Are you torn between Bose’s latest offering, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Sennheiser’s renowned Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds? In the world of wireless earbuds, both these models have earned their stripes, each boasting a unique set of features and capabilities that cater to distinct audiophile preferences.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds arrived on the scene in September 2023, promising an extraordinary auditory experience. These earbuds are equipped with groundbreaking spatialized audio technology, world-class noise cancellation, and a captivating design that demands attention. Bose’s Immersive Audio redefines the listening experience by transporting sound from within your head to the space in front of you. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds build upon the success of their predecessors, the QuietComfort Earbuds II, with additional features like Snapdragon Sound certification, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, and Google Fast Pair. With a focus on both style and comfort, they offer various options for a tailored fit, ensuring a snug and secure feel during extended use.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, released in May 2022, known for their meticulously crafted design. These earbuds promise a personalized fit with a range of adapters and silicone fins. Sennheiser’s signature sound quality shines through, backed by TrueResponse Technology and customizable sound profiles. The Momentum True Wireless 3 also feature Adaptive Noise Cancellation that adapts to your surroundings and a Transparency mode that lets you stay connected to your environment. With a rich feature set and high-fidelity wireless sound, these earbuds cater to those who crave audio excellence.
Here’s a detailed comparison table between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
| Features | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 |
| Design, Build, and Comfort | Premium, metallic finish, IPX4-rated (splash-resistant), 6.24g per earbud. Umbrella-shaped soft eartips, 3 pairs (S, M, L), 3 pairs of stability bands (S, M, L) | Premium finish, IPX4-rated (splash-resistant), 5.8g per earbud. Silicone ear adapter sets (XS, S, M, L), Ear fin sets (S/M/L) |
| Sound Quality | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Spatial Audio, Equalizer | Sennheiser Signature Sound, High-resolution audio, TrueResponse Technology, Presets, Equalizer |
| Noise Cancellation | World-class noise cancellation, Awareness mode, CustomTune technology | Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode |
| Microphones | 4 built-in microphones in each earbud | 3 advanced noise-canceling microphones on each earbud |
| App & Customization | Bose Music app with Adjustable EQ, Custom Modes, wearing detection | Smart Control App with equalizer, presets, wearing detection |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, supports SBC, AAC, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive | Bluetooth 5.2, supports SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX adaptive |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Siri, Google Voice Assistant, and native voice assistant | Google Assistant or Siri, activated by a single tap on the right earbud |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours (earbuds), 18 hours (case), 20-min quick charge for 2 hours | Up to 7 hours (earbuds), 21 hours (case), 10-min quick charge for 1 hour |
| Additional Features | IPX4 splash resistance, Touch controls, Mono mode, Quiet Mode (full noise canceling), Spatial sound, Wear sensors | IPX4 splash resistance, Touch controls, Mono mode, Wear sensors, Transparency mode, Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Qi wireless charging |
| Price | Approximately $300 | Approximately $280 |
In this Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 showdown, we’ll dissect every aspect of these earbuds, from design and sound quality to noise cancellation and additional features. At the end of this comparison, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, whether you prioritize immersive audio, superior noise cancellation, or sleek design, read on to discover which of these premium earbuds aligns perfectly with your preferences.
Table of Contents
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: Deep Overview
Design and Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a testament to premium design and build quality. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, they exude sophistication. These earbuds come with a metallic finish that not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances durability. The use of materials such as plastic (PC-ABS), silicone, and metal ensures that they are both lightweight and robust.
One noteworthy aspect of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is their IPX4 rating. This certification means they are resistant to splashes of water and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. You won’t have to worry about unexpected rain or intense workout sessions damaging your earbuds.
Comfort is paramount with these earbuds. They feature umbrella-shaped eartips that are not only super soft but also effectively seal off outside noise. The stability bands are designed to hug the contours of your ears, providing a secure and comfortable fit. What’s impressive is that Bose offers a range of options, allowing you to choose from nine potential combinations of eartips and stability bands. This attention to customization ensures that you can find the perfect fit, enhancing both comfort and audio performance.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds also boast an exquisite design and premium build quality. While they might not have the metallic finish of the Bose counterparts, they feature a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that appeals to those who appreciate understated elegance.
These earbuds are IPX4-rated as well, offering protection against splashes and sweat. This level of durability makes them suitable for various activities, from daily commutes to workouts.
Where the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 truly shine in terms of comfort is in their fit customization options. They come with a variety of earbud adapters and silicone fins, allowing you to tailor the fit to your preferences. This means that even during vigorous activities, the earbuds stay securely in place, ensuring a comfortable and uninterrupted listening experience.
On design and comfort, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 do a great job, albeit with slightly different design aesthetics.
