The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are good noise cancelling headphones with a balanced sound and a sleek retro look. They're a nice improvement over the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless, thanks to better sound quality, a more comfortable design, and an improved microphone. Thanks to their ANC, they can isolate a great amount of noise around you; however, they're quite a bit leakier than their predecessors, which won't be ideal in quiet environments. Nevertheless, they're very versatile headphones with a decent overall performance.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are good for neutral sound. These are a welcomed improvement over the previous model. Thanks to their High-End Fine Tuning feature, they have a fairly neutral sound profile that delivers adequate thump, rumble, and boom. Vocals and lead instruments are also accurately reproduced. However, they have a dip in the treble range, which dulls sibilants like cymbals. Still, they're versatile for a wide variety of music genres and are great for listening to your favorite tracks while on the move.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are good for commuting. These headphones are quite comfortable and have a decent noise isolation performance. They also do a great job at blocking out bass frequencies like the rumbling of a bus engine. They have a long battery life that will last you long enough for your daily commute and a full workday, or even long flights.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are satisfactory for sports. They're quite bulky headphones and the cups trap a lot of heat and don't allow for airflow, especially with leather padding. They will make you sweat more than usual and aren’t the most stable option. They aren’t designed for this use.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are good for the office. They do a great job at isolating against work environment noises like ambient chatter and A/C systems, but they can get quite leaky at high volumes. Be sure to control your listening volume to not disturb surrounding colleagues. They're comfortable to wear for a while, and their battery lasts you for a full workday without a problem. They can also connect to two devices simultaneously, which is useful.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are good headphones that stand out by their unique retro style. They're also comfortable to wear for a while and have an improved sound over their previous model. They also have a great ANC feature that makes them suitable for a wide variety of uses, but come with a premium price tag.
See our recommendations for the best noise canceling headphones, the best noise cancelling headphones under $200, and the best travel headphones.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are the next generation of the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. The fourth generation have a different look than their predecessor and lack High-End Fine Tuning, so their sound profile is more bass-heavy. Their battery life is significantly better, they support aptX Adaptive, and they come with a sturdier carrying case. However, the Momentum 3 have a better noise isolation performance and support aptX-LL.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are slightly better headphones for most uses than the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. The Sony are more comfortable, have a significantly better noise isolation performance, and have a longer continuous battery life. However, the Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile out of the box, which some users may prefer.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless and the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are similarly performing headphones with different strengths. The Sony offer features such as 360 Reality Audio, which can help create a more immersive audio experience, and support LDAC for hi-res audio. They also have a slightly better overall noise isolation performance, a more consistent audio reproduction, and a longer continuous battery life. On the other hand, the Sennheiser are more comfortable, are better built, and follow our target curve more closely, which some users may prefer.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are a nice improvement over the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless/HD1 Wireless. They're noticeably bulkier and the cups are larger with better padding, making them a bit more comfortable overall. They also have a more neutral sound profile. The microphone recording quality is also improved on the new model. On the other hand, the Momentum 3 are noticeably leakier than the previous version.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless and the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless are very similar overall. On one hand, the Momentum 3 is better built, have a more retro look and they're able to reproduce bass more accurately. The noise isolation of the Momentum 3 is also better, especially against low-end frequencies like the rumble of engines. However, the PXC 550 have a better battery life and an in-line microphone. The PXC have a touch-sensitive control scheme while the Momentum 3 have physical buttons.
The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless are better over-ears than the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable and have a better noise isolation performance. They also have a longer continuous battery life. However, the Sennheiser are better built, and their app offers a parametric EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking.
