Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones

ANC is broadly considered strong for the price and effective for travel/commuting, but it is usually ranked a step behind the best from Sony/Bose/Apple, especially for voices or tougher scenarios. Noise control modes and adjustability are a highlight: reviews repeatedly mention multiple ANC levels/adaptive behavior and the ability to map controls to switch modes.

ANC effectiveness is mixed across sources: some call it very good and close to leaders, while others measure it as clearly behind top Bose and Sony options, especially for tougher noise scenarios. ANC adjustability is widely praised thanks to sliders, adaptive behavior, and app-driven profiles and zones that let you tune isolation versus awareness.

The Nothing X app is repeatedly described as one of the best parts of the experience, with feature access, customization, and settings that help compensate for default tuning.

The Smart Control app is widely viewed as feature-rich with EQ and zone-based behavior, but some reviewers dislike setup friction, pop-ups, or account requirements for certain features.

aptX support is a notable plus cited by several reviews, helping Android users with more consistent performance compared to AAC in many setups.

Several reviews mention low-latency or gaming modes and head-tracking features; real-world A/V performance is generally positioned as competent, not a class-leading differentiator.

Audio-video sync is generally reported as strong for video watching, with latency management helped by codec selection in some advice-focused reviews.

Bass is usually described as controlled and textured rather than skull-rattling, with bass-enhancer tools available; some reviewers still want tighter tuning out of the box.

Bass is commonly described as elevated and impactful without constant bleed, but several reviewers note it can be a bit much stock and may benefit from EQ to reduce boom or flab in some tracks.

Battery life is a consistent highlight, with many reviews citing long runtime (often around 35 hours with ANC and far more without) and strong real-world endurance. Replaceable battery support is generally weak, with at least one review calling out a non-user-friendly internal battery design.

Battery life is the most consistent standout: multiple sources cite roughly 50 to 60 hours or more with ANC depending on test methods and usage.

Bluetooth stability is generally good with modern pairing features, though a few reviews mention occasional dropouts depending on environment or device.

Bluetooth stability is generally solid with modern connectivity, though real-world reliability can still depend on device ecosystem and nearby previously paired devices.

Build quality is generally seen as solid and premium-feeling for $299, though some reviews note more plastic than expected or worry about long-term cosmetic wear.

Build quality is typically seen as solid but more plastic-heavy and less premium-feeling than metal-rich rivals; durability is considered fine with reasonable care.

Physical controls (roller + paddle + buttons + power switch) are a major highlight for tactility, but a few reviews mention learning curve, finicky behavior, or coarse volume steps.

The single physical power and pairing control is sometimes criticized as finicky or confusing compared to simpler button-driven systems.

Included cables are generally viewed as fine, though at least one review notes limitations (such as a 3-pole 3.5mm cable that does not carry mic).

One review criticizes the included analog cable as thin and less confidence-inspiring for travel wear and tear.

The case is usually described as sturdy and protective with space for cables, but multiple reviewers call it large or mention zipper/material quirks.

The carry case is usually praised as protective with storage for cables, but a few reviews call it larger than ideal for pack-light travel.

Fast charging is frequently praised, with multiple reviews citing a short top-up delivering hours of playback; full-charge times are generally described as typical.

Charging is generally strong, with quick-charge claims and reasonable full-charge times; experiences vary slightly by power source and usage.

Clamping force is commonly described as secure without being overly tight, though individual fit can vary and some users still feel pressure over time.

Clamp force is often described as moderate and comfortable, but the lighter clamp can trade off with stability during movement-heavy activities.

Codec and connection support is repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with common mentions of SBC/AAC/LDAC and both USB-C and 3.5mm wired options.

Codec support is strong for mainstream and Android use, including multiple aptX options and AAC, but it is not positioned around newer lossless Bluetooth standards.

Comfort is often rated good-to-very-good for long sessions, but the weight and occasional headband/pad pressure points mean not everyone finds it as effortless as the lightest competitors.

Comfort is frequently described as excellent, including long sessions and glasses-friendly padding, though a few users report headband pressure or fit quirks during extreme-length wear.

Design is consistently described as distinctive and polarizing, with many praising the transparent, cassette-like aesthetic and premium look for the price.

