Sennheiser CX Plus

The Sennheiser CX Plus delivers some of the best sound we've tested in true wireless earbuds. The ANC and app are a letdown though, so you're paying for audio excellence above everything else. If you're a sound-first buyer, these are a solid pick.

The Sennheiser CX Plus earbuds are all about one thing: sound. And they nail it. In our database, they land in the absolute top tier for audio quality, delivering crisp highs and deep, satisfying bass that you can adjust to your taste. They're comfortable for all-day wear once you find the right ear tips, and the touch controls are genuinely handy.

But the rest of the package feels a little less premium. The active noise cancellation is decent but doesn't match what Bose or Sony offer at this price, and the companion app is a constant source of gripes. If you're a music purist who doesn't mind a so-so app and just wants fantastic audio, these are worth a look. If you need the best noise cancelling, you'll want to keep scrolling.

Sound is where these shine, hitting the 97th percentile across our benchmarks. That's essentially top of the charts, with detail and separation that make you rediscover your music library. Comfort is a standout too, earning a 93rd percentile score, and the mic quality (90th) makes calls clear in quieter spots. ANC holds its own but isn't best-in-class; at the 88th percentile it's good, but not a game-changer. Battery life is solid at 8 hours, though that only lands in the middle of the pack overall, and connectivity is above average but not flawless. The real weak spot is the software experience, which lags behind the hardware.

With prices bouncing between $180 and $247, you're paying primarily for that stellar sound. If audio quality is your number one priority, the CX Plus delivers in spades and feels like a fair deal. But the ANC and app experience lag behind rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which often cost about the same. So value depends on what you weight most: these are a no-brainer for sound-first listeners, but a tougher sell if you expect a polished all-around package.

Stacked against the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, the Sennheiser wins on pure sound quality, period. Those competitors beat it handily on noise cancelling and app polish though. Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer tighter ecosystem integration if you're on a Galaxy phone, and the Technics EAH-AZ100-K are a strong alternative with similar audio chops. Even the budget-friendly EarFun Air Pro 4+ gives the CX Plus a run for its money on ANC performance. So the Sennheiser holds a narrow crown for audiophiles, but compromises start piling up if you care about anything beyond audio.

If you need top-tier active noise cancelling for a loud commute or office, look at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WF-1000XM5 instead. Similarly, if a polished app and seamless ecosystem matters, Samsung or Apple buds will treat you better. The CX Plus just isn't the right fit for those priorities.

Buy these if sound is your religion and you're willing to forgive a mediocre app and just-okay ANC. They're for the person who queues up a FLAC file and zones out, not the commuter who needs to silence a subway car. The comfort and audio quality are genuinely top-notch, but know that you're trading away refinement in other areas to get there.