Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless SE review: Best in class sound quality for money

Sennheiser's ACCENTUM Wireless headphones made a splash last year, and the recent Special Edition has taken that excitement further. Priced at ₹12,990, this version introduces some aesthetic enhancements along with a wireless dongle. Let's explore whether this economical offering meets expectations. The ACCENTUM Wireless SE arrives in a simple cardboard box, featuring the headphones, a charging cable, a BTD 600 dongle, and a quick start guide. Notably, a carry case is absent, likely a strategic choice to keep costs down for consumers. Visually, the headphones boast a sleek black design with a matte finish. Crafted entirely from polycarbonate, they feel surprisingly premium despite their lightweight of around 227 grams. The soft cushioning on the headband and earcups adds to their comfort, making them ideal for extended use. However, the design does raise concerns about the durability of the extending mechanism over time. Additionally, the lack of a foldable structure and carrying case may hinder portability. Equipped with 37mm drivers, the headphones deliver a well-balanced sound profile, providing clear audio and satisfying bass across various content formats. My experience listening to music was thoroughly enjoyable, although the surround sound effect while watching films felt somewhat underwhelming. The headphones offer two modes—Podcast and Bass Boost—but I found little necessity to utilize them. The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature leaves something to be desired, as it struggled to effectively block out background noise in a bustling work environment. Transparency mode was functional but failed to eliminate wind noise. Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth, and the included BTD 600 dongle enhances the experience by offering ultra-low latency and improved sound quality. Featuring a Type-C converter, this dongle allows easy connection to smartphones or MacBooks. The setup process is seamless: simply plug in the dongle, power on the headphones, and you’re ready to enjoy your audio without wired connections. For customization, the Smart Control app is essential. It provides a 5-band EQ for sound tuning, along with ANC options and ambient mode adjustments. A unique Sound Check tool personalizes the audio experience based on individual hearing preferences, making it easy to tailor the sound to your liking. The app also offers various connectivity settings and features for maximizing headphone performance. Battery life is another standout feature, with the ACCENTUM Wireless SE boasting up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge. With moderate daily use of 3 to 4 hours, a weekly charge suffices. A quick charge feature allows for several hours of playback from just a few minutes of charging, and the inclusion of a long charging cable is a welcome improvement over the often short cables provided with other premium headphones. In conclusion, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless SE clearly targets music enthusiasts, particularly those seeking quality sound during commutes or travels without straining their budget. While the ANC may not be the highlight of this model, its price point and audio performance make it an appealing option for those looking for solid headphones.