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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize seamless integration with Apple devices and slightly lower cost, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are a good fit; they are known for comfort, decent sound quality, and include Apple's spatial audio feature for an immersive listening experience. However, if sound quality is your most significant concern, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 may be the better choice, offering better sound isolation, music quality, and an adjustable equalizer via their app. The Momentum True Wireless 3 also provides superior noise cancelling for busy environments and is better suited for gaming and watching TV due to lower latency. They also come with a durability advantage in the form of sweat resistance and dustproof certification, which is absent in the Apple product. Consider the Sennheiser if these features align with your needs despite the additional cost. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
Good for phone calls
Good for exercise
Advantages of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Excellent for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4/10
9.0/10
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6/10
6.7/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6/10
8.0/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.5/10
8.5/10
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
9.1/10
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$185
$139
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $185 and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 costs $139.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.9/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
"With the Momentum True Wireless 3, Sennheiser cements itself yet again as one of the go-to brands for wireless sound quality. It has a fun and engaging sound signature that has great bass and a great stage, accomplishing what only some of the best Bluetooth earphones can, and that’s clarity."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sennheiser
A family-owned company, Sennheiser is a German, high fidelity, audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1945. Their consumer audio division is now owned by the Swiss hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer Sonova. Sennheiser offers a wide variety of, very high quality, audio equipment solutions, from headphones to earbuds, full sets of monitoring speakers, amplifiers and microphones. They also make what is widely regarded as the best, and most expensive, headphones in existence, the HE-1 Orpheus, costing a whopping $59,000 dollars.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.