The Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are both premium true wireless earbuds, but they aim at different buyers. The AirPods Pro 3 lean on seamless iOS integration and class-leading noise cancelling, while the Sennheiser pair focuses on audiophile-grade sound and codec flexibility. This head-to-head uses recorded specs, published review consensus and the HearWiki database to help you decide which one fits your listening habits and budget.
Price and positioning
The price gap is significant. The AirPods Pro 3 cost $179, while the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 cost $305. That is a $126 difference, which is enough to buy a budget pair of earbuds on the side. Apple positions its earbuds as the default premium choice for iPhone owners, with a price that undercuts many rivals despite offering top-tier ANC. Sennheiser asks for more money and justifies it with a more elaborate driver setup, lossless codec support and longer battery life on paper.
Neither is a budget product. The AirPods are the more accessible premium option, while the Sennheiser pair sits at the higher end of the true wireless market. If price is your primary constraint, the AirPods Pro 3 are the easier recommendation. If you are willing to pay extra for sound quality and codec versatility, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 make a stronger case.
The scores, side by side
The headline HearWiki scores are closer than the price gap suggests. The AirPods Pro 3 score 88/100, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 score 83/100. That is a five-point difference, which is meaningful but not enormous. The AirPods lead on ANC (9.3 vs 8.3) and value (8.3 vs 7.5), while the Sennheiser pair leads on sound (9.2 vs 8.6), battery (8.2 vs 7.3) and calls (8.7 vs 7.4).
The headline score is a buyability rating derived from published review consensus, price and availability, not a weighted average of the sub-scores. So the AirPods' higher headline score reflects their stronger overall package for most buyers, even though the Sennheiser pair wins in several individual categories. Do not read too much into the gap between headline and sub-scores; they measure different things.
Sound
This is where the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 pull ahead. Their 7 mm dynamic driver delivers a rich, detailed presentation with deep bass and clear highs, according to published reviews. They support SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless, which means Android users can get near-lossless audio if their phone supports it. The AirPods Pro 3 use a 10.7 mm dynamic driver and support only SBC and AAC. That is fine for iPhone users, but it caps the ceiling for Android listeners.
That said, the AirPods Pro 3 are not weak in sound. Their 8.6 sub-score is solid, and many reviewers describe the tuning as balanced and easy to listen to. If you are coming from cheaper earbuds, the AirPods will sound great. But if you are chasing detail, separation and bass extension, the Sennheiser pair is the clear winner. For a deeper look at wired options with similar sound priorities, see our best wired IEMs guide.
Noise cancelling and battery
The AirPods Pro 3 win on ANC. Their 9.3 sub-score is among the best in the database, and published reviews consistently praise their ability to silence low-frequency rumble like engines and air conditioning. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are not far behind at 8.3, but they let more noise through, especially in the midrange. If you take public transport or work in a noisy office, the AirPods are the safer choice.
Battery is a mixed story. The AirPods Pro 3 offer 8 hours on a single charge, with the case extending that to roughly 30 hours. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 claim 12 hours on a charge and 40 with the case, but that figure drops to 6 hours with ANC enabled, according to the recorded specs. In practice, with ANC on, the Sennheiser pair lasts less than the AirPods. If you forget to charge the case, the AirPods will get you through a longer day.
Calls and everyday use
The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 edge out the AirPods on call quality, scoring 8.7 versus 7.4. Published reviews note clearer voice pickup in windy conditions and better background noise rejection. The AirPods Pro 3 are still good, but they are not the best in this category. If you take a lot of calls on the go, the Sennheiser pair is the stronger pick.
Everyday use favours the AirPods in other ways. They have IP57 water resistance, which means they can survive a dunk, and they integrate seamlessly with iOS devices. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 offer Bluetooth 6.0 and multipoint, which is useful if you switch between a phone and laptop. Their touch controls are reported as finicky, though, and the fit may require adjustment. For a broader view of true wireless options, see our best true wireless page.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if you are an iPhone user who wants the best noise cancelling at a lower price, and you are happy with AAC-only audio. They are the better value, score higher overall, and handle everyday use with fewer compromises.
Buy the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 if you prioritise sound quality above everything else, use an Android phone with aptX support, and are willing to pay a premium for lossless audio and longer battery life when ANC is off. They are the better choice for audiophiles and frequent callers, but they cost more and their ANC is not quite as strong.
If you are still torn, compare the full spec sheets side by side at our comparison page. For budget-conscious buyers, our best earbuds under $100 list may also be worth a look.
FAQ
Which earbuds have better noise cancelling, AirPods Pro 3 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5?
The AirPods Pro 3 have better noise cancelling. They score 9.3/10 for ANC compared to 8.3/10 for the Sennheiser pair, and published reviews consistently note that the AirPods silence more low-frequency noise.
Do the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 support lossless audio?
Yes, they support aptX Lossless, along with aptX Adaptive and standard aptX. That means Android phones with compatible hardware can get near-lossless audio. The AirPods Pro 3 only support SBC and AAC, so they cannot match that.
Are the AirPods Pro 3 worth it over the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5?
For most iPhone users, yes. The AirPods Pro 3 cost $179, have better ANC, and score higher overall at 88/100 versus 83/100. The Sennheiser pair is worth the extra money only if you deeply care about sound quality and use aptX-capable Android hardware. For more context, see our best ANC earbuds roundup.
