Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones Review
Are you searching for premium wireless headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones have taken the audio world by storm, offering audiophile-grade sound, industry-leading 60-hour battery life, and adaptive noise cancellation at a price point that beats the competition.
These over-ear headphones combine German engineering excellence with modern features, making them a top choice for music lovers, travelers, and professionals alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Exceptional 60-hour battery life sets a new standard in the wireless headphone market, eliminating frequent charging worries
- Sennheiser Signature Sound delivers rich, detailed audio with powerful bass, clear mids, and crisp highs that audiophiles appreciate
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively blocks out ambient noise for immersive listening during flights, commutes, and work sessions
- Lightweight design at 293 grams ensures comfortable all-day wear without causing fatigue or pressure points
- Outstanding value for money compared to competitors like Sony XM5 ($398) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429), often priced $100-$230 less
- Smart features include auto-pause, touch controls, customizable EQ through the Sennheiser app, and voice assistant integration
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: The Perfect Balance of Performance and Value
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless represents a significant leap forward in consumer audio technology. Released in August 2022, these headphones have consistently ranked among the best wireless noise-canceling options available. What makes them stand out is the perfect balance they strike between premium features and accessible pricing.
These headphones feature 42mm transducer drivers that deliver the renowned Sennheiser Signature Sound. This means you get audiophile-quality audio reproduction with excellent clarity across all frequencies. The sound signature is slightly bass-forward, making modern music genres like pop, hip-hop, and EDM particularly enjoyable while maintaining enough detail for classical and jazz enthusiasts.
The fabric headband and soft ear cushions provide exceptional comfort for extended listening sessions. Unlike some competitors that can feel heavy or create pressure points, the Momentum 4 distributes weight evenly across your head. The ear cups are circular in design, creating a better seal than square-shaped alternatives and improving both sound isolation and comfort.
Sound Quality That Rivals Audiophile Headphones
Sound quality is where the Momentum 4 truly shines. The headphones deliver a warm, engaging sound signature with impressive detail retrieval. The bass response is punchy and impactful without overwhelming the mids, thanks to the precisely tuned 42mm drivers.
Vocals come through with excellent clarity and presence. Whether you’re listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or music, voices sound natural and well-positioned in the soundstage. The treble is extended and detailed without becoming harsh or fatiguing, even during long listening sessions.
The soundstage is surprisingly wide for closed-back headphones, giving music a sense of space and dimension. Instrument separation is excellent, allowing you to pick out individual elements in complex recordings. While they may not match the openness of dedicated audiophile open-back headphones, they perform exceptionally well for wireless closed-back headphones in this price range.
Through the Sennheiser Smart Control app, you can customize the sound to your preferences using the built-in equalizer. The app also features Sound Personalization, which creates a custom sound profile based on your hearing characteristics. These customization options ensure the headphones can adapt to different music genres and personal preferences.
Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Block Out the World
The adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) on the Momentum 4 is highly effective at blocking ambient noise. While it may not quite reach the legendary levels of Bose or the latest Sony models, it performs admirably in real-world situations like airplane cabins, busy offices, and noisy commutes.
The ANC system uses multiple microphones to detect and counteract external sounds. What’s particularly impressive is how the system adapts to your environment, automatically adjusting the level of noise cancellation based on ambient noise levels. This ensures optimal performance whether you’re in a quiet library or a bustling coffee shop.
The headphones also feature a transparency mode, which allows external sounds to pass through when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. This is perfect for quick conversations or when walking in urban environments where situational awareness matters. You can easily switch between ANC, transparency, and normal modes using the touch controls on the ear cups or through the app.
Unlike some competitors, the ANC on the Momentum 4 doesn’t introduce noticeable pressure or affect sound quality when activated. This means you can enjoy your music with noise cancellation engaged without compromising audio fidelity.
Top 3 Alternatives for Sennheiser Momentum 4
Record-Breaking 60-Hour Battery Life
One of the most impressive features of the Momentum 4 is its industry-leading 60-hour battery life. This is significantly longer than most competitors, which typically offer 20-30 hours. With the Momentum 4, you can go weeks between charges with normal use.
The USB-C charging is fast and convenient. Just 10 minutes of charging provides up to 6 hours of playback, making it perfect when you’re in a rush. The headphones also support charging while in use, so you can continue listening even when the battery is low.
This extended battery life is a game-changer for frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone who dislikes constantly charging their devices. You can take these headphones on multiple flights, use them throughout workweeks, and still have battery life remaining. The power management is intelligent, with the headphones automatically entering sleep mode when not in use to preserve battery.
