Nothing Ear (1) vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers impressive value at $99, featuring 11.6mm drivers with dual ANC modes and solid build quality. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 commands a premium at $249, offering superior battery endurance of 7 hours with ANC enabled versus Nothing's 4 hours, plus aptX Adaptive codec support for lower latency audio. Sound signature differs notably: Nothing emphasizes dynamic punch through larger drivers, while Sennheiser prioritizes balanced refinement via their TrueResponse transducers. Multipoint connectivity favors Sennheiser for seamless device switching. Battery performance strongly advantages Sennheiser with 28 total hours versus 24 hours for Nothing. Both feature IPX4 water resistance and Qi charging. For budget-conscious listeners seeking ANC fundamentals and punchy sound, Nothing Ear (1) represents exceptional value. However, professionals and audiophiles benefiting from superior codec support, multipoint capability, and extended battery life should invest in Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
Buy the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 if…
- →Audiophile-grade sound quality — best-in-class for true wireless
- →aptX Adaptive provides high-quality, low-latency audio on Android
- →Effective ANC that adapts to your environment
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Pros
- Audiophile-grade sound quality — best-in-class for true wireless
- aptX Adaptive provides high-quality, low-latency audio on Android
- Effective ANC that adapts to your environment
- 28 hours total battery with wireless charging case
- Premium fabric-wrapped case and refined design
Cons
- Touch controls are fiddly and can misfire
- IPX4 is adequate but not rugged for intense workouts
- Ear tips may need upgrading for the best seal
- Multipoint can be slow to switch between devices
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 5.8 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C or Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 7mm TrueResponse transducer |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems | Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Customizable touch controls, Sennheiser Smart Control app with EQ, Sound personalization, aptX Adaptive for low-latency audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Nothing products or all Sennheiser products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (1) or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.
