Audio T Verdict
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 remain a very capable pair of premium wireless earbuds. Their compact size hides Sennheiser's excellent 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, backed by Adaptive Noise Cancellation, aptX Adaptive, effective passive isolation and enough adjustment through the Smart Control app to tailor them to both your ears and your listening preferences.
They are particularly strong if sound quality matters just as much as everyday convenience. Bass is full without overwhelming vocals, there is plenty of fine detail available from good recordings and the adaptive ANC makes commuting, travel and busy working environments considerably easier to live with.
The newer MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 move the platform forward with Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless, LC3, improved weather protection and slightly longer overall battery life. That does not suddenly make the third generation poor headphones, though. If you want premium Sennheiser true wireless sound, excellent ANC and Qi wireless charging without necessarily needing the very latest Bluetooth technologies, MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 still have plenty to offer.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 Earbuds
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 combine the company's 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducer technology with Adaptive Noise Cancellation, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, customisable touch controls and a compact ergonomic design.
Each earbud uses a single dynamic driver to reproduce the complete frequency range, while three microphones per side support both active noise cancellation and clear voice pickup.
Four sizes of silicone ear adapters and three sizes of stabilising ear fins are supplied, helping you achieve the secure acoustic seal required for both good bass performance and effective isolation.
- Premium true wireless stereo earbuds
- 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducers
- 5Hz to 21kHz frequency response
- 107dB SPL sensitivity
- Less than 0.08% THD
- Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancellation
- Transparency Mode
- Three MEMS microphones per earbud
- Beamforming voice pickup
- Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1
- SBC codec
- AAC codec
- aptX codec
- aptX Adaptive codec
- Customisable touch controls
- Built-in equaliser
- Sound presets
- Sound Personalization
- Sennheiser Smart Control app
- Independent left or right earbud use
- Up to 7 hours listening from the earbuds
- Up to 28 hours total with charging case
- Approximately 1.5-hour full charge
- 10-minute charge for approximately one hour playback
- USB-C charging
- Qi wireless charging
- IPX4 splash-resistant earbuds
- Four ear-adapter sizes
- Three ear-fin sizes
- Black and Graphite finishes available from Audio T while stocks last
7mm TrueResponse Dynamic Drivers
The MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 use Sennheiser's 7mm TrueResponse dynamic-driver technology.
Rather than dividing the frequency range between several miniature drivers, one dynamic transducer inside each earbud reproduces everything from low bass through the midrange and into the highest audible frequencies.
Sennheiser uses the same underlying single-driver philosophy across several of its higher-performance in-ear products, concentrating on the quality and control of the transducer rather than simply increasing driver count.
5Hz to 21kHz Frequency Response
Sennheiser specifies a frequency response from 5Hz to 21kHz.
The low-frequency extension provides plenty of scope for bass guitar, kick drums and electronic sub-bass, while the overall tuning retains the vocal clarity and detail expected from the MOMENTUM range.
Less Than 0.08% Distortion
Total harmonic distortion is specified below 0.08% at 1kHz and 94dB SPL.
Low distortion helps preserve fine information within voices and instruments rather than adding unwanted harmonic content of the earbuds' own.
107dB SPL Sensitivity
Sennheiser specifies 107dB SPL at 1kHz and 1mW.
As fully active wireless earbuds, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 contain their own amplification, so there is no external headphone-amplifier matching to worry about during ordinary Bluetooth listening.
aptX Adaptive
With a compatible source, aptX Adaptive provides Sennheiser's highest-quality Bluetooth option on the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3.
The codec can vary its operation depending on wireless conditions, balancing sound quality, connection stability and latency rather than operating at one fixed data rate regardless of the environment.
Your Source Matters Too
The headphones and transmitting device need to support the same Bluetooth codec. If your phone or computer does not support aptX Adaptive, the connection will automatically use another mutually supported codec such as aptX, AAC or SBC.