The Bose 700 Headphones Wireless are slightly better-performing headphones than the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, and have noticeably better noise isolation and microphone performances. On the other hand, the Sennheiser's companion app offers a parametric EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound. The battery performance is better for the Bose 700, but on the other hand, the Sennheiser are also compatible with the lower latency codec, aptX-LL.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless and the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless are both good headphones, but the XM3s might be better for most people. The Sony are a bit more comfortable and their noise isolation is noticeably better, which makes them a better choice for commuting. On the other hand, the Sennheiser headphones have a more distinctive design with a sleek retro look, which some may prefer. The XM3s have a touch-sensitive control scheme, which has trouble with cold weather, while the Momentum 3 Wireless have physical buttons.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better noise cancelling headphones than the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, and their sound profile is a bit more neutral than the Sennheiser. Also, their noise isolation is one of the best on the market. However, the Sennheiser have a more distinctive style and feel a bit better built.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless and the Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless each have their pros and cons. Their sound profiles are fairly similar, but fans of bass will prefer the added thump the Momentum 3 provide. While they both have great noise isolation, the Momentum 3 reduce more noise in the bass range, while the PXC 550-II isolate better in the mid-range. Their battery performance is also better than the Momentum, but they don't feel as well-built.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are better headphones than the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless. The Sennheiser have a better audio reproduction and will sound more accurate and neutral. They also have a more retro look that is unique. The Sennheiser also have a decent microphone for calls. On the other hand, the Bowers & Wilkins have a better battery life, and support aptX Adaptive. However, you don’t have access to a parametric EQ inside their app like you do with the Sennheiser.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are better headphones for mixed usage than the Shure AONIC 50 Wireless. The Sennheisers' default sound profile is more well-balanced, their integrated microphone does a better job of making your voice sound clear and free of background chatter, and their ANC system reduces the volume of ambient noise far more effectively. However, the Shure have a slightly easier-to-use control scheme and a much more durable carrying case.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are better headphones than the Beats Solo Pro Wireless. The Sennheiser are more comfortable and have a better battery and noise isolation performance. Their microphone also offers better overall performance, and their companion app has a parametric EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are slightly better headphones than the Drop + THX Panda Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Sennheiser are better-built, deliver audio more consistently, and have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system that's able to block out a lot of ambient noise around you. You can also customize their sound using their companion app's parametric EQ and presets. However, the Drop have a better battery performance.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are better headphones for watching TV (if your TV supports aptX-LL codec) than the Avantree HT5009 Wireless. The Sennheiser headphones are more comfortable, better-built, have a significantly more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they have ANC to help block out background noise. With aptX-LL codec, they have very low latency, ensuring that your audio and visuals stay in sync. However, the Avantree headphones come with a wireless transmitter, which makes it easy to connect the headphones to your TV. You can also connect an additional pair of Bluetooth headphones to the transmitter if you want to share audio with others.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 have the same retro sleek-looking design as the Sennheiser Momentum 2 Wireless, but in a slightly bulkier design. They have leather padding on the large oval cups. The headband is simple and quite similar to the last model, as well.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are quite comfortable, and their design is an improvement over the last model. The cups are bigger and the padding is softer and cushier. The headband is also more comfortable and distributes the weight of the headphones well. Wearing these headphones for a while won’t be an issue for most people.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's control scheme is good. You can easily play/pause your music or answer/end calls with the middle button. You also have volume control with the top and bottom buttons and track skipping with the middle button as well. These buttons additionally allow you to mute and unmute the mic during calls via a two-second press and hold on the bottom volume or top volume buttons, respectively. It's hard to distinguish which button you're on, but they offer decent tactile and audible feedback. These headphones also have a button to control the level of ANC and talk-through. There's also an extra button that triggers your voice assistant if you press it but puts the headphones in Bluetooth pairing mode when holding it. When folding the headphones, they will automatically turn off. However, if you're a fan of physical control schemes and want something even easier to use, consider the Shure AONIC 50 Wireless.
Like most over-ear closed-back headphones, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 aren’t the most breathable. They trap heat inside the cups and won’t let much airflow, especially with the leather padding. These headphones won’t be a good option for working out, as you'll sweat more than usual when wearing them.
These headphones are a bit bulkier than the last model and aren’t the most portable option. On the upside, they do fold into a more compact format, which makes it easier to slide them inside a bag or inside their case.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 come with a decent soft case that protects the headphones a bit against scratches and minor water exposure. However, since the sides of the case are soft, the headphones are not entirely protected against physical damage from falls.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are very well-built headphones. Their frame is made from solid metal and the padding is leather, which gives it an overall very premium feel. They're built like the previous model and will withstand a few drops without too much damage. For slightly better-built headphones that still have a unique look, check out the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are decently stable wireless headphones. They stay on your head without issue during casual listening, but they won’t be the best option for sports as head movement makes them sway around. On the upside, their wireless design gets rid of the risk that a cable could get hooked and pull the headphones off your head.
Using firmware 4.0.8 and the High-End Fine Tuning feature, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 have a fairly neutral sound profile. They have a touch of boom to their sound, but it shouldn't overwhelm vocals or lead instruments. That said, a dip in the treble range dulls sibilants like cymbals. If you want to customize their sound, their companion app offers a parametric EQ and presets.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's frequency response consistency is decent. Their audio delivery is more consistent than the Drop + THX Panda Wireless. However, you may still notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or glasses, as this can rupture the ear cup's seal on your head. There’s also a bit of variation in the low-treble range, so it's important to take the time to ensure that the headphones fit and are positioned well on your head.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's bass accuracy is excellent. It's well-extended and balanced. It means these headphones can reproduce the deep thump and rumble of bass, common in bass-heavy music genres like EDM. They even have a touch of extra boom, thanks to a bump in the high-bass.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 have fantastic mid accuracy. The response is very well-balanced and follows our target curve well, which results in accurate reproduction of vocals and lead instruments. A bump in the high-mid can make vocals and lead instruments a bit more intense but not harsh.
