Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless Review: ANC, aptX Adaptive & TrueResponse Sound
The Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless combines Sennheiser's TrueResponse 7mm dynamic drivers with Active Noise Cancellation, Transparent Hearing, aptX Adaptive support and customizable controls for a feature-rich true wireless listening experience.
Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless
Premium true wireless earbuds featuring ANC, Transparent Hearing, 7mm TrueResponse drivers, aptX Adaptive and USB-C charging.
Sennheiser CX Plus: Quick Specifications
Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless Overview
The CX Plus True Wireless is positioned as a feature-rich pair of in-ear wireless earbuds focused on sound quality, noise control and everyday convenience.
Its 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducers are paired with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparent Hearing. This gives users the choice of reducing external noise or deliberately letting environmental sound through when needed.
Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity supports aptX, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC, while the Sennheiser Smart Control app provides additional personalization options.
Sound Quality & 7mm TrueResponse Drivers
Sennheiser uses its 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducer in the CX Plus. The speaker system has a published frequency response of 5Hz to 21kHz.
The closed-back in-ear design also provides physical isolation from the surrounding environment before Active Noise Cancellation is considered.
Adjustable Sound
The Sennheiser Smart Control app provides equalizer controls and sound personalization. Bass Boost can also be used when a stronger low-frequency presentation is preferred.
Active Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation is one of the CX Plus's main features. It is designed to reduce unwanted environmental noise so users can focus more easily on music, podcasts and calls.
ANC can be particularly useful in environments such as offices, public transport and other continuously noisy surroundings.
Transparent Hearing
Transparent Hearing lets environmental sound pass through the earbuds without requiring the user to remove them.
This can be useful when talking to someone, listening for announcements or maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment.
Bluetooth & High-Quality Codecs
The CX Plus uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports several audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive.
| Codec | Availability | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| SBC | Supported | Standard Bluetooth audio compatibility |
| AAC | Supported | Commonly used by Apple devices |
| aptX | Supported | Higher-quality Bluetooth audio on compatible devices |
| aptX Adaptive | Supported | Adaptive higher-quality Bluetooth transmission on compatible devices |
The available codec depends on the connected source device and its operating system and Bluetooth implementation.
Call Quality & Microphones
Each earbud uses a dual-microphone arrangement designed to optimize speech pickup during calls and voice-assistant use.
The microphone system works together with the earbuds' processing to help provide clearer voice communication.
Sennheiser Smart Control App
The Smart Control app is an important part of the CX Plus experience. It provides access to sound personalization, equalizer settings, Bass Boost and customizable touch controls.
Users can configure how different touch interactions control playback, calls and voice-assistant functions.
EQ
Adjust the sound profile to suit different music preferences.
Touch Controls
Customize interactions for playback, calls and other functions.
Bass Boost
Add stronger low-frequency emphasis when desired.
Smart Pause & Independent Earbud Use
Smart Pause automatically pauses audio when an earbud is removed and resumes playback when it is placed back in the ear.
The CX Plus also supports independent use of the left or right earbud, allowing either side to be used individually.
Battery Life & Charging
Sennheiser rates the CX Plus earbuds for up to 8 hours of music playback. The charging case provides additional battery capacity for a total of up to 24 hours of playback.
Battery performance varies according to volume, codec, ANC usage, device settings and environmental conditions.
Design, Fit & Comfort
The CX Plus uses a traditional in-ear true wireless design with silicone ear adapters. Sennheiser includes four ear-tip sizes: XS, S, M and L.
Choosing the correct ear-tip size is important not only for comfort but also for passive isolation and the effectiveness of Active Noise Cancellation.
IPX4 Splash Resistance
The earbuds carry an IPX4 rating for splash resistance. This makes them suitable for everyday situations where they may encounter sweat or light splashes.
Gaming & Video Experience
Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive support can be useful for compatible devices where low-latency or adaptive Bluetooth audio is available.
The actual gaming latency depends on the source device, game, Bluetooth implementation and selected codec. Therefore, the CX Plus should not be treated as a dedicated ultra-low-latency gaming headset.
Use-Case Assessment
These are editorial use-case assessments, not laboratory benchmark measurements.
Sennheiser CX Plus: Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Excellent 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Transparent Hearing mode
- aptX Adaptive support
- Also supports aptX, AAC and SBC
- Customizable sound through Smart Control app
- Adjustable Bass Boost
- Customizable touch controls
- Smart Pause
- Independent left/right earbud operation
- Up to 8 hours per charge
- Up to 24 hours with charging case
- USB-C charging
- IPX4 splash resistance
- Four ear-tip sizes included
✕ Cons
- Older Bluetooth 5.2 standard
- No wireless charging listed for the case
- IPX4 is only splash resistant
- Battery life is shorter than some newer competitors
- Large feature set may require app setup for full personalization
- Actual aptX Adaptive availability depends on the source device
- Model is from an older generation of Sennheiser true wireless earbuds
Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless Full Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless |
| Model / SKU | 509188 (Black) / 509189 (White) |
| Wearing Style | True wireless stereo earbuds |
| Ear Coupling | Ear canal / in-ear |
| Transducer Principle | Dynamic, closed-back |
| Driver | 7mm TrueResponse |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz–21kHz |
| Sound Pressure Level | 114dB at 1kHz / 0dBFS |
| THD | <0.08% |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
| Transparent Hearing | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, Class 1 |
| Profiles | HFP, AVRCP, A2DP |
| Codecs | aptX, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Microphones | 2 per earbud / beamforming array |
| Microphone Frequency Response | 100Hz–10kHz |
| Earbud Battery | 55mAh each |
| Charging Case Battery | 400–420mAh |
| Earbud Playback | Up to 8 hours |
| Total Playback | Up to 24 hours |
| Quick Charge | 10 minutes provides approximately 1 hour playback |
| Full Charging Time | Approximately 1.5 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Earbud Weight | 6g each |
| Charging Case Weight | 37g |
| App | Sennheiser Smart Control |
| Smart Pause | Yes |
| Independent Earbud Use | Yes |
Who Should Buy the Sennheiser CX Plus?
Music Lovers
A strong option for listeners who prioritize Sennheiser's TrueResponse sound and want EQ customization.
ANC Users
Useful for commuters, office workers and travellers who want active noise reduction.
Android Users
aptX and aptX Adaptive make the CX Plus particularly interesting for compatible Android smartphones.
Who Should Consider Another Pair?
If you want the newest Bluetooth standards, significantly longer battery life, wireless charging or newer-generation features, a more recent true wireless model may be worth considering.
Final Verdict
The Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless remains an appealing choice for listeners who prioritize sound quality and codec flexibility. Its 7mm TrueResponse drivers, aptX Adaptive support and customizable EQ give it a strong audio-focused identity.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparent Hearing make the earbuds versatile for everyday use, while the 8-hour earbud battery and 24-hour total battery provide a practical amount of listening time.
The main consideration is age. Bluetooth 5.2, 24-hour total battery life and the lack of newer-generation conveniences mean newer premium earbuds can offer more modern specifications.
Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless FAQ
Does the Sennheiser CX Plus have ANC?
Yes. The CX Plus True Wireless includes Active Noise Cancellation as well as Transparent Hearing mode.
What driver is used in the CX Plus?
It uses a 7mm Sennheiser TrueResponse dynamic driver.
Does CX Plus support aptX Adaptive?
Yes. It supports aptX, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC codecs.
What is the battery life of CX Plus?
The earbuds are rated for up to 8 hours of playback, with up to 24 hours including the charging case.
Does CX Plus support fast charging?
Yes. Sennheiser states that a 10-minute charge can provide approximately 1 hour of music playback.
Is Sennheiser CX Plus waterproof?
No. It has an IPX4 splash-resistance rating and should not be submerged or used for swimming.
Does CX Plus use USB-C?
Yes. The charging case charges through a USB-C connector.
Can I use one CX Plus earbud independently?
Yes. Sennheiser supports independent use of the left or right earbud.
Does the CX Plus have an app?
Yes. The Sennheiser Smart Control app provides sound personalization, equalizer controls, Bass Boost and customizable touch controls.
How many ear-tip sizes are included?
Sennheiser includes XS, S, M and L silicone ear adapters.
Interested in the Sennheiser CX Plus?
Check the Amazon listing for the current price, availability and exact colour/variant before purchasing.
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Source & Specification Note
Core specifications in this review are based primarily on Sennheiser's published CX Plus True Wireless specifications, including the 7mm TrueResponse transducer, Bluetooth 5.2, supported codecs, ANC, IPX4 rating, battery capacity and playback specifications.
Battery figures are manufacturer-rated maximums under specified test conditions. Actual playback time varies with volume, codec, ANC use, connected device and other factors.