Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 both earn the same overall score on HearWiki, but they are not the same earbud. One leans into bass and tuning flexibility; the other into noise cancelling and call clarity. This head-to-head works through the differences so you can decide which trade-off suits you.

Both are true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling, and both sit at the premium end of the market. The Sennheiser launched in 2020, the Apple in 2025, so the gap in age shows up in features and fit. We are using only the data recorded on their product pages for this comparison.

Price and positioning

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 costs $208. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 costs $249. That is a $41 difference, which is not trivial but also not huge in this class. Both ask you to pay for a brand name and a polished experience, not just raw components.

The Sennheiser positions itself as an audiophile-leaning option with a built-in equalizer and support for aptX. The Apple positions itself as a seamless ecosystem product, with strong noise cancelling and call quality as the headline features. Neither is a budget pick; if you are looking for something cheaper, you might want to check our best budget earbuds under $50 list instead.

The scores, side by side

Both earbuds score 84/100 overall. That is exactly the same, so do not expect one to be clearly "better" on paper. The sub-scores tell a more useful story.

• Sound: Sennheiser 9/10, Apple 8.5/10
• ANC: Sennheiser 8/10, Apple 9.5/10
• Battery: Sennheiser 8/10, Apple 8.5/10
• Calls: Sennheiser 7/10, Apple 9/10
• Value: Sennheiser 7/10, Apple 7.5/10

The Apple wins on ANC and calls by a clear margin. The Sennheiser wins on sound by half a point. Battery and value are close. If you average the sub-scores, the Apple edges ahead slightly, but the overall score is what the database records, and it is a tie.

Sound

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 uses custom 7 mm dynamic drivers. The recorded summary describes a rich, punchy low end, a balanced midrange, and crisp highs. It also has a built-in equalizer, which is a genuine advantage if you like to tune your sound. You can adjust the bass or treble to match your taste, something the Apple does not offer.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 uses a 10.7 mm driver. Its sound is described as excellent, but not as the standout feature. It scores 8.5/10 for sound, half a point behind the Sennheiser. The Apple supports only AAC, while the Sennheiser also supports aptX, which can matter if you use an Android phone with aptX support.

For pure audio quality and flexibility, the Sennheiser is the safer choice. For most listeners, the difference will be subtle, but if you are picky about bass response or treble detail, the Sennheiser gives you more control. If you want to see how they compare in a full table, check the comparison page.

Noise cancelling and battery

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 scores 9.5/10 for ANC, which is outstanding. The Sennheiser scores 8/10, which is good but not class-leading. If you commute on a noisy train or work in a loud office, the Apple will block out more of the world. The Sennheiser will still reduce background noise, but it is not at the same level.

Battery life is a mixed picture. The Sennheiser records 7 hours per charge, the Apple 5 hours. That is a significant difference. The Apple scores higher on battery despite fewer hours, which likely reflects charging case behaviour or efficiency, but the raw number is what you will feel day to day. If you need a full workday without reaching for the case, the Sennheiser has the edge.

Neither figure is exceptional for the class. If battery life is your priority, you might want to look at our best true wireless list for other options.

Calls and everyday use

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 scores 9/10 for calls, the Sennheiser 7/10. That is a two-point gap, the largest in this comparison. The Apple summary specifically mentions crisp call quality in noisy settings, which suggests it handles wind and chatter better. The Sennheiser is not bad, but it is not a strength.

Everyday use also differs. The Apple summary notes the fit can be finicky and the earbuds are not the easiest to wear for long periods. The Sennheiser does not mention fit issues, but it is an older design, so expect a more traditional in-ear shape. Both are wireless with Bluetooth 5.1 (Sennheiser) and 5.3 (Apple), which is fine for daily use.

If you take a lot of calls in loud places, the Apple is the clear winner. If you listen for hours without talking, the Sennheiser's longer battery and more comfortable fit (based on the recorded data) may serve you better.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 if you care about sound quality and want an equalizer, if you listen on Android and want aptX support, or if you need more than 5 hours of playback per charge. It is also $41 cheaper.

Choose the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if you are in the Apple ecosystem, if noise cancelling is your top priority, or if you make a lot of calls in noisy environments. The fit risk is real, so try them if you can. If you are not sure, the full comparison lays out every spec side by side.

Neither is a bad buy. The tie on overall score reflects that they are both strong products, just with different strengths. Your choice comes down to what you value more: tuning flexibility and battery, or ANC and call quality.

FAQ

Which earbuds have better noise cancelling?

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 has significantly better noise cancelling, scoring 9.5/10 compared to 8/10 for the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2. If blocking out background noise is your main concern, the Apple is the better pick.

Do the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 support aptX?

Yes, the Sennheiser supports SBC, AAC and aptX. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 only supports AAC. If you have an Android phone with aptX support, the Sennheiser can give you a more stable and detailed wireless connection.

Are the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comfortable for long listening sessions?

The recorded data suggests the AirPods Pro 3 can be finicky to fit and not the easiest to wear for long periods. The Sennheiser does not have that complaint in its summary. If comfort over hours matters, the Sennheiser is the safer bet. For more options, see our best over-ear guide if you are open to a different form factor.

By Miles Archer · HearWiki