SBC, AAC and aptX Support
Alongside aptX Adaptive, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 support SBC, AAC and standard aptX.
This provides broad compatibility across Android phones, Apple devices, tablets, computers and other Bluetooth audio sources.
No aptX Lossless or LC3
MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 support SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. They do not support the newer aptX Lossless or LC3 codecs found on MOMENTUM True Wireless 4.
Bluetooth 5.2
The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1.
Supported Bluetooth profiles include:
- A2DP for stereo music
- AVRCP for playback control
- HFP for hands-free calls
Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancellation
The MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 use Hybrid Adaptive ANC to reduce surrounding environmental noise.
The system monitors the acoustic environment and adjusts its response rather than applying one fixed level of cancellation at all times.
This is particularly useful for:
- Commuting
- Train travel
- Aircraft
- Busy offices
- Working from home
- Cafés
- General everyday background noise
Passive Isolation Helps Too
Active Noise Cancellation is only part of the story with an in-ear headphone.
A properly fitted ear adapter physically seals the ear canal, reducing a significant amount of surrounding sound before the electronic ANC system needs to do anything.
Fit Is Essential
If the earbuds sound thin or lack bass, try another ear-adapter size before changing any sound settings. A poor seal can substantially reduce low-frequency response and isolation while also making the ANC system less effective.
Transparency Mode
Transparency Mode uses the external microphones to bring the surrounding environment back into the earbuds when you need greater awareness.
This can be useful when:
- Listening for station announcements
- Speaking briefly to somebody
- Walking in a busy area
- Working around other people
Six-Microphone System
Each earbud contains three MEMS microphones, giving six microphones across the complete pair.
The microphone system supports both the adaptive noise-cancelling functions and beamforming voice pickup for calls.
Beamforming for Calls
Beamforming processing helps concentrate voice pickup towards the wearer while reducing unwanted environmental sound.
Sennheiser specifies the microphone system from 100Hz to 10kHz.
Customisable Touch Controls
The outer surface of each earbud provides touch-sensitive control.
Functions can be customised through the Sennheiser Smart Control app, allowing you to tailor everyday operation to suit the way you actually use the earbuds.
Depending on configuration, touch commands can provide access to functions including:
- Play and pause
- Track control
- Volume adjustment
- Calls
- ANC
- Transparency Mode
- Voice assistant access
Sennheiser Smart Control App
MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 remain compatible with Sennheiser's Smart Control app.
The app provides access to sound adjustment, noise-cancelling settings, touch-control configuration and firmware updates.
Smart Control, Not Smart Control Plus
Sennheiser continues to list MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 as compatible with its original Smart Control app. The newer Smart Control Plus platform is primarily intended for later-generation products.
Built-In Equaliser
The Smart Control app allows the tonal balance to be adjusted if you prefer a different presentation from the standard Sennheiser tuning.
Presets are also available for quicker adjustment without needing to build your own settings from scratch.
Sound Personalization
Sound Personalization takes a more guided approach.
Rather than expecting you to understand individual frequencies, the listening process uses your preferences to create a personalised sound profile.
This can be particularly useful for listeners who know whether they prefer one presentation over another but do not necessarily know which EQ frequencies need changing to achieve it.
Compact Ergonomic Design
Sennheiser redesigned the third-generation MOMENTUM True Wireless housing to provide a more compact and secure fit than its earlier models.
The earbud body sits close to the ear while the supplied stabilising fins help keep it in place.
Four Ear-Adapter Sizes
Sennheiser supplies silicone ear adapters in:
- Extra Small
- Small
- Medium
- Large
Medium adapters are fitted at the factory.
Three Ear-Fin Sizes
Silicone stabilising fins are also provided in:
The fins sit against the shape of the outer ear and help prevent the earbuds moving during everyday use.
Ear Tips and Fins Can Be Mixed
The adapter and fin sizes are independent.
You might therefore find that a Medium ear tip and Small fin provide the best fit, for example.
