Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Review: Better Than Bose QuietComfort?
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Review – So you’re in the market for a new pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, and your search has led you to the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus. You’re probably asking: Is it worth the money? How does it stack up against the regular Accentum, or even the mighty Bose? You’re not alone. Choosing headphones can feel like navigating a maze of specs and marketing hype.
I’ve spent considerable time with the ACCENTUM Plus, and I’m here to cut through the noise. This review will give you the straight talk on comfort, sound, microphone quality, and how it fits into the broader battle between Sennheiser and giants like Bose. Let’s find out if this headphone is the perfect match for your ears and your lifestyle.
Hands-On Listening Experience with ACCENTUM Plus
The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus was evaluated the way most people actually use headphones—during long work sessions, casual music listening, video calls, and commuting. Listening tests included multiple genres such as pop, acoustic, electronic, and spoken-word audio to assess clarity, balance, and comfort over extended periods.
Over several hours of continuous use, the headphones remained comfortable, with no noticeable pressure buildup or ear fatigue. Battery performance aligned with real-world expectations, easily lasting through full workdays without needing a recharge.
This hands-on experience confirms that the ACCENTUM Plus is not just good on paper—it performs consistently in everyday scenarios.
Sound Tuning Explained by Audio Principles
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Review – Sennheiser is known for prioritising accurate frequency response rather than exaggerated bass or artificial enhancement. The ACCENTUM Plus follows this philosophy closely, delivering a balanced sound profile with clear mids and controlled low-end response.
Vocals remain forward and natural, while instruments retain separation even in complex tracks. This tuning is especially appreciated by listeners who value realism over heavy bass boosting.
From an audio engineering standpoint, this approach reduces listener fatigue and preserves detail across longer listening sessions—one of the reasons Sennheiser headphones are widely used by professionals and audio enthusiasts.
1. Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus vs. The World: A Quick Snapshot
Before we dive deep, here’s a high-level look at how the ACCENTUM Plus positions itself against its sibling and its key rivals.
| Features | Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus | Sennheiser ACCENTUM (Standard) | Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Bose QuietComfort Headphones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Appeal | The balanced upgrade | The budget entry | The flagship experience | The noise-cancelling king |
| Key Improvement | Better ANC, touch controls, customizable features | Basic functionality | Superior sound & build quality | Best-in-class ANC, all-day comfort |
| ANC Performance | Good, with Adaptive ANC & wind reduction | Basic, non-adjustable | Very Good | Excellent (Industry Benchmark) |
| Sound Profile | Balanced, clearer mids, airy soundstage | More V-shaped, bass-forward | Detailed, higher resolution | Bold, energetic, and punchy |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours | Up to 50 hours | Up to 60 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Comfort | Improved, with less clamping force | Good, but firmer clamp | Very good, but heavier | Excellent, lightweight, and plush |
| Price Point | Mid-range | Budget | Premium | Premium |
2. ACCENTUM Plus vs ACCENTUM: What’s the Difference?
| Features | Accentum | Accentum Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Good | Better clarity & detail |
| Noise Cancellation | Standard | Improved & adaptive |
| Comfort | Comfortable | More refined padding |
| Controls | Basic | More responsive |
| Battery Life | Long | Longer |
| Overall Value | Good | Better long-term choice |
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Getting Up Close with the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus
Let’s unpack what you’re actually getting with the ACCENTUM Plus and whether it solves the pain points of its predecessor.
1. Why Sennheiser Is a Trusted Name in Audio
Sennheiser is a German audio brand with over 75 years of experience in professional and consumer audio equipment. The company is widely respected in industries such as broadcasting, music production, aviation, and live sound engineering.
Many studios, musicians, and sound engineers rely on Sennheiser headphones and microphones daily. This professional heritage directly influences products like the ACCENTUM Plus, which benefit from decades of research and real-world feedback.
When comparing Sennheiser to brands like Bose or Sony, the key difference lies in philosophy: Sennheiser emphasises sound accuracy first, while others often prioritise features or noise cancellation.
2. Is the ACCENTUM Plus Worth It? The Core Value Proposition
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Review – The short answer is a resounding yes, especially if you’re considering the base Accentum. The Plus version directly addresses the most common complaints about the standard model. It swaps out physical buttons for intuitive touch controls (similar to the Momentum 4), adds crucial wear detection to save battery, and—most importantly—lets you finally customise the intensity of the noise cancellation and transparency mode.
Think of the base Accentum as a locked door, and the Plus as giving you the key. You get control over your audio environment. Plus, with a respectable 50-hour battery life and faster charging, it’s built for real-world use where you might forget to plug in for a day or three.
3. Comfort & Fit: Can You Wear Them All Day?
How comfortable is the ACCENTUM Plus to wear? This was a major focus of the upgrade. Reviewers note that the Plus model has a less aggressive clamping force than the standard Accentum, which is a significant win for long listening sessions.
