One of many strongest mid-range headphone launches in 2023, the Sennheiser Accentum presently holds the highest spot among the many greatest over-ear headphones. In fact, we have additionally seen some admirable new headphones from producers like Bose in current months, displaying us that it is nonetheless the king of the very best noise-canceling headphones. Plus, we have even seen price range gems just like the 1More SonoFlow SE, which presents remarkably sturdy efficiency and options at an inexpensive worth.
Regardless of my admiration for different current releases, the Accentum are my favorites. Sennheiser handled us to the introduction of the primary mannequin within the new vary and proved so widespread that the producer launched an Accentum Plus model with aptX Adaptive codec help and a protecting carrying case at CES 2024.
Priced at $179 / £159 / AU$299, the Accentum are the price range different to the corporate’s flagship Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wi-fi, beating the extra established Sony WH-CH720N once we in contrast each mid-range fashions in our face-off. After a number of weeks of steady testing, I’m much more satisfied that the Accentum are an audiophile cut price.
Our audio editor Lee Dunkley not too long ago voted them top-of-the-line low-cost headphones for journey, and so they’re considered one of my favourite wi-fi headphones for the time being. This is why.
Sennheiser Accentum: Superior sound for much less cash
Immediately’s mid-range headphones are virtually equal to their high-end siblings by way of sound efficiency. The WH-CH720N is a good instance, boasting comparable high-quality sound applied sciences to Sony’s flagship fashions. Properly, the Accentum does precisely the identical factor, providing Sennheiser followers audio from huge manufacturers at a extra inexpensive worth.
The drivers on this mannequin are smaller than these on the Momentum 4 (37mm versus 42mm). Nevertheless, they’re significantly dynamic and produce the everyday Sennheiser sound. The nice and cozy soundstage with wealthy bass notes provides the music a vigorous presence. The frequencies are nicely balanced, so you can too take pleasure in a pleasant mixture of clear mids and distinguished highs. The midrange reveals wonderful readability to expertise a exact vocal vary. I had the choice to personalize the sound with the 5-band EQ by way of the companion app, which additionally has a Bass Increase preset to spice up the bass, though I used to be pleased with the default sound signature.
Sennheiser’s proprietary sound options have been on level. Sound Examine mechanically adjusted the EQ to my listening to, highlighting the nuances within the recordings whereas generously boosting the bass and treble. Sound Zones was equally efficient at optimizing audio based mostly on location. The mixing of aptX HD resulted in high-quality audio sign processing over Bluetooth and decrease latency.
Sennheiser Accent: Premium ANC and options
The Momentum 4 are incredible mufflers which might be among the many greatest noise canceling headphones. I would not rank the Accentum elite, however its noise cancellation and voice calling are a lot better than the worth suggests. Sennheiser’s microphone array efficiently targets and attenuates most high and low frequencies. ANC mode ensures widespread family distractions (e.g. kitchen home equipment, loud TVs, my energetic toddler) stay silent throughout workplace hours and outside noise is minimized throughout afternoon walks. Some booming noises (e.g. sirens, whistles) could possibly be heard from a number of meters away however didn’t have an effect on the soundstage.
Transparency mode was dependable for growing situational consciousness. Utilizing the headphones indoors allowed me to speak with the girl from throughout the room and monitor my kid’s actions whereas scrolling by work emails. Ease of upkeep was larger open air, as voices have been precisely captured to obviously hear conversations from a number of meters away, in addition to oncoming visitors when crossing the road at night time.
The Accentum’s two built-in microphones and particular wind discount mode got here in useful throughout voice calls, leading to loud and clear-sounding conversations that weren’t affected by gusty situations.
Along with the adaptive ANC modes, different widespread options of luxurious headphones embrace aptX HD, Bass Increase, customizable EQ, Sound Management and Sound Zones. These make up a lot of the Accentum’s superior performance, however you additionally get one-touch Google Quick Pair for seamless pairing with Android units and Multipoint expertise for connecting to 2 media units concurrently.
Sennheiser Accentum: Higher battery life than many luxurious ANC headphones
A full cost provides the Accentum 50 hours of ANC use. That is virtually two weeks of reasonable use (2.5 hours per day). I used to be shocked at how nicely the battery lasted after a number of days of operating varied EQ settings and GPS capabilities. A ten-minute fast cost provides you as much as 5 hours of listening time.
These aren’t the primary price range ANC headphones to supply ridiculously lengthy playtime. The Cleer Enduro ANC lasts as much as 60 hours on a full cost, whereas the 1More SonoFlow SE lasts as much as 50 hours with ANC and 70 hours with out ANC. Each fashions are featured in our greatest shopping for information for reasonable noise-canceling headphones.
Sennheiser Accentum: A budget-friendly deal on noise-canceling headphones
Sometimes, nice noise-canceling headphones do not come low-cost. However the Accentum presents nice sound and ANC efficiency, lengthy battery life, and a variety of options for about half the price of the subsequent mannequin up.
That already makes the Accentum price its full RRP ($179 / £159 / AU$299), however we have already seen them at a less expensive worth, making them much more engaging and a cut price price snapping up. Ensure that to bookmark our greatest headphone offers web page to remain updated with the newest worth cuts.