There is also no requirement for both ears to use exactly the same ear-tip size.
Independent Earbud Use
Either the left or right earbud can be used individually when required.
This is useful for calls, podcasts or situations where you deliberately want one ear to remain completely open to the surrounding environment.
Up to Seven Hours From the Earbuds
Sennheiser specifies up to seven hours of listening from the rechargeable batteries inside the earbuds under its stated test conditions.
Actual battery life will vary according to factors including:
- Playback volume
- Bluetooth codec
- ANC use
- Call use
- Battery age
- Ambient temperature
Up to 28 Hours With the Charging Case
The charging case stores additional power for the earbuds, extending total listening time to approximately 28 hours before the case itself needs recharging.
Putting the earbuds back into the case between listening sessions automatically recharges them.
Approximately 1.5-Hour Full Charge
Sennheiser specifies approximately 1.5 hours for a complete charge.
If you only have a few minutes available, approximately ten minutes of charging provides around one additional hour of playback.
USB-C Charging
The charging case can be powered conventionally through USB-C.
A short USB-C to USB-A charging cable is supplied in the box.
Qi Wireless Charging
The case also supports Qi wireless charging.
Place it on a compatible Qi charging pad and the case can recharge without connecting a cable.
A Qi charging pad is not included.
IPX4 Splash Resistance
The earbuds are IPX4 rated for resistance against splashing water.
This makes them suitable for ordinary commuting, light exercise and use in unpredictable weather provided they are treated sensibly.
IPX4 Applies to the Earbuds, Not the Charging Case
The earbuds are splash resistant rather than waterproof. The charging case does not carry the same IPX4 rating and should be kept dry. The earbuds are not designed for swimming or submersion.
Approximately 5.8g Per Earbud
Sennheiser's current UK specification lists each earbud at approximately 5.8g.
The low mass helps keep pressure on the ear to a minimum, while the stabilising fins provide support without requiring the earbuds to be wedged tightly into place.
Black and Graphite
Audio T currently offers remaining stock of the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 in two finishes:
- Black - Sennheiser article 509180
- Graphite - Sennheiser article 700074
Availability is limited to remaining stock.
MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 or MOMENTUM True Wireless 4?
MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
- 7mm TrueResponse driver
- 5Hz to 21kHz response
- Bluetooth 5.2
- SBC / AAC / aptX / aptX Adaptive
- Hybrid Adaptive ANC
- Transparency Mode
- Three microphones per earbud
- Up to 7 hours earbud battery
- Up to 28 hours with case
- Qi wireless charging
- IPX4 earbuds
- Smart Control app
MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
- 7mm TrueResponse driver
- 5Hz to 21kHz response
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Bluetooth Classic and LE Audio support
- aptX Lossless
- aptX Adaptive
- LC3
- Hybrid Adaptive ANC
- Three microphones per earbud
- Up to 7.5 hours with ANC off
- Up to 30 hours with case
- Qi wireless charging
- IP54 dust and splash protection
- Newer wireless platform
What Does MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Add?
The newer Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are the logical choice if you specifically want Sennheiser's latest wireless platform.
They move to Bluetooth 5.4, add LE Audio and LC3 support, introduce aptX Lossless, improve protection to IP54 and increase the maximum combined battery figure to approximately 30 hours.
MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 remain a strong option if those newer technologies are not essential and you simply want the established Sennheiser TrueResponse sound, Adaptive ANC, aptX Adaptive and wireless charging.
Do You Need aptX Lossless?
Not necessarily.
aptX Lossless can be worthwhile when both the source and receiving device support it and you use suitable source material, but it is not a requirement for enjoyable wireless listening.
MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 already support aptX Adaptive, and the quality of the transducer, acoustic fit and source recording remain just as important as the codec name.
Excellent for Commuting
The compact design, Adaptive ANC and Transparency Mode make the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 particularly useful on trains, buses and everyday journeys.