Design is commonly described as minimalist and understated; some like the clean look while others miss the more distinctive style of earlier Momentum models.

Having both USB-C audio and a 3.5mm option is repeatedly praised for flexibility, especially for laptops, planes, and modern phones.

Ear pad comfort and seal are regularly praised, though some reviews mention thinner cushioning than expected, heat buildup, or pressure on certain ear shapes/accessories.

Earpads are commonly described as soft and comfortable, contributing to long-wear comfort; the softer seal may slightly reduce isolation for some.

Cups generally rotate to lie flat, which helps neck-wear and packing, but the design can cause the squared corners to bump or rattle against each other.

Earcup rotation is praised in at least one review as smooth and helpful for fit, with cups lying flat for storage and neck rest.

EQ customization is a defining strength: multiple reviews highlight an advanced, multi-band/parametric-style EQ (often with Q control) plus shareable presets/QR codes.

EQ customization is a meaningful strength across reviews, commonly used to tame bass, refine mids, or personalize the overall signature without major distortion issues.

Find My-style features are generally limited to making the headphones play a sound, which helps for nearby locating but is not a full tracker replacement.

Find My style tracking is described as lacking compared to Apple ecosystem features in at least one review.

Measured and subjective impressions frequently point to a non-neutral stock response (often described as dark), with EQ being the practical path to a more accurate balance.

Measurements and listening impressions generally align on a well-tuned response for broad appeal, with small deviations (notably bass lift) that can be refined via EQ.

Headband adjustment works smoothly for most, but at least one review dislikes the adjustment ergonomics and others wish for more headband padding.

Fit and adjustability are generally straightforward, though users are advised not to over-tighten because pressure points can develop.

Accessories are generally generous, commonly including a case, charging cable, analog cable, and an airplane adapter, though one review notes a missing adapter compared to the prior generation.

Instrument separation is often praised as solid or good once the tonal balance is corrected, though some reviewers still find complex mixes can feel crowded compared to top rivals.

Instrument separation and imaging are commonly rated as strong for the category, with clear placement and good stereo definition, though not always a large leap over prior models.

LDAC support is consistently called out across reviews and is a core part of the product’s high-res pitch for compatible Android devices.

LDAC is not supported and is repeatedly mentioned as the key wireless hi-res omission for enthusiasts.

At higher volumes, several reviewers report low distortion and clear playback, though ultimate refinement and dynamics are not always on par with premium flagships.

Even when pushed loud, multiple reviews note the sound stays clean, but the practical ceiling can feel lower than expected compared to peers.

Mic noise reduction is usually strong for steady noise and wind, but some reviews report aggressive noise gating or weaker handling of echo/reverberant rooms.

Noise rejection for calls is a frequent criticism, with several reviews noting background sounds can intrude; wind reduction features can help in some cases.

Call quality is often described as clear and workable, with some reviews praising voice pickup in noisy streets; others call it merely average or slightly robotic compared with top rivals.

Call quality trends average-to-good in quiet rooms, but multiple tests report reduced clarity and competitiveness when background noise is present.

Midrange performance varies by tuning: vocals can sound clear and forward after tweaks, but several reviews note too much lower-mid presence or a dull/veiled midrange on default settings.

Midrange is generally clear, but some reviews call it less rich than Momentum 3 or slightly recessed depending on tuning, with vocals still remaining clean and present for most listeners.

Multipoint is commonly cited as supported and functional, enabling quick switching between two devices; reliability feedback is mostly positive.

Multipoint is supported and often convenient, but at least one lab test reports occasional glitches when other known devices are nearby, even though switching can be quick once connected.

Passive isolation is consistently strong thanks to a good seal and memory-foam style pads, meaning ANC has a solid foundation in many real-world environments.

Passive isolation is a recurring weak point in several lab-style reviews, sometimes attributed to a softer seal; others find it adequate in real travel use.

Portability is a weak spot versus foldable rivals: cups rotate flat but the headphones do not fold up, making the carry footprint and case bulkier.

Portability is good but not best-in-class: cups lie flat and cases can be compact versus some rivals, yet the design does not fully fold into the headband in some reports.

Preset profiles and simpler EQ tools are generally helpful, but several reviewers still prefer custom EQ to get the best tonal balance.

Preset modes and guided personalization features are generally useful and can improve tonality for specific tastes, though some presets may limit manual slider control.