Sound Quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
Bose has always been synonymous with exceptional sound quality, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are no exception. These earbuds are equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide an immersive auditory experience.
The integration of Snapdragon Sound, a technology developed by Qualcomm, is a standout feature in Bose QC Ultra Earbuds. It focuses on delivering robust and low-latency Bluetooth connectivity while leveraging the aptX Adaptive codec. This means that not only do you get a stable wireless connection, but you also enjoy high-quality audio with minimal lag.
The real magic, however, lies in Bose’s Immersive Audio. It’s designed to take the sound you’re hearing out of your head and place it in front of you. This spatial audio experience is mind-bendingly natural, making it seem as if you’re not wearing earbuds at all. The impact on the listening experience is profound – music and audio feel more real than ever before, creating a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
Sennheiser is renowned for its uncompromising sound quality, and the Momentum True Wireless 3 lives up to this reputation. These earbuds are engineered to deliver high-resolution signature Sennheiser sound with the added benefit of TrueResponse Technology.
The Sennheiser Signature Sound is characterized by its rich, detailed, and balanced audio profile. It caters to audiophiles who appreciate nuanced sound with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. TrueResponse Technology ensures that the audio is reproduced faithfully, preserving the artist’s intent.
The Momentum True Wireless 3 also offer some level of sound customization to users. You have the option to choose from various presets and use an intuitive equalizer to fine-tune the sound to your exact preferences. This level of control over your audio experience ensures that you can tailor the sound to match your music genres and personal tastes.
To make it straight, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 offer exceptional sound quality, but they do so in slightly different ways. Bose focuses on spatial audio immersion, while Sennheiser prioritizes rich and customizable audio profiles.
Noise Cancellation
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are synonymous with world-class noise cancellation. They employ a combination of advanced technologies to achieve this level of ambient noise reduction.
The technology behind the noise cancellation in these earbuds is sophisticated and effective. It utilizes both passive and active noise reduction techniques. Passive noise reduction is achieved through the earbud design and materials, including the use of silicone eartips and creating an acoustic seal by ensuring a proper fit. This alone significantly reduces external noise.
However, where the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds truly shine is in their active noise cancellation. They are equipped with microphones both inside and outside the earbuds. These microphones work in tandem with a proprietary electronics system. This system continually senses the sound in your environment and employs real-time measurements and comparisons to produce an opposing cancellation signal. This results in the suppression of ambient noise, providing a serene and immersive listening experience.
Additionally, the earbuds feature special modes, including Aware mode, which allows you to stay connected to your surroundings by selectively allowing in external sounds. This is ideal for situations where you need to be aware of your environment while still enjoying your music.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 also offers noise cancellation, albeit with a different approach. These earbuds feature Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which automatically adjusts to your environment.
The technology used in the Momentum True Wireless 3 adapts the noise cancellation levels based on the sounds in your surroundings. It ensures that you’re always getting the most effective noise cancellation for your specific situation, whether it’s on a noisy commute or in a quieter office environment.
Similar to the Bose earbuds, the Momentum True Wireless 3 also includes a Transparency mode. This mode allows you to hear external sounds, making it convenient for conversations or remaining aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
For immersive listening, both earbuds offer excellent noise cancellation, but they do so with different strategies. Bose uses a combination of microphones and real-time signal processing, while Sennheiser focuses on adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts based on your surroundings.
Microphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds come equipped with a total of 8 built-in microphones. These microphones play a crucial role in ensuring call clarity and overall audio quality.
With this four-microphone setup on each earbud, the Bose earbuds are well-equipped to capture your voice accurately while effectively reducing background noise during phone calls. The combination of microphones inside and outside the earbuds enables them to analyze your environment and adjust their noise-canceling capabilities accordingly. This results in clear and uninterrupted communication even in noisy surroundings.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
Sennheiser goes a step further in the microphone department by offering three advanced noise-canceling microphones on each earbud. This setup is designed to deliver exceptional call clarity and a superior communication experience.
With six microphones in total (three on each earbud), the Momentum True Wireless 3 provides advanced noise-cancelling during calls. These microphones work together to capture your voice accurately while actively reducing background noise. Whether you’re in a crowded place or a quieter environment, the multiple microphones on each earbud ensure that your voice comes through crystal clear during phone calls.
In the realm of call quality, both earbuds excel with their respective microphone setups. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds utilize eight microphones to ensure clear calls, while the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 work with six advanced microphones for exceptional call clarity.
App and Customization
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
Bose provides users with the Bose Music app, a powerful companion for the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. This app offers a range of features that allow you to tailor your listening experience to your liking.
The Bose Music app comes with Adjustable EQ (Equalizer), giving you the ability to fine-tune the audio output according to your preferences. Whether you enjoy a bass-heavy sound or prefer a more balanced audio profile, the app allows you to make these adjustments.