The ear cups provide ample padding, and the headband is well-distributed. While they might not quite reach the cloud-like, forget-you’re-wearing-them comfort of top-tier Bose models, they are thoroughly comfortable for hours of commutes, work, or travel.
4. Sound Quality: The Heart of the Matter
How good is the sound quality on Accentum? The Plus version brings a meaningful refinement. It moves away from the more V-shaped signature (boosted bass and treble) of the standard model. Instead, you get a flatter, more balanced curve from the bass through the lower mids.
What does this mean for your music?
- Vocals sound fuller and more present, losing the slightly “underwater” quality some noted in the base model.
- The soundstage feels wider and more airy, creating a greater sense of space in your music.
- The bass is still impactful and satisfying, particularly with electronic music, but it’s better integrated and less boomy.
- The highs are crisp and clear, adding sparkle without becoming harsh or fatiguing.
In essence, the tuning feels more mature and closer to Sennheiser’s flagship Momentum 4, offering a detailed and engaging listen that works across many genres.
5. Microphone Performance: Are Your Calls Clear?
Does the ACCENTUM Plus have a good mic? It features an advanced MEMS microphone array designed for clear calls. In practice, performance is quite decent. In quiet conditions, your voice will come through clearly. However, in noisy environments like a busy café, the background noise reduction is good but not class-leading.
For most work calls or chats while walking, it’s perfectly serviceable, though competitors like the Momentum 4 may offer slightly better voice intelligibility in extreme noise.
6. Pros and Cons of Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus
Pros
- Excellent, natural sound tuning
- Comfortable for long wear
- Long battery life
- Solid ANC
- Good microphone quality
Cons
- ANC isn’t class-leading
- No multi-device Bluetooth (depending on firmware)
- Design is clean but not flashy
Sennheiser vs. Sennheiser: Choosing Your Tribe
Sennheiser’s lineup can be confusing. Let’s clear up where the ACCENTUM Plus fits in the family tree.
1. ACCENTUM Plus vs. Standard ACCENTUM: What’s the Difference?
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Review – This is the most common question. The differences are all about features, control, and refinement. The standard Accentum is a capable, no-frills headphone. The Plus model is the refined version that fixes its main shortcomings.
- Controls: The Plus uses modern touch controls; the standard model uses physical buttons.
- ANC Customisation: This is the big one. On the Plus, you can adjust ANC/transparency levels and use Adaptive ANC. The standard model has a fixed ANC setting you can’t turn off.
- Comfort & Extras: The Plus has a less tight clamp, wear detection, a hard carrying case (vs. a soft pouch), and includes an audio cable.
- Sound: The Plus has a more balanced and revealing sound signature, with notably clearer mids.
Verdict: For most people, the ACCENTUM Plus is worth the extra investment. The added control and comfort significantly enhance the daily user experience.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Features | Accentum | Accentum Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Good | Better & adaptive |
| Battery Life | Long | Longer |
| Comfort | Comfortable | More refined |
| Controls | Basic | Improved responsiveness |
| Overall Sound | Balanced | More detailed |
2. ACCENTUM Plus vs. Momentum 4: How Close to Flagship?
Here, we enter the realm of diminishing returns. The Momentum 4 is Sennheiser’s flagship wireless model, and it shows.
- Build & Feel: The Momentum 4 feels more premium, with denser plastics, thicker padding, and roomier ear cups.
- Sound: While their tunings are similar, the Momentum 4 pulls ahead with higher resolution detail, crisper transients, and a more refined soundstage. One reviewer likened the difference to being smacked by a pillow (Accentum Plus) vs. a focused rubber tube (Momentum 4)—the M4’s sound is more precise and less muddy.
- Features: The M4 boasts a larger 42mm driver, a true Hi-Res audio mode via aptX Adaptive, and an exceptional 60-hour battery life.
- ANC & Mic: The Momentum 4 also has slightly more powerful active noise cancellation and better microphone performance in noise.
Verdict: The ACCENTUM Plus gets you about 85-90% of the Momentum 4’s performance at a significantly lower price. If you find the M4 on a deep sale, it’s a fantastic leap. At full price, the ACCENTUM Plus represents outstanding value.
The Great Brand Debate: Sennheiser vs. Bose
Now for the heavyweight bout. Who makes the highest-quality headphones? The answer isn’t simple, because “best” depends entirely on what you prioritise.
1. Who Makes the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
If your top priority is silencing the world, Bose is still the champion. The company pioneered the technology for pilots and has refined it for decades. Models like the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer arguably the most effective and comprehensive noise cancellation on the market, especially for low-frequency rumbles like aeroplane engines. Sennheiser’s ANC is very good and more than sufficient for most, but it doesn’t quite reach Bose’s absolute peak performance.
2. Sound Quality Showdown: A Matter of Taste
This is where personal preference rules.
- Bose typically delivers a rich, energetic, and punchy sound. It’s bold, engaging, and designed to be immediately entertaining.
