Sennheiser CX True Wireless: budget earbuds with a 27-hour battery
The reputable German brand looks to strengthen its hold on the true wireless earbuds marketplace
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Sennheiser offers such a broad range of headphones, we aren't surprised that it has entered the budget true wireless earbuds market with the brand-new CX True Wireless.
The German audio brand launched the CX 400BT last September as more affordable alternatives to its premium Momentum True Wireless 2, but it is now going even more affordable to compete with the burgeoning competition at the lower end of the market – namely the class-leading Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ and Google Pixel Buds A-Series.
The CX True Wireless – priced £120 / AU$199 and available in matte black or white from 8th July – utilise the company's proprietary TrueResponse transducer, which is designed and manufactured at the HQ in Germany and found in more premium models in the company's line-up. So here's to hoping that their sound performance is strong.
Unsurprisingly at this price, there's no noise-cancelling, but on the still rather generous menu is Sennheiser's Smart Control App with a built-in EQ; Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC and aptX support; 27 hours total battery – nine from the earbuds, 18 from the charging case; and dual microphones for clear voice pick-up during calls.
The earphones are also IPX4-rated splash resistance and feature on-bud touch controls that are customisable in the app.
More uniquely (and a handy feature if you ask us) is the CX True Wireless' ‘role switching’ function, which allows either earbud to be used on its own.
The Sennheiser CX True Wireless comes into an increasingly crowded market at this price level, but going by the brand's track record in the space, we wouldn't bet against them making a mark on it.
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Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of the brand's sister magazines Down Under – Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica. During her 11+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.
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