Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless review: What are the differences to the CX True Wireless?
A TEST REPORT from David Haydl 
on December 12, 2021, 10:30 | Write a comment
I checked them out in August CX True Wireless from Sennheiser before the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless appeared a few weeks ago. My test report.
I was very enthusiastic about the CX True Wireless because you probably won't find anything better for the price. Of course, Sennheiser also had to make some compromises so that this could come about. For example, the in-ears come without active noise cancellation.
But if you can't do without ANC and still don't want to dig deep into your wallet, the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless could be something for you. I was able to test these in-ear headphones.
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Unboxing and initial setup
The design of the packaging is still the same as before. You can see a picture of the front Products, the Proproduct name, a logo and references to headphone features. A list of the contents of the package has been printed on one side and attention is drawn to the Smart Control app. On the facing page the integrated technologies are listed, on the back there is a detailed overview of functions.
Sennheiser puts these things in the packaging. (Image: TechnikNews)
The case can be opened on the underside so that you can get to the box with the contents of the packaging in the next step. This includes a thank you card, the headphones themselves, instructions, a USB-C cable that is too short for charging and three pairs of ear tips of different sizes.
Also the furnishingprozess remained unchanged, everything here is the same as before. The plugs must first be inserted into the case in order for them to boot up. Then they have to be inserted into the ear and the pairing mode has to be initiated. This is done by pressing the touch surfaces on the sides of the in-ears. Now they should appear in the Bluetooth settings of a device. Alternatively, there is again a guided setup in the Sennheiser app. Finally, all you have to do is find the right attachments and you're good to go.
Design, comfort and workmanship
The look of the CX Plus True Wireless hardly differs from the normal CX True Wireless. They are again available in black and white, the case is still quite bulky and the case is made of plastic and is still way too big in my opinion. Differences are only noticeable when you look directly. The aforementioned touch surfaces are reflective and not matt on this model and the company name is printed on the flap of the case, not embedded in the housing. So the changes are really only marginal.
The CX Plus True Wireless look a lot like the slightly older CX True Wireless. (Image: TechnikNews)
Therefore, my opinion on the appearance and the wearing comfort remains unchanged - the charging case feels uncomfortable in the pocket due to its large volume and the in-ears can start to push through the shape after a while in the ear. So after a few hours you will be forced to take a break.
The processing is just as good as the other Product. Although all components are made of plastic, no scratches or other signs of use are visible after my test period. In addition, the in-ears are again protected against the ingress of water according to IPX4. What I also really like about the case is that the plugs are held securely and can still be removed without much effort.
Battery life
The Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless should "only" last 24 hours on a full charge, while the CX True Wireless is 27 hours. This is due to the implementation of ANC and the associated ongoing inversions of the outside noise that the microphone picks up.
Do you notice this difference in the running time in everyday life? There is a very clear no to this question, the difference is so small that it is not noticeable. With heavy use, I had to charge these in-ear headphones after two to three days, and with lighter use, they often lasted a week. You also have to consider that the competition is often over after a total of 24 hours - so Sennheiser is not lagging behind here.
The headphones are fully charged in around one and a half hours. A charging time of 15 minutes gives a playback time of one hour.
sound quality
As already mentioned, the only difference to the regular CX True Wireless is the Active Noise Canceling. This actively suppresses environmental noises, plus the already good passive sealing of the silicone tips. There is also Transparent Hearing, which lets noise through the microphones if desired.
The sound itself, however, remained unchanged. Melodies are very detailed, but voices can often seem a bit dull. For the price, the quality is still pretty much the best there is. The noise cancellation just explained is a welcome addition. Especially in a crowded train, in a café or in comparable places you have noticeably more peace and quiet. Due to the better seal, the effect is a little stronger than with the AirPods Pro, to the oppression of Sony WF-1000XM4 however, they do not come close.
Prices and availability
The Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless are available for an RRP of 159,90 euros and are available from Sennheiser, Amazon and other retailers. It should also be mentioned that the price of the CX True Wireless has fallen to 99 euros in the meantime.
Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless: Conclusion
Now, of course, the big question arises as to whether you should go for the Plus version, which scores with active noise suppression, or get along with the normal CX True Wireless. After all, these are almost unbeatable for the low price.
Picture: TechnikNews
As a new buyer, I would definitely choose the CX Plus True Wireless. The ANC can often be an advantage and I don't really need the three additional hours of battery life that you get with the CX True Wireless. If you don't want to spend so much money, you are still well advised with the in-ears without ANC. In my opinion, upgrading from these is not worthwhile, as the added value is simply too low.
Thank you for providing the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless!