Custom modes are another valuable feature. You can create and save your preferred sound profiles for various situations, such as commuting, working out, or relaxing at home. This level of customization ensures that your earbuds adapt to your unique listening needs.
Additionally, the app provides a shortcut accessible right from the earbuds, making it convenient to switch between modes or make quick adjustments. Bose has put an emphasis on user-friendliness, ensuring that customization is at your fingertips.
Wearing detection is another noteworthy feature. The earbuds can automatically pause playback when you take them out of your ears, preserving battery life and ensuring you never miss a beat.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
Sennheiser offers the Smart Control App for the Momentum True Wireless 3, providing users with a range of customization options.
Just like the Bose Music app, the Smart Control app provides an integrated equalizer. It allows you to fine-tune the sound to your exact preferences. You can adjust the audio profile to match different music genres or simply enhance the sound signature to your liking.
The app also offers a variety of presets that cater to various listening scenarios. Whether you’re looking for enhanced bass, vocal clarity, or an overall balanced sound, the presets make it easy to switch between different sound profiles with a tap.
Wearing detection is yet another useful feature available through the app. By enabling this function, your music will automatically pause when you remove an earbud from your ear. This feature enhances convenience and helps conserve battery life.
Clearly, both companion apps offer valuable customization options, including equalizer adjustments, presets, and wearing detection. These features allow you to fine-tune your audio experience and make the most of your earbuds in various situations.
Connectivity
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring seamless and reliable wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.3 offers improvements in terms of both range and data transfer speed compared to previous Bluetooth versions, ensuring a stable connection to your device.
A noteworthy aspect of these earbuds is their support for Snapdragon Sound certification, a technology developed by Qualcomm. This certification focuses on providing robust and low-latency Bluetooth connectivity. It leverages the aptX Adaptive codec, which not only delivers high-quality audio but also ensures minimal lag when streaming content.
Moreover, the inclusion of Google Fast Pair simplifies the initial pairing process with Android devices, making it quick and hassle-free.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which also offers excellent wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.2 provides a stable and efficient connection to your paired devices.
In terms of codec support, the Momentum True Wireless 3 supports SBC, AAC, aptX™, and aptX adaptive codecs. This wide codec compatibility ensures high-quality audio streaming across various devices.
When it comes to reliable connectivity, both earbuds offer seamless Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring minimal dropouts and a stable listening experience. The key difference lies in the codec support, with the Sennheiser earbuds providing compatibility with a wider range of codecs, which can be advantageous for those who prioritize audio quality.
Battery Life
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer impressive battery life that ensures you can enjoy your music for extended periods.
On a single charge, these earbuds provide up to 6 hours of continuous playback. This alone is a substantial amount of listening time, suitable for long commutes, workouts, or a day of work.
What makes the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds even more compelling is the charging case. The case holds an additional three full charges, providing an extra 18 hours of playback time. This means that the total listening time, including both the earbuds and the case, adds up to a remarkable 24 hours. For those moments when you’re in a hurry, a quick 20-minute charge of the earbuds can give you up to 2 hours of continuous listening.
Charging is convenient and efficient, thanks to the USB-C connection, ensuring compatibility with modern charging setups.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 also offers solid battery life to keep you immersed in your music.
On a single charge, these earbuds provide up to 7 hours of playback time. This extended battery life allows for extended listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
The charging case is where these earbuds truly shine. It can provide an impressive 21 additional hours of playback time when you use it to charge the earbuds on the go. This brings the total listening time, including both the earbuds and the case, to an impressive 28 hours.
For those moments when you need a quick boost, a mere 10-minute charge of the earbuds can provide up to 1 hour of music playback. The case also supports QI wireless charging, adding to the convenience of keeping your earbuds powered up.
On entertainment hours, both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 offer substantial battery life, with slight variations in single-charge playback times and total listening times when considering the charging case. Additionally, both earbuds feature quick charging options for when you’re in a hurry.
Additional Features
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds come loaded with a range of features that enhance your overall listening experience.
- Spatial Audio: One of the standout features is Bose’s Immersive Audio technology, which redefines how you perceive sound. It places audio in front of you, creating an immersive and lifelike listening experience.
- Snapdragon Sound: These earbuds are certified with Snapdragon Sound, a technology developed by Qualcomm, which ensures robust and low-latency Bluetooth connectivity while using the aptX Adaptive codec for high-quality audio.
- Touch Controls: The earbuds offer intuitive touch controls, allowing you to play/pause music, adjust volume, cycle through modes, and switch tracks with simple taps or swipes. Volume control is at your fingertips with a swipe up or down.