Comfort and Build Quality: Designed for All-Day Wear
Weighing just 293 grams, the Momentum 4 is noticeably lighter than many premium competitors. The Apple AirPods Max, for comparison, weighs nearly 388 grams, making the Momentum 4 about 25% lighter. This weight difference becomes significant during extended listening sessions.
The ear cushions are crafted from soft, breathable material that remains comfortable even after hours of wear. The cushions create an excellent seal without creating excessive pressure on your ears. The oval-shaped ear cups accommodate most ear sizes comfortably.
The headband features sufficient padding and distributes weight evenly. While some users with larger heads might initially find the clamping force slightly firm, the headphones typically loosen up with use. The clamping force is actually beneficial for maintaining a good seal for noise cancellation and ensuring the headphones stay in place during movement.
Build quality is excellent throughout. The headphones feel solid and well-constructed without being overly heavy. The folding mechanism works smoothly and feels durable. The included hard-shell carrying case protects the headphones during travel and fits easily into backpacks or carry-on luggage.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Momentum 4 includes a comprehensive suite of smart features. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.2, providing stable connectivity with low latency. You can pair them with multiple devices and easily switch between them, making them perfect for users who move between smartphones, tablets, and computers.
The touch controls on the right ear cup are intuitive and responsive. You can play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate voice assistants with simple gestures. The controls are customizable through the app, allowing you to personalize the touch functions to your preferences.
Auto-pause functionality automatically stops playback when you remove the headphones and resumes when you put them back on. This thoughtful feature helps conserve battery and ensures you don’t miss any content. The headphones also feature wear detection, which can automatically power off the headphones when not in use.
Voice assistant support includes Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, providing hands-free control over your music, smart home devices, and more. The four beamforming microphones deliver excellent call quality, with wind noise suppression ensuring clear conversations even in outdoor environments.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The call quality on the Momentum 4 is surprisingly good for wireless headphones. The four digital beamforming microphones work together to isolate your voice from background noise. During calls, your voice comes through clear and natural, even in moderately noisy environments like coffee shops or busy streets.
The automatic wind noise suppression is particularly effective for outdoor calls. Whether you’re walking in windy conditions or commuting, the microphones adapt to minimize wind interference. This makes the Momentum 4 suitable for professional use, including video conferences and business calls.
The microphone quality surpasses many competitors in this price range. While dedicated Bluetooth headsets might offer slightly better call quality, the Momentum 4 provides more than adequate performance for everyday communication needs. The noise cancellation algorithms ensure that people on the other end of your calls can hear you clearly without excessive background distractions.
Customization Through the Sennheiser Smart Control App
The Sennheiser Smart Control app (available for iOS and Android) significantly enhances the Momentum 4 experience. The app interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to access all features and settings. Through the app, you can adjust noise cancellation levels, customize touch controls, and access various sound modes.
The five-band equalizer allows precise sound tuning. You can boost bass for electronic music, enhance mids for vocals, or adjust treble for better clarity with podcasts. Alternatively, you can use preset EQ settings optimized for different genres. Many users find that slight EQ adjustments can transform the sound from great to exceptional.
The Sound Personalization feature is particularly interesting. This uses a hearing test to create a custom sound profile tailored to your specific hearing characteristics. The app plays various tones at different frequencies, and based on your responses, it adjusts the sound to compensate for any hearing variations you might have.
Firmware updates are delivered through the app, ensuring your headphones stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. The app also provides battery status, connection information, and usage statistics, giving you complete control over your headphones.
Design and Aesthetics: Understated German Excellence
The Momentum 4 features a refined, minimalist design that reflects Sennheiser’s German engineering heritage. Unlike flashy competitors, these headphones have an understated elegance that works in both professional and casual settings. The design is purposeful rather than attention-seeking.
Available in black and white color options, the headphones feature clean lines and a sophisticated appearance. The ear cups are proportionally sized, looking natural when worn rather than oversized. The fabric headband adds a premium touch while providing better breathability than leather alternatives.
The folding mechanism allows the headphones to fold flat, reducing their footprint when stored. The included hard-shell case is slim and well-designed, with dedicated spaces for the headphones, 3.5mm audio cable, and USB-C charging cable. The case even includes an airplane adapter, showing attention to traveler needs.
Small details like the Sennheiser logo on the ear cups and the tactile button for power are thoughtfully executed. The overall design conveys quality and sophistication without unnecessary embellishments. These are headphones that will look current for years to come.
Wired Connectivity Option for Ultimate Audio Quality
While the Momentum 4 excels as wireless headphones, they also include a 3.5mm audio cable for wired connectivity. This is perfect for situations where Bluetooth isn’t available or when you want to conserve battery life. The wired connection also bypasses Bluetooth compression, potentially offering slightly better audio quality for critical listening.
