If you are in the market for premium true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones, there is a good chance your research might have led you to these two boss TWS of the segment — the veteran AirPods Pro and the new kid on the block, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3. The former is the most popular amongst mainstream users while the latter is the choice of many audiophiles. Both are awesome but in different ways. So, if you find yourself at this TWS crossroads and cannot make up your mind whether to go with the generally popular premium TWS choice or the specifically popular one, then read on as we put these two to battle to find out the truly perfect pair for your ears only:
Design: Stem and stemless, pods and dots
While the AirPods Pro and the Momentum True Wireless 3 both belong to the premium TWS segment, the design language the two follow could not be more different. The AirPods Pro come with the typical Apple genes and sport an OG AirPods-esque design in terms of looks. They come with the glossy, rectangular-ish case which is all white and have earbuds with small stems attached, keeping the AirPods vibe alive. The case is quick to pick scratches and smudges but looks quite elegant.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, on the other hand, have a completely different approach when it comes to design. The case has a textured, cloth-like finish with button-shaped buds sitting inside. The stemmed design of the AirPods Pro is pretty iconic but some can accuse it of being boring, as Apple has been using a similar design language for the AirPods since the launch of the first AirPods (which was accused by many to be EarPods minus the wires anyway). The Momentum True Wireless 3, on the other hand, are quite contemporary looking but unfortunately, follow the same stud or button-like design blueprint that every TWS which does not come with a stemmed design follow.
The two are pretty much chalk and cheese when it comes to design but neither is bad-looking. Both come with support for IPX4 rating, making them splash resistant. We personally like the looks of the Momentum True Wireless 3 because the case does not pick up scratches as easily and seems like it can handle rough usage. The Momentum True Wireless 3 also offers three colour choices while the AirPods Pro are only available in white.
Winner: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Fit: Tipping to a tie
Both TWS offerings do pretty well in the ‘fit’ department as well. The AirPods Pro come with three different tip sizes and Apple has included an Ear Tip Fit Test, in order to make sure you get the best fit. The Momentum True Wireless 3, on the other hand, come with four different ear tip sizes and while they do not have a fancy fit test up their sleeve, they come with a small silicon wing tip that makes them fit extra snugly in your ears. It is really a matter of personal choice here. We are calling it a tie.
Winner: Tie
Setting up and ease of use: Touch and tap confusion
Pairing the two TWS with your device is a pretty simple task. With the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, you need to take the earbuds out of the case, put them in your ears, and press and hold the touch-sensitive area on the bud until you hear “pairing” and connect them to your device. On the AirPods Pro, you get a small button on the case itself. You have to open the case and hold that tiny button until the buds pop up on your device to be paired. Once paired, the two TWS get connected to the last paired device automatically when you take them out.
While the pairing process is pretty easy and similar for the two, the controls are actually a bit of a pain to use on both. The tiny stem on the AirPods has a touch-sensitive panel that has to be pressed to carry out functions. As the stem is so small, pressing that even smaller area can be a task.
We actually preferred the tap-control feature on the AirPods and the AirPods 2 which was slightly more convenient to use. The story is not all that different in the case of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.
The buds also have a really small area for controls which can be tricky to use. The difference between a single tap and multiple taps can often get lost, leading to a fair bit of confusion. A key point to note is that AirPod Pro features like Ear Tip test and Find My AirPods are also limited to Apple devices which means to make use of AirPods Pro completely you would need to pair them with an iOS device, unlike the Momentum True Wireless 3, which play equally well with Android and iOS.
We are yet to come across a TWS with a flawless control system in place, but we think that of the two here, we prefer the AirPods Pro because the Force sensory touch system on the AirPods Pro is pretty much the best amongst TWS right now. It could be better but it is the least problematic one for sure.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro
Sound quality: Hitting the high (and low) notes
In the audio quality department, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 definitely have an edge. While the AirPods Pro sound pretty good, the audio output on the Sennheiser Momentum feels more balanced and refined.
The audio on the AirPods Pro has improved immensely since the first AirPods. Spatial Audio (only through Apple devices) also adds a sublime three-dimensional touch to the output but the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3’s audio just sounds cleaner and more powerful.
The Momentum True Wireless 3 also come with an app that can be a blessing for audiophiles who love making edits to their sound settings. The AirPods Pro do not come with an app but you can tweak some audio settings, but again, that is also a feature limited to iOS users.
Winner: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Call quality: Hello, this matters too!
Call quality is one area where the AirPods Pro outshine the Sennhieser Momentum 3 quite comfortably.
The calls for both caller and receiver seem pretty much lag- and disturbance-free while using the AirPods Pro. While the call quality of the Momentum True Wireless 3 is quite good as well, we did get a few requests of repeats from the other side when we were on calls. The mics on the AirPods Pro just seem to do a better job.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro
ANC: Begone, external noise
One of the biggest USPs of premium (and now even not so premium) TWS is active noise cancellation (ANC). The ANC on both TWS is very impressive. While the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is packed with a ton of new and improved noise-canceling technology with three mics jammed into each earbud, the dual mics on the AirPods Pro seemingly do a slightly better job in muffling external noise.
While both TWS earbuds can easily keep away the basic chatter and white noise around the user, the AirPods Pro were true pros at keeping the noise out even in crowded places like cafes and airports where the Momentum True Wireless 3 fell a little behind.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro
Battery: Leading the charge
The battery battle is pretty much won by the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3. The earbuds come with 6.5 hours of audio playtime with ANC which can be stretched into 7 without ANC. The case of the Momentum 3 holds up for 28 hours on a single charge and comes with support for fast charging, where a 10-minute charge can give you an hour-long playback time.
The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, can deliver 4.5 hours of listening time at best with ANC which can change into 5 hours without ANC. The AirPods Pro case also falls behind as it can only hold up 24 hours' worth of charge, although the quick charge technology from Apple can get you an hour-long audio play session in just five minutes. Both TWS come with support for wireless charging but the new model of the AirPods Pro also come with support for Magsafe charging. That said, the Momentum True Wireless 3 win this race on sheer playback hours.
Winner: Sennheiser MomentumTrue Wireless 3
Price: Notes of the currency kind
Both AirPods Pro and Sennheiser Momentum 3 belong to the premium segment, but there is a slight price difference between them.
The AirPods Pro come with a slightly higher (and recently further increased) price tag of Rs. 26,300 while the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are priced at Rs. 21,990.
It has been a while since Apple launched the AirPods Pro, so you often get good deals on them on different platforms, which can bring down their price to as low as 20,990.
The Momentum True Wireless 3 on the other hand, were recently launched, which means there is a less likely chance that you will get a discount or deal on them. The official price tag of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 will burn a slightly shallow-er hole in your pocket as compared to the AirPods Pro, hence they win this round, even though there is not much difference in their prices in the real world.
Winner: Sennheiser MomentumTrue Wireless 3
Final verdict: Ear we go!
Both AirPods Pro and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are very evenly matched. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 have brilliant audio, stand-out design, long battery life, and have a slightly more affordable official price tag. On the other hand, the AirPodsPro score in some really important departments like call quality, ANC, and ease of use (especially with Apple devices) and come with impressive audio (as well as spatial audio) and iconic design.
Both TWS have a lot to offer. Which one you opt for just depends on what you are seeking. If superior audio, better battery life, and a more affordable price tag are your criteria then the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are the pick for you. On the other hand, if you want impressive ANC, better call quality, and TWS that are easier to use and control then AirPods Pro are the ones for you, especially if you have an Apple device handy. Regardless of the one you choose, you are unlikely to regret your decision. Your ears will thank you either way.