It's time for the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless 2 to launch with these features

Sennheiser makes some of the best wireless headphones on the market. For example, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless frequently feature among our list of the best ANC headphones. Unfortunately, their high price tag is a barrier to entry for many would-be listeners. Enter the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless. Billed as a more affordable pair of over-ear headphones, they bring excellent sound quality and high-res Bluetooth codecs for significantly less than the competition. However, some middling characteristics leave the door ajar for an updated Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless 2.

There has been no official confirmation from Sennheiser about their much-anticipated midrange headphones. Nevertheless, here are all of the features I want to see when the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless 2 launch.

Improved noise canceling

The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless have decent noise canceling above 1.8kHz. Combined with good isolation, this helps to quell incidental noise from construction sites and keyboard clicks by roughly 90%. Conversely, the headphones do less well at attenuating low-end frequencies. For example, rumbles from cars and train engines will sound approximately 75% quieter than without wearing the headphones.

While this is by no means terrible, it pales in comparison to industry leaders. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM6 dampen low-pitch sounds by as much as 36dB with an ideal fit. The JBL Tour One M3 are equally capable, quelling sounds around 100Hz by roughly 33dB. The Apple AirPods Max are best-in-class, attenuating frequencies around 160Hz by over 40dB. Such powerful noise canceling is handy for limiting playback volume and protecting your hearing over the long term.

LE Audio and Auracast

Sennheiser equips the ACCENTUM Wireless with some of the most comprehensive wireless connectivity options on the market. For example, iPhone owners can link up using the AAC Bluetooth codec, while Android users can enjoy high-res audio over aptX and aptX HD. The last provides up to 576kbps, 24-bit/48kHz LPCM audio data, which, while not lossless, is a far cry from the significantly compressed SBC codec.

Unfortunately, despite running Bluetooth 5.2, the headphones do not support LE Audio. This is largely considered superior to SBC, as the LC3 codec delivers up to 345kbps, 16-bit/48kHz audio sampling. Similarly, the headphones do not support Auracast connectivity. This technology is fast becoming a staple of flagship headphones and supports a theoretically unlimited number of wireless connections. As it becomes more widespread, it will also connect to public broadcasts. This allows the hard-of-hearing to use headphones to tune in to sports broadcasts, airport announcements, and more.

Better in-call noise rejection

Taking calls is a vital aspect of modern-day working. Thankfully, Sennheiser’s ACCENTUM Wireless support hands-free phone calls. These use a beamforming 2-microphone array to pick up your voice while rejecting the outside world above 8kHz. However, while intelligibility is okay in ideal settings, the headphones do a poor job of attenuating environmental noise. In particular, windy conditions can cause significant disruption when taking calls.

This falls short of industry leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM6. By comparison, these industry-leading headphones house a 6-mic beamforming array and a sophisticated AI algorithm that excels at quelling ambient noise. While they don’t hold a candle to dedicated condenser microphones, they are significantly better at taking calls on the move than Sennheiser’s mid-tier cans. The ACCENTUM Wireless 2 must feature better in-call noise rejection to compete with the big dogs.

A TRS jack

In addition to a comprehensive list of Bluetooth codecs, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless support USB-C audio. This is handy for streaming high-quality audio files or for listening in highly congested radio environments. It’s also a sensible move from Sennheiser, given most smartphone manufacturers are moving towards USB-C as their preferred wired audio option.

Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of sense in continuing support for a TRS jack. For example, many media devices, including portable Sony Walkmans, Cassette players, and multimedia systems, only connect to headphones via a TRS jack. Similarly, many sound cards and audio interfaces widely use TRS analog instead of USB-C when listening over headphones. Flagship headphones like the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless use both ports, so the ACCENTUM Wireless 2 should do the same.

An IP rating and a carry case

Like most consumer over-ear headphones, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless do not boast an ingress protection (IP) rating. This leaves them susceptible to the elements, such as sandy and damp environments. For example, without protection from water, there’s a risk that wearing the headphones to the gym and breaking a sweat could harm internal components. Similarly, taking the cans for a jog at the beach could lodge sand particles in places they’re not welcome.

There is hope, though. The new Nothing Headphone (1) sport an IP52-rated exterior that protects against small solid objects and dripping water at a maximum tilt of 15 degrees. This provides greater trust that the headphones can endure a sweaty workout regimen without breaking. While still in the minority, Nothing’s move could be an indication that headphone manufacturers are ready to fix a long-standing industry gripe. Sennheiser should do the same with the ACCENTUM Wireless 2 and also include a carry case at launch.

