The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are the next generation of the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. Their design looks much more minimalistic than their predecessor, and there have been a few key updates to their performance. They don't support High-End Sound Tuning, an EQ advertised to create a more dynamic and vibrant audio experience, but that exacerbated driver mismatch in our Momentum 3 unit. Instead of aptX-LL codec support, they utilize aptX Adaptive, which ensures low latency and high-res audio experience. They also have a significantly increased battery life compared to their predecessor and other competitor models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless.
Our Verdict
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are decent for neutral sound. Using their 'Flat' EQ preset, they have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that delivers a bit of extra thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. Vocals and instruments are clear but a bit veiled. Luckily, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound to your liking. Keep in mind that the headphones are prone to some inconsistencies in audio delivery. If you have thick hair or wear glasses, you may experience a drop in bass.
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5-band graphic EQ and presets available.
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Over 60 hours of continuous battery life.
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Poor passive soundstage.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are very good for commute and travel. These well-built headphones have over 60 hours of continuous playback time, and their fit is comfortable enough for long days on the go. They also come with a sturdy hard carrying case to help protect the headphones when not in use. While they have an ANC system that can help block some background noise, they struggle to cut down the low rumble of bus and plane engines, which is a bit frustrating. They do a better job when it comes to passenger chit-chat, though.
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Comfortable fit and premium build.
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Over 60 hours of continuous battery life.
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Struggle to block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless aren't designed for sports and fitness. They're over-ear headphones, so they're not certified for water resistance, and their fit can fall off with moderate movement. That said, their wireless design ensures that you don't snag something and accidentally pull them off of your head. They're also well-built.
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Comfortable fit and premium build.
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Over 60 hours of continuous battery life.
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Poor passive soundstage.
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Can fall off of your head with moderate movement.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are good for office use. These over-ears have a comfortable fit, support multi-device pairing, so you can connect them with your PC and smartphones at the same time, and deliver over 60 hours of continuous battery life, which is great for long days at the office. They also have an adaptive ANC system that can help reduce office chit-chat and the hum of computer fans. If you like to listen to your favorite audio at high volumes, others around you shouldn't be bothered by it.
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Comfortable fit and premium build.
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Can be paired with up to two devices at a time.
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Can cut down ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of fans.
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Over 60 hours of continuous battery life.
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Poor passive soundstage.
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Mic has mediocre noise handling performance.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless aren't recommended for wireless gaming. They're Bluetooth-only headphones and have high latency, which can disrupt your gaming experience.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are decent for wired gaming if you don't need mic support via analog. That said, you can still use them via wired USB with full audio and mic compatibility. They have a comfortable fit suitable for long gaming marathons. Their 'Flat' EQ also has a touch of extra bass, which can help emphasize sound effects like footsteps. It doesn't drown out dialogue and instruments, but these kinds of sounds are a little veiled due to a dip in the high-mid to low-treble. On the downside, their passive soundstage doesn't feel very immersive or spacious.
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Over 60 hours of continuous battery life.
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Poor passive soundstage.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are fair for phone calls. They have an integrated mic, which offers a fair recording quality via Bluetooth, ensuring your voice is understandable. However, the mic struggles to separate your voice from background noise, so if you're taking a call in a busy office, speech can be drowned out. Unfortunately, the mic's recording quality takes a dip if you use the headphones via USB. On the upside, the headphones have an adaptive ANC system that helps reduce a good amount of ambient noise around you.
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Can be paired with up to two devices at a time.
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Over 60 hours of continuous battery life.
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Mic has mediocre noise handling performance.
- 7.3 Neutral Sound
- 7.8 Commute/Travel
- 7.3 Sports/Fitness
- 7.6 Office
- 5.9 Wireless Gaming
- 7.3 Wired Gaming
- 6.9 Phone Calls
- Updated Jul 20, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless in Build Quality.
