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

ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.

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 Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.

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 (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.

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

Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.

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 commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.

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.

Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.

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 connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.

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 repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.

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 button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.

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

Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.

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

The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.

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 consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.

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 well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.

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

Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.

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 generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.

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 usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.

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

Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.

Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.

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

Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.

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 control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.

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

Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.

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.

Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.

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

Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.

Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.

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 and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.

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.

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.

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

At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.

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

Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.

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 usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.

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

Midrange is widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.

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.

Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.

Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.

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 frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.

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 mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.

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 EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.

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 earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.

Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.

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/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.

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

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

Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.

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 a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.

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.

Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.

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 commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.

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 is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.

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 considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.

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 performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.

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 the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.

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

Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.

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

At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

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

Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.

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.