Will there be a Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless 2?

Sennheiser remains invested in the earbuds and headphone categories. For example, the company has joined the open-ear club with its latest Sennheiser ACCENTUM Open buds. Available in Cream and Black colorways for $129.95, the earbuds bring 11mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, and over six hours of battery life per charge. However, the jury is still out on whether Sennheiser’s answer to this growing trend live up to expectations.

At the time of writing, Sennheiser has not announced the ACCENTUM Wireless 2. Likewise, rumors are in short supply. However, we can surmise a likely release date based on the company’s previous launches.

• Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless — October 4, 2023
• Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus — February 20, 2024
• Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless SE — October 11, 2024

For example, the first-generation ACCENTUM Wireless launched on October 4, 2024. These were followed four months later by the ACCENTUM Plus on February 20, 2024. We saw the upgraded ACCNEUM Wireless SE eight months later on October 11, 2024. Taking the averages between each release, we should have seen the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless 2 already materialize. However, a refreshment in the fall seems more likely.

Should you wait for the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless 2?

Sennheiser’s mid-tier cans are an excellent option for those who want flagship features at an affordable price point. The headphones remain available from the company’s website and trusted retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy. However, there are several alternatives to the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless worth considering.

Before you do, remember that the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless ($179.95 at Amazon) are some of the best midrange headphones that money can buy. Equipped with adequate padding and a lightweight 222g frame, the headphones are ideal for long listening sessions. Controlling the cans is simple, although the tactile buttons are a little small. Those living in noisy environments will appreciate the ACCENTUM Wireless’ ANC. Likewise, the headphones deliver 46 hours and 40 minutes of listening time with noise cancellation enabled. Their sound quality is also decent, although the over-emphasized sub-bass and undulating high-end are hard to rectify with the included EQ presets. The headphones use Bluetooth 5.3 and connect via the SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs. Installing the Sennheiser Smart Control app unlocks a 5-band EQ, sidetone, and headphone memory controls.

Now that their successor have launched, the Sony WH-1000XM5 can be found for ($387 at Amazon). While no longer king of the hill, the headphones enjoy top-tier microphone quality. Likewise, they have some of the best noise cancellation on the market. This attenuates frequencies where most music is found by approximately 30dB. Combined with their well-isolating fit, engines, trains, and street noise are about one-eighth of their original perceived loudness. Most people will enjoy how the XM5 sound out of the box, although some may want to tame the accentuated low-end. Battery life lasts nearly 32 hours per charge, and the cans can be topped up for three minutes to yield 180 minutes of playback time. Downloading the Sony Sound Connect begets ANC optimization, 360 Reality Audio, a custom EQ, and Sony’s Find My feature.

Price-conscious buyers unconcerned about having the best wireless connectivity options will appreciate all that the JLab JBuds Lux ANC ($79.99 at Amazon) have to offer. While they may not have all of the bells and whistles of premium brands, JLab’s headphones have one of the best price-to-feature ratios on the market. For example, the cans enjoy decent sound quality and provide a 10-band custom EQ through the JLab app. Similarly, their ANC performance is competitive for the price, making most low-end noises sound 50-75% quieter and blocking high-pitched noises by as much as 46dB. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC lasted over 44 hours in our testing, and a 10-minute boost yields four hours of listening time. Their microphone quality successfully rejects reverberant sounds, although they struggle with wind noise. Similarly, while the headphones support USB-C audio, they lack high-res wireless Bluetooth codecs.

Sennheiser fans with a little more money should consider the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus ($217.95 at Amazon). Instead of tactile buttons, these headphones opt for touch controls. While these are more prone to accidental prompts, they are easier to use on the fly. Comfort isn’t an issue, either, as the cans are lightweight and have ample leather-like and silicone-covered padding. Unlike the original ACCENTUM Wireless, the ACCENTUM Plus ships with a softshell carry case. The headphones run Bluetooth 5.2 and connect via the SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs. Those who prefer to listen over wires will appreciate the TRS and USB ports. The headphones should last over 53 hours with ANC enabled, and a 10-minute charge yields five hours of listening time. Sound quality and ANC are decent enough, and the Sennheiser Smart Control app has a 5-band EQ, personalized sound, Sound Zones, and more.

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