Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi review

Product of the Year, Awards 2017. Sennheiser’s Momentum range continues to grow and so does our admiration for it – these are superb in-ears for the money Tested at £90

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Sennheiser’s Momentum range continues to grow and so does our admiration for it – these are superb in-ears for the money

Pros

  • +

    Comfortable fit

  • +

    Attractive design

  • +

    Wonderfully clear and detailed sound

  • +

    Tight, full-bodied bass

  • +

    Expressive mids and highs

Cons

  • -

    Nothing of note

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Some headphone ranges are just plain confusing. Mixing multiple designs and model numbers is a recipe for a sore head. Sennheiser’s Momentum range has no such issues.

First came the launch of the excellent over-ears, followed by a smaller pair of on-ears. A third addition to the family then came in the shape of the Momentum In-Ears.

Video review

Build and design

The Momentum range has a reputation for style and comfort and these in-ears continue the trend. They mix a modern look with a classy finish; the earpieces look striking in their deep-red colourway, complemented nicely by a two-tone headphone cable and in-line remote.

Small details like the Sennheiser logos and cable loops on each earpiece make the Momentum In-Ears stand out from the crowd at this level.

Even the in-line mic and remote has been designed to blend in with the rest of the package – the chunky, yet discreet, buttons don’t leave you fumbling around and the mic has you reading loud and clear.

There are two versions of the M2s: the M2 IEis are for iPhones, while the M2 IEGs are designed to work with Android devices

There are two versions of the M2s: the M2 IEis are for iPhones, while the M2 IEGs are designed to work with Android devices

The M2 IEis feature an in-line mic and remote for Apple smartphones, while a variant called the M2 IEG carries the relevant control/mic combination for Android mobiles (and shares the same sound quality). Fit is excellent and comfort levels are high – you get a choice of four different-sized eartips to help promote a good seal, which is easy to arrive at.

Performance

Make sure the eartips are big enough to give a snug fit, otherwise you’ll compromise bass weight

Make sure the eartips are big enough to give a snug fit, otherwise you’ll compromise bass weight

Play a few tracks on either the Apple or Android variants, and these Sennheiser headphones show all the signs of quality buds. They promote a smooth and balanced sound similar to that displayed by both their big brothers. There’s plenty of drive and a great sense of musicality. Lows are rich and weighty.

Play Jay-Z’s Already Home and the pounding bass notes at the beginning of the track are full-bodied but they still arrive with purpose and intent. Leading edges are well defined and the pace is aided by the Sennheiser’s nimbleness and ability to keep a fast-tempo.

The Momentums deliver on numerous fronts, but it’s the wonderful sense of clarity and stunning level of detail that really shine

The Momentums deliver on numerous fronts, but it’s the wonderful sense of clarity and stunning level of detail that really shine

Highs are crisp and precise: the strings looping in the background poke and pulse out of the top of the soundstage with impressive dynamism.

There’s a fine sense of clarity to the sound too. Play Hozier’s Take Me to Church, there’s an impressive sense of spaciousness around instruments and vocals. Finer elements such as the echo and reverb around his vocal are easy to pick out and the tune has a real sermon-like feel to it.

Verdict

Sennheiser’s Momentum range has made a real impact and it’s fair to say the addition of in-ear models has continued to deliver on all fronts.

Though they lost their Awards crown to Klipsch's superlative R6i II in 2018, these former Product of the Year winners remain a fine option for those seeking a pair of in-ear all-rounders for less than a ton.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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