Sony WH-1000xm4 VS Momentum 4, When it comes to premium over-ear noise-canceling headphones, two giants dominate the market: Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum 4. Both headphones offer exceptional sound quality, cutting-edge features, and top-tier comfort, but how do they compare head-to-head? Let’s dive into the specifics to help you decide which is the right choice for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM4 continues Sony’s sleek, minimalist design. It features a lightweight frame, plush ear cushions, and a comfortable fit ideal for long listening sessions. The headphones fold compactly, making them easy to store and transport.
The Momentum 4, on the other hand, offers a more modern, premium aesthetic with a focus on practicality. Its minimalist design includes fabric-wrapped ear cups and memory foam padding, ensuring comfort and durability. While the Momentum 4 lacks the foldable hinges of the WH-1000XM4, its flat design makes it easy to store in its carrying case.
Winner: Tie — Sony wins on portability, while Sennheiser edges out on premium aesthetics.
Sound Quality
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is renowned for its rich, bass-heavy sound signature. Its customizable EQ via the Sony Headphones Connect app allows users to tailor the audio to their preferences. The headphones support LDAC, offering high-resolution audio over Bluetooth.
The Momentum 4 takes a more balanced approach, delivering crystal-clear mids, crisp highs, and a slightly more subdued bass. Sennheiser’s Smart Control app also features an adjustable EQ, letting users fine-tune their audio experience.
Winner: Momentum 4 — While both are exceptional, the Momentum 4 provides a more accurate and balanced sound profile, appealing to audiophiles.
Noise Cancellation
Sony’s noise-canceling technology is among the best in the industry, and the WH-1000XM4 is no exception. It effectively blocks out ambient noise, from bustling city streets to airplane engines. Adaptive Sound Control adjusts noise cancellation based on your activity and location.
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 also boasts excellent noise cancellation, rivaling Sony’s performance. However, it uses a slightly different approach by combining adaptive ANC with Transparency Mode, making it easier to stay aware of your surroundings when needed.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4 — Its tried-and-true ANC slightly outperforms the Momentum 4 in extreme noise environments.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration for many users, and here, the Momentum 4 shines. It offers an industry-leading 60 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC enabled. A quick-charge feature adds several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging.
The WH-1000XM4 offers a respectable 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, which is still impressive but falls short of Sennheiser’s benchmark.
Winner: Momentum 4 — The extended battery life is hard to beat.
Features and Connectivity
Both headphones come packed with features, including multipoint connectivity, touch controls, and voice assistant integration. The WH-1000XM4 includes Sony’s Speak-to-Chat function, which pauses music automatically when you start speaking.
Momentum 4 counters with intuitive touch controls and a built-in equalizer for better sound customization. Its Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a stable connection and improved range over Sony’s slightly older Bluetooth 5.0.
Winner: Tie — Both offer robust feature sets, with slight differences catering to specific preferences.
Price
The WH-1000XM4 is competitively priced, often available at discounts as it has been on the market for some time. The Momentum 4, being a newer model, generally comes at a slightly higher price point. However, both headphones deliver excellent value for their features.
Winner: WH-1000XM4 — It offers similar performance at a potentially lower cost.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 are exceptional headphones, but your choice ultimately depends on your priorities:
- Choose the WH-1000XM4 if you value outstanding noise cancellation, portability, and a bass-forward sound profile.
- Opt for the Momentum 4 if you want unparalleled battery life, balanced audio, and a modern aesthetic.
No matter your choice, both headphones are sure to elevate your listening experience.
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