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Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free Special Edition vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 61. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black - Average overall at around $181.

Score breakdown

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

Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black leads on 4 of 5 measures.

  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free Special Edition
  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black
HearWiki score
59
61
Sound
7.5
7.7
Battery
3.8
5.3
Calls
5.0
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?

Half a step newer

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free Special Edition (2018) against Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black (2015). The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free Special Edition edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 4.2 against 4.1. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • MOMENTUM Free Special Edition20183 yr newer
  • MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black2015
What differsMOMENTUM Free Special EditionMOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black

Platform

Bluetooth
4.2
4.1

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No

Level on: Top codec.

Specifications

MOMENTUM Free Special EditionMOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless Black
Type
Neckband
Neckband
Price (USD)
$160
$180
HearWiki score
59
61
Released
2018
2015
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
15 Hz - 22 kHz
-
Impedance
480 Ω
18 Ω
Sensitivity
118 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
4.2
4.1
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
-
10 h
Full charge time
90 min
90 min
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
17 g
-
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
-
No
USB-C
No
No
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free Special Edition

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free Special Edition is a lightweight neckband-style wireless earphone that prioritizes audio performance, delivering clear, dynamic sound with a musical character. It supports a wide range of codecs including aptX Low Latency and offers multipoint connectivity, though it lacks ANC and water resistance. While its battery life is modest, it remains a solid choice for listeners focused on sound quality in a compact, portable design.

  • Pro:Rich, dynamic sound with good clarity
  • Pro:Lightweight and portable neckband design
  • Pro:Supports aptX and aptX Low Latency codecs
  • Con:Battery life is limited at around six hours
  • Con:Treble can sound slightly harsh at times
  • Con:Call quality is not the strongest

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.

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