The wired mode works even when the battery is depleted, ensuring you’re never without music. This is particularly valuable during long flights or extended travel when charging opportunities might be limited. The included cable is high-quality and features angled connectors that reduce strain on the jack.
For audiophiles and music professionals, the wired option allows connection to dedicated DACs (digital-to-analog converters) and high-resolution audio sources. While the wireless performance is excellent, the wired connection removes any potential latency or compression issues, providing the purest possible audio reproduction.
Value Comparison: Momentum 4 vs. The Competition
At its typical price point, the Momentum 4 represents exceptional value compared to competitors. The Sony WH-1000XM5 typically retails for $398, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for $429, and the Apple AirPods Max for $549. The Momentum 4 often sells for $100-$230 less than these alternatives while offering comparable or superior performance in many areas.
While Sony and Bose might have slight advantages in noise cancellation and comfort, the Momentum 4 offers better sound quality out of the box and significantly longer battery life. Compared to the AirPods Max, the Momentum 4 is lighter, more portable, and offers better value for non-Apple ecosystem users.
The total ownership experience also matters. The Momentum 4 comes with everything you need in the box, including a quality case, cables, and adapters. Some competitors charge extra for cases or don’t include essential accessories. The exceptional battery life also means less time tethered to charging cables, improving the overall user experience.
For users prioritizing sound quality and value, the Momentum 4 is hard to beat. It delivers audiophile-level performance at a consumer-friendly price, making premium audio accessible to more people without requiring sacrifices in key areas like battery life or build quality.
Ideal Use Cases: Who Should Buy the Momentum 4?
The Momentum 4 is perfect for several user profiles. Frequent travelers will appreciate the extended battery life, effective noise cancellation, and compact carrying case. The headphones excel on airplanes, trains, and in hotels, providing an audio oasis wherever you go.
Commuters benefit from the excellent noise cancellation and long battery life. Whether you’re on public transportation or working in noisy coffee shops, the Momentum 4 creates a private listening space. The quick-charge feature ensures the headphones are ready even if you forget to charge them overnight.
Music enthusiasts and audiophiles who want wireless convenience without compromising sound quality will find the Momentum 4 compelling. The sound signature is refined and detailed, satisfying even discerning ears. The ability to use EQ and sound personalization allows tailoring the sound to personal preferences.
Professionals conducting frequent video calls or phone meetings will appreciate the excellent microphone quality and comfortable design for all-day wear. The professional appearance makes them suitable for office environments, while the smart features enhance productivity.
Students benefit from the combination of great sound for entertainment and effective noise cancellation for studying in busy environments. The durable build quality and extended battery life are perfect for campus life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 worth buying in 2025?
Absolutely. The Momentum 4 remains one of the best values in premium wireless headphones. While newer models exist, the Momentum 4’s combination of excellent sound quality, 60-hour battery life, and competitive pricing makes it a smart choice. The headphones continue receiving firmware updates and hold their own against newer competitors.
How does the Momentum 4 compare to Sony WH-1000XM5?
The Momentum 4 offers superior sound quality out of the box and significantly longer battery life (60 hours vs. 30 hours). The Sony XM5 has slightly better noise cancellation and comfort. Both are excellent choices, but the Momentum 4 provides better value, especially when considering the price difference.
Can I use Momentum 4 with iPhone and Android?
Yes. The Momentum 4 works seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth. The Sennheiser Smart Control app is available for both platforms, providing full access to customization features regardless of your smartphone choice.
How long does it take to fully charge the Momentum 4?
A full charge takes approximately 2 hours using the included USB-C cable. The quick-charge feature provides 6 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging, making it convenient when you’re in a hurry.
Is the noise cancellation good enough for airplane travel?
Yes. The adaptive noise cancellation effectively reduces airplane cabin noise, making long flights more comfortable. While Bose and Sony might have marginally better ANC, the Momentum 4’s noise cancellation is more than adequate for air travel and performs well in various noisy environments.
Do the Momentum 4 headphones work with voice assistants?
Yes. The headphones support Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can activate your preferred voice assistant through the touch controls or by voice command (depending on your settings), allowing hands-free control of music, smart home devices, and more.
What’s included in the box with Momentum 4?
The package includes the Momentum 4 headphones, a premium hard-shell carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable for wired connectivity, and an airplane adapter. This comprehensive accessory package means you have everything needed right out of the box.
Can I replace the ear cushions if they wear out?
Yes. Replacement ear cushions are available from Sennheiser and third-party manufacturers. The ear cushions are designed to be replaceable, extending the lifespan of your headphones. This is an often-overlooked benefit that contributes to the long-term value.
