Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones

Pros

• Battery ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.9
  Battery life is a defining strength: 60 hours is the common claim, and real-world/lab results reported in reviews range roughly from about 49 to 56+ hours with ANC on. Even on the lower measured figures it remains among the best in the category, enabling multi-day use and fewer charge cycles over time.
• Multi-platform compatibility ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.7
  The headset is broadly device-agnostic, working well across iOS, Android, and computers, with fallback wired listening via analog and/or USB-C. Reviewers often frame this as a practical alternative to ecosystem-locked headphones, though some Apple-exclusive perks are absent.
• aptX ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.7
  Momentum 4 supports the aptX family (including aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive), which reviewers link to better consistency and potentially lower latency on many Android devices than AAC. This makes it attractive for users who want high-quality Bluetooth without being locked into a single ecosystem.
• Charging ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.6
  USB-C charging is repeatedly described as fast and convenient, with quick-charge claims around 5–10 minutes yielding roughly 4–6 hours of playback and full charges taking about 2 hours. Results vary by charger, but short top-ups for several hours of use are a common highlight.
• Sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.6
  Across reviews, Momentum 4 is consistently praised as one of the best-sounding mainstream ANC over-ears, with strong detail, clarity, and imaging that often beats Sony/Bose peers. The default tuning is fun and typically bass-forward with lively treble; many recommend light EQ (or Sound Check/Podcast mode) to tame bass or smooth highs for a more balanced, less fatiguing presentation, and wired-active listening can sound slightly tighter than Bluetooth.
• Noise cancellation adjustability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.6
  Noise control is a standout for adjustability: reviewers highlight app sliders and pinch gestures to blend ANC and transparency, plus Adaptive ANC and location-based Sound Zones that can auto-apply profiles by place. Even reviewers who criticize raw ANC strength often praise how granular and flexible the control system is.
• Android compatibility ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  Android compatibility is strong thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 and support for aptX-class codecs, with reviewers noting aptX/aptX HD can be more consistent on Android than AAC. Latency performance can still vary by handset, but pairing and daily use are typically straightforward.
• Ear cup swivel/rotation range ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  The earcups rotate smoothly and can swivel flat for storage, with enough range to help the cups self-align to different head shapes and sit comfortably around the neck when not in use.
• Maximum volume clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  Even near maximum volume, reviewers generally describe the Momentum 4 as staying clean and composed without obvious breakup. Some testing notes a slightly lower loudness ceiling than expected, but clarity and balance largely hold up when volume is pushed.
• Sidetone adjustment quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  Sidetone support is repeatedly highlighted as a useful call feature, letting you hear some of your own voice so conversations feel more natural and you are less likely to shout over isolation. Reviewers describe it as a genuinely helpful comfort and usability add-on for calls.
• USB-C ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.6
  USB-C serves dual duty for charging and digital audio, enabling modern cabling, fast top-ups, and the option to use the headphones as a USB DAC for direct computer listening without Bluetooth. Some bundles include a USB-A to USB-C cable but may omit a USB-C to USB-C cable.
• Ear cup padding quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.6
  Ear pads are commonly described as thick, soft, and compliant (leatherette/memory-foam feel), staying comfortable and accommodating glasses well. The softer seal improves comfort but can reduce passive isolation compared with tighter-fitting competitors, making ANC more important for strong isolation.
• Codec support ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  Codec support is strong and broadly compatible, covering SBC and AAC plus Qualcomm options including aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive. The most commonly noted omission is LDAC, which some Android-focused listeners see as the main codec gap versus certain competitors.
• Comfort during long use ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.5
  Comfort is widely praised for long sessions thanks to roomy oval cups, soft pads, and a gentle clamp; some tests report being able to wear them for very long stretches (around a full workday). A few users note the headband can create a pressure hotspot if over-tightened, and the relaxed fit can trade a bit of security for comfort during movement.
• Included accessories ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.5
  Accessories are generally travel-friendly and commonly include a protective case, a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable, a USB charging cable, and an airplane adapter. Some reviewers note omissions versus older bundles (such as missing USB-C to USB-A adapters or USB-C to USB-C cables), but overall the included kit supports travel use out of the box.
