Sennheiser Momentum 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Which One Should You Pick

Welcome to my review of Sennheiser Momentum 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM3. 

Today you will find which one of these to over-the-ear headphones will suit you. After hours of reaserching and playing with each of the headphones here is what I find: 

If you care about quality build and design, noise-cancellinng, sound quilty and don’t care about headphone weight then get Sennheiser Momentum 3. And If you care about vivad sound quilty, headphone weight, battery life, sleek, modern, and young designs then get Sony Wh-1000XM3 headphone 

Specifications	Sennheiser Momentum 3	Sony WH-1000XM3
Battery Life	17 hours	30 hours
Charging Time	3-5 hours	3 hours
Weight	0.67 lbs	0.56 lbs
Warranty	2 years	1 years
Colors	Black and White	Black and Silver
Rating
Price

Sennheiser and Sony are two audio brands that are not only highly popular but provide some of the best headphone technology on the market. What it will come down to is not only the quality of the models but also what your overall preference will be. Below, we compare two leading wireless headphones from each company: Sennheiser Momentum 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM3.

Products at a Glance

Before we get into each model and brand, here’s a little insight into the companies that created these products. Established in 1945 following the end of World War ll, Sennheiser, a German company, has been at the forefront of audio technology. Given the quality of their products, they have been able to find much critical acclaim on their products throughout the decades. 

Sony started as a small company in Tokyo in 1946, but it wasn’t until the 1970’s when their Walkman put them on the map of headphone technology. Since then, they have been consistent in establishing new products with up-to-date technology becoming a leading brand in the audio market.

Sennheiser Momentum 3

Made with real leather, Sennheiser has provided a wireless and over the ear headphone that is not only reliable, but effective. The noise-canceling technology, when used, can adapt to your environment. This gives you just the desired amount of sound wherever you are.

This model is made in two colors: black and white. The best qualities and features about this model are its Bluetooth connectivity, a comfortably padded design, and a three-button interface that makes it simple to navigate in case you don’t have your app, front and ready.

Pros

• 3 active noise-canceling modes that block out all outside sound
• Smart control app compatibility
• Bluetooth 5 connectivity
• Design is comfortable and foldable for compact storage.

Cons

• The case that comes with the headphones is flimsy and not built for protection.
• Auto-pause is a bit buggy and luckily, can be disabled in the app.

Sony WH-1000XM3

There’s nothing more futuristic and cool than a pair of headphones that can work with hands-free listening. The modern design is not only aesthetically pleasing but comfortable for easy, extended listening. Also, the marketed technology goes a bit above industry standard and strives to produce a quality, but also up-to-date wireless audio experience. 

These headphones come in two colors: black and silver. The touch controls on the headphones themselves can be a bit sensitive, resulting in unintended actions. The best features that this model pulls in would have to be its focus on quality sound, along with giving a lightweight design resulting in utmost comfortability. 

Pros

• Quick attention mode allowing for swift pausing and easy conversation
• 30-hour battery life optimizing usage time
• Hardshell carry case with room for charging cable
• Quick charge battery feature that allows for extended use

Cons

• May experience poor call quality when engaged in a noise-canceling mode.
• Can only pair with one device at a time

Features Face-to-Face

How to discern which headphones are the best for you, you’ll have to look into what makes certain features desirable. Even if they are similar products, they each have at least one difference, meaning they each have a specific feature and quality about them that pull different customer types.

Sennheiser markets their Momentum 3 as a completely wireless experience. They’ve focused on features that make easy listening as hands-free as possible. Now, the Sony WH-1000XM3 has put its focus into fine-tuning its noise-canceling features and creating an ambient atmosphere and immersive auditory experience.  

Battery Life and Charging Time

The way wireless headphones can continue to operate is through a battery, but that also means that the battery is bound to run out of juice. Using these wireless products, again and again, will eventually need to be charged, so something with a long battery life is preferable.

Luckily, these wireless headphones can easily be listened to and used for a full days worth. Yet, there is a big difference in the amount of time that they both can give. This can be the dealbreaker if a long battery life is important to you since it is also one of the biggest differences between these two wireless headphones.  

Sennheiser Momentum 3 –  When it comes to this model, the battery life is enough to get the job done. Between 17-19 hours of use, depending on your amount of use, it can require a charge every couple of days or so. Not a problem for those who are looking for a quality but casual use of wireless headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM3 – This model comes in at a whopping 30 hours of use, allowing plenty of flexibility until the next charge. If you plan to use these headphones for work and use them repeatedly throughout the week, then this is a definite plus. Also, if the need arises, a quick battery charge feature allows the headphones to be charged for 10 minutes, allowing for 5 hours more of use.  

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM3

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Accompanying App

Another new standard and usually typical addition for wireless technology, is to have an accompanying app for your phone. This allows for more managing and customization of your listening experience. For example, adjusting the sound levels and controlling the amount of noise canceling that is available. 

App development is fairly new given the past decade or so, meaning pairing technology is still coming up. With that being said, be prepared for buggy software. As it becomes more industry standard, companies are almost playing catch up to the next new technology available. The result, of course, is a lack of user-friendly interfaces.

Learning about all of these features and quality will only help clarify your decision-making.   

