Skip to content
HearWiki

Beats Powerbeats vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless 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 4 of 5 measures.

  • Beats Powerbeats
  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black
HearWiki score
68
61
Sound
7.7
7.7
Battery
8.4
5.3
Calls
6.5
6.0
Price (USD)
$160
$180

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 In-Ear Wireless Black (2015). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Beats Powerbeats brings Bluetooth 5.0 against 4.1, while the Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless 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).

  • Powerbeats20194 yr newer
  • MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black2015
What differsPowerbeatsMOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
4.1
Top codec
AAC
aptX

Everyday features

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

Specifications

PowerbeatsMOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black
Type
Neckband
Neckband
Price (USD)
$160
$180
HearWiki score
68
61
Released
2019
2015
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
-
18 Ω
Bluetooth
5.0
4.1
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
9 h
10 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
-
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
8.7 g
-
Case weight
80 g
-
Water resistance
IPX4
none
Detachable cable
No
No
USB-C
No
No
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 In-Ear Wireless Black

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless is a 2017 neckband-style earphone that delivers a lively, bass-forward sound with energetic dynamics, making it engaging for many listeners. It offers a portable, wireless design with around 10 hours of battery life, though its fit and bulky neckband may not suit everyone. While not a neutral monitor, it provides a generally enjoyable listening experience for its price.

  • Pro:Engaging, bass-heavy sound with strong dynamics
  • Pro:Solid wireless battery life around 10 hours
  • Pro:Portable neckband design with basic controls
  • Con:Bass can overpower and unbalance the sound for some
  • Con:Neckband may feel plain or bulky
  • Con:Fit can become uncomfortable over long sessions

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonBeats PowerbeatsSennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black