Sennheiser’s Accentum Plus has been introduced as an upgrade to the mid-range Accentum headphones, bringing new features such as touch controls and revised active noise cancellation (ANC). However, while these enhancements sound appealing, the burning question remains: does the Accentum Plus truly justify the $50 price increase over its predecessor? In this review, we will dissect the design, performance, features, and overall value of the Accentum Plus to help you determine whether it’s worth the extra investment.
Design: Sleek But Underwhelming
At first glance, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus closely resembles its predecessor in terms of design. The major difference lies in the controls—gone are the physical buttons, replaced by touch-sensitive alternatives. While these touch controls are generally responsive, the overall plastic construction of the headphones gives off a somewhat cheap aesthetic. For a product positioned in the premium mid-range segment, this detracts from the perceived value and might leave users questioning whether the build quality matches the higher price tag.
One positive design aspect is the inclusion of both a 3.5mm aux jack and a USB-C connection. This sets the Accentum Plus apart from its predecessor, offering more versatility in terms of connectivity. However, while the design is functional, the plastic-heavy construction limits its appeal in comparison to competitors offering more premium materials in the same price bracket.
Software and Features: Familiar Ground with New Additions
Sennheiser has equipped the Accentum Plus with its Smart Control App, the same software used for the standard Accentum model. Through this app, users can customize audio settings, manage ANC, and utilize multipoint Bluetooth connectivity to connect to multiple devices at once. However, the Accentum Plus brings two new features into the mix: Sound Personalization and Sound Zones.
Sound Personalization allows users to tailor the audio experience based on individual hearing profiles, creating a more customized listening experience. Sound Zones, on the other hand, adjusts audio settings based on the user’s location—though this feature comes with some privacy concerns, as it requires tracking the user’s location data.
These software enhancements, while useful, don’t offer groundbreaking improvements over the original model. The core functionality remains the same, and users who aren’t keen on location-based audio adjustments may find these features redundant. Nevertheless, the additional customization options do give the Accentum Plus a slight edge for those who prioritize fine-tuning their audio experience.
Sound Quality: Solid, But Not Without Flaws
True to Sennheiser’s reputation, the Accentum Plus delivers commendable sound quality, with crisp highs, rich mids, and punchy bass that cater well to a variety of music genres. The sound profile is balanced, making it suitable for both gaming and music listening. However, it’s at lower volumes where the Accentum Plus falters slightly. When listening to audio at reduced levels, the clarity and detail diminish, especially in more chaotic or bass-heavy tracks. This lack of consistency at different volumes may disappoint users who expect flawless audio quality from a Sennheiser product.
While the sound quality is solid, it doesn’t stand out significantly from the original Accentum model. The improvements, if any, are marginal, and those who own the previous model may not find the upgrade compelling enough in terms of audio performance alone.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): An Incremental Upgrade
Sennheiser has equipped the Accentum Plus with hybrid adaptive ANC, which is marketed as an improvement over the standard Accentum model’s noise cancellation. However, in real-world testing, the ANC performance of the Accentum Plus does little to distinguish itself from its predecessor. While it effectively reduces ambient noise in quieter environments, it struggles to block out louder sounds, such as bustling city streets or airplane noise, falling short of the industry-leading standards set by Bose and Sony.
For most users, the ANC will be serviceable for everyday use, such as in an office or during a commute. However, those seeking top-tier noise cancellation for travel or noisy environments may be left wanting more. The incremental improvements in noise cancellation do not justify the price hike, especially when competitors offer better ANC at a lower cost.
Call Quality: Decent, But Not Exceptional
The Accentum Plus performs adequately in the call quality department, with clear audio that’s sufficient for everyday use. However, the overall sound is somewhat compressed, resulting in a tinny output that lacks the richness and depth found in more premium headphones. This could be a minor issue for users who frequently take calls using their headphones, but for occasional use, the Accentum Plus should suffice.
Again, in comparison to competitors, the Accentum Plus does not offer any standout features in this regard. Call quality is passable, but discerning users who require the best microphone performance may want to look elsewhere.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting With Fast Charging
One area where the Accentum Plus truly shines is its battery life. Sennheiser promises up to 57 hours of playback with ANC enabled, which is highly impressive for a pair of mid-range headphones. This longevity is matched by the device’s fast-charging capabilities, allowing users to quickly top up the battery in a short amount of time.
For users who prioritize battery life, the Accentum Plus is a strong contender, as it provides enough juice for several days of use without needing to recharge. However, it’s worth noting that this battery performance is nearly identical to the standard Accentum model, meaning the upgrade in this department is marginal at best.
Competition: Struggling to Justify the Premium
While the Sennheiser Accentum Plus brings several new features and slight improvements, it struggles to justify its premium price tag when compared to the competition. Competitors like Sony’s WH-CH720N and even more affordable options offer comparable, if not superior, performance at a lower cost. With marginal improvements over its predecessor, the Accentum Plus faces stiff competition in a crowded market where value for money is a critical consideration.
The $50 price increase over the original Accentum model is hard to justify, particularly for users who already own the previous model. For those seeking better sound quality, ANC, or features, there are alternative options available that provide more bang for your buck.
Wrap-Up: Is the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Worth It?
In conclusion, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus presents some incremental improvements over its predecessor, but whether these enhancements justify the higher price tag is debatable. While the headphones deliver on sound quality, offer long battery life, and introduce new software features, they ultimately fall short in areas like ANC performance, call quality, and build materials. Competitors like Sony continue to offer strong alternatives at a lower price, making the Accentum Plus a tough sell in the competitive headphone market.
For users who already own the standard Accentum model, the upgrades may not be significant enough to warrant an immediate upgrade. However, for those new to Sennheiser’s lineup or looking for headphones with a long-lasting battery and solid sound performance, the Accentum Plus could be worth considering—albeit with some caveats.
Ultimately, the Accentum Plus feels like a modest update rather than a groundbreaking release. While it maintains Sennheiser’s reputation for good sound quality, it may leave some consumers questioning whether the higher price is worth the marginal improvements.
For those interested in exploring more headphone options, check out the best camera smartphones to enhance your tech arsenal. And for the latest updates in audio tech, visit JW7’s platform for more reviews and insights.