Sennheiser Momentum 3 – The Smart Control App created for the Sennheiser headphones offers two key aspects. Firstly, the intuitive equalizer provided on the app helps to establish specific volume and bass levels. Secondly, Transparent Hearing gives you the option of controlling the ambient sound around you.

Sony WH-1000XM3 – Headphones Connect is the app that Sony utilizes through Bluetooth pairing. This app also utilizes a simple interface, with personalization settings to set your sound levels. The biggest difference it has from the Sennheiser is that it is more basic in terms of personalization. The app definitely feels more like an added feature, but not at the forefront of concern.

Winner: Sennheiser Momentum 3

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Functional Design

When it comes to investing in items, you don’t want something that can’t be worn or used for very long. Like buying shoes, you don’t want a pair that’s always going to result in blisters. When it comes to listening to music, watching videos, or even just working remotely, headphones are planned to be worn for hours. If you also plan on being quite mobile with your headphones, you might have to consider how compactly you can store the product as well. 

Ensuring something is comfortable and lightweight will be absolutely important. Achy ears after wearing headphones for too long is more common than you think. Investing in an item with an expensive price tag means you should expect little to no complications regarding this matter. 

Sennheiser Momentum 3 – Manufactured with real leather, this model establishes a comfortable design with a metal over arching headband and cushioned ear pads. With a foldable design you can compactly store it into the given carry case.

Be aware that the case in question is not reliable for protecting your headphones, so if you choose the Sennheiser Momentum 3, be sure to seek extra means of protection if you plan on traveling often with the headphones.

The design of the wireless headphones is all-around reliable with the only possible drawback being its weight. A heavier band around the head does tend to affect the resting of the ear, causing it to sag. Not necessarily a deal-breaker, but definitely something to be cautious of.

Sony WH-1000XM3 – This model incorporates foamed urethane in the ear pads along with extra padding around the headband. It provides a stable and all-day comfortable fit while remaining lightweight.

These headphones can fold and be compactly stored into a hardshell case that comes with the purchase. The only drawback to the design is the use of touch-style mechanisms on the sides, becoming a bit more sensitive than expected.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM3 

More: Sennheiser HD 450BT VS Sony WH-CH700N: Which One Should You Get?

Wireless and Bluetooth Technology

There are many technological advancements in the audio industry today, so evaluating what these models have to offer is important. Of course, talking about wireless technology encompasses many things when it comes to features.

All we’re looking for is technology that provides stable Bluetooth connections, call quality, and the ability to go hands-free.

The main thing that these two models share is an effective Bluetooth connection. Audio quality when listening to music or watching videos is not in question. Since both of these models have quite similar wireless and Bluetooth technology, we broke down the details anyway to illustrate and highlight the few differences that do exist.

Sennheiser Momentum 3 – Transparent hearing functionality is one of the more personalized features you can get from this technology. By using the compatible app, you can control the ambient noise around you, controlling what you want to hear.

The side buttons along the edge of the ear pads are easy and user-friendly. With a click of a button, you can even activate voice control from your phone. The auto features like auto-pause are somewhat sensitive, making this feature obsolete.

Sony WH-1000XM3 – This model has an Alexa built-in for hands-free calling and talking, which is unique to this product. In general, Sony focuses on providing crisp and quality sound, and that reflects in the microphones used in the final product.

The touch-tone panel exists on the side of the ear but can become a bit tedious when trying to direct your way. Either way, its quick attention mode is effective and easy when trying to quickly pause your music or sound. It’s a great feature and shows that Sony is looking towards the future.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM3

More: Sennheiser Momentum 2 vs Momentum 3: Should You Upgrade?

Stand-Out Features

Headphones, wired or wireless, must be comfortable and any additional features should work as promised. Brands across the board are striving to incorporate new technology with enough added features to push the bounds and pull those customers in. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 are both wireless headphones, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 has the bonus of a voice assistant.

Using voice command:

• Use Alexa with your headphones so that hands-free wireless technology goes further with voice command.
• Operate your headphones while focusing on the task at hand
• Create greater interoperability among your various listening devices to enable a smooth transition

Conclusion

These Sennheiser Momentum 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 are both leading brands and models of wireless headphones. Given the qualities and features that they both provide, the final decision comes down to what is important and preferable to you. 

When it comes to the Sennheiser Momentum 3, its reliability and comfortable design are almost unmatched. With the Sony WH-1000XM3 there are exciting technological aspects to consider, but not without trying it out first. If you’re still unsure, we’ve broken down the reasons and motivations for choosing either product.

Use the Sennheiser Momentum 3 if: 

• You care about quality build and manufacturing in the design.
• Noise-canceling aspects aren’t your main reason for buying into a pair of wireless headphones.
• You like compatible apps with user-friendly interfaces on the software and headphones.
• You plan on leaving them in the office or at home.

Use the Sony WH-1000XM3 if:

• You’re interested in being immersed in sound and identify as an avid music listener.
• You’re consistently on the move and plan to take these headphones with you everywhere you go.
• Longevity and noise-canceling are your main motivations for investing in a pair of wireless headphones.
• You are into sleek, modern, and young designs to match your aesthetic.