The treble accuracy is fair. The left and right drivers are slightly out of sync, but the low-treble is still balanced, so vocals and lead instruments sound detailed and present. However, the dip in the mid-treble dulls sibilants like cymbals.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's peaks and dips performance is decent. A peak in the low-bass and high-bass adds thump and boom to mixes. Another peak across the high-mid to low-treble affects the right driver more, making vocals and lead instruments sound harsh and piercing. However, the following dip in the low-treble can veil the upper harmonics of those sounds. The mid-treble is uneven, so sibilants like S and T sounds are alternatingly dull and piercing.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's imaging is satisfactory. 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 weighted group delay mostly falls below the audibility threshold, although the small peak in the bass range may result in a slightly loose bass. The treble is transparent, though. The left and right drivers are well-matched in amplitude and frequency response, which helps with the accurate placement and localization of objects (like voices, instruments, or footsteps) in the stereo image. However, there's a lot of mismatch in phase response, and all the peaks in the phase response mismatch graph are audible. It sounds like audio is switching between the left and right driver, which is frustrating. It also seems like the High-End Fine Tuning feature also makes the mismatch worse. Keep in mind that imaging can vary between units, and it can indicate a manufacturer's quality control and ergonomics.
The soundstage is poor. The soundstage feels relatively large but unnatural and as if coming from inside the listener’s head. These are closed-back headphones and won’t sound open.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's weighted harmonic distortion performance is decent. There's a peak at normal volumes in the low to mid-treble range, but it can be hard to hear with real-life content. The rest of the frequency response falls within good levels, resulting in mostly clear and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. We've also tested these headphones using the High-End Fine Tuning feature. Our results are only valid using this configuration.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's noise isolation is great. Some users have reported that Sennheiser's firmware update 4.0.8 has significantly improved the ANC's noise isolation performance. After retesting these headphones, the ANC now does a bit better at reducing noise around 2.4 kHz and does slightly worse at 7k. However, the rest of the noise isolation graph looks the same. You can see a graph comparison of these differences here. Overall, they perform better than their successor, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, when it comes to bass-range noise, as their ANC can block out a good amount of bus and plane engines. The ANC also does a good job of reducing ambient chatter and cutting down high-pitched noise like the hum of an AC unit.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's leakage performance is mediocre. Like the Avantree HT5009 Wireless, they leak quite a bit at high volumes, meaning you shouldn't use them in very quiet environments with people surrounding you, as they could be bothered by your audio leaking out.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's integrated microphone is decent and quite an improvement over the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless. It sounds a bit clearer and more full-bodied than most Bluetooth headphones, so people on the other side of the line won’t have trouble understanding you in a quiet environment.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's integrated mic has good noise handling. It's suitable to use in quiet and moderately loud environments, but it may struggle to fully separate speech from ambient noise in loud situations.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 have a great battery performance. With just over 17 hours of continuous playback with the ANC feature on, it should be more than enough to last a full workday. They also have a smart pause feature that enters a standby mode as soon as you take the headphones off your head. You can also use them while charging via the USB-C cable and USB adapter. The headphones also charge if you use them wired with a USB-C phone. When taking them off, you can fold them to automatically turn them off. You can also hold the multi-function button for four seconds to turn them off manually. You can't use them passively, though, as you still need battery life to use them.
The Sennheiser Smart Control app is a good tool to enhance your listening experience with the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. You have access to a great parametric EQ and can save presets as well. You can cycle through 3 different levels of ANC and these headphones have a Tile device finder as well.
Update 12/03/2019: We fixed the issue with our dongle that was preventing us from measuring the Default SBC latency with these headphones. The review and text have been updated.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible and can connect to two devices simultaneously, which can be useful at the office if you often switch between your PC and phone. They also support NFC for a quicker and easier pairing procedure.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3's latency is decent over the SBC codec and is slightly lower than most Bluetooth headphones. On the upside, they also support aptX and aptX-LL, which both offer very low latency. You shouldn’t notice any delay when using those headphones for watching video content. They also support the AAC codec.
You can get audio on pretty much any device that has a 1/8” audio jack, but the integrated microphone doesn't work. Also, you can get audio via the USB adapter on a PC. You can use the USB-C to USB-C cable to get audio on phones as well.
Update 03/25/2021: We have added these headphones' Xbox Series X compatibility.
These headphones can only be used by plugging in their 1/8" TRS cable into an Xbox One or Xbox Series X controller. You can only receive audio and can't use their mic.