Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones

Analog input practicality was mixed to negative because wired listening without power degraded significantly in one review.

ANC is generally judged good or improved, though not always elite; reviewers praised effectiveness while noting Sony/Bose-class options can still outperform it.

ANC opinions were split: several reviewers found it solid, effective, or excellent, while others called it middling, dated, subpar, or behind Sony and Bose.

Advanced software features such as DynamEQ and app changes are useful but taste-dependent, with some reviewers liking the added energy and others preferring simpler original tuning.

Advanced software features were a major strength, with reviewers praising app-based personalization, Sound Zones, and feature execution.

Aesthetics split reviewers: some liked the clean design and blue color, while another found the wide look silly when worn.

The discreet profile was a plus for one reviewer who preferred the understated, normal-looking design.

Background noise reduction is viewed as improved and effective, but not the quietest in the class according to comparison-focused reviewers.

ANC background noise handling was mid-pack: the review said it held up but trailed the best competitors.

ANC's effect on the sound signature is mixed: one review praised the lack of tonal shift, while another found ANC-on tuning messier on the SE.

ANC effect on sound signature was mildly negative because one review reported a small performance loss with ANC on.

ANC sound impact is similarly split, with TechRadar praising tonal consistency and RecordingNow hearing a more problematic change with ANC on.

ANC's sound impact was mildly negative because one review heard a small soundstage/imaging loss when ANC was activated.

Android setup worked smoothly in the tested pairing flow, with the reviewer connecting quickly to a Samsung foldable device.

Android compatibility was positive because aptX and aptX HD were described as more consistent on Android devices.

The app is widely praised for EQ, controls, and clean layout, though one reviewer wanted clearer EQ frequency labeling.

The app was broadly praised as intuitive, useful, and clean, with strong access to EQ, ANC, device management, and other settings.

aptX Lossless support is treated as part of the impressive specification.

aptX support was evaluated positively, especially for Android consistency and codec flexibility.

Gaming/low-latency performance was judged snappy and suitable for videos and fast-paced games.

Audio-video sync was praised in the video review that found audio and video perfectly aligned.

Wear-detection auto play/pause mostly worked but showed a brief audio cutout in one hands-on test.

Auto-play and wear detection was praised as an important feature that the reviewer felt was implemented well.

Auto on/off reliability was mixed, with one reviewer disabling it due to misfires while another found auto-off consistent.

RecordingNow gave the product a strong S-Tier expert score, reflecting award-style recognition in that review.

Award recognition was strong in TechRadar's evidence, which noted the headphones became its headphones of the year for 2022.

Bass earns strong praise for impact and EQ potential, but some reviewers found the SE tuning too bass-forward or not fully controlled.

Bass was generally praised for punch, warmth, and control, though several reviewers found the stock low end a little heavy, boomy, or occasionally flabby.

Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly called excellent, incredible, extraordinary, or best-in-class.

Battery life was the product's clearest consensus strength, with reviewers repeatedly describing 49-60 hour results as exceptional, class-leading, or nearly worry-free.

Bluetooth-related experiences were largely positive where judged through pairing and multipoint behavior.

Bluetooth was marked down in one 2025 review because the hardware was described as older compared with newer Bluetooth developments.

Bluetooth version was criticized as feeling older in the context of newer wireless standards.

Build quality is consistently praised as sturdy, premium, or strong for the price, with only minor creaking noted in one review.

Build quality was positive in the supporting review, especially the smoother, sturdier-feeling ear cup mechanism.

Built-in DAC and wired playback were praised because wired mode tightened and improved bass compared with wireless.

Physical button controls are praised for usability and responsiveness.

Button usability was criticized because the power/Bluetooth button made powering on feel finicky.

Cable quality receives a positive note for the included USB-C and 3.5mm cables.

Cable quality was criticized because the supplied analog cable was viewed as thin and underbuilt for expensive travel headphones.

The hard case is generally sturdy and solid, but its size hurts compactness.

Case quality was usually praised for protection, structure, compartments, and compactness compared with certain rivals, despite one note that it is large.

Charging was viewed positively because a short charge can deliver several hours of playback.

Clamping force is mostly acceptable or well judged, though one review found the fit snug compared with rivals.

Clamping force was consistently positive, with reviewers saying it was gentle, balanced, or just right rather than overly tight.

Codec support is praised through aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless support, but wireless LDAC absence is a separate limitation.

Codec support was praised as a strong, price-appropriate list, despite separate criticism elsewhere about missing LDAC and newer lossless Bluetooth options.

Comfort is mixed: some reviewers found it comfortable or improved, while others criticized weight, snugness, or headband pressure over time.

Comfort was one of the strongest areas, with many reviewers praising long-wear comfort, soft padding, lighter feel, glasses compatibility, and all-day listening.

Wired listening options are appreciated as part of the broader connectivity package.