The earbuds occupy very little space when stored inside the charging case and require considerably less luggage room than full-sized wireless headphones.
Excellent for Travel
Up to 28 hours of total listening, effective passive isolation and ANC make them particularly useful for longer journeys.
Qi charging can also be convenient in hotel rooms, offices and homes where compatible charging pads are already available.
Excellent for Calls
Six microphones and beamforming processing allow the earbuds to double as a hands-free headset when connected to a compatible phone or computer.
Useful for Exercise
The stabilising ear fins and IPX4 splash resistance make MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 suitable for many everyday exercise situations.
They are not waterproof sports earbuds, though, and both the earbuds and case should be protected from excessive moisture.
No Cable Between the Earbuds
As true wireless headphones, the left and right earpieces communicate wirelessly and are stored independently inside the charging case.
There is no neckband or cable to catch on clothing during everyday use.
Who Are the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 For?
- Listeners wanting premium true wireless earbuds
- Sennheiser sound enthusiasts
- Commuters
- Frequent travellers
- Home-office users
- Listeners wanting Adaptive ANC
- People wanting Transparency Mode
- Users with aptX Adaptive-compatible sources
- People wanting Qi wireless charging
- Listeners who like adjusting sound through an app
- People wanting a choice of ear tips and stabilising fins
- Users wanting independent single-earbud operation
- Listeners who do not necessarily need the newer MTW4 wireless features
Who Are They Not For?
- Listeners specifically requiring aptX Lossless
- People wanting LC3 or the newer Bluetooth LE Audio platform
- Customers wanting the latest-generation MOMENTUM True Wireless model
- People requiring fully waterproof earbuds
- Listeners wanting wired operation
- People who dislike an in-ear seal
- Customers wanting earbuds without batteries or apps
Key Features
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
- Model MTW3
- Black article number 509180
- Graphite article number 700074
- True wireless stereo earbuds
- Closed in-ear acoustic design
- 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducers
- 5Hz to 21kHz speaker response
- 107dB SPL
- Less than 0.08% THD
- Hybrid Adaptive ANC
- Transparency Mode
- Three MEMS microphones per earbud
- Six microphones total
- 100Hz to 10kHz microphone response
- Beamforming voice pickup
- Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1
- A2DP
- AVRCP
- HFP
- SBC codec
- AAC codec
- aptX codec
- aptX Adaptive codec
- Customisable touch controls
- Independent earbud operation
- Built-in equaliser
- Sound presets
- Sound Personalization
- Sennheiser Smart Control app
- Up to 7 hours earbud battery life
- Up to 28 hours total with charging case
- Approximately 1.5-hour full charging time
- 10-minute charge for approximately 1 hour playback
- USB-C case charging
- Qi wireless case charging
- IPX4 splash-resistant earbuds
- Approximately 5.8g per earbud
- Approximately 66.4g charging case
- XS / S / M / L silicone ear adapters
- S / M / L silicone ear fins
- USB charging cable supplied
- 24-month manufacturer's warranty under current published terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 still available?
Audio T currently has remaining new stock in Black and Graphite. MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are the newer generation.
What colours does Audio T currently have?
Black and Graphite, subject to remaining stock.
What are the Black and Graphite article numbers?
Black is Sennheiser article 509180 and Graphite is article 700074.
What size drivers do they use?
Each earbud uses a 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducer.
What is the frequency response?
5Hz to 21kHz.
What is the sensitivity?
107dB SPL at 1kHz and 1mW.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Less than 0.08% at 1kHz and 94dB SPL.
Do they have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes. MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 use Hybrid Adaptive ANC.
What does Adaptive ANC mean?
The system responds to changes in surrounding noise rather than relying solely on one fixed level of electronic cancellation.
Do they have Transparency Mode?
Yes.
How many microphones are there?
Three MEMS microphones per earbud, giving six across the complete pair.
Are they good for phone calls?