- Mono Mode: You can use just one earbud at a time if you prefer, offering flexibility in how you use them.
- Fast Pairing: These earbuds support Google Fast Pair, simplifying the initial pairing process with Android devices.
- Custom Modes: The Bose Music app allows you to create and save custom sound profiles for different scenarios, tailoring the audio to your liking.
- Wearing Detection: The earbuds can automatically pause playback when you take them out of your ears, preserving battery life and ensuring convenience.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds also offer several notable features to enhance your listening experience.
- TrueResponse Technology: These earbuds feature Sennheiser’s TrueResponse Technology, ensuring high-fidelity wireless sound with exceptional clarity and precision.
- Presets and Equalizer: The Smart Control App provides a range of presets and an integrated equalizer, allowing you to customize the sound to your exact preferences.
- Touch Controls: You can control playback, adjust volume, and access voice assistants with simple taps on the earbuds.
- Wearing Detection: Similar to the Bose earbuds, the Momentum True Wireless 3 can automatically pause music when you remove an earbud from your ear.
- Multipoint Bluetooth: Through a firmware update, Sennheiser introduced multipoint Bluetooth connection support, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
- Mono Mode: You can use one earbud at a time for flexibility.
Both sets of earbuds offer an array of features that cater to various listening preferences and lifestyles. Whether it’s spatial audio, customizable sound profiles, or touch controls, these additional features enhance the overall experience with each pair of earbuds.
Price
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
- The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are priced at approximately $300. These earbuds offer a premium listening experience with features like spatial audio, advanced noise cancellation, and a highly customizable sound profile. Their immersive audio and comfort features make them a top choice for those willing to invest in premium wireless earbuds.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
- The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds are priced at approximately $280. They provide outstanding sound quality with Sennheiser’s signature sound and TrueResponse Technology. With customizable sound profiles, adaptive noise cancellation, and multipoint Bluetooth support, they offer a compelling package at a slightly lower price point compared to the Bose earbuds.
With these price tags, both earbuds are competitively priced considering their premium features and sound quality.
Pros and Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:
Pros:
- Immersive Audio: The spatial audio technology provides an immersive listening experience that makes music sound incredibly lifelike.
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: Offers world-class noise cancellation, making it ideal for immersive listening even in noisy environments.
- Customization: The Bose Music app allows for extensive customization, including equalizer adjustments and custom sound modes.
- Comfort and Fit: The earbuds come with a range of eartip and stability band options for a personalized and comfortable fit.
- Touch Controls: Intuitive touch controls make playback, volume adjustment, and mode switching effortless.
- Quick Charging: A quick 20-minute charge provides up to 2 hours of playback.
- Fast Pairing: Supports Google Fast Pair for quick and easy initial pairing with Android devices.
Cons:
- Price: Priced at approximately $300, they are on the higher end of the spectrum.
- No Multipoint Bluetooth: Lacks support for connecting to two devices simultaneously.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3:
Pros:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Offers Sennheiser’s signature sound with TrueResponse Technology, providing a rich and detailed audio experience.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Features adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your surroundings for effective noise isolation.
- Customizable Sound: The Smart Control App allows for sound customization through an integrated equalizer and presets.
- Comfortable Fit: Provides a secure and comfortable fit with a variety of earbud adapters and silicone fins.
- Multipoint Bluetooth: Supports connecting to two devices simultaneously, enhancing versatility.
- Wearing Detection: Music automatically pauses when earbuds are removed for added convenience.
- Competitive Price: Priced at approximately $280, they offer premium features at a slightly lower cost compared to competitors.
- Qi wireless charging
Cons:
- Limited Equalizer Settings: While it offers an equalizer, it may have fewer customization options compared to some competitors.
Final Thoughts: Recommendation and Verdict
The choice between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 ultimately depends on your specific preferences and priorities.
If you prioritize an immersive audio experience, with spatial audio technology that places sound in front of you, and extensive customization options such as adjustable EQ and custom sound modes, then the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are an excellent choice. Their world-class noise cancellation, intuitive touch controls, and fast pairing with Google Fast Pair make them a top contender for those seeking a premium and feature-rich experience. However, they come at a higher price point.
On the other hand, if exceptional, high-resolution sound quality, Qi wireless charging, and competitive pricing are your key considerations, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is a strong contender. They offer Sennheiser’s signature sound, supported by TrueResponse Technology, delivering a rich and detailed audio experience. The earbuds also feature adaptive noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and wearing detection for added convenience. While they may have slightly fewer equalizer customization options, they provide a high-quality listening experience at a relatively more affordable price.
Consider your specific needs, preferences, and budget carefully before making your decision. Both earbuds offer remarkable features, ensuring a premium listening experience tailored to different user preferences.
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