After dropping the ACCENTUM True Wireless Earbuds in 2024, Sennheiser’s back at it with the ACCENTUM Open. These are still true wireless earbuds, but with a twist—an open-ear design. So, while you’re enjoying your sound, you can actually hear the world around you. Because, you know, getting hit by a bus or shoved onto the subway tracks doesn’t really work as a selling point.
Situational awareness, people. It’s about not ignoring the world around you while you listen to your tunes.
From Friederike Menking, Product Manager: “ACCENTUM Open was designed to complement your busy life, not complicate it…Whether you are listening to music, catching up on a podcast at your desk, or checking in with your friends on your way to the train, the ease of use is second only to the sound.”
Technology
The ACCENTUM Open packs an 11mm dynamic transducer positioned just outside the ear canal. This setup gives you a fit that not only cuts down on ear fatigue but also keeps you aware of your surroundings—because getting lost in your music without any clue about the world around you isn’t ideal. The design is simple and intuitive, no need for fancy ear tips or clips, just pop them in and go.
Quick note: Since these are open-ear earbuds, don’t expect noise-canceling features. The whole point is to let in ambient sound, so you don’t miss the important stuff, like a passing car or someone shouting your name.
As for the tech, the ACCENTUM Open runs on Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, meaning you can switch between devices without missing a beat. Jump from a work call on your laptop to your favorite playlist on your phone, all without the hassle. Plus, with dual-beamforming microphones, your call quality stays sharp, filtering out background noise so your voice comes through loud and clear.
Comfort, Playtime and Waterproof Rating
Comfort and ease are key with the ACCENTUM Open. Each earbud weighs just 4.4 grams—about the weight of a playing card—so you barely notice them in your ears. They’re also easy to pop in and out when you need to, with a simple, ultralight stem that offers touch controls for quick adjustments.
As for playtime, these earbuds give you up to 6.5 hours on a single charge. When paired with the compact charging case, you’re looking at a total of 28 hours of use. And if you’re in a rush, just 10 minutes of charging via USB gives you up to 1.5 hours of playback—perfect for squeezing in a couple more episodes of whatever show you’re binging.
In terms of durability, the ACCENTUM Open is ready for whatever weather you’re facing with an IPX4 splash resistance rating. So whether it’s a light drizzle or you’re sweating it out at the gym, these earbuds are good to go.
Comparison
| ACCEENTUM Open | ACCENTUM True Wireless | |
| Product Type | True Wireless Earbuds | True Wireless Earbuds |
| Price | $99.95 | $199.95 |
| Wearing Style | Open-Ear True Wireless Stereo Earphones | Closed-Ear True Wireless Stereo Earphones |
| Ear Coupling | In-Concha | Ear-Canal |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 compliant, class 1, 10 mW (max) Bluetooth Classic | Bluetooth 5.3 certified, class 1 |
| Transmission (Freq/Modulation) | 2402 MHz to 2480 MHz; GFSK, π/4 DQPSK / 8DPSK | 2402 MHz to 2480 MHz. GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
| Supported Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP | AVRCP, A2DP, HFP, TMAP, PBP |
| Supported Codecs | SBC, AAC | aptX™, AAC, SBC, Auracast™ Broadcast Audio, LC3 |
| Speaker Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Speaker Size | 11mm | 7 mm |
| Speaker Frequency Range | 25 Hz to 15 k Hz (@ 90dBSPL) | 5 Hz to 21 kHz |
| Speaker Sensitivity | 109 dB (1 kHz / 1 mW) | 107 dB (1 kHz / 0 dBFS) |
| Speaker THD | <0,08% (1kHz / 94dB) | < 0.08 % (1 kHz / 94 dB) |
