In this feature, Lynn reviews the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless which is a set of closed-back wireless ANC headphones with integrated Smart Control. It has an SRP of $179.95 but is currently priced at $149.95.
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The Sennheiser Accentum Wireless was launched towards the end of 2023 and is one of the latest Bluetooth-enabled active noise-canceling closed-back headphones from the company.
Not to be confused with the new Plus version released a few weeks ago, the regular Accentum edition currently retails for $149.95.
The new Accentum Plus version retails for a bit more at $230 and this is a model we should be reviewing relatively soon also.
For now, let’s see how the regular Accentum model stacks up against the likes of the Momentum 4 Wireless and some of its competition in the wireless ANC headphone market in 2024.
Tech Highlights
The Sennheiser Accentum is a set of closed-back wireless, (Bluetooth), headphones with additional hybrid ANC capability and Smart Control app integration.
The Accentum uses a 37mm dynamic driver and supports USB-C audio for wired connectivity and a BT 5.2-capable internal chipset for wireless connectivity.
It is capable of receiving and decoding from SBC and AAC up to aptX, and aptX HD codecs. However, there is no LDAC or aptX Adaptive capability currently.
The hybrid ANC technology is either on or in transparency mode through Sennheiser’s Smart Control app (or a double press of the power/pairing button). There is no middle ground.
But, Sennheiser has a history of good ANC quality in their wireless options so it should be worthy of the moniker. ANC will be discussed below but suffice to say it is an interesting take on the inclusion of this technology.
No cable jack is included, only a USB-C charging port so the Accentum is a wireless headphone first and foremost though you can use the USB-C port for digital lossless audio and we will talk about the differences between that and wireless on page 2 of this review.
Design
The Accentum follows Sennheiser’s subtle and understated look in most of their Bluetooth models. Smaller in size, the unit only folds flat and the cups do not fold up to make the unit more portable.
The cup size is medium-small, and those with larger ears will most likely suffer from the pads lying on their ears. Stuffed with memory foam, the pads are comfortable for moderate use but have no waterproof rating.
The Accentum is made mostly of plastic and the headband carries over in one piece with a memory foam insert underneath for head relief. While the fit and materials are on the budget side, they do follow the market segment.
That padding only goes halfway down the band in a somewhat odd shape while supporting the top of your head. Those with larger heads may find the pad/hard plastic interface could hinder comfort.
Vent slots sit on top of each cup, while two microphone holes sit on the face and side of the right cup; closer to where they are needed.
The tactile buttons control all functions on the right cup, with no swipe gesturing. Those buttons work well, and it becomes intuitive after a short period of use. There is a button for ANC, which is controlled via the app or double press of the power/pairing button.
Comfort
The Accentum doesn’t creak when adjusting as one might expect due to the materials, and tactility is good. Tight construction allows you to adjust the unit for comfort, but the clamp pressure is too tight for me. I have read that this loosens over time, but I cannot currently verify the validity of that.
The lack of memory foam across the headband hinders comfort and I do wish for the foam to continue across the whole underside of the headband.
I have reviewed many wireless headphones over the years, and even with the issues mentioned, find the Accentum to be about in the middle when taking both construction and fit into the equation.
Those pads while comfortable, could get warm in the summer months due to the smaller size, and added clamp pressure, though.
The smaller, more discrete design is preferable to me too since I don’t like promoting a garish look in public. This looks exactly like many other headphones, which allows the Accentum to blend in nicely.
The light weight of the Accentum also helps keep the unit wearable for longer periods (if the clamp pressure does not bother you).
Battery Life
In two words: very good. I was able to attain the purported 50-hour mark on both my iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Cayin N6ii DAP.
Switching ANC on or off did not shorten the battery life much either. The iPhone came in right at 49 hours, and the N6ii at 52 hours (I ran the test over two weeks running both the iPhone and the N6ii twice, ensuring I was close by when the battery might have died, and it did indeed die).
A 10-minute charge will give you an additional 5 hours of listening time, which is right on par with many of the wireless headphones out, but not as good as the Momentum 4.
Voice/Call Quality & Assistant
The ability to hear phone conversations has come a long way in the past several years, and the Accentum benefits from Sennheiser’s technological development across its wireless offerings.
While not as good as the Momentum 4 (or the much pricier Sony WH-1000XM5 and B&W Px8) it is absolutely on par with the peer offerings in this range.
The wind did hinder quality a little, as I tried talking to our son on a windy Lake Superior day facing the lake. He mentioned that he could hear the wind, but the quality was almost as good as previous conversations we had using other units.
Smart Control App
Having previously downloaded the Sennheiser Smart Control app for a different review the Accentum connected seamlessly, and a firmware update presented itself.
Once updated (about 10 minutes), the app provided a useful assortment of adjustments including seven EQ presets, along with a customizable five-band offering.
You can even tailor those choices to fit your bill and save them over the existing presets. Sennheiser also offers a “restore” feature, which returns all to the factory settings; a nice feature.
I noted that when incorporating “Bass Boost” though, the volume level dropped and it was not as dramatic of a low-end boost as I had hoped. I did sense more presence in the upper bass region with the feature turned on.
Multipoint
The ability to connect to two devices simultaneously is another positive. You can have your phone and laptop connected, which allows you to seamlessly switch between the two should you receive a phone call. You can then hit play again and your music returns.
Sennheiser has left some control of the functions (play/pause) in the user’s hand instead of making it an automatic return to music. Some will like this, some will not.
Sound Check
A benefit of Sennheiser’s “Sound Check” feature is that you can carry your “profile” over to other Sennheiser devices. I can see the benefit of this but did not create an account to test the feature out.
The same holds for “Sound Zones” when creating specific scenarios, to tailor your sound based upon environmental factors such as location & noise.
You can create up to 20 separate zones, which allows you to tailor the sound settings for each zone.
Some like to enhance the sound for the gym while scaling back when in their listening room. This is another benefit but does require the user to register an account.
Packaging & Accessories
The Accentum comes in a smaller square box containing the headphones, instruction manual, and charging cable.
Since there is no 3.5mm jack, no cable is included. There is no case, either. I do wish they would have at least included a pouch for protection, but since most headphones go through a war in people’s bags anyway, I think the Accentum would survive unscathed with moderate care.
You could also easily purchase a case from many sources for as little as $16, which I have done for other headphones that lacked a case. Folding flat certainly helps out here.
Click on page 3 for my selected comparisons to the Sennheiser Accentum.