Connectivity options were strongly praised, especially the mix of Bluetooth, analog, USB-C, and practical fallback listening modes.

Design is usually viewed positively, especially the clean lines and color options, although the look is not universally loved.

Design reactions were mixed: reviewers liked the functional, understated approach but also called it plain or less original than prior Momentum models.

Detachable cable convenience was positive because the wired option kept the headphones usable across different work and casual listening situations.

Durability is judged positively through solid materials and a reviewer description of the headphones as durable overall.

Durability evidence was mixed: one review called the plastic build not especially rugged, while another long-use video said the headphones still looked pristine.

Ear cup padding and space are generally praised for plushness, roominess, and comfort.

Ear cup padding was praised for being soft, comfortable, and accommodating without making the headphones feel insecure.

Ear cup rotation is judged useful and flexible where reviewed.

Ear cup rotation was viewed positively because the rotation felt smoother and contributed to a sturdier fit.

One reviewer heard slight creaking during movement, but described it as minor.

Ecosystem integration was limited for Apple-centric users because one review noted the lack of iOS-only features.

EQ customization is a major strength, with reviewers praising the seven-band EQ and how well the headphones respond to tuning.

EQ customization was a strength, with reviewers praising useful app EQ, many options, and accurate frequency adjustment.

Feature coverage is viewed positively, with reviewers noting modern ANC-headphone features and useful app-based controls.

Frequency-response impressions are mixed because the SE sounds warmer and less flat than the original, even though the tonal balance can be adjusted.

Frequency response accuracy was strongly praised by the lab-style review that found the measured response close to its preference curve.

Headband adjustability was not evaluated directly beyond factual mechanism mentions.

Headband adjustability was praised for fitting comfortably and adjusting easily.

Headband padding is one of the more divisive comfort points, ranging from improved and comfortable to stiff or not meaningfully changed.

Headband padding was a comfort caveat, with reviewers noting pressure concentration or possible digging during careless fit or very long sessions.

Hinge feel and arm construction are praised for tightness, friction, and premium movement.

Immersion is praised through wide, effortless soundstage comments, even without spatial audio.

Immersive audio was praised in the supporting review for intimate, holographic vocal presentation.

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case and cable management touches.

Included accessories were praised for adding a hard case, cable, and airplane adapter convenience.

Detail retrieval and instrument separation are praised in both written and hands-on listening tests.

Instrument separation was a recurring strength, with reviewers noting resolving performance, spatial separation, and distinct instruments, though one comparison found stronger separation elsewhere.

Microphone quality is good in quiet conditions, but noise suppression is less impressive in background noise.

The integrated microphone array was positively described in one test as clearly picking up the speaker's voice.

LDAC is a clear omission for reviewers who expect high-res wireless codec support.

LDAC was a clear omission for reviewers who wanted higher-bitrate or lossless-style wireless options.

Clarity at higher volume is praised, with reviewers noting strong clarity and no distortion at raised levels.

Maximum-volume clarity was positive in the one supporting review, which said the headphones still sounded great even at max volume.

Microphone noise reduction is weaker than some competitors, with one reviewer saying it does not filter as much background noise.

Microphone noise reduction was mixed: one reviewer noted issues rejecting noise, while another test found the microphones clearly picked up speech through traffic noise.

Microphone quality itself is good in quiet conditions, even if background noise filtering is less strong.

Call quality was inconsistent, ranging from usable in some cases to disappointing when background noise interfered or when walking and biking were considered.

Mids are frequently praised as clear, rounded, and strong with vocals or instruments.

Midrange reactions were mixed: some reviewers heard clean vocals and exceptional reproduction, while others found the mids less rich, blunted, or not the main strength.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive because the wired and wireless options helped across work and casual listening.

Multipoint generally works, but switching can require pausing and there is no automatic switching in one test.

Multipoint was useful when working well, but reliability was mixed because one review reported seamless switching while another saw glitches near previously paired devices.

Passive noise isolation is a notable strength, with reviewers praising how much noise is blocked before ANC.

Passive isolation was a weakness, with reviewers saying the Momentum 4 let in more ambient sound than competitors or had weaker isolation than the prior model.

Overall recommendations are very positive, especially for sound-first buyers and value seekers, with caveats around ANC, comfort, and bulk.

Overall recommendation was positive across many reviews, especially for sound, comfort, features, battery, and value, with caveats around ANC, calls, and newer tech.

Portability is a weakness because the headphones and case are not especially compact.

Portability was mixed because the case and non-folding design were criticized despite some travel-friendly organization.

Premium feel is praised through materials, finish, and comparisons to more expensive headphones.

Premium feel was mixed: one reviewer missed the more premium older build, while another found the textured case and fabric experience high-end.

Preset and DynamEQ-style tuning are useful but taste-dependent; some presets are usable while DynamEQ can be divisive.

Preset EQ quality was positive where discussed, especially the podcast preset's ability to improve midrange balance.

