Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to give my brutally honest Sennheiser Momentum 4 Review with comparisons vs Momentum 5, HDB 630, Apple AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2.
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for. I purchased these headphones with my own money 3 years ago and will share how they’ve held up since.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist. I also run the RecordingNow YouTube channel with 24,000 subscribers and over 5 million views.
Let’s dive right in!
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones review in short
Even 3 years later, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 remains an incredibly attractive headphone for its unbeatable sound quality per dollar value. With its hi-res aptX Adaptive codec support and a touch of EQ, the Momentum 4 still sounds great today. Its only main drawback would be its noise cancelling performance, which is average for the class. Competes with Sennheiser Momentum 5, Apple AirPods Max 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, Sennheiser HDB 630, Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3, Sony WH-1000XM5, and Sonos Ace.
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
Have any QUESTIONS for me?
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Pros and Cons
- Excellent sound quality for the money
- Good noise cancelling
- Amazing 60 hour battery life
- Incredible value
- Sony / Bose have better comfort + noise cancelling
- Headband not as comfortable
- Stock sound signature is bass-heavy
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Sound Quality
Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones have come a mighty long way since I began reviewing headphones 10 years ago.
Due to the increasing competition, consumers are spoiled with options today!
And the good news? There isn’t many wrong choices you can make.
Outside of the Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (with my custom EQ settings), and Apple AirPods Max, I consider the Sennheiser Momentum 4 to be the one of the best in overall sound quality compared to its direct competitors and price range.
Although I can listen to the Momentum 4 completely stock without EQ and enjoy them thoroughly, I found that a touch of EQ gets these headphones from “Great” to “Excellent”.
The stock sound is fun, but found the bass a little overpowering and some boxiness in the vocals. Also, there was some slight harshness in the treble, not exactly sibilance but just rather strident on some tracks.
In addition to custom EQ, the Momentum 4 supports the hi-res codec of aptX Adaptive.
To conduct this test, I used my Questyle QCC Dongle Pro to unlock aptX and LDAC support:
![Questyle QCC Dongle Pro [MFi Certified] USB-C Bluetooth Audio Adapter with LDAC,aptX Lossless&aptX-Adaptive,Low Latency Bluetooth 5.4 Dongle for PS5,Wireless Lossless Transmitter for PC/Headphones](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21jT-Cm5ZVL._SL500_.jpg)
If you’re an iPhone user, or if your phone doesn’t support aptX codecs, then I highly recommend you pick up the dongle above which will cover both LDAC and aptX Adaptive high-res codecs. It’s the only one of its kind that supports both, to my knowledge.
Best Equalizer Settings for Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
- 63 Hz: -1
- 250 Hz: -4
- 1000 Hz: -1
- 4000 Hz: +1
- 8000 Hz: -3
Result: Much better clarity overall. Less boxy vocals, more vocal-forward and detailed. Much smoother treble and less-fatiguing sound. Bass and sub-bass is still present and impactful, but slightly tamed now. Mids have a little more energy and crispier dynamics.
Alternatively, you can also try “Sound Personalization” inside the Sennheiser app which works pretty well to tailor to your listening preference.
Last updated: 5-16-25
Bass
Bass on the Momentum 4 is very good, excelling primarily in quantity and visceral impact.
I’d say the mid-bass is where it shines for bass kicks and bass guitar, making modern music (Pop, EDM, Hip Hop) an engaging listen.
The sub-bass has plenty of quantity and bass impact.
If I had to nitpick, the sub-bass can get boomy and doesn’t have the speed or tightness of a high-end planar, which is too be expected.
Mids
Surprisingly for Sennheiser, the mids are not the star of the show unlike their higher-end wired open-back headphones like the HD650 and HD6xx.
It is clear the sound signature they went for in the Momentum 4 is to appeal to non-audiophile consumers, and they certainly achieved that.
The mids are still here, they exist. Just not as magical or detailed as the “big brother” HD6xx series.
In addition to vocals lacking the same level of substance, electric guitar for Rock/Metal could be “meatier” for my tastes.
Treble
Treble is very forward, but not harsh or sibilant. That should be considered somewhat of a feat in itself.
Vocals are “in your face”.
I think the vocals and treble is pushed too forward for my tastes, I’d prefer more openness and airiness.
For modern-mixed music that is already very treble-forward, this combo can create some artificial sound and ever so slightly metallic.
Audiophile: Soundstage, Resolution, Separation, Imaging, Timbre
Is it fair to compare Bluetooth closed-back headphones to $1,000+ open-back wired headphones?
Nope, but we’re gonna do it anyway to give the fullest picture of where these sit in the grand scheme of things!
My biggest gripe with these would be an overall “2D” flat sound, too intimate soundstage, and imbalance in overall sound signature.
If I could tune these, I’d gladly give up some of the sub-bass and PEQ down various frequencies in the treble, then give all of that to the mids.
This would create a much more tasteful and balanced sound that would bring out the detail across the frequency spectrum of instruments and vocals, instead of artificially pushing treble.
