space and depth that is usually found in over-ear headphones. This makes listening to live recordings and orchestral music particularly enjoyable. Imaging is also top-notch, with precise placement of instruments and vocals within the sound field, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Noise Isolation and ANC
The passive noise isolation provided by the silicone ear tips is commendable, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. Additionally, the Accentum earbuds come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. The ANC performance is robust, effectively reducing background noise in a variety of environments, such as busy streets or noisy offices. While the ANC might not rival that of some high-end over-ear headphones, it is more than sufficient for most use cases, providing a more immersive listening experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical aspect of any true wireless earbuds, and the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless does not disappoint. The earbuds themselves offer up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge, which is impressive given their size and the presence of ANC. The charging case provides an additional three charges, bringing the total battery life to approximately 28 hours. This ensures that users can go through a full day or even a weekend without needing to recharge.
The case supports fast charging, providing up to 1.5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. This is particularly useful for those who are always on the go and need a quick power boost. Additionally, the case charges via USB-C, aligning with modern standards and ensuring compatibility with most charging cables.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Performance
The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which offers several advantages over previous versions. Bluetooth 5.2 provides a more stable connection, improved range, and lower latency, all of which contribute to a seamless and enjoyable user experience. During our testing, the connection remained stable even in crowded areas with many competing signals. Pairing the earbuds with various devices was quick and hassle-free, thanks to the support for both Android and iOS platforms.
Multipoint Connectivity
One of the standout features of these earbuds is their support for multipoint connectivity. This allows users to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously and switch between them without needing to disconnect and reconnect. For instance, users can be connected to their smartphone and laptop at the same time, making it easy to take a call on the phone and then return to a video conference on the laptop seamlessly.
Features and Controls
Touch Controls
The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds feature intuitive touch controls on each earbud, allowing users to manage playback, adjust volume, take calls, and activate voice assistants with simple taps and swipes. The touch-sensitive panels are responsive and easy to use, with a slight tactile feedback that ensures accurate inputs. The controls can be customized through the Sennheiser Smart Control app, allowing users to tailor the functionality to their preferences.
Voice Assistant Integration
These earbuds are compatible with popular voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Siri. Activating the voice assistant is straightforward, requiring just a tap on the touch panel. The built-in microphones perform well in capturing voice commands, even in moderately noisy environments, making it convenient to use hands-free commands for various tasks.
Sennheiser Smart Control App
The Sennheiser Smart Control app is a valuable companion for the Accentum True Wireless earbuds. Available for both Android and iOS, the app allows users to customize the sound profile using the built-in equalizer, manage firmware updates, and tweak the touch controls. The app also provides access to the Transparent Hearing feature, which lets in ambient sounds, improving situational awareness when needed.
Call Quality
Call quality is an essential consideration for many users, and the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds deliver satisfactory performance in this area. The built-in microphones, combined with noise reduction algorithms, ensure that voice calls are clear and intelligible. During testing, the person on the other end of the call reported minimal background noise and clear speech, even in relatively noisy environments. While the call quality may not be on par with dedicated business headsets, it is more than adequate for casual and professional use.
Comparison with Competitors
When considering the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds, it is essential to compare them with other leading models in the market to understand their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro are a direct competitor, offering seamless integration with iOS devices, active noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. While the AirPods Pro excel in ease of use within the Apple ecosystem, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds offer superior sound quality and a more customizable audio experience through the Smart Control app. The Accentum also boasts better battery life compared to the AirPods Pro.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are another strong contender, known for their excellent ANC performance and sound quality. While the ANC on the Sony earbuds is slightly better, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless provides a more balanced sound signature and a wider soundstage. Additionally, the Sennheiser earbuds are more comfortable for extended wear due to their lighter weight and ergonomic design.
Jabra Elite 85t
The Jabra Elite 85t earbuds are praised for their robust build quality, customizable ANC, and reliable performance. However, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless stands out with its superior audio quality and more intuitive touch controls. The battery life of the Accentum is also better, making it a more suitable choice for users who prioritize long listening sessions.
Value for Money
The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds are positioned in the premium segment of the market, reflecting their advanced features and superior audio quality. While they may be priced higher than some other options, the overall value they offer justifies the investment. Users who prioritize sound quality, build durability, and advanced features like multipoint connectivity and customizable controls will find the Accentum earbuds to be a worthy investment.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds are an impressive addition to Sennheiser’s lineup, delivering on the promise of high-quality audio, advanced features, and excellent build quality. They cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike, providing a balanced and immersive sound experience that is hard to match. With robust battery life, intuitive controls, and a comfortable fit, these earbuds are well-suited for a wide range of use cases, from daily commutes to intense workout sessions.
While they face stiff competition from other premium brands, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds hold their own with their superior sound quality, innovative features, and reliable performance. Whether you’re a long-time Sennheiser fan or new to the brand, these earbuds are sure to impress and elevate your listening experience to new heights