Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: A Comparison

When it comes to premium wireless headphones, two names that frequently dominate the market are Sennheiser and Sony. Both brands are known for delivering top-tier sound quality, advanced noise cancellation technology, and exceptional comfort. Among their standout models are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and the Sony WH-1000XM4, both of which promise to elevate your listening experience to new heights. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking superior sound or a frequent traveler in need of unbeatable noise cancellation, these headphones offer features designed to meet diverse needs. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences and similarities between the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 to help you make an informed decision about which one suits you best.

Sennheiser Consumer Audio Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones offer a premium listening experience with a host of impressive features, but they come with a few downsides that potential buyers should be aware of. The headphones provide excellent sound quality, thanks to Sennheiser’s audiophile-inspired 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive, making them a solid choice for those who appreciate high-fidelity audio. The Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) works effectively, helping users immerse themselves in their music without distractions, while the Adjustable Transparency Mode allows them to stay aware of their surroundings when needed. Comfort is also a strong suit, as the headphones are lightweight, with a cushioned headband and ear pads, making them suitable for long listening sessions. Battery life is another standout feature, offering an impressive 60 hours of playback with the added bonus of fast charging.

However, there are a few issues that could affect the overall user experience. Some customers have reported problems with Bluetooth connectivity, with dropouts occurring during use, which can be frustrating. Additionally, while the noise cancellation works well for most, the sound quality has received mixed feedback, with some users finding it imbalanced. The ease of use is another area of concern, with some people finding the headphones intuitive, while others describe the interface as finicky. Finally, while some may consider these headphones a premium product worth the price, others may feel that the value for money is not quite there, given the connectivity issues and inconsistent sound performance.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Sennheiser Signature Sound with 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive.
2. Adaptive Noise Cancellation and Adjustable Transparency Mode for a personalized listening experience.
3. Up to 60 hours of playback with fast charging.
4. Lightweight, foldable design with padded headband and ear pads for comfort.
5. Four digital beamforming microphones for crystal-clear calls and wind noise suppression.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with aptX Adaptive and 42mm transducers.
2. Impressive 60-hour battery life and fast charging.
3. Comfortable, lightweight design for extended use.
4. Effective Adaptive Noise Cancellation for immersive listening.
5. Clear voice calls with wind noise suppression.

Cons:

1. Occasional Bluetooth connectivity dropouts.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Headphones are a solid choice for those seeking exceptional sound quality and noise-canceling performance. With Dual Noise Sensor technology, these headphones offer superior active noise cancellation, allowing users to enjoy an immersive listening experience without distractions. The sound quality is top-notch, with the added benefit of Edge AI and DSEE Extreme, which upscales compressed digital music in real-time for better clarity. The headphones are designed for long-lasting comfort, with a soft headband and a lightweight build that makes them ideal for extended use. The 30-hour battery life is impressive, and quick charging means you can get five hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, making them convenient for travelers or busy users.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While many users find the headphones easy to use and highly functional, others report occasional connectivity issues and difficulties with pairing multiple devices. The touch sensor controls, although useful, may take some time to get used to, and the functionality can sometimes feel finicky. Additionally, while the headphones are designed for comfort, the pressure relief may not be sufficient for everyone, leading to discomfort after prolonged use.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Active Noise Cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology.
2. 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10-minute charge for 5 hours).
3. Touch sensor controls for music, volume, and voice assistant.
4. Speak-to-chat feature that reduces volume during conversations.
5. Multipoint connection for seamless pairing with multiple devices.

Pros:

1. Excellent noise cancellation with no noticeable hissing.
2. Impressive battery life with quick charging capabilities.
3. High-quality sound with DSEE Extreme upscaling.
4. Comfortable design with a soft headband for long listening sessions.
5. Seamless multiple-device pairing for convenience.

Cons:

1. Some users report occasional connectivity issues and pairing problems.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to premium wireless headphones, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are two of the most popular models on the market today. Both offer superb sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and a range of features designed to enhance the listening experience. However, they cater to different user preferences, and understanding their differences will help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

Design and Comfort

Sennheiser Momentum 4: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are built with comfort in mind, featuring a lightweight and foldable design. The padded headband and deeply cushioned ear pads ensure that users can wear these headphones for extended periods without discomfort. The black and copper color scheme adds a touch of elegance to the overall design. The headphones are large enough to provide good ear coverage while maintaining a sleek and stylish appearance. However, their size may not be as compact or travel-friendly as some users may prefer.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 is well-known for its extremely comfortable fit. With plush ear pads and a soft headband, these headphones are designed for long listening sessions without causing pressure on the head or ears. The ear cups are designed to fit around the ears, creating an effective seal that enhances sound isolation. The headband also features a pressure-relieving design that helps distribute the weight evenly. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is slightly more compact compared to the Momentum 4, making it a better option for travelers.

Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4	Sony WH-1000XM4
Design	Lightweight, foldable, cushioned	Comfortable, plush, travel-friendly
Color	Black/Copper	Black
Comfort	Soft headband, deep ear pads	Pressure-relieving headband, soft ear pads

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

Sennheiser Momentum 4: The Momentum 4 headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with Sennheiser’s audiophile-inspired 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive. This combination provides clear, detailed sound across all frequencies, making them a good choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. The Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology effectively blocks out background noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without interruptions. However, some users have reported that the sound can feel a bit imbalanced at times, especially at higher volumes.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 is widely regarded as having one of the best noise cancellation systems in the market. Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor technology and Adaptive Sound Control make these headphones ideal for blocking out external noise, whether you’re on a plane, in a crowded space, or working in a noisy environment. The sound quality is also excellent, with Sony’s Edge AI technology (DSEE Extreme) that upscales compressed digital music files in real-time, ensuring that you get the best possible sound even from lower-quality sources. The WH-1000XM4’s noise cancellation is generally considered superior to the Momentum 4, particularly in terms of how it adapts to changing environments.

Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4	Sony WH-1000XM4
Sound Quality	Clear, detailed, audiophile-grade	Superb sound, upscaled with DSEE Extreme
Noise Cancellation	Adaptive Noise Cancellation	Dual Noise Sensor + Adaptive Sound Control

Battery Life and Charging

Sennheiser Momentum 4: The Momentum 4 headphones offer an impressive 60-hour battery life on a full charge, which is one of the best in the industry. With a quick charge feature, you can get up to 6 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, making these headphones ideal for long trips or extended use. The USB Type-C cable included allows for fast charging and convenient power-up.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge. While this is slightly less than the Momentum 4, it’s still impressive for long listening sessions. Additionally, with the quick charge feature, you can get 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge. Like the Momentum 4, the WH-1000XM4 also uses USB Type-C for charging, making it easy to charge via most modern devices.

Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4	Sony WH-1000XM4
Battery Life	60 hours	30 hours
Quick Charging	10 minutes = 6 hours playback	10 minutes = 5 hours playback

Connectivity and Features

Sennheiser Momentum 4: The Momentum 4 headphones feature multipoint connectivity, allowing you to pair the headphones with two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between devices without disconnecting and reconnecting. The Sennheiser Smart Control app also allows users to adjust the sound settings, including equalizer settings, presets, and sound modes, for a customized listening experience. Additionally, the headphones feature automatic volume reduction during conversations (Speak-to-Chat) and a personalized sound experience via Adaptive Noise Cancellation.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 also supports multipoint connection, allowing for seamless pairing with multiple devices. The headphones come equipped with touch sensor controls for volume adjustment, music control, and voice assistant activation. The Speak-to-Chat feature automatically reduces the volume when you start talking, which is very convenient in everyday scenarios. The wearing detection feature pauses the music when you remove the headphones, and resumes when you put them back on.

Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4	Sony WH-1000XM4
Multipoint Connection	Yes	Yes
Touch Sensor Controls	Yes	Yes
Speak-to-Chat	Yes	Yes
Wearing Detection	No	Yes

Call Quality and Additional Features

Sennheiser Momentum 4: The Momentum 4 headphones feature four digital beamforming microphones that ensure crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments. These microphones also suppress wind noise for improved voice clarity. The integration with voice assistants makes it easy to access Siri, Google Assistant, or other voice controls directly from the headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The WH-1000XM4 also excels in call quality, featuring five built-in microphones that work together to capture clear voice audio. Advanced audio signal processing ensures that calls are crisp and clear, even in noisy environments. Additionally, the voice assistant integration and intuitive controls further enhance the usability of the headphones.

Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4	Sony WH-1000XM4
Microphone Quality	Four digital beamforming mics	Five built-in microphones
Wind Noise Suppression	Yes	Yes
Voice Assistant	Yes	Yes

FAQ

What is the battery life like for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM4?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 offers an impressive 60 hours of playback time on a full charge, which is one of the longest battery lives in the wireless headphone market. With the added benefit of quick charging, you can get up to 6 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge. In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM4 provides up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge, which is still impressive but half of the Sennheiser’s capacity. Both headphones also feature quick charging, with the Sony WH-1000XM4 offering 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.

How does the noise cancellation compare between the two models?

Both the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM4 offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), but Sony’s implementation is often considered superior. The Sony WH-1000XM4 uses Dual Noise Sensor technology and Adaptive Sound Control to adjust the level of noise cancellation depending on your environment, making it ideal for frequent travelers. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 also provides effective ANC, but some users report that the Sony model does a better job at blocking out background noise, especially in busy, dynamic settings.

Are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM4 comfortable for long listening sessions?

Both headphones are designed for comfort, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 tends to have the edge when it comes to prolonged use. The plush ear pads and pressure-relieving headband make the Sony model ideal for extended listening sessions without causing discomfort. While the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is also comfortable, especially with its cushioned ear pads and lightweight design, some users find that the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a bit more forgiving on the head and ears, especially after several hours of wear.

Can I use the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM4 for making calls?

Yes, both the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM4 are equipped with multiple microphones to provide clear call quality. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 features four digital beamforming microphones that help with wind noise suppression and precise voice pickup. Similarly, the Sony WH-1000XM4 includes five built-in microphones that ensure crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments. However, users report that both models provide excellent call clarity, with some slight variations in performance depending on the surrounding noise.

How do the controls differ between the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM4?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 features touch controls, allowing you to pause, play, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate voice assistants by tapping the ear cup. These controls are intuitive, but some users find them slightly less responsive than expected. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 also uses touch-sensitive controls for volume, music, and voice assistant functions. Additionally, it includes features like Speak-to-Chat, which automatically lowers the music volume when you start speaking. While both offer touch controls, the Sony model has a more refined and responsive control system overall.

Conclusion

Both the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are exceptional headphones, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Momentum 4 stands out for its longer battery life, superb sound quality, and comfort, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 is unbeatable in terms of noise cancellation and overall versatility. If you prioritize immersive sound and extended battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you need superior noise cancellation and a few more advanced features, the Sony WH-1000XM4 may be the headphones for you.