IP ratings is the rank of protection given by an enclosure, against solids and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. In comparison to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Sennheiser Momentum 3 have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We consider a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3, at 10.6g
are heavier than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference of 2.04g
True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this case since they have no cables. This is a key distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables linking the pair of earbuds .
Sennheiser Momentum 3 also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the two earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat
Sennheiser Momentum 3's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, what this means is that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have stereo speakers
ANC utilises advanced technology to actively counter noise. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern of incoming noise and after inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) then producing -1 (inverted noise) giving zero hence "diluting" the noise.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background sounds. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have ANC making either of the devices ideal for plane rides and rush hour travels. Each work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that you prefer for commute or that enhances your relaxation time.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit well in place, creating an acoustic covering that tones down background sounds well as preventing the earbuds music from leaking out .
Both Sennheiser Momentum 3, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction which implies that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the earbuds.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 driver unit is 7mm in diameter,
which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 4mm
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not indicate that they deliver better quality sound. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio device produces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
Sennheiser Momentum 3's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, this implies that
Sennheiser Momentum 3 can make sound with a juicier bass than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio device produces high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it. Sennheiser Momentum 3's highest frequency is at 21,000Hz, this implies that
Sennheiser Momentum 3 can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.
Sennheiser Momentum 3's battery life is
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1 hours
. Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to. This is given by the manufacturer, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 30 hours.
A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before having to recharge the case itself. Sennheiser Momentum 3's charging case has a battery life of 21 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 9 hours
It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.2 hours
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad. Sennheiser Momentum 3 also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of a device.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your device and case. Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Sennheiser Momentum 3 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work fine with your MacBook. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 support AAC as well.
Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones. While the Sennheiser Momentum 3 microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. More microphones record better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background sounds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too have a noise-canceling microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience. When lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster.
For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in thirty minutes. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also support the mute function. It means that you can turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.
With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds. Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have a control panel on them. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also support voice prompts meaning the earbuds notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special case. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them in your pockets without a cover may easily damage them. Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.