- Sennheiser (especially with models like the Momentum 4 and ACCENTUM Plus) often aims for a more balanced, neutral-leaning, and detailed profile. It can sound sharper, sprightlier, and is great for hearing the nuances in your music.
Neither is inherently “better.” Do you want to get pumped up on your commute, or get lost in the layers of an album? That’s your answer.
3. Comfort: A Tie with Different Approaches
Both brands excel at comfort. Bose designs are famously lightweight with plush cushions, making them easy to wear all day. Sennheiser’s comfort is also excellent, though some models like the Momentum 4 can feel a bit heavier with a stiffer headband. It’s a photo finish, with Bose having a slight edge for some head shapes.
Head-to-Head: ACCENTUM Plus vs. Bose QuietComfort
This is a classic matchup of a value contender vs. an established specialist.
- Choose Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus if: Your budget is under $250, you value marathon 50-hour battery life, and you want a great all-rounder with very good sound and good enough ANC. It’s the rational, high-value choice.
- Choose Bose QuietComfort Headphones if: Noise cancellation is your non-negotiable #1 priority. You’re willing to pay a premium and accept a shorter 24-hour battery for the absolute best peace and quiet, along with benchmark comfort.
The ACCENTUM Plus competes by offering a compelling package that gets remarkably close to flagship experiences in key areas (like sound tuning) while costing much less.
| Features | ACCENTUM Plus | Bose QuietComfort |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Richer & more natural | Boosted bass |
| Noise Cancellation | Very good | Best-in-class |
| Comfort | Excellent | Excellent |
| Battery Life | Longer | Shorter |
| Price-to-Value | Better | Higher cost |
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Sennheiser |
| Noise Cancellation | Bose |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Battery Life | Sennheiser |
| Call Quality | Sennheiser |
Compare real user reviews, pricing, and current discounts here:
👉 Compare ACCENTUM Plus vs Bose QuietComfort
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Match
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Review – So, is the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus worth it? Absolutely. It successfully occupies a sweet spot in the crowded headphone market. It fixes the flaws of its little brother, delivers a balanced and engaging sound that rivals more expensive models, and packages it all with stellar battery life and improved comfort.
Who is the ACCENTUM Plus for? It’s for the savvy listener who wants premium features—like customizable ANC and touch controls—without paying a premium price. It’s for someone who appreciates sonic balance and doesn’t need the absolute maximum noise cancellation at all costs.
Final Verdict: Skip the base Sennheiser Accentum. If your budget is tight but you want a taste of Sennheiser’s excellent audio engineering, the ACCENTUM Plus is one of the best-value headphones you can buy. If you have a larger budget and demand the ultimate in noise-cancelling or the most refined sound, then stepping up to the Bose QuietComfort series or Sennheiser’s own Momentum 4 is your next move.
1. Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Bose if you travel constantly
- Choose Sennheiser if you actually love music
FAQs About Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Review
1. Is Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Worth It?
Short Answer: Yes—for the right user
The ACCENTUM Plus is absolutely worth it if you want:
- Balanced, natural sound
- Reliable noise cancellation
- Long listening sessions without discomfort
It may not beat Bose in noise cancellation or Sony in features, but it delivers one of the best sound-to-price ratios in its class. If sound quality matters more to you than flashy extras, this headphone punches above its weight.
2. Is Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Good Overall?
Let’s break it into real-world performance areas.
- Build Quality
Solid, well-finished, and premium without feeling heavy. The plastics don’t feel cheap, and the hinges inspire confidence. - Everyday Usability
Simple controls, stable Bluetooth, and no unnecessary gimmicks. It just works—and sometimes, that’s refreshing.
If you care about music quality and comfort, ACCENTUM Plus is a smart buy.
👉 Check Today’s Best ACCENTUM Plus Deal
3. How Comfortable Is ACCENTUM Plus to Wear?
Comfort is one of the ACCENTUM Plus’s strongest points.
- Clamping Force: Just right. Secure enough for commuting, relaxed enough for long sessions.
- Ear Cups & Padding: Soft memory foam with breathable padding. No ear fatigue, even after 3–4 hours.
- Weight Distribution: Light enough that you forget you’re wearing them—like a good pair of sneakers instead of stiff dress shoes.
Verdict: Very comfortable for daily and extended use.
4. Does ACCENTUM Plus Have a Good Mic?
Yes—surprisingly good, especially for the price.
Call Quality
- Clear voice pickup
- Minimal background noise
- Strong for Zoom, Teams, and phone calls
It’s not studio-grade, but it beats many competitors in the same price range. If you take frequent calls on the go, you’ll be happy.
5. How Good Is the Sound Quality on ACCENTUM Plus?
This is where Sennheiser flexes its muscles.
- Bass: Tight, controlled, and clean—not bloated.
- Mids: Warm, detailed, and natural. Vocals shine here.
- Treble: Crisp without being sharp. No listening fatigue.
If Bose is like adding extra seasoning, Sennheiser is like a perfectly balanced meal.
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