Soundstage has decent width but practically no depth at all.
The resolution is firmly “1080p” as opposed to 4k, you will instantly hear the veil be lifted when switching to a Hifiman planar such as an Arya or HE1000.
The separation is surprisingly good, but I think this is achieved in a way that gives an artificial/metallic and compressed-sounding quality to more modern music.
I would say the Momentum 4 lacks “3D” realism and dynamics compared to audiophile headphones, the timbre is unnatural for certain instruments/vocals.
Overall, the audiophile comparison I’d actually make for the Momentum 4 is the Hifiman Arya Organic, which is a great compliment!
vs Sennheiser Momentum 5
The successor to the Momentum 4 was officially released in June of 2026, and I’ve conducted a full review and comparison of both of these headphones.
As great as the Momentum 4 still is in 2026 considering its age and now-discounted price, the Momentum 5 took everything that was good and simply improved in pretty much every way.
The sound quality on the Momentum 5 is a noticeable step forward in terms of resolution, clarity, detail, and separation. I find it closer to the $499 audiophile-approved Sennheiser HDB 630 than the Momentum 4.
What surprised me is the difference in sound profile, with the Momentum 5 actually sounding darker, smoother, and more refined versus the more “hyped” sounding Momentum 4.
Overall, the Momentum 5 is a worthy successor to the Momentum 4, and is a slight upgrade in sound quality right out of the box.
vs Sennheiser HDB 630
The more premium flagship HDB 630 shares some DNA with the Momentum 4, but its overall sound quality is in a level above in my back-to-back testing.
What jumps out to me is the sheer level of detail, separation, dynamics, and open soundstage of the HDB 630 versus the Momentum 4.
The HDB 630 is more neutral-sounding and measured, while being incredibly detailed across the bass, mids, and treble.
The Momentum 4’s mids sound relatively recessed compared to the HDB 630 that is fuller and has the more organic timbre.
Also, the HDB 630 has a more advanced parametric EQ that offers more flexibility versus the simpler 5-band EQ on the Momentum 4.
Sound Quality Score: 8.8 out of 10
Comfort
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is average in weight of the headphones we’ve tested:
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) – 236.1 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen) – 254.4 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) – 262.2 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 288.8 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 311.2 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – 312.0 grams
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 313.4 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Focal Bathys MG – 365.5 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H100 – 375.6 grams
- Dali IO-12 – 379.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 384.4 grams
I find the Sennheiser Momentum 4 to feel relatively average in weight at 292.9 grams on my scale.
This is almost a whopping 25% lighter than the Apple AirPods Max which weighed in at 387.8 grams on my scale.
I have tested a couple lighter and more comfortable headphones such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 1 and 2 at around 250 to 260 grams.
One drawback to the Momentum 4’s comfort is that it has a lot of clamping force from the factory, along with a relatively stiff headband creating some top-of-head pressure.
There is some good interior earcup space and diameter that allows the ears to be relatively free inside whilst wearing them.
In contrast, the Apple AirPods Max clamping force is too strong for my taste, and the earcup material is not as forgiving/plush versus the normal leather on the Momentum 4.
Funny enough, although the AirPods Max is much heavier overall, the top headband suspension design puts less pressure than the Momentum 4, which is a little too concentrated into one spot top of head.
Overall, the Sony and Bose headphones are more comfortable than either.
Comfort Score: 8.5 out of 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality
Looks and Design
As far as the design and exterior looks, I actually prefer the understated “German” look of the Momentum 4, in a similar way that Porsches go under the radar.
I find these and the Bose QuietComfort series to be the most “normal-looking” and proportionate headphones when worn on head versus the competition, and I find that a big positive that doesn’t get talked about enough.
To me, the Apple AirPods Max is the most striking design, but as I mention in my review of those headphones, I think the earcups are about ~20% too big when worn on head.
Also, the square-ish earcup shape and earpad material doesn’t create as neat of a seal as the circular-designed Momentum 4 earcups, from a functionality and ergonomic standpoint.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 looks more minimalistic aesthetically, but the tiny headband contrasted with the large earcups looks disproportionate when worn on head.
Features
As far as features, other reviews can copy/paste a spec sheet, it’s got Bluetooth wireless and more than enough battery life that it doesn’t need to be charged often.
Actually, Sennheiser claims 60 hours of battery life, which should put it at the top of the class.
In my experience, I rarely need to ever charge it, maybe once a week at most.
Once nice perk is that it comes with a hardshell case, with 3.5mm cable, and airplane adapter.
The earcups themselves fold flat to fit snugly into the case which is fairly slim.
This is a huge plus over the AirPods Max case, which not many are a fan of.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Battery Life
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 has 60 hours of battery life on a single charge.
- Marshall Monitor III – 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE – 60 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Audeze Maxwell – 80 hours (no ANC included)
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 57 hours
- Dali IO-12 – 35 hours (ANC on)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 – 34 hours (ANC on)
- Focal Bathys MG – “Over 30 hours” (ANC on)
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – 30 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 – 30 hours
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Px8 – 30 hours
- Sonos Ace – 30 hours
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 24 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) – 24 hours
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 20 hours
- Apple AirPods Max – 20 hours
In my testing, I’ve found this figure to be accurate.