• Clamping force comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.5
  Clamp force is generally tuned on the lighter, comfort-first side and is frequently described as well balanced for long wear. The tradeoff is reduced stability for vigorous movement; some users prefer slightly more clamp for a locked-in fit during exercise or stretching.
• App ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.4
  Sennheiser’s Smart Control app is widely viewed as a strong value add, providing firmware updates, EQ tools, sound personalization/Sound Check, and granular noise control including Adaptive ANC and location-based Sound Zones. Some functions require permissions and sometimes account creation, and multiple reviewers cite limited touch-control remapping as a common annoyance despite otherwise excellent feature depth.
• Carry case quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.4
  The included case is generally seen as protective and well-organized, often described as a rigid/hardshell fabric design with pockets/loops for accessories. Some reviewers find it compact versus earlier Sennheiser packaging, while others still call it somewhat large; overall it is usually rated as travel-ready and secure.
• Instrument separation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.3
  Instrument separation and imaging are a consistent strength, keeping complex mixes from sounding cluttered and making small details easy to pick out. A minority of impressions describe the presentation as slightly artificial or compressed compared to wired audiophile headphones, but within the ANC Bluetooth category it is frequently rated above average.
• Equalizer customization ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.3
  EQ flexibility is frequently praised: users can adjust bass and treble to taste, use guided personalization tools, and store presets, making it easy to move from a fun stock tuning to a more balanced one. A recurring note is that certain preset modes (e.g., Podcast) can restrict manual EQ sliders while enabled, but overall tuning control is considered above average.
• Bluetooth connectivity stability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
  Bluetooth connections are generally stable in everyday use, and the option to use USB-C or analog wired listening provides a reliable fallback. Most connectivity complaints focus on multipoint and device-switching quirks rather than frequent single-device dropouts.
• Headband adjustability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.3
  Reviews that mention fit adjustments describe the headband as easy to adjust, and the wider band helps distribute pressure across the crown. A minority note that over-tightening can concentrate pressure on the top of the head, so comfort depends on dialing in the fit.
• Touch control responsiveness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.2
  Touch controls (taps, swipes, and pinches) are generally described as intuitive and responsive for playback, volume, and noise-mode changes, often letting users avoid reaching for their phone. A recurring downside is oversensitivity that can cause accidental inputs, and several reviews note limited or no customization of the gesture mapping.
• Frequency response accuracy ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.2
  Measured and subjective tuning is typically characterized as a soft V- or W-shaped signature that is close to common preference targets, with a noticeable bass shelf and lively treble. Because the out-of-box profile can sound bass-heavy or a touch bright depending on taste, light EQ or guided personalization is frequently recommended to improve balance.
• Audio-video sync accuracy ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2
  Latency is generally low enough for video when using AAC or aptX Adaptive, and some reviewers recommend those modes specifically to reduce lag. Results can still vary across Android phones and apps, so audio-video sync is usually good but not perfectly uniform.
• Software/setup simplicity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2
  Setup is generally straightforward: pairing works out of the box, and the app is mainly recommended for enabling features and installing firmware updates. The main friction points mentioned are app permissions or account requirements for certain features, plus the learning curve of gesture-based controls.
• Soundstage width ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.2
  Soundstage is often described as wider-than-average for a closed-back ANC headphone, with clear positional cues and spacious stereo presentation in quiet environments. Depth and out-of-head immersion are more mixed: some hear limited depth or a more 2D feel, and multiple reviews note that weaker isolation/ANC can reduce perceived spaciousness in noisier settings.
• Preset EQ profile quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.2
  Preset profiles like Podcast mode and Bass Boost are generally considered useful one-tap options for shifting tuning quickly—Podcast often improves vocal presence and reduces bass, while Bass Boost adds impact. Some presets can lock out further manual EQ tweaking, which is the main usability tradeoff mentioned.
• Weight comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.1
  At roughly 291–295g, Momentum 4 is commonly perceived as reasonably light for a premium ANC headset, supporting long listening without major neck fatigue. It is still heavier than some travel-focused rivals, but most reviewers consider the weight manageable and not a primary comfort limiter.
• Bass performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.1
  Bass is punchy with satisfying sub-bass rumble and strong impact that suits modern genres, but multiple reviewers still note it can get boomy or a bit flabby in the upper bass. The Smart Control EQ (or reducing bass a few steps) is frequently recommended, and several comparisons note bass tightens and cleans up in wired active mode versus Bluetooth.