- Updated May 18, 2023: We've retested these headphones using firmware 2.13.18. While it didn't change our sound results, new features were added to the companion app, and we have raised App Support from '8.0' to '8.5'.
- Updated May 02, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless in Bluetooth.
- Updated Apr 06, 2023: Users have reported experiencing a drop in mic audio quality via USB. We have retested Recording Quality, but the scoring of this test hasn't changed.
- Updated Dec 05, 2022: We've corrected Wired USB compatibility in PC Compatibility and PlayStation Compatibility.
- Updated Oct 07, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Oct 03, 2022: Early access published.
- Updated Sep 22, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Sep 06, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Aug 22, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless come in two color variations: 'Black' and 'White'. We tested the 'Black' variant. The label is found underneath the ear cup padding and is hard to reach without damaging the padding. Unfortunately, this is also our second unit. The first unit couldn't hold a charge, and we replaced it with another unit, which works as intended.
If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are the next generation of the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. In this rendition, they have a new look that's closer in design to the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless than their predecessor. These over-ears have retained a similarly comfortable fit and high-end build quality, but there have been some key changes to their design. They support aptX Adaptive instead of aptX-LL, which is nice if you want to stream hi-res audio and reduce audio latency. Sennheiser has also tweaked their sound profile and added more thumpy bass. However, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound.
Check out our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth headphones, the best noise cancelling headphones, and the best headphones for music.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are similarly performing over-ears with different strengths. The Sony have a virtual soundstage feature, which helps to create a more immersive audio experience, their ANC system does a better job of blocking out background noise, and they support LDAC codec for hi-res audio. However, the Sennheiser are more comfortable, better-built, have a significantly longer continuous playback time, and they support aptX Adaptive codec. Their sound is also a bit more neutral, which some users may prefer.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are the next generation of the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. The fourth generation have a different look than their predecessor and lack High-End Fine Tuning, so their sound profile is more bass-heavy. Their battery life is significantly better, they support aptX Adaptive, and they come with a sturdier carrying case. However, the Momentum 3 have a better noise isolation performance and support aptX-LL.
The Apple AirPods Max Wireless and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have different strengths. While both headphones are well-built, the Apple have a more immersive passive soundstage, support Spatial Audio, which can help make your audio seem more immersive, and are able to block out significantly more background noise. They also have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices. However, the Sennheiser are more comfortable and have a slightly more neutral sound profile. They have a significantly longer continuous battery life, have sound customization features, and support multi-device pairing.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless are both good headphones, but the Sennheiser have a slight edge. While both headphones are comfortable, the Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile, although it's still pretty bassy, and have a significantly longer continuous battery life. They're also more customizable. On the flip side, the Bowers & Wilkins are better-built and have a more stable fit.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have different strengths and depending on your usage, you may prefer either one. While both pairs of headphones have a premium build, the True Wireless 3 are lighter, more portable, and stable, thanks to their in-ear design. They're less prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery and have a better noise isolation performance. However, the MOMENTUM 4 are more comfortable. They have a significantly better battery performance, and support aptX Adaptive codec for hi-res audio.
Depending on your needs, you may prefer either the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless or the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless. The Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile, although it's still bass-heavy, and a longer-lasting continuous battery life. Conversely, the Bowers & Wilkins are more comfortable and better-built. They also have a better noise isolation performance.
Test Results
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless look more similar to the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless than the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless. Sennheiser has removed the metal hinge design and opted for a plastic frame with cloth detailing, with the manufacturer's logo on the lower part of the headband. These headphones come in two color variants: 'Black' and 'White'.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are comfortable headphones. They're lightweight and don't clamp too tightly on your head. However, depending on the size of your ears, they may touch the driver housing inside the ear cups. If you have a large head, you may also have trouble getting a good fit. The headband can put a bit of pressure on the top of your head, but it's not as fatiguing as the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have great controls. There's only one button and a touch-sensitive surface on the right ear cup, which is easy to use. There's also a
Power button:
- Single press: Mutes and unmutes the mic.