| Speaker Impedance | Not applicable (active BT headphones) | Not applicable (active BT headphones) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | – | Hybrid ANC technology |
| Microphone Type | MEMS | MEMS |
| Mic Frequency Range | 100 Hz to 10 kHz | 100 Hz to 10 kHz |
| Mic Pick-up Pattern | 2 mics per earbud, beamforming for noise reduction | 2 mics per earbud, beamforming for noise reduction |
| Battery Type | Built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries/Earbud: 36mAh (MBT) / 35 mAh (VDL), Charging case: 400 mAh | Built-in lithium rechargeable batteries: earbuds (R and L): 3.7 V DC-Symbol, 55 mAh, 0.204 Wh or 3.8 V DC-Symbol, 72 mAh, 0.274 Wh charging case: 3.7 V DC-Symbol, 400 – 420 mAh, 1.55 Wh max. |
| Battery Lifespan | Up to 6 hrs music playtime with earbuds/Up to 24 hrs overall music playtime with charging case (test condition: iPhone, mid volume level 85dB) | 8 hrs with the rechargeable battery of the earbud 28 hrs with the rechargeable battery in the charging case (test conditions: smartphone within 1 m distance, Bluetooth AAC codec, volume level 50 %, ANC off) |
| Charging Time | Approx. 1 hr for fully charged/After 10 min charging, 1 hr music playtime | Approx. 1.5 hours for full charge/Approx. 10 minutes for 1 hour of music playback |
| Power Supply | 5 V, 500 mA max/USB charging via USB-C socket at the charging case | USB charging via USB-C socket:5 V DC-Symbol, 500 mA; |
| Wireless Charging | Not Indicated | Qi Wireless Charging |
| Weather Resistance | IPx4, splash resistant (earbuds only) | Splash proof (IP54) |
| Product Dimension (earbuds and charging case) | 51.77 x 50.18 x 25.36 mm | 49.02 x52.07 x 28.96 mm |
| Product Weight | 38 g (both earbuds and charging case) 4.35 g (single earbud) 29.3 g (charging case) | 52 g (both earbuds and charging case) 5.5 g (each earbud) 41 g (charging case) |
| Operating Condition | Operating Temp: 0 to +40°C Charging Temp: 5 to 35℃/Rel. humidity 10 to 80%, non-condensing | Operating Temp: 0 to +40°C Charging Temp: 5 to 35℃/Rel. humidity 10 to 80%, non-condensing |
| Storage Condition | Temp: –20 to +60°C/Rel. humidity 10 to 90% | Temp: –20 to +60°C/Rel. humidity 10 to 90% |
| Colors | Cream, Black | White, Black, Blue |
The Bottom Line
The wireless earbud market is flooded with options, and choosing the right pair is becoming more challenging than ever. The two main categories—In-Ear and Open Ear—each have their own strengths, but Open Ear models are gaining traction fast. While they don’t come with fancy noise cancellation features that shut you off from the world, Open Ear designs like the ACCENTUM Open offer situational awareness, keeping you in tune with your surroundings and adding a layer of safety for the listener.
At just $99.95, the ACCENTUM Open stands out in a crowded market. While you can find similarly priced closed-ear options from brands like SkullCandy, Edifier, and Final, or more affordable open-ear models from 1MORE (which throw in some noise cancellation for phone calls), Sennheiser’s reputation for sound quality and innovation makes this model a compelling choice.
In a sea of earbuds, Sennheiser’s ability to carve out a niche with the ACCENTUM Open is exactly what makes it worth considering.
Price & Availability
ACCENTUM Open are available in cream or black for $99.95 at Amazon, but won’t ship until June 9, 2025.
The previously released ACCENTUM True Wireless are available now in black, blue or white for $199.95 at Amazon.
Related Reading
- Cleer Audio Launches ARC 3 Sport Pro: Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds for Active Lifestyles
- Sony LinkBuds Open Review: More Affordable Than Apple and Bose Wireless Earbuds
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Review: Too Expensive or AirPod Killers?
- Apple Introduces AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- 8 Open-Ear Style Wireless Earbuds Compared
