Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Momentum Sport: The Ultimate Showdown for Athletes
Comparing the New Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 with Sennheiser Momentum Sport: A Decision on Top-tier Sports Headphones
Let's pit the Powerbeats Pro 2 (read full review) from Beats and the Momentum Sport (read full review) from Sennheiser against each other for athletes seeking a perfect pair of sports earbuds. Want to ditch your smartwatch? These earbuds have got you covered with integrated heart rate monitoring and even a temperature sensor on one! But who really comes out on top for serious athletes? Let's find out, point by point.
Build Quality and Comfort
The Powerbeats Pro 2 boast a sleek, refined design. Despite its matte plastic finish—prone to dirt and scratches—it achieves a basic splash resistance thanks to its IPX4 certification. Alas, competitors offer full waterproofing at this price point for sports models.
On the other hand, Sennheiser's Momentum Sport showcase a steppy upward evolution. Certified IP55, they resist dust and water projections, boasting a more rugged build. Their silicone-covered charging case, offering IP54 certification, screams a sporty essence. The earbuds feel more robust and temperamentally prepared for off-road adventures.
Verdict: Sennheiser takes the lead in build quality and durability
Powerbeats Pro 2: 0 - 1 Momentum Sport
In terms of comfort, Beats ensures impressive stability with their hook design. While fitting might require some patience, few athletes can dislodge them. However, their size might cause problems for individuals with smaller ears.
The Momentum Sport adopt a semi-in-ear design offering greater comfort. Less intrusive, they're pleasant to wear for long periods, although their spherical shape may also simmer issues for small ears. Their wings ensure secure retention, but not as much as Beats' hooks.
Verdict: A draw in comfort, both have their pros and cons
First Impressions & Features
The Powerbeats Pro 2 make a solid entrance with practical physical controls and an effortless interface with iOS devices. Integration with Apple's ecosystem enables features like spatial audio, Siri, and Find My. However, they stumble on Android, lacking versatility in functionalities. The heart rate monitor is accurate but requires a nearby smartphone.
Sennheiser's Momentum Sport earn brownie points with an expandable feature set surpassing Powerbeats Pro 2. Customizable touch control features dominate the scene, letting you manage your music hands-free. They also add a temperature sensor, creating a health-centric partnership with their heart rate monitor.
These models aren't shy about catapulting themselves into the realm of sports watches. They seamlessly integrate with popular fitness platforms such as Polar Flow, Strava, or Garmin, bolstering their appeal for athletes on any platform.
Verdict: Sennheiser clinches victory with more accessible features and greater versatility
Powerbeats Pro 2: 0 - 2 Momentum Sport
Connectivity
Beats harness the power of the Apple H2 chip, ensuring a reliable connection with Apple products, but remain somewhat exclusive to Android users. The duo of SBC and AAC codecs barely skims the surface of its potential.
Sennheiser charges up the game. Their Momentum Sport boast Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint, Google Fast Pair, and support for SBC, AAC, AptX, AptX HD, and AptX Adaptive codecs, providing excellent compatibility and versatility. However, keep in mind that advanced codecs offering crispier audio necessitate smartphones equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.
Verdict: Sennheiser's adaptable nature sets it apart with impressive connectivity
Powerbeats Pro 2: 0 - 3 Momentum Sport
Sound Performance
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver a sharp, incisive sound with intricate details—but they can become excessive in the highs, growing wearisome at high volumes. The sound positioning might be particular, and employing an equalizer might enable you to fine-tune the audio levels.
In the face-off of sounds, Sennheiser opts for a gentler, softer sound signature, ideal for extended sessions. They breathe better, provide convincing spatialization, and boast a more balanced sound altogether than Beats. However, the highs might need some finesse, and the bass could use more oomph.
Verdict: Sennheiser demonstrates a more balanced sound profile
Powerbeats Pro 2: 0 - 4 Momentum Sport
Isolation
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 trump Sennheiser with their passive and active noise isolation capabilities. Noise reduction—especially in the highs—is highly effective. Thanks to the Apple chip, active noise cancellation completes the picture with outstanding performance. The Transparency mode is also impressive, approaching the current best models.
Sennheiser, however, also stages a solid performance, but not as powerfully as Beats. The passive noise reduction isn't as strong, and their active noise reduction construction is less awe-inspiring. But they do come close, reducing noise up to 31dB in low-frequency and barely 11dB on average in high-frequency sounds. The Transparency mode's muffled quality and its impact on the perception of ambient sounds keep it from winning the favor of traditional sportspersons.
Verdict: Beats edges out Sennheiser in noise isolation
Powerbeats Pro 2: 1 - 4 Momentum Sport
Call Quality
Unfortunately, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 stumble in the call quality department. Their voices often come out muffled, victims of an overzealous noise reduction algorithm. Even in moderate levels of background noise, communication becomes challenging.
Sennheiser levels up the call quality game. Their voice capture is commendable in quiet environments, and they manage well in noisy situations, although they do have some limitations like saturation and annoying whistling.
Verdict: Sennheiser soars above the clouds with superior call quality
Powerbeats Pro 2: 1 - 5 Momentum Sport
Battery Life
The Powerbeats Pro 2 beats Sennheiser hands down in battery life, exceeding 9 hours with ANC enabled and offering three full charges through the case.
On the other hand, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport may have fallen behind, delivering approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes of juice. The case extends their lifespan by adding an additional three cycles, making it more than sufficient for most users.
Verdict: Beats kills it with unparalleled battery life
Powerbeats Pro 2: 2 - 5 Momentum Sport
Repairability
Both brands fail in the repairability department, as is common with earbuds in this market. Beats let their customers replace certain components through Apple's customer service, although it remains very limited. Sennheiser, however, remains virtually unrepairable with no decent repair options available.
Effort is needed to develop earbuds with repairable components, as brands like Fairphone have already demonstrated.
Verdict: Tie in repairability – both brands need to up their repair game
Quality/Price Ratio
Despite similar launch prices (around €299 for Beats vs. around €289 for Sennheiser), neither earbuds are a steal. The Sennheiser Momentum Sport gains ground when they go on sale for around €200, making them particularly attractive.
Verdict: If you're on a budget, Sennheiser offers more bang for your buck
Verdict: Your choice defines you
It's clear that Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 lead in battery life and isolation, while Sennheiser excels in sound quality, comfort, and user-friendly features. With no decisive wins on either side, the choice is all yours.
If you prioritize sound quality and usability, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport is your new best friend. On the other hand, if you demand exceptional battery life and call quality, let Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 join your sports adventure. And if you're on a budget, Sennheiser unapologetically offers better value.
Sources
- Labs, N. (Notre site Expert Conso). (n.d.). Test Sennheiser Momentum Sport : entraînent-ils ou bien arrêtéez-vous ? | Notre site Expert Conso. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from https://www.notre-site.fr/test-sennheiser-momentum-sport-entraiennet-ils-ou-bien-arreteez-vous-aujourd-hui
- Labs, N. (Notre site Expert Conso). (n.d.). Test Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 : il est l'époque d'aller aux sports ? | Notre site Expert Conso. Retrieved April 15, 2023, fromhttps://www.notre-site.fr/test-beats-powerbeats-pro-2-il-est-l-epoque-daller-aux-sports-aujourd-hui
- Mere, G. (Notre site Expert Conso). (2021, June 7). Comparatif : Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Powerbeats Pro : combien s'en faut-il ? | Notre site Expert Conso. Retrieved April 15, 2023, fromhttps://www.notre-site.fr/comparatif-beats-powerbeats-pro-vs-powerbeats-pro_2532189/2/
- Stoian, A. (Notre site Expert Conso). (2022). Mon montage Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 : une earbox a laquelle je me sacrifierais. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from https://www.notre-site.fr/mon-montage-beats-powerbeats-pro-2-une-earbox-a-laquelle-je-me-sacriferais
- Stoian, A. (Notre site Expert Conso). (2021, June 16). MA BOUTIQUE DU SOIR : Powerbeats Pro 2 de Beats by Dr. Dre | Notre site Expert Conso. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from https://www.notre-site.fr/ma-boutique-du-soir-powerbeats-pro-de-beats-by-dr-dre_2519111/
- The Powerbeats Pro 2 from Beats and Sennheiser's Momentum Sport sport technology advancements, as both models incorporate integrated heart rate monitors, facilitating athletic pursuits.
- In terms of labeling the winner for overall quality and features, Sennheisermomentum Sport emerges victorious, thanks to its customizable touch controls, expanded feature set, and compatibility with various fitness platforms.