- Press and hold: Turns the headphones on and off.
The touch-sensitive surface on the right earcup:
- Single tap: Plays and pauses audio. Also answers and ends a call.
- Double tap: Cycles between ANC on and transparency mode. Also accepts an incoming call and puts an active call on hold.
- Swipe forward: Fast forwards through your track. Also accepts calls.
- Swipe backward: Skips to the previous track. Also ends calls.
- Hold center for two seconds: Rejects a call.
- Swipe up: Turns the volume up incrementally.
- Swipe down: Turns the volume down incrementally.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have mediocre portability. Their ear cups can swivel to lay flat, but you can't fold them up into a more compact shape.
The carrying case is great. It feels sturdy and secure, thanks to its hard shape and fabric covering over the zipper. There's space inside the case to store the accessories.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' build quality is great. We had to order a second unit as the first unit we purchased was defective and couldn't hold a charge. However, our second unit doesn't have this issue. It may indicate issues in quality control, so if you've experienced this issue, please let us know in the discussion section below. The headphones are mostly made of plastic with a silicone and cloth headband, as well as faux leather ear cups. The plastic ear cups are fingerprint prone, which is a bit annoying. Overall, these headphones feel solid and sturdy but not as well built as the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless, which have an aluminum and brushed metal frame.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have decent stability. They shouldn't move around much if you're casually listening to music at your desk. However, they can fall off of your head with more intense head movements.
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless headphones
- 1/16" to 1/8" TRS audio cable
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Airplane adapter
- Hard case
- Manuals
After updating the buds to firmware 2.13.18, we measured a similar frequency response between our original testing and this firmware, and deviations are due to the fit, positioning, and seal of the headphones on our rig. When using the 'Flat EQ', these over-ears have a bass-heavy sound profile that delivers extra thump and rumble to mixes. This sound is well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop, but if you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets. You can see a comparison of the EQ presets here. You can also see a comparison of the 'Bass Boost' and 'Podcast' modes here, which you can also enable with any other preset in the app.
Unlike the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless don't support this manufacturer's High-End Fine Tuning feature. Instead, there's Sound Personalization, which is a 5-band EQ that's based on your own listening preferences. This feature will ask you to listen to a song and choose between different settings.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' frequency response consistency is decent. There are some deviations in audio delivery. You may notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' bass accuracy is good. The low to mid-bass is overemphasized, resulting in extra thump and punch in your mixes, which is great for genres like EDM and hip-hop. The overemphasis can also be heard in songs like Help I'm Alive by Metric, as the ever-present kick-bass has intense presence throughout the song, which slightly overpowers the vocals. The high-bass is fairly flat and neutral, so mixes have warmth but little boominess or muddiness.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have excellent mid accuracy. The low to mid-mid are well-balanced and flat, which results in present and clear vocals and lead instruments. It can be heard in acoustic songs like The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, as both vocalists' voices are well-present in the mix. Although there's a dip in the high-mids, which weakens vocals and instruments, it's fairly minor.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' treble accuracy is great. The recessed low-treble veils and reduces the detail in vocals and lead instruments, but the fairly neutral mid-treble means that sibilants like cymbals are bright without being too piercing.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' peaks and dips performance is good. A bump in the low-bass adds thump and rumble mixes, while a peak between the mid-mid pushes vocals and lead instruments to the front of mixes. The high-mid is uneven, so the upper harmonics of vocals and instruments are alternatingly weak and harsh. A peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants like hi-hats piercing.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' imaging performance is excellent. Our Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless unit has mismatched driver issues, and it seems like their High-End Fine Tuning feature makes it worse. However, these headphones don't have this feature and are very well-matched. It results in the accurate placement of objects like voices in the stereo image. Keep in mind that imaging can vary between units, and it can indicate a manufacturer's quality control and ergonomics.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have a poor passive soundstage, which is normal from closed-back over-ears. Their soundstage seems small, unnatural, and as if the sound is coming from inside your head rather than from speakers placed in the room around you.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' weighted harmonic distortion performance is great. The frequencies fall within good limits, resulting in clear and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. These headphones support aptX Adaptive, which is backward compatible with aptX HD. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' noise isolation performance is good. These headphones have adaptive ANC, and while they have some trouble reducing the low rumble of bus and plane engines, they do a better job of blocking out ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of AC units.