Replaceable earpad support is mixed: some sources mention pads can be removed or obtained via customer service, while others say replacement availability is unclear.

Wear-detection and other sensors work well for many users, but some reports mention inconsistent behavior on specific devices (for example, desktop pairing scenarios).

Wear sensors and auto pause features are frequently mentioned as useful quality-of-life additions, though auto power behaviors can be inconsistent for some users.

Sidetone is praised in at least one review for making calls feel more natural by letting you hear your own voice more clearly.

Surface oils and cosmetic marks can show up on the materials, with some reviewers noting it wipes off easily but is not especially resistant to smudging.

Surface smudging is mentioned as manageable: oils can show with regular handling but a quick wipe restores a clean look.

Setup is usually straightforward thanks to modern pairing features, though a few reviews note hidden settings or small/hard-to-find pairing controls.

Setup and daily control are generally easy once configured, but a few reviewers report initial friction in the app experience or connection steps.

Sound quality is widely seen as good hardware with polarizing default tuning: some hear clean, balanced clarity, while many describe the stock sound as dark/flat or a bit compressed until EQ is applied. Wired listening over USB-C and/or 3.5mm is frequently mentioned; some reviewers note slightly improved clarity when wired, but not a dramatic transformation.

Sound quality is a consistent highlight: most reviews describe an engaging, detailed presentation that competes strongly at the price, often with a fun, slightly bass-forward tilt and strong clarity after light EQ if desired. Wired audio can sound tighter and more stable than Bluetooth in some reports, but at least one review warns wired listening can degrade significantly if the headphones are not powered on.

Soundstage is generally not class-leading; multiple reviews call it narrower or less expansive than Sony/Apple competitors, even if separation can be decent after tuning.

Soundstage is usually described as wide enough for an immersive feel, but depth can be limited and some tests describe the stage as more inside-the-cups than truly expansive.

Spatial audio is included and often paired with head tracking, but opinions on its usefulness vary widely; several reviews call it mediocre or not worth using for music.

Spatial audio support is not a core strength in these reviews, with some calling it limited or weaker than ecosystem-driven alternatives.

Fit stability can be a weakness during vigorous movement due to moderate clamping, with at least one test noting issues beyond walking.

Sustainability signals are limited in reviews: some note repairability steps (like pad access) but also a lack of recycled materials or overt eco focus.

Sustainability gets a small nod through minimalist, paper-forward packaging in at least one review, though it is not a dominant theme.

Touch controls are often described as intuitive and capable, but several reviews mention sensitivity, accidental triggers, or occasional glitches requiring app toggles.

Transparency mode is generally usable and fairly natural, but a recurring complaint is that the wearer’s own voice can sound boomy and/or the passthrough can be less airy than the best implementations.

Transparency is adjustable and generally usable, but opinions vary: some like the control and naturalness, while others find it less crisp or overly amplified in busy spaces.

Treble is a common critique in default mode, with multiple reviewers calling it muted or lacking sparkle; EQ can restore more air and bite for cymbals and vocals.

Treble is frequently praised for detail and shimmer, though a few reviewers mention occasional brightness, fatigue, or a sharper peak that may bother treble-sensitive listeners.

USB-C is a frequently praised feature because it supports charging and USB-C audio, adding modern wired flexibility.

USB-C is a key advantage: reviews highlight charging convenience and USB-C audio as a rare, practical feature for wired listening.

Voice assistant hooks and programmable button behavior are widely mentioned, with extra integrations for Nothing phones and more basic assistant triggering on other devices.

Volume output is generally adequate, but at least one review notes limited headroom and less precise volume stepping than some competitors.

Volume output is sometimes reported as lower than competing flagships, leading some users to run near the top of the volume range.

IP52 is a standout feature in this category and is repeatedly praised as practical for sweat and light splashes, even if it is not a high waterproof rating.

Water resistance is effectively absent in practice: at least one review notes no IP rating and recommends avoiding rain.

At ~329g, weight is noticeable: reviewers often say it’s lighter than AirPods Max but heavier than Sony/Bose alternatives, which can affect long-wear comfort.

Weight is typically reported around the 290g range and perceived as manageable, though not the lightest in class and still a factor for ultra-long sessions for some users.