The world of active noise cancellation headphones is crowded, with new models popping up constantly. Sennheiser’s recent ACCENTUM Wireless addition in the UAE aims for the budget-conscious consumer, but does it sacrifice too much to hit that lower price point? We spent a good chunk of time with them to find out.

What’s Included

Opening the box, you’ll find the headphones, a USB-C cable, and some documentation. Sadly, there’s no carrying case, a sign of cost-cutting compared to Sennheiser’s premium models. Thankfully, the headphones feel sturdy enough for careful transport in a bag.

Comfort and Fit: Lightweight but…

The ACCENTUM Wireless are remarkably lightweight, at just 250 grams. This makes them ideal for extended listening sessions, without the fatigue that can come from heavier headphones. The ear cups are generously padded with a soft memory foam, conforming comfortably to the shape of your head. However, the padding isn’t as plush as some high-end models, and wearers with glasses may find it difficult to achieve a perfect seal, which can slightly impact both passive noise isolation and sound quality. Despite this, I was able to wear the ACCENTUM Wireless for hours on end without discomfort. They also don’t clamp down with excessive pressure, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable fit.

It’s important to note that the ear cups are on the smaller side compared to some other noise-canceling headphones on the market. While this won’t be an issue for everyone, those with larger ears may find that the ear cups don’t fully enclose them. This can also affect both noise isolation and the overall listening experience. If you have larger ears, it’s always a good idea to try on headphones before you buy them to ensure a proper fit.

Controlling the ACCENTUM Wireless: Buttons or App

You can control the ACCENTUM Wireless with either smartphone or the physical buttons on the right earcup. The buttons, while a bit small, are easy to find by touch. Here’s a rundown:

• Volume Up/Down: Single press
• Mic Mute/Assistant: Double press (short)
• ANC/Passthrough Double press (long)
• Play/Pause/Answer/End Call: Single press on multifunction button
• Track Forward/Hold/Switch Call: Double press on multifunction button
• Track Backward: Triple press on multifunction button
• Power/Pairing: Dedicated button, long press

The usual drawbacks of physical buttons apply here – adjusting them slightly compromises the seal. If you mainly use your phone for controls, it’s a non-issue.

The Sennheiser Smart Control App: Worth Installing

While passthrough mode works without it, you’ll need the Sennheiser Smart Control app to access advanced features like:

• Easy pairing and device management
• Sidetone adjustment (how much you hear yourself talk)
• Enabling/disabling features
• Factory reset
• 5-band graphic equalizer (incredibly precise for this feature level)

While some apps don’t tell you how many dB each EQ adjustment represents, the ACCENTUM app does. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate this. Still, a parametric EQ would be better, and some may prefer a third-party app for more nuanced sound shaping.

Connectivity: No Headphone Jack, But USB-C Audio

The ACCENTUM Wireless marks a departure for Sennheiser – there’s no 3.5mm jack. This aligns with their focus on commuters who value wireless convenience over wired audiophile options. However, they do support USB-C audio for lossless listening.

Bluetooth Codec Support: SBC, mSBC (voice), AAC, aptX, and aptX HD. Your source device might limit you to lower bitrate codecs. You may need to manually pick your preferred codec in developer options.

Impressive Battery Life

In my standardized test, the ACCENTUM Wireless lasted an impressive 45 hours. While short of the advertised 50-hour mark, your mileage may vary based on usage and battery wear. Sennheiser’s testing conditions likely differ from ours. Overall the battery is good and matches other headphones in the category.

Active Noise Cancellation: Good Enough

A comfortable, secure fit is crucial for effective noise cancellation, and the ACCENTUM Wireless delivers here. They block out a significant amount of high-frequency noise, making them a solid option for everyday commutes and noisy environments. However, their performance with low-frequency sounds (think rumbling engines or heavy machinery) isn’t as impressive as some higher-end competitors from Bose, Sony, and Apple. In extremely loud scenarios, you might find these wanting.

Sound Quality: Surprisingly Good (With Tweaks)

The ACCENTUM Wireless offer a surprisingly enjoyable sound experience right out of the box. However, some listeners may find the low-end frequencies a bit too prominent, potentially masking some of the detail in the midrange. While the included app offers EQ adjustments, there’s no one-size-fits-all preset to completely address this.

These headphones excel with genres that benefit from a strong bass presence and clear vocals. If you’re a fan of electronic dance music (EDM), pop, or even certain rock subgenres that emphasize powerful basslines, you’ll likely be impressed. However, listeners who prefer genres that rely heavily on intricate midrange instrumentation – think orchestral pieces, acoustic guitar-driven folk music, or certain complex hip-hop tracks with layered samples – might find the ACCENTUM Wireless lacking in that particular area. The emphasis on low-end frequencies can sometimes overshadow the delicate nuances present in the midrange, which can be a dealbreaker for audiophiles or listeners who prefer a more balanced soundscape.

As expected, you can take calls with the ACCENTUM Wireless. Its 2-mic array uses beamforming to prioritize your voice. Overall, no complaints there.

Should You Buy the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless?

If you’ve been eyeing more expensive Sennheiser ANC headphones but balked at the price, the ACCENTUM Wireless hits a sweet spot. They offer good sound, solid features, and long battery life for under AED 700. 

Who These Aren’t For

• Feature Chasers: No advanced bells and whistles here.
• Audiophiles Demanding the Best: While good, the sound won’t dethrone top-tier models.
• Those Needing Top-Notch ANC: Passthrough is fine, but the noise-canceling is just OK.

Alternatives: Tough to Beat in This Price Range

It’s hard to find true competitors without sacrificing features or bumping up the price, though the newcomer from Sony might be the biggest contender. Check our review of the Sony ULT Wear here.

If you’re willing to spend more, you’ll unlock better ANC and sound quality:

Sony WH-1000XM5: Still the BEST ANC contender. Read our full review here. But that’s a significant price jump for incremental improvements.

The Verdict: A Smart Pick for Budget-Conscious Listeners

The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless offer a compelling package for commuters and casual music fans. They sound good, wear comfortably, and last impressively long on a charge. If you don’t demand the absolute best ANC and understand the limitations at this price point, they’re a fantastic option.