• Treble clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.1
  Treble detail is widely described as crisp and clear, adding shimmer and perceived resolution, but impressions vary by sensitivity. Some reviewers point to energetic upper treble and an 8k-ish emphasis that can add sizzle or mild sibilance on certain tracks; small EQ cuts are often recommended to reduce fatigue without losing detail.
• Sensors ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.0
  Wear-detection features like Smart Pause and Auto On/Off add convenience by pausing playback and powering down when the headset is removed or set aside, and standby timing can be adjusted. Reliability varies: some reviewers report inconsistent auto shutoff behavior and choose to disable or tweak it.
• Sustainability materials ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.0
  Sustainability notes are limited, but at least one review highlights minimalist, paper-forward packaging. The product itself is still primarily plastic and does not strongly position sustainability as a core feature beyond packaging choices.
• Multipoint connectivity reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.0
  Multipoint is supported and can feel seamless once connected, enabling quick switching between two devices for calls and media. Reliability is mixed when many previously paired devices are nearby or when users expect fully automatic switching without pausing the first source, and some reports describe occasional glitches in those scenarios.
• Wired connection sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.9
  Wired listening over USB-C or analog in powered (active) mode is generally reported to closely match wireless tuning and can tighten bass and dynamics compared to Bluetooth. Several reviewers warn that passive analog use without power sounds noticeably worse (muddy/harsh), so best results come with the headphones turned on, even when cabled.
• Portability/foldability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.9
  Portability is helped by earcups that swivel flat and a protective case, but the headphones do not fold into the headband, so they are not the most compact option. Several reviews still call them backpack-friendly, with the main portability downside being case size compared with the smallest competitors.
• Transparency mode quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.9
  Transparency mode is generally seen as useful and adjustable for situational awareness, but quality impressions vary. Some reviewers call it strong and convenient, while others find it processed or overly amplified—especially in busy environments like airports—making it less natural than the best passthrough implementations.
• Design and Aesthetics ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.9
  The design shifts from Momentum 3’s distinctive retro-aviator style to a more understated, generic commuter look. Some reviewers prefer the minimal, normal-looking aesthetic, while others find it plain or miss the premium visual flair; most agree the redesign benefits practicality and comfort.
• Midrange clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.9
  Midrange is generally clean and intelligible, but several reviewers describe it as less rich or less forward than Momentum 3, with a mild upper-mid dip that can blunt vocals or make them feel boxy/less substantial in default tuning. Presets like Podcast mode and manual EQ are commonly cited as effective fixes to bring vocals forward and restore presence.
• Active noise cancellation effectiveness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 3.8
  ANC is widely described as effective for steady, low-frequency noise like airplane or engine rumble and good enough for many flights, but multiple comparisons and lab-style tests rate it clearly behind Sony and Bose flagships. It tends to let more voices and sudden/transient sounds through, and at least one test suite judged it closer to budget-level performance for the price, while some outlets still describe it as very strong—making satisfaction dependent on expectations and fit.
• Button control usability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.7
  Controls are mostly touch-based with a single combined power/pairing button; many find this simple, but a recurring complaint is that the power button can feel finicky or inconsistent for quick power-on. Others still appreciate having a true on-off control compared with buttonless competitors.
• Build quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.6
  Build quality is commonly described as mostly plastic but solid and well assembled for everyday commuting, with fabric accents and a premium-feeling case in some reviews. It is not considered especially rugged, and durability impressions suggest it should hold up well with reasonable care rather than hard, abusive use.
• Microphone quality for calls ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.6
  Call quality is usually described as acceptable in quiet indoor environments, with intelligible speech but a somewhat soft or grainy mic tone compared with category leaders. Performance drops notably in louder real-world settings, and some testers report needing to repeat themselves; features like sidetone help conversations feel more natural but do not fully fix outdoor performance.
• Volume output ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.5
  Maximum loudness is commonly reported as a bit lower than some competing wireless headphones, so listeners may need to push volume higher than usual in noisy environments. This is more of a headroom limitation than a distortion issue, since most reports still describe the sound as clean at high volume.