Released in August 2022, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Bluetooth headphones are a wireless, noise-cancelling model. The German brand has returned with a 4th generation: revamped look, better battery life, improved ANC, Transparent mode and Bluetooth aptX Adaptive compatibility!
Available for €349, how do the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones compare to market leaders Bose and Sony? Find out in this review of the Sennheiser Momentum 4!
Sennheiser Momentum 4: packaging & accessories
Placed inside an elegant box decorated with a photo of the headphones and various specs, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are protected by a rigid transport case. The latter also contains a USB-C charging cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable and an airplane adapter. A quick start guide and warranty card are also included. Conveniently, a QR code allows you to quickly and easily install the dedicated app on your smartphone.
Sennheiser Momentum 4: presentation
Modernized design
The new, more understated and classic design will appeal to users looking for a minimalist pair of headphones that are easy to wear during all their trips. Moreover, their more modern appearance is similar to that of the Sennheiser HD 400s, Sennheiser HD 350BT and Sennheiser HD 450BT models.
This more modern design is also synonymous with better comfort. The headband of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is generously padded and covered with a soft fabric. To suit all users, the headband features extensions that allow you to adjust the fit.
There is just one drawback: the headphones can’t be folded, which would have made them easier to carry. However, the hinges on the earpieces pivot, allowing you to lay the headphones flat in their carrying case or wear them around your neck.
Boosted battery life
As well as their appearance, the performance of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Bluetooth headphones has been improved, starting with a better battery life. Totaling 17 hours for the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless (M3), it now reaches 60 hours (ANC + Bluetooth activated) for this new generation. The icing on the cake: a quick 10-minute charge provides 6 hours of autonomy.
So you can really enjoy 60 hours of playback, these active noise-cancelling headphones feature a sensor in the right earpiece. With the smart pause feature, the Sennheiser Momentum 4s pause playback as soon as they are removed. Once placed back on your ears, the headphones resume playing the current playlist. After not being used for 15 minutes, the power of the Momentum 4 is reduced until they stop.
Hybrid adaptive ANC
Another difference with the previous generations, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are equipped with hybrid adaptive active noise-cancelling. A far cry from the Momentum 3 headphones’ three modes, the fourth generation of these headphones automatically adjusts the level of noise-cancelling depending on the ambient noise.
If you don’t use the hybrid adaptive ANC, it is possible to change the intensity of the noise-cancelling using the Smart Control app. Better still, the headphones benefit from a Transparent mode so that you can remain fully aware of your surroundings and hear ambient sounds. We used this feature so that we could cross the street safely, but also for quick conversations. It also proved useful at the train station to hear the announcements.
The app also allows you to use the sound zones feature. The latter automatically applies audio settings depending on where the headphones are being used. At home, in the office, at the gym… The smartphone uses your localization and modifies the settings according to the previously saved preferences.
Wireless connectivity: aptX Adaptive Bluetooth
At the heart of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones lies a system using 1.6” dynamic transducers with a frequency response of 6 to 22,000Hz. As a result, the headphones are suitable for all types of content, allowing you to fully enjoy your music, or the soundtracks of your favorite movies, series and video games.
Very convenient, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones feature a Bluetooth module for greater freedom of movement. This Bluetooth 5.2 version is compatible with the SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs. The latter promises high-resolution sound and optimal synchronization between the image and the audio. The mode offering the highest quality is automatically selected depending on the compatibility of the connected device.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones can be used passively, at a time when many models, such as the B&W PX8 and the Focal Bathys, choose to forgo this option. Consequently, you can continue to listen to your music with a wired connection when the battery is flat.
Sennheiser Momentum 4: key specifications
Type: closed-back, over-ear
Transducers: 1.6”, dynamic
Bluetooth 5.2: aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC, AAC
Frequency response: 6 to 22,000Hz
Hybrid Adaptive ANC (4 microphones)
Battery life: up to 60 hours (Bluetooth + ANC)
Connectors: USB-C, 3.5mm mini-jack
Weight: 293g
Sennheiser Momentum 4: listening conditions
To test the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones, we connected them to a smartphone via Bluetooth, then using a cable. We then paired them with a Samsung QLED TV. We listened to tracks on the Qobuz platform.
The Bluetooth connection was established quickly and without signal loss, even when there was a wall in between the smartphone and the headphones. Moreover, the LEDs and noise prompts allowed us to rapidly find out the status of the headphones. The very convenient Multipoint Bluetooth feature allowed us to watch a movie on the TV while remaining reachable on our phone.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones were very easy to use, especially with the touch-sensitive controls, which are very intuitive and responsive.
Sennheiser Momentum 4: our impressions
Music
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones offered great musicality with a wide range of genres. With Come Together by the Beatles, the artist’s voice was ideally positioned at the center of the tambourine, bass, drums and guitar. On Eminem’s Without Me, the bass brought rhythm to the track without overpowering the rapper’s vocals. The sound was dynamic, with punchy lows, nuanced highs and warm mids.
However, the results weren’t the same in passive mode (headphones turned off, connected via mini-jack). The bass and highs lacked presence, and the sound wasn’t as pleasant. Thankfully, the Momentum 4 headphones’ energy was fully restored when they were turned back on. And with such a long battery life, you won’t need to use the passive mode very often.
The presence of a 3 band equalizer is a real advantage. It allows you to increase or reduce the presence of the high, mid and low frequencies depending on your preferences. In addition, there are several presets in the app: Rock, Pop, Dance, Hip-hop