Sennheiser Momentum Sport Review: High-Tech Earbuds for Fitness Enthusiasts

Sennheiser has made a bold move with its latest offering, the Momentum Sport. These premium earbuds are not just another addition to the crowded market, they bring something unique to the table.

With built-in health tracking features, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport aims to cater to fitness enthusiasts who demand both high-quality audio and fitness monitoring capabilities in a single device.

Key Takeaways:

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds feature built-in heart rate and body temperature sensors.
They offer excellent sound quality with customizable EQ settings.
The earbuds have an IP55 rating, making them suitable for intense workouts.
Battery life is solid, with up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled.
At Rs. 27,990 (approximately $329.95), they are positioned in the premium segment.

Sennheiser Momentum Sport Review

Sennheiser, a brand renowned for its audio expertise, has taken on this challenge with the Momentum Sport.

By integrating heart rate and body temperature sensors directly into high-quality earbuds, they’re aiming to provide a seamless experience for active users.

This approach not only reduces the number of devices one needs to carry but also offers the potential for more accurate readings, as the ear is an ideal location for certain biometric measurements.

Design and Build Quality

Here are some of its design and build quality:

Earbuds Design

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds make a statement with their bulky design. While this might be a necessity to accommodate the additional sensors, it does come with some trade-offs in terms of comfort for users with smaller ears.

The earbuds come with a variety of ear tips and wing tips to ensure a secure fit during vigorous activities.

Comfort considerations:

Multiple sizes of ear tips and wing tips included
Non-winged tips also provided for those who prefer a less secure fit
May cause discomfort for users with smaller ears after prolonged use

The left earbud houses the health tracking sensors, featuring a transparent shaft that allows the PPG sensor’s green light to be visible during use.

This unique design element not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a futuristic touch to the earbuds’ appearance.

Charging Case

The charging case for the Momentum Sport is as thoughtfully designed as the earbuds themselves. It features:

A squarish shape with a soft-touch rubber finish
A magnetic lid attached via a rubber flap for easy opening and closing
A built-in lanyard slot for convenient carrying
A flap covering the USB-C charging port

While the case is on the larger side, creating a noticeable bulge in pockets, the inclusion of a lanyard makes it easy to attach to a gym bag or backpack.

Water Resistance

For fitness-focused earbuds, water resistance is crucial. The Sennheiser Momentum Sport doesn’t disappoint:

Component	IP Rating	Suitable for
Earbuds	IP55	Sweat, light rain
Case	IP54	Splashes, dust

This level of protection ensures that the earbuds can withstand intense workouts and outdoor activities, though submerging them in water is not recommended.

Features and Specifications

Below are the major features and specifications:

Audio Technology

At the heart of the Sennheiser Momentum Sport are 10mm dynamic drivers, which deliver the brand’s signature sound quality. The earbuds support a range of audio codecs:

SBC
AAC
aptX
aptX adaptive

This wide codec support ensures high-quality audio playback across various devices and platforms.

Connectivity

The Momentum Sport utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 technology, offering:

Stable connections
Low latency
Multi-device support (up to two devices simultaneously)

This allows users to seamlessly switch between their smartphone and laptop or tablet without the need to re-pair the earbuds.

Controls and Customization

Sennheiser has implemented a unique tap control system for the Momentum Sport:

Double-tap: Play/pause, answer/end calls
Triple-tap: Change tracks, switch ANC modes
Touch and hold: Volume control

What sets these controls apart is the ability to customize the tap sensitivity and even trigger actions by tapping near the earbuds, such as on your cheekbone. This level of customization is managed through the companion app.

Sennheiser Smart Connect App

The Smart Connect app is a powerful tool that enhances the Momentum Sport experience:

EQ customization: 5-band equalizer with presets and custom profiles
Sound Zones: Automatically adjust settings based on location
Transparency mode controls: Fine-tune ambient sound levels
Firmware updates: Keep your earbuds up to date
Battery management: Including an Eco mode for extended battery life

Health Tracking Features

The standout feature of the Sennheiser Momentum Sport is its built-in health tracking capabilities.

Heart Rate Sensor

Utilizing photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, the heart rate sensor offers:

Real-time heart rate monitoring
Comparable accuracy to dedicated fitness trackers
Integration with the Polar Flow app for detailed insights

Body Temperature Sensor

A unique addition to earbuds, the temperature sensor provides:

Continuous body temperature readings
Potential for early detection of illness or overexertion
Accuracy comparable to digital thermometers

These health tracking features set the Momentum Sport apart from traditional wireless earbuds, offering a compelling all-in-one solution for fitness enthusiasts.

Audio Performance

Sound Quality

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport delivers a sound profile that caters to workout enthusiasts:

Punchy bass response
Clear mid-range
Slightly subdued highs

This tuning works well for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock, providing the energy needed for intense workouts. However, audiophiles looking for a more balanced sound may find the bass emphasis a bit overwhelming for certain genres.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Hybrid Adaptive ANC on the Momentum Sport performs admirably:

Effective in day-to-day environments and on flights
Minimal pressure sensation when enabled
Includes Transparency and Anti-wind modes

While the ANC is generally effective, some users may notice body-borne noise during activities like bumpy bus rides.

Call Quality

With three microphones on each earbud, call quality is generally clear and free from excessive background noise.

The beamforming technology helps focus on the user’s voice, making these earbuds suitable for taking calls on the go or during workouts.

Battery Life and Charging

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport offers competitive battery life in its class:

Earbuds: Up to 6 hours with ANC enabled
Charging case: Multiple additional charges, extending total use time to around 24 hours

Charging options include:

USB-C wired charging (1 hour 30 minutes for a full charge)
Wireless charging support (approximately 3 hours for a full charge)

A quick charge feature provides about 2 hours of usage with just a 20-minute charge, perfect for those last-minute workout sessions.

Price and Value

At Rs. 27,990 (approximately $329.95), the Sennheiser Momentum Sport sits firmly in the premium earbud category.

While this price point puts them in competition with top-tier offerings from Sony, Apple, and even Sennheiser’s own Momentum True Wireless 4, the addition of health tracking features provides a unique value proposition.

For fitness enthusiasts looking to consolidate their devices and enjoy high-quality audio during workouts, the Momentum Sport offers a compelling package.

However, those primarily focused on audio quality or ANC performance may find better value in other options at this price point.

Conclusion

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds represent an innovative approach to wireless audio, blending high-quality sound with fitness tracking capabilities.

While they excel in many areas, there are some trade-offs to consider:

Pros:

Built-in heart rate and temperature sensors
Excellent sound quality for workouts
Robust build with good water resistance
Comprehensive companion app

Cons:

Bulky design may not suit all ear sizes
Premium pricing
Bass-heavy sound may not appeal to all listeners

Ultimately, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport is best suited for active individuals who want to combine their love for music with fitness tracking in a single device.

For this niche audience, these earbuds offer a unique and valuable solution, despite their premium price tag.

However, for those primarily seeking top-tier audio quality or noise cancellation, there may be more suitable options available in the same price range.