AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2: Which should you get?

It’s the AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 in a match-up of two high-performing wireless earbuds. How do they stand up against each other?

We gave the AirPods Pro four-and-a-half stars in 2019, while the Momentum True Wireless 2 hit it out of the park with full five-star verdict. However, there’s still plenty to think about in terms of which wireless earbud you should favour.

So in the battle of the AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum TW2 stack up against each other?

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AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum TW2 – Price

The AirPods Pro have an RRP of £249, but you can save £40 right now on eBay. The Momentum True Wireless 2 have also had their price reduced a little, bringing the headphones down to a still rather steep £252.

Even with the reduced costs taken into account, the Sennheisers still cost £40 more. Since they’re both premium earbuds, you’ll have to pay north of £200 either way, it’s just a case of how much you’re willing to part with.

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AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 – Design

The most distinctive aspect about the AirPods Pro is their long stem shape, which houses the touch controls. It’s a system we found rather fiddly and not the most responsive to presses. Unlike the standard AirPods, the Pro version has silicone ear tips for a more snug fit and better noise isolation. Along with an IPX4 rating, these earbuds can be worn in the rain, and would (just about) be suitable for gym use.

The Momentum True Wireless 2 have a more subtle style. They’re smaller for a more ergonomic fit, come in black and white colour options and feature touch capacitive panels on the end. The panels are responsive when used, and don’t succumb to the feeling of being pushed into your ear when pressed. The earbuds are compact enough to seal out external noise, while the IPX4 rating matches the AirPods Pro.

In this match-up, the Sennheisers get out vote for the responsiveness of their controls and compact fit.

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AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum TW2 – Features

ANC distinguishes the Pro model from the regular AirPods. The AirPods Pro have three ANC settings in total – On, Off and Transparency mode. The latter uses a mic array to let sound in, amplifying the sound of a train announcement or someone talking to you.

Likewise, the Momentum True Wireless 2 are a step ahead of the original Momentum True Wireless by including noise cancellation. The ANC performance is not the most substantive on its own, but when paired with the TW2’s compact fit, the combination is enough to cancel out unwanted sounds. The Sennheisers also have a Transparent Hearing mode, so listeners can hear what’s around them.

One of the AirPods’ biggest perks is how seamlessly they work with iOS devices. Open the case and your iPhone will prompt a connection to the earbuds, before pairing them with devices on your Apple ID. With Bluetooth 5.0, the AirPods Pro can connect to Android and other non-Apple devices, but they’ve been designed with Apple devices in mind.

The Momentum True Wireless 2 are kitted out with SBC, AAC and aptX codecs, along with Bluetooth 5.1 to enable connection to devices. You can download the Smart Control app (Android and iOS) to customise the experience by adjusting voice prompts, touch controls and equaliser settings.

The AirPods Pro have a battery life of 4.5 hours and more than 24 hours of listening when the wireless charging case is factored in. Five minutes of charge provides an hour of playback, and the case can be charged with an Apple Lightning cable or wirelessly with any Qi-certified charging pad.

The Momentum True Wireless 2 boast a longer battery life at 7 hours in each earbud and 28 hours in total. Charging via USB-C takes around 90 minutes, and 10 minutes is enough for 90 minutes of playback.

It’s another win for the Sennheisers here. The battery is more generous, and though the AirPods offer wireless charging, unless you already have a pad, that’s an added extra. Also, that the AirPods Pro work more intuitively with Apple devices will be useful to Apple users but less attractive for everyone else. The Sennheisers manage to occupy a common ground.

Related: Best wireless chargers

AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 – Sound

The AirPods Pro are a big step up in sound quality from the standard AirPods, but it’s difficult to compete with an established brand like Sennheiser. That said, Apple certainly gives it a good go.

The AirPods Pro perform well across a range of genres. The soundstage is wide, the bass is warm and there’s plenty of detail in vocal performances. There’s also a level of warmth that the regular AirPods can’t match.

The Momentum True Wireless 2 are also a warm-sounding pair of headphones, with a spacious soundstage and deep bass. Audio is rich and textured, with detailed treble and exceptional stereo imaging. They’re not as sharp or as dynamic as they perhaps could be, but these are minor issues are minor in what is a very expressive performance.

This is another win for the Sennheisers here. While Apple’s performance is commendable, the Sennheisers are a force of nature.

AirPods Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 – Verdict

While the AirPods Pro and the Momentum True Wireless 2 look different, there’s overlap in terms of design as both feature touch controls and IPX4 resistance, plus active noise cancellation and ambient modes.

iOS users will appreciate the AirPods Pro’s seamless connectivity, ANC and improved audio. While both pairs perform well, the Momentum True Wireless 2 are the best-sounding out of the two. The Smart Control app offers customization and the significantly longer battery life makes them great for travelling.

Apple devotees may want to stick with the AirPods, but for everyone else, the Momentum True Wireless 2 deliver the best overall package.