Yes. The microphone system uses beamforming processing to improve voice pickup and reduce surrounding noise.
What Bluetooth version do they use?
Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1.
Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?
SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive.
Do they support aptX Adaptive?
Yes.
Do they support aptX Lossless?
No. aptX Lossless is one of the features introduced on the newer MOMENTUM True Wireless 4.
Do they support LC3?
No. LC3 support belongs to Sennheiser's newer wireless platform used by MOMENTUM True Wireless 4.
Can one earbud be used by itself?
Yes. Either the left or right earbud can be used independently.
Do they have touch controls?
Yes. The touch controls can be customised to suit your preferences.
Which app do they use?
Sennheiser currently lists MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 as compatible with its Smart Control app.
Do they have an equaliser?
Yes. Sound adjustment and presets are available through Smart Control.
Do they support Sound Personalization?
Yes. A guided listening process can be used to create a sound profile based on your preferences.
How long does the battery last?
Up to approximately seven hours from the earbuds under Sennheiser's stated test conditions.
What is the total battery life with the charging case?
Up to approximately 28 hours.
How long do they take to charge?
Approximately 1.5 hours for a full charge.
Do they support fast charging?
Yes. Approximately ten minutes of charging provides around one hour of music playback.
Does the case charge through USB-C?
Yes.
Is a USB charging cable included?
Yes. Sennheiser supplies an approximately 0.4m USB-C to USB-A charging cable.
Do they support wireless charging?
Yes. The charging case is Qi compatible.
Is a Qi charging pad supplied?
No.
Are MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 waterproof?
No. The earbuds are IPX4 splash resistant rather than waterproof.
Is the charging case IPX4?
No. The IPX4 rating applies to the earbuds only.
Can I use them for exercise?
Yes for many everyday exercise situations, provided the earbuds are not exposed to excessive moisture or submerged in water.
What ear tips are included?
Silicone ear adapters in Extra Small, Small, Medium and Large.
Are stabilising fins included?
Yes. Small, Medium and Large silicone ear fins are supplied.
How much does each earbud weigh?
Sennheiser's current UK specification lists approximately 5.8g per earbud.
What is the difference between MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 and 4?
MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 move to Bluetooth 5.4 and add newer technologies including aptX Lossless, LC3 and the Bluetooth LE Audio platform. They also increase protection from IPX4 to IP54 and extend total battery life from approximately 28 to 30 hours.
Should I still buy MOMENTUM True Wireless 3?
If you want Sennheiser's 7mm TrueResponse sound, Adaptive ANC, aptX Adaptive, Qi wireless charging and a comfortable premium true wireless design, they remain a very capable choice. Choose MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 if the newer Bluetooth platform and codecs are important to you.
How long is the manufacturer's warranty?
Under Sennheiser's current published warranty schedule, MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 fall within the 24-month category because they are not named among the manufacturer's 12-month products. Warranty is subject to Sennheiser's applicable terms and proof of purchase and does not affect your statutory consumer rights.
What comes in the box?
The package contains the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 left and right earbuds, charging case, approximately 0.4m USB-C to USB-A charging cable, silicone ear adapters in XS / S / M / L, silicone ear fins in S / M / L, Quick Guide and Safety Guide.
Related Sennheiser Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 From Audio T?
True wireless earbuds depend on far more than the headline Bluetooth specification. Fit, ear-tip choice, noise cancellation and source compatibility can all make a substantial difference to the way they perform.
Audio T can help you get the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 set up correctly, choose the appropriate ear adapters and explain whether the newer MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 offer any features that genuinely matter for the way you listen.
- Friendly specialist headphone advice
- MOMENTUM True Wireless setup assistance
- MTW3 and MTW4 comparisons
- Bluetooth codec guidance
- aptX Adaptive advice
- ANC and Transparency Mode guidance
- Smart Control setup
- Sound Personalization assistance
- Ear-tip and fit guidance
- Qi wireless charging advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help choosing or setting up the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3.