Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review

Sennheiser's CX True Wireless headphones sound better than their predecessors and offer an interesting selection of EQ presets. But competitors are already catching up and surpassing Sennheiser in some respects.

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review

You have to take a closer look to find the external differences between the CX True Wireless and the Sennheiser CX 400BT . Hopefully, the CX True Wireless inherits the great sound from the previous model. Let's see if Sennheiser's earbuds maintain their lead in the competitive race.
Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review




Sennheiser CX True Wireless Specifications
Model: CX200TW1
Color: black and white
Waterproof: IPX4
Bluetooth: 5.2 with AAC and aptX codecs
Autonomy: 9 hours (headphones), 27 hours (with a case)
Dimensions: 59 x 33.8 x 42.3mm (charging case)
Weight: 6g (earphone), 49g (with case)




Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review
Design and ergonomics

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review

The weight, size and dimensions are almost the same here, as well as the square design of the touchpads has remained unchanged. The only difference is that the Sennheiser logo has changed from silver to matte black. The new CX True Wireless come in black and white, which has become a tradition for Sennheiser.
Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


The model feels quite comfortable when used in the ears, and the touch controls are very responsive. There is no active noise canceling system, although many headphones in this price range are already equipped with ANC. An example is the CX Plus from the same manufacturer.

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


However, passive noise isolation is quite effective here: silicone nozzles do not completely drown out external noise, but they noticeably reduce its level. Headphones are supplied in four sizes with markings XS, S, L and M, the latter are installed by default.

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


Another external change: the LED indicator on the case-charging case has been moved from the back to the front. Everything else remains the same.

Sound control and settings are carried out via the Smart Control app (Android, iOS). While the app doesn’t pamper with a wide variety of features, it does have all the necessary settings, equalizer, firmware updates, and touch controls.

The new CX True Wireless boasts several additional features such as the ability to set a sleep timer, Bass Boost and Sidetone. The latter allows you to hear your own voice during a call, which, according to Sennheiser, gives a more comfortable experience.


Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


In the app, you can adjust the degree of audibility of your voice in the range from 0 to 100. I was not impressed with the Sidetone function. During the conversation, my voice sounded unnatural, and the volume control changed the noise level. At 100% in Sidetone, my voice sounded louder, but more robotic when at 50% there was more noise. The quality of communication, in my opinion, is not above average here. Even with two microphones on each earpiece, my voice was captured rather weakly, and the wind noise was heard by the interlocutor.

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


There are four presets for the equalizer: Neutral, Podcast, Movie, and Bass Boost. The neutral mode is used by default.  Bass Boost is good to use along with Movie, but not with Podcast. The latter has its advantages, significantly expanding the soundstage.

Sennheiser's earbuds support Bluetooth 5.2, although the connection was unstable in busy places. Codec support remains the same - SBC, AAC and aptX. The water resistance is the same as the CX 400BT - IPX4.

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review



Sound Quality


The new CX True Wireless sound better in my opinion. The emphasis seems to be on the high frequencies, as opposed to the CX 400BT, which reproduces bass more deeply and expressively. But, you can add expressiveness to the low frequencies using the Bass Boost function. Activate it, and the bass will become more textured and weighty, without sacrificing the upper range. Overall, the sound is also more spacious.


Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


Both models use 7mm drivers, although the new CX model is additionally equipped with Sennheiser TrueResponse technology. It is said to result in less noise from a single high-performance speaker. And I can confirm this: compared to the CX 400BT, the hiss is almost inaudible here.


When comparing audio from the CX True Wireless to the Beats Studio Buds , it's hard to tell which headphone is the best. The Sennheisers have a wider stage width, but the detail is no better than the Beats. Studio Buds, which play tracks with more dynamics and also excellent separation.


Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


Autonomy Sennheiser CX True Wireless

We get 9 and 27 hours in total, which is a noticeable difference compared to 6.5 and 20 hours for the CX 400BT. There is no wireless charging, although there is fast charging: 15 minutes of recharging provides 60 minutes of operation. However, this is slower than the CX 400BT, where 10 minutes gives an additional 90 minutes of autonomy.


Outcome

My impression of the Sennheiser CX True Wireless is mixed. The sound quality has improved over the CX 400BT, although the lead over the competition has narrowed significantly.

The new CX True Wireless is no longer the undisputed leader in the wireless headphone market. Especially considering the lack of active noise cancellation technology, which has already become the norm at this price point.

Sennheiser CX True Wireless Review


Should I buy

If you are looking for reliable, affordable earbuds and are comfortable with the lack of ANC technology, then Sennheiser's CX True Wireless should be yours. But, if, in addition to high-quality sound, noise cancellation is important to you, I advise you to pay attention to the CX Plus model from Sennheiser.

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