Sennheiser Unveils Accentum Open Wireless Earbuds
Sennheiser has introduced a fresh pair of wireless earbuds under its entry-level Accentum sub-brand: the Accentum Open, priced at $130. These earbuds will be available in June in two color options: black and cream. Promoted with an emphasis on the term "open," Sennheiser highlights these earbuds’ potential to reduce ear fatigue while keeping you aware of your environment. However, their design mirrors that of Apple’s renowned AirPods.
While it’s understandable that the similarity to AirPods could attract consumers, the use of "open" may be misleading. These earbuds don’t adopt the open-ear design characterized by placing speakers outside the ear or just inside the concha. Rather, they are best described as semi-open. They rest just outside the ear canal without sealing it, unlike traditional designs that use silicone tips. The Accentum Open signifies Sennheiser’s first venture into semi-open wireless earbud territory, as previous models in the Momentum True Wireless series have utilized closed designs.
Features and Connectivity
Sennheiser assures users that the Accentum Open features their signature sound quality, driven by an 11mm driver. They support Bluetooth 5.3, allowing for dual-device connectivity with Multipoint compatibility. Unlike Apple’s force-sensing controls, Sennheiser has opted for touch controls. Battery life is estimated at 6.5 hours per charge, and the charging case provides up to 28 hours of total use. Users can also expect resistance against sweat and rain, given its IPX4 rating.
Key Differences from AirPods
While the Accentum Open shares some designs cues with the $129 AirPods 4, they come without certain features such as wireless charging and active noise cancellation (ANC). Notably, they also lack AirPods 4’s spatial audio capabilities and the automatic pause function enabled by wear sensors.
Unlike Sennheiser’s other wireless models, the Accentum Open does not have a companion app, so users cannot customize controls, tweak the equalizer, or update firmware.
Sennheiser appears to have aligned its pricing for the Accentum Open with the American market, particularly considering new tariffs. In Canada, the earbuds will retail for 150 Canadian dollars (approximately $109 USD).
Overall, while Sennheiser’s new earbuds present an appealing option, potential buyers should weigh these factors when considering their next wireless earbuds purchase.