This is near the top of the class for battery life, double that of the Sony and Bose flagships, and triple the AirPods Max 1 and 2.
Interestingly, it’s also 3 hours more than the newer Momentum 5.
Build Quality
Despite being made of mostly plastic, fake leather, and fabric material, my 3-year-old pair of Momentum 4’s still looks and feels solid today if you watch my long-term YouTube review above.
That said, there is some slight wear on the earpad cushions, and I’ve heard of people having even worse wear that needed a replacement.
Luckily, there is plenty of aftermarket options for earpad replacements on Amazon, so I’m not too worried about this.
Practicality
I’ve taken the Momentum 4 on many trips, used them for working out, and generally have put them through everything in the 3 years that I’ve owned them.
I see them as a solid daily driver option, mostly due to their 60 hour battery life and sound quality.
That said, there are more compact headphones for traveling when you factor in that these don’t fold and have a slightly larger case than the Bose QC Ultra 2 or Sony XM6.
Also, there are a few headphones with significantly better noise cancelling.
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality Score: 9.5 out of 10
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Noise Cancelling Performance
A high priority for many potential customers is the Momentum 4’s noise cancelling performance, which I find to be quite effective on airplane flights.
I’ve worn these on many flights now, and the mobile app allows you to choose how much Active Noise-Canceling vs Transparency you want.
I typically keep the setting somewhat towards the middle for daily listening, then move it towards ANC during flights (but not all the way).
Even without going 100% into ANC mode on the app, the noise-canceling muffles about 90% of outside noise, which is good enough for me.
All this being said, noise cancelling performance is AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2’s game if you’re looking for the best of the best.
The newer Momentum 5 also has noticeably improved noise cancelling over the 4, a big focus that Sennheiser mentions in its marketing material.
Noise Cancelling Score: 8.0 out of 10
Value
Although the Momentum 4 had an original retail price of $349.95 USD back when it released in 2022, it has now been replaced with the newer Momentum 5 and hovers around a $220 USD market price brand new, even dipping down to just $199 on frequent sales.
I purchased my original pair 3 years ago for just under $300, and even at that price, I find the Momentum 4 to be an incredible value.
With prices dipping to below $220 and even $200, the value of the Momentum 4 is now through the roof.
The only other headphones that I think can compete for value would be the Nothing Headphone 1 on sale, and the Cambridge Audio P100 SE. Both can be found for under $300 and are very competitive options.
Value Score: 10 out of 10
Are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones Worth it?
Even now being officially replaced by the newer Momentum 5, I’m genuinely surprised by how well the Momentum 4 holds up 3 years later.
The sound quality, especially with aptX Adaptive and custom EQ applied, is still competitive with the popular flagships from Apple, Sony, and Bose.
Sennheiser has also released major firmware updates to improve the noise cancelling, which is serviceable now, although not quite elite.
For the money, it’s nearly impossible to beat the Momentum 4 for around $199 to $220 on sale.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sennheiser Momentum 5
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- Apple AirPods Max 2
- Sennheiser HDB 630
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
- Focal Bathys
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bowers and Wilkins Px8
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Sonos Ace
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model)
- Beats Studio Pro
Some Relevant Comparisons in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs AirPods Max
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sonos Ace vs Sennheiser Momentum 4
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality (50% of score): 8.8 / 10
Comfort (10% of score): 8.5 / 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality (10% of score): 9.5 / 10
Noise Cancelling (20% of score): 8.0 / 10
Value (10% of score): 8.0 / 10
Overall: 8.80 / 10
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Want to save some money? Try Renewed!
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
FAQ
Are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 good or bad?
The Sennheiser Momentum is very good when it comes to sound quality for Bluetooth wireless, noise-canceling headphones. They compare very favorably to the Apple AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM5, or Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
Are Sennheiser Momentum 4 better than 3?
Sennheiser improved the Momentum 4 in virtually every way over the Momentum 3, with improved sound quality, battery life, ergonomics, and design.
Does the Sennheiser Momentum 4 have a mic?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 has four digital beamforming microphones and automatic wind noise suppression for optimized calls and easier voice assistant access.
When was the Momentum 4 released?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 was officially released in August of 2022.
Is Sennheiser Momentum 4 Waterproof?
No, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is not waterproof and should not be used underwater or in wet conditions.
How Heavy is the Sennheiser Momentum 4?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 weighs in at just under 293 grams on my scale, or 0.65 pounds.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
Post Update History
- June 2026: Updated scores to “Version 2.0” of our Headphone Scoring System. Added long-term “3 Year Review” YouTube video and updates throughout post. Included comparisons to newer Sennheiser models like Momentum 5 and HDB 630.
- May 2025: Adding “V2” EQ setting
- January 2025: Original publication date.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review
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Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e Review
Bose QuietComfort Review (2023 Model)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs AirPods Max
