First look: Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless noise-cancelling earbuds
These noise-cancelling earbuds delivery high-quality sound at a pleasingly mid-range price.
By David Flynn, September 14 2021
There's no doubt that frequent flyers – along with plenty of more grounded folk – favour earbuds over headphones. They're smaller, lighter and less obtrusive – although that convenience typically comes with more than a dash of compromise, especially for the core duty of enjoying music.
Sennheiser's new CX Plus True Wireless noise-cancelling earbuds aim to change that, with the company leveraging its audiophile-level smarts despite a pleasingly affordable price of $260.
Its secret weapon? The "German-engineered TrueResponse transducer, an acoustic system that brings audiophile technology to everyday listening."
Developed for the audio specialist's premium line of headphone line, it's described as "a bespoke acoustic system" which "delivers true high-fidelity stereo with deep basses, natural mids and clear, detailed treble."
The CX Plus True Wireless also come with active noise-cancellation to dampen the distraction of those outside sounds, although the 'transparent hearing' feature lets in the sound when you want it – such as during a quick interaction with the barista or flight attendant – without the need to remove the earbuds.
In addition to customisable touch controls, there's even support for individually-tailored commands for controlling audio, calls and accessing digital voice assistants, with more personalisation via the Sennheiser Smart Control app, including EQ and 'Bass Boost' modes.
As is increasingly common with smart earbuds, the audio automatically pauses once you remove the earbuds – and instantly starts up again when they're back in place – with different sized silicon ear adapters to obtain the best fit for your ear canals and IPX4-rated splash resistance if you're poolside.
Sennheiser rates the battery life of its CX Plus True Wireless earbuds – which come with a charging case – at up to 24 hours of playback time, although no figure is given for talk time.
(One practical way to extend the daily battery life of these earbuds is to use just one earbud at a time, as they function independently – when one earbud runs low, slip it into the charging case and pop the fresh fully-charged bud into your ear.)
Sennheiser's CX Plus True Wireless earbuds land on September 28 in black or white.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
QFF
16 Nov 2014
Total posts 15
The executive view of what is affordable may well very but at $260 with plenty of cheaper options at or below this price I would be somewhat wary of spending this March. I personally have just bought a pair of Lypertek Z3 for a mere $119 which I am sure are sonically easily the equivalent of almost anything else anywhere near their price or double. Play perhaps black noise cancelling but as you almost have to screw them into your ears they are very noise blocking even before you turn music on. Check the reviews and I would summarise that they are enjoyably neutral, very natural sounding and great soundstage. At around $100 the Earfun buds also have good reviews. But I would very confidently recommend the Lyperteks to anyone.
18 Sep 2015
Total posts 138
When I want to sleep I would love to block out noise to the max extent possible. What is the ultimate model for noise cancelling, regardless of audio quality and other features?
05 Mar 2015
Total posts 416
Probably those soft silicone or memory foam plugs which fit into your ear canal. You won't get any music but you'll get maximum blocking out of noise and more comfort than an earphone.
18 Sep 2015
Total posts 138
Thanks
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