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Beats Powerbeats vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free BLACK: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Beats Powerbeats comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 68. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Beats Powerbeats - Good overall at around $155.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Beats Powerbeats leads on 5 of 5 measures.

  • Beats Powerbeats
  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free BLACK
HearWiki score
68
58
Sound
7.7
7.5
Battery
8.4
3.8
Calls
6.5
5.0
Price (USD)
$160
$230

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Mixed generations

Beats Powerbeats (2019) against Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free BLACK (2018). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Beats Powerbeats brings Bluetooth 5.0 against 4.2, while the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free BLACK answers with Top codec aptX against AAC. The Beats Powerbeats answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging and Water resistance (IPX4).

  • Powerbeats20191 yr newer
  • MOMENTUM Free BLACK2018
What differsPowerbeatsMOMENTUM Free BLACK

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
4.2
Top codec
AAC
aptX

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IPX4
Not rated

Specifications

PowerbeatsMOMENTUM Free BLACK
Type
Neckband
Neckband
Price (USD)
$160
$230
HearWiki score
68
58
Released
2019
2018
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
15 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
-
28 Ω
Sensitivity
-
118 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
4.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
9 h
6 h
Battery incl. case
24 h
-
Full charge time
-
90 min
Quick charge
5 min → 1.5 h
-
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
8.7 g
40 g
Case weight
80 g
-
Water resistance
IPX4
none
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
-
Model code
-
507490
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

Beats Powerbeats

These wireless neckbuds are built for workouts, offering a secure fit, long-lasting battery, and quick charging to keep you moving. They deliver a balanced sound with clear vocals, though the treble can be a bit soft, and they rely on Apple's H1 chip for easy pairing and Siri access. While they lack noise cancellation and modern USB-C, their sporty design and reliable performance make them a solid pick for active listeners.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life with fast charging
  • Pro:Secure, comfortable fit for exercise
  • Pro:Stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection with multipoint
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs
  • Con:No USB-C charging port

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free BLACK

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free is a lightweight neckband-style wireless earphone that prioritizes portability and a dynamic, clear sound signature. It offers a quick-charge feature and reliable wireless connectivity, but its overall appeal is tempered by a modest six-hour battery life and a premium price for its feature set. While it delivers energetic audio, the lack of noise cancellation and basic codec support may not suit all modern listeners.

  • Pro:Clear, powerful, and dynamic sound
  • Pro:Very lightweight and portable design
  • Pro:Quick charging capability
  • Con:Short 6-hour battery life
  • Con:Premium price for limited features
  • Con:Slight treble harshness in some tracks

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonBeats PowerbeatsSennheiser MOMENTUM Free BLACK