Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones: A Comprehensive Review

When it comes to premium wireless headphones, Sennheiser has always been a name that stands out. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones are no exception. Packed with cutting-edge features, these headphones promise an unparalleled audio experience. But do they live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the Sennheiser Momentum 4, from design and sound quality to battery life and noise cancellation. Whether you're an audiophile or a casual listener, this review will help you decide if the Momentum 4 is the right choice for you.

Introduction: What Makes the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Stand Out?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones are the latest addition to Sennheiser’s acclaimed Momentum series. Known for their exceptional sound quality and premium build, the Momentum 4 takes things a step further with improved battery life, advanced noise cancellation, and a sleek, modern design. But how do they stack up against competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra? Let’s find out.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetic Appeal

The Momentum 4 features a more understated and minimalist design compared to its predecessors. Gone are the flashy metal accents and bold branding. Instead, you get a sleek, all-black or white finish with subtle Sennheiser logos. This design choice makes the headphones more versatile and suitable for both casual and professional settings.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is a key factor for any pair of headphones, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods. The Momentum 4 excels in this department with its plush leatherette ear pads and a padded silicone headband. The ear cups are generously sized, ensuring a comfortable fit for most ear shapes. However, some users have noted that the firm fit might feel a bit tight during long listening sessions.

Portability

The Momentum 4 comes with a hard-shell carrying case, but it’s slightly bulkier than the cases provided with competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5. While this might not be a dealbreaker, it’s something to consider if you’re frequently on the go.

Sound Quality: A Treat for Audiophiles

Audio Performance

The Momentum 4 delivers a rich, detailed sound profile that’s sure to impress even the most discerning listeners. The bass is deep and punchy without overpowering the mids and highs. The soundstage is wide and open, making it ideal for genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music. Instrument separation is excellent, allowing you to pick out individual elements in complex tracks.

“The Momentum 4’s sound quality is a game-changer for audiophiles. The level of detail and nuance is unparalleled in its class.”

EQ Customization

One of the standout features of the Momentum 4 is the ability to customize the sound profile using the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound or a more balanced profile, the app lets you tweak the EQ settings to suit your preferences. This level of customization is a major plus for audiophiles who want complete control over their listening experience.

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the Momentum 4 holds its own in terms of sound quality. While the Sony headphones offer slightly better noise cancellation, the Momentum 4’s audio performance is more refined and natural. The Bose QC Ultra, on the other hand, falls short in terms of bass response and overall clarity.

Battery Life: A Game-Changer

Unmatched Endurance

One of the most impressive features of the Momentum 4 is its battery life. With up to 60 hours of playback time on a single charge (with ANC turned on), these headphones outlast nearly every competitor in their class. The Sony WH-1000XM5, for instance, offers only 30 hours of battery life, while the Bose QC Ultra manages just 24 hours.

Quick Charge

If you’re in a hurry, the Momentum 4 supports quick charging. Just 10 minutes of charging can provide up to 6 hours of playback time. This is a lifesaver for frequent travelers or anyone who forgets to charge their headphones overnight.

Noise Cancellation: Effective but Not Perfect

ANC Performance

The Momentum 4’s active noise cancellation (ANC) is highly effective, especially for blocking out constant low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or traffic noise. However, it falls slightly short when it comes to higher-frequency noises, such as human voices or sudden loud noises. While it’s not the best in its class, it’s still more than adequate for most users.

Ambient Sound Mode

The Momentum 4 also features an ambient sound mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. While this feature works well, it’s not as advanced as the transparency mode on the AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM5. Voices can sound a bit muffled, and the overall experience feels less natural.

Connectivity and Controls

Bluetooth and Codecs

The Momentum 4 supports Bluetooth 5.2 and a range of audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive. This ensures a stable connection and high-quality audio streaming, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. The headphones also support multi-device pairing, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your phone, laptop, and tablet.

Touch Controls

The touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups are intuitive and responsive. You can play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust the volume, and activate voice assistants with simple gestures. However, some users have reported accidental touches, which can be a bit frustrating.

Wired Listening

For those who prefer a wired connection, the Momentum 4 comes with a USB-C to 3.5mm cable. This is a great option for audiophiles who want to enjoy lossless audio or for situations where Bluetooth isn’t ideal.

Call Quality: Good but Not Great

The Momentum 4’s microphone array does a decent job of picking up your voice during calls. In quiet environments, call quality is clear and crisp. However, in noisy environments, the microphones struggle to isolate your voice from background noise. If you frequently take calls in loud settings, you might find the Sony WH-1000XM5 to be a better option.

App Experience: Sennheiser Smart Control

The Sennheiser Smart Control app is a powerful tool for customizing your listening experience. In addition to EQ settings, the app lets you adjust the ANC levels, set up sound zones, and update the firmware. The interface is user-friendly, and the app works seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality with deep bass and clear highs
• Industry-leading battery life (up to 60 hours)
• Comfortable and premium build quality
• Customizable EQ and ANC settings via the app
• Supports aptX Adaptive for high-quality audio streaming

Cons

• ANC is effective but not the best in class
• Slightly bulky carrying case
• Call quality could be better in noisy environments
• Firm fit might feel tight for some users

Comparison to Competitors

Sony WH-1000XM5

• Pros: Superior noise cancellation, more compact design, better call quality
• Cons: Shorter battery life, higher price

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

• Pros: Excellent noise cancellation, lightweight design
• Cons: Inferior sound quality, shorter battery life

Sennheiser Momentum 4

• Pros: Best sound quality, longest battery life, customizable EQ
• Cons: Bulkier case, less effective ANC

Who Should Buy the Sennheiser Momentum 4?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones are ideal for:

• Audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and customization
• Frequent travelers who need long battery life and decent noise cancellation
• Professionals looking for a sleek, versatile pair of headphones for work and leisure

Final Verdict

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for premium sound quality, long battery life, and a comfortable fit. While they may not have the absolute best noise cancellation or call quality, their overall performance more than makes up for these minor shortcomings. At $380 (often available on sale for around $270), they offer excellent value for money and stand out as one of the best wireless headphones on the market.

If you’re ready to elevate your listening experience, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is definitely worth considering.

What do you think about the Sennheiser Momentum 4? Have you tried them, or are you considering buying them? Share your thoughts in the comments below!