Are the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless the perfect mid-range headphones that deliver top-notch sound quality without breaking the bank? We put them to the test in this in-depth review.
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Sennheiser is known for crafting premium headphones with exceptional sound quality, but they often come with a hefty price tag. The Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless aims to change that by offering a taste of high-end audio in a more affordable package.
At $230, these mid-range over-ear headphones sit between Sennheiser’s entry-level and flagship models. They promise balanced sound, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. But do they deliver? Let’s find out.
Design and Comfort
The Accentum Plus Wireless sport a minimalist design available in sleek black or crisp white. While they may not exude the same luxury as Sennheiser’s pricier models, the build quality feels solid with durable plastics and metal reinforcements.
Comfort is a key strength of these headphones. The plush earpads use soft memory foam covered in synthetic leather that remains cozy for hours without overheating. The headband distributes weight evenly to avoid pressure points, and it adjusts easily for a secure fit on various head sizes.
At 227 grams, the Accentum Plus are light enough for all-day wear without feeling flimsy. They’re heavier than some competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4 (254g), but the difference is negligible in practice.
“I’ve worn these headphones for entire 8-hour workdays without any discomfort. The earpads stay soft and the headband never digs in.” – Satisfied Amazon reviewer
Features and App Support
The Accentum Plus Wireless come packed with useful features, many of which you can access via the Sennheiser Smart Control app (available for iOS and Android).
Key app features include:
- EQ customization: Adjust the sound profile to your liking with presets or manual controls.
- Sound Personalization: Take a hearing test to create a custom EQ tailored to your ears.
- Noise cancellation settings: Choose between adaptive ANC, anti-wind mode, or manual levels.
- Sound Zones: Set up location-based sound profiles that automatically adjust ANC and EQ.
- Firmware updates: Keep your headphones current with the latest performance and stability improvements.
The app is intuitive and offers a great balance of simplicity and deep customization. The Sound Personalization feature is a standout, making a noticeable impact on audio clarity and enjoyment.
Other notable features include:
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 for pairing to two devices simultaneously
- Wear detection to auto-pause music when you remove the headphones
- USB-C charging and audio for wired playback without battery drain
- 3.5mm analog jack for universal wired connectivity
Sound Quality
Sennheiser equipped the Accentum Plus with 37mm dynamic drivers tuned for balanced audio reproduction. The default sound profile offers crisp highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass that isn’t overbearing.
Compared to audiophile favorites like the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4, the Accentum Plus, while still great for the price, falls short in terms of absolute fidelity. The soundstage is a bit narrower and the treble separation is not as precise. Nevertheless, the overall audio quality remains impressive for the price.
Bluetooth codec support is extensive, covering SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX HD. This allows for high-quality wireless streaming from a wide range of devices. Wired playback through USB-C or 3.5mm delivers a slight boost in clarity and dynamics.
The Sennheiser Smart Control app plays a huge role in optimizing the sound quality. Beyond basic EQ adjustments, the Sound Personalization feature makes a noticeable impact. After about five minutes of A/B testing various frequencies, the app creates a custom sound profile that distinctly improves detail retrieval and spatial separation.
“The Accentum Plus sound far better than any other headphones I’ve tried under $300. The Sound Personalization feature in the app is a game-changer.” – Head-Fi forum member
While the Accentum Plus may not satisfy the pickiest audiophiles, they deliver engaging, well-balanced sound that will impress the vast majority of listeners. The wide codec support and wired options add to their versatility.
Active Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Accentum Plus is adaptive, meaning it automatically adjusts to your surroundings. Four microphones constantly monitor ambient sound and generate a precise anti-noise signal.
In practice, the ANC effectively reduces low-frequency rumbles like airplane engines, HVAC systems, and road noise. It does a decent job with mid and high frequencies too, though some voices and sharp sounds can still penetrate the earcups.
Is the ANC class-leading? No. Top models like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose 700 still outperform the Accentum Plus when it comes to eliminating a wider range of frequencies. However, Sennheiser’s implementation is more than sufficient for most noisy environments.
The Smart Control app allows you to customize the ANC intensity or even set up Sound Zones that change the level based on your location. There’s also an anti-wind mode that reduces mic distortion in blustery conditions, albeit with a slight reduction in overall ANC strength.