Replaceable earpads and battery-related serviceability are repeatedly praised as longevity-friendly.

Replaceable components receive praise where reviewers focus on the user-replaceable battery as a long-term ownership benefit.

Sensor performance is mostly positive through wear-detection testing, though resume behavior had a minor glitch in one review.

Sidetone/voice passthrough needs improvement according to one reviewer who wanted clearer, louder self-voice feedback.

Sidetone was praised by TechRadar for improving call handling and making conversations feel more natural.

Smart listening features such as DynamEQ are useful for low-volume listening but not universally preferred.

Smart listening features were praised through Sound Zones, which one reviewer found useful and effective in real testing.

Smart Pause works quickly in hands-on testing, though one reviewer observed a brief audio glitch when resuming.

Smart Pause performance was positive in the review that said the app-enabled features worked as advertised.

The off-white finish receives a small positive note for resisting a dirty-looking appearance over time.

Setup and software are generally smooth, clean, and intuitive, with fast firmware and app interactions noted.

Setup simplicity was criticized in one video because the app onboarding had too many pop-ups and needed streamlining.

Sound leakage was positive in the one supporting review, which said the closed-back design and pads minimized leakage.

Sound quality is the strongest repeated praise, described as detailed, clear, engaging, and high value for the price.

Reviewers overwhelmingly liked the sound, describing it as excellent, detailed, crisp, engaging, or exceptional; criticism focused more on tuning taste than basic audio quality.

Soundstage is generally wide and spacious, though one reviewer heard it as more intimate than wide.

Soundstage was usually considered good for wireless closed-back ANC headphones, with some reviewers praising width while others found it intimate or not as expansive as software-enhanced rivals.

Spatial audio is absent, which some reviewers list as a limitation, though others say the natural soundstage reduces the sting.

Spatial audio was a weakness in the 2025 video review, which described the feature as weak compared with newer headphone tech.

Stability was limited because the headphones stayed usable for walking but not more active movement.

Sustainability and repairability are praised thanks to recyclable packaging, recycled materials, user-replaceable batteries, and removable pads.

Sustainability and repairability evidence was limited and mixed, with praise for paper/cardboard-forward packaging but a call for better retail hangers.

Sustainability materials earn praise from TechRadar, especially the recycled plastic and driver material claims.

Sustainability materials were mixed, with paper/cardboard-forward packaging praised but retail packaging improvements suggested.

Touch controls were divisive: several reviewers found them intuitive and dependable, while others reported sensitivity, accidental inputs, or startup glitches.

Transparency mode ranges from natural and useful to merely acceptable and less airy than competitors.

Transparency mode was usable but not a standout, with reviewers calling it serviceable while criticizing it as less natural or less crisp than leading alternatives.

Travel friendliness is mixed: battery life is excellent for long trips, but the large case and limited folding hurt portability.

Travel friendliness was mixed because battery and case helped, but weak noise cancellation limited travel and commuting recommendations.

Treble is often praised for detail, shine, and sparkle, but DynamEQ can make the sound more aggressive for some listeners.

Treble was mostly viewed as clear and energetic, with praise for shimmer and accuracy tempered by notes about forwardness, sizzle, or slight harshness for sensitive listeners.

USB-C connectivity is positively mentioned as part of the wired-listening and cable package.

USB-C was praised as a meaningful listening option that gives users another practical way to use the headphones.

Value is one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly calling the P100 SE well priced or exceptional for sound quality per dollar.

Value for money was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly describing the Momentum 4 as a bargain, steal, or high-value alternative to pricier rivals.

Voice assistant access worked cleanly in hands-on testing.

Voice prompts stand out positively, especially the Matt Berry/Southwark option.

Voice prompts and feedback were criticized for inconsistent verbal and musical cues that made status feedback less clear.

Volume output is mixed: some found it loud enough or very loud, while another wanted more Bluetooth/3.5mm loudness.

Volume output drew caution because reviewers said the headphones were quieter than some competitors even though usable listening remained possible.

Water resistance is a weakness because one reviewer warns users to be careful due to no rating.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness because the review advised against wearing them in the rain.

Wear-detection auto-pause is fast, though the broader wear-detection behavior was not flawless.

Wear detection auto-pause was praised because music paused and resumed automatically in a way the reviewer liked.

Wear detection performed quickly but had a resume-side glitch that the reviewer wanted fixed.

Wear detection performance was praised because playback resumed automatically and was described as fantastic.

Weight comfort is mixed to negative, with one reviewer calling it among the heaviest in class while another found it substantial but acceptable.

Weight comfort was positive in one review, which found the headphones relatively light despite being near 293 grams.

Wind handling is mixed: one review criticized wind noise in transparency mode, while another found ANC outdoor wind handling very good.

Wind noise handling was praised in one video review, which said the wind reduction worked effectively.