Sennheiser’s wireless earbuds have always been known for their exceptional sound quality, but the company has sometimes struggled with ergonomics. However, the Accentum True Wireless ($200) marks a significant improvement in comfort, thanks to a new elongated and curvy design based on data from thousands of ear models. This new shape makes the Accentum the most comfortable Sennheiser earbuds yet, potentially appealing to those who have previously found their earbuds uncomfortable.
While the Accentum might appear visually simple with their matte white or matte black finish, the minimalist design is a welcome change from the bulky case of the flagship Momentum True Wireless 4. The Accentum’s case is lighter, more pocketable, and still supports wireless charging.
The Accentum deliver the signature Sennheiser sound, offering a balanced and neutral audio experience with clear highs, detailed mids, and resonant bass. While the sound might initially feel conservative, pushing the volume to 60-70% unlocks a wider range of details and showcases the earbuds’ full potential. The Smart Control app provides further customization with a five-band equalizer, bass boost mode, and presets, although these adjustments are subtle.
The Accentum features touch controls that are responsive and customizable, allowing you to manage playback, volume, calls, and ANC/transparency modes. Wear sensors also automatically pause and resume audio when removing and replacing earbuds.
Noise cancellation on the Accentum is decent, effectively blocking everyday noises, but it’s not as powerful as the MTW4. Transparency mode, while providing good access to surroundings, lacks the clarity of the MTW4. Call quality is excellent, but you may need to speak louder than usual due to a slightly lowered mic gain. Sidetone is still muffled, which can lead to fatigue during longer calls.
The Accentum supports Bluetooth Multipoint for simultaneous connections to two devices and is slated to receive a firmware upgrade with LE Audio and Auracast support. However, the app’s Sound Zones feature, which allows geofencing for customized ANC and EQ settings, might not appeal to everyone.
Battery life is a respectable eight hours per charge without ANC, dropping to six hours with ANC enabled. The charging case extends this to 28 and 21 hours, respectively, providing plenty of playtime. A fast-charge mode offers an extra hour of playtime after 10 minutes of charging.
Overall, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless is a compelling mid-range option. It offers most of the strengths of the flagship Momentum True Wireless 4 at a lower price, but its most significant advantage is its significantly improved comfort. Whether you’re seeking a more comfortable listening experience or simply a cost-effective alternative, the Accentum is worth considering.