Transparency mode is available for situations where you need to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. It works well for quick conversations and listening to announcements, though it sounds slightly more artificial than the ambient modes on pricier models.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Sennheiser claims the Accentum Plus can last up to 50 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. Our testing confirmed these numbers, with the headphones often exceeding the rated battery life at moderate volumes. This is well above average for wireless ANC headphones, beating both the Sony WH-1000XM4 (30 hours) and Bose 700 (20 hours).
The Accentum Plus use a USB-C port for charging, with a full charge taking around 2.5 hours. A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 5 hours of playback, which is handy for last-minute listening sessions.
Connectivity is rock-solid thanks to Bluetooth 5.2. The headphones maintain a stable connection up to 45 feet (14 meters) from the source device, even with obstacles in the way. They support multipoint pairing for connecting to two devices simultaneously, such as a phone and laptop.
The Bluetooth multipoint implementation works seamlessly, intelligently switching between devices based on audio playback. For example, if you’re watching a video on your laptop and receive a phone call, the headphones will automatically pause the video and prioritize the call audio. There’s a slight delay when switching back to the laptop, but it’s minor and doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
“The battery life on these headphones is insane. I can go an entire week between charges with regular use.” – Reddit user in r/headphones
Touch Controls and Ports
The Accentum Plus feature responsive touch controls on the right earcup:
- Swipe forward/back: Skip tracks
- Swipe up/down: Adjust volume
- Tap once: Play/pause music or answer calls
- Double-tap: Toggle ANC modes
The larger surface area makes the controls easier to use than physical buttons, and the gestures are intuitive after a bit of practice. The headphones also have a wear sensor that automatically pauses music when you remove them and resumes playback when you put them back on.
In terms of ports, the Accentum Plus include:
- USB-C port for charging and wired digital audio
- 3.5mm analog jack for universal wired compatibility
The ability to use the headphones wired is a nice bonus, as it allows for battery-free listening and easy connection to devices without Bluetooth support. The included USB-C and 3.5mm cables are sturdy and of decent length.
Drawbacks and Considerations
While the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless are excellent headphones for the price, they’re not perfect. Here are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Plastic build: While well-constructed, the all-plastic design doesn’t feel as premium as pricier models with leather and metal accents.
- Fingerprint magnet: The glossy earcups are prone to showing smudges and fingerprints.
- No IP rating: The lack of dust and water resistance means the headphones aren’t ideal for workouts or outdoor use in inclement weather.
- Slight treble sharpness: On certain tracks, the highs can sound a bit harsh at higher volumes.
Additionally, the Sennheiser Smart Control app, while feature-rich, requires a Sennheiser account for access. Some users may not appreciate having to sign up for yet another account just to use their headphones to the fullest.
“The glossy finish looks nice but picks up fingerprints like crazy. I find myself wiping them down constantly.” – Amazon reviewer
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not sold on the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless, here are a few alternatives worth considering:
| Model | Price | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | $350 | Industry-leading ANC, LDAC support | Pricier, touch controls can be finicky |
| Bose 700 | 300-300−400 | Excellent ANC, great call quality | Expensive, don’t fold for compact storage |
| Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | $150 | Good sound quality, long battery life | Plasticky build, ANC not as strong |
| Treblab Z7 Pro | $160 | IPX4 water resistance, good sound | Flimsy case, no app support |
Ultimately, the right headphones for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize sound quality and features over active noise cancelling, the Accentum Plus remain a strong contender in the mid-range category.
Final Verdict
So, are the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless the perfect balance of premium sound and value? For most people, the answer is a resounding yes.
These headphones deliver impressive audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and a boatload of useful features at a reasonable price point. The sound personalization and EQ options in the Smart Control app are icing on the cake, allowing you to tailor the listening experience to your preferences.
While the ANC and build quality may not quite match Sennheiser’s flagship models, the differences are minor compared to the substantial cost savings. The Accentum Plus offer a taste of high-end Sennheiser sound for hundreds less.
If you’re looking for well-rounded wireless headphones under $250, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus should be at the top of your list. They excel at the fundamentals while throwing in some premium features that punch above their price class. Just be aware of the minor drawbacks like the plastic build and lack of water resistance.
The bottom line: The Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless are an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality wireless sound without breaking the bank. They may not be the absolute best in every category, but their well-rounded performance and value proposition are hard to beat in the crowded mid-range headphone market.