These headphones don't have an ANC off mode and can only switch between ANC on and transparency mode. As a result, we tested the passive noise isolation with the headphones off.
The leakage performance is great. Leakage is mostly concentrated in the mid to treble range and sounds fairly thin. It's unlikely that you'll bother others around you if you like to listen to your audio at high volumes.
The integrated mic has a fair recording quality. We used an estimated value for LFE as the processing job is recording LFE at -3dB by default, which isn't reflective of its performance. To account for this, we measured LFE at -6dB, as this is the point in the response that we feel is closest to the true LFE. Even though there isn't much bass in the recording quality, it's not as bad as the graph indicates. We are looking into this issue, though. Your voice sounds fairly clear and easy to understand.
Users have reported a drop in mic audio quality when using the headphones via USB. When we connected our unit to our PC using this connection, and played a track, recording halfway to mimic a conference call. You can hear the recording here (it's quite loud, so you may want to lower your audio before playing it!). Although there's slight hissing coming from our speaker in the testing box, there's also a noticeable drop in audio quality, which can be frustrating if you want to use them for work calls. Keep in mind that the recording only shows the difference between USB and Bluetooth mic audio quality and doesn't demonstrate the sound quality of the headphones.
The microphone's noise handling performance is mediocre. The mic has trouble separating your voice from ambient noise. As a result, your voice can be drowned out if you're taking a call from a moderately noisy environment.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless' battery performance is outstanding. The manufacturer advertises them to last 60 hours continuously with their ANC on, and we measured just over 62 hours, which is fantastic. Battery life can vary depending on usage, though. Luckily, they're equipped with an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life when not in use, and you can even use the headphones passively or while charging.
The Sennheiser Smart Control app is great. After updating to firmware 2.13.18, the app now offers a 5-band graphic EQ, customizable presets, and a Sound Check feature, which is a custom EQ that uses settings you select after listening to your favorite songs. You can also access the sound personalization feature, which allows the buds to provide sound based on your individual and unique hearing as well as sound zones, which change the EQ and ANC settings based on your location. There are ANC controls, so you can turn the ANC on and off and adjust the Wind Noise Reduction settings. You can adjust the sidetone, turn on or off head detection, see which codecs are being used, and reset the headphones. You can activate High-Resolution Audio mode, which allows you to use aptX Adaptive codec for streaming audio in higher quality with lower latency too, and use the Sleep Mode to lock and unlock touch controls.
These headphones have great Bluetooth connectivity. They support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected with two devices simultaneously. Like the Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2 Wireless, they also support aptX Adaptive and are backward-compatible with aptX HD, which can help stream hi-res audio content with better audio quality. However, we aren't currently able to test aptX Adaptive's latency. Unfortunately, latency using SBC, aptX, and aptX HD is high. It's much lower on iOS and Android devices, though, which is handy if you like streaming video. That said, some apps and devices compensate for latency differently.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless come with a 1/8" TRS to 1/16" TRS cable so that you can use them wired. You can also connect the headphones via USB-C to receive audio. However, this means you can't use the mic.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have full audio and mic compatibility when connected via Bluetooth to your PC. These headphones also have full compatibility when used vis wired USB. However, if you want to use an analog connection, you'll only receive audio and can't use the mic.
These headphones are only compatible with PlayStation consoles via analog and wired USB. When using wired USB, they have full audio and mic compatibility. However, if you're using an analog connection, you can only receive audio, and won't be able to use their mic.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S when you plug their analog cable into your controller's AUX port. However, you can only receive audio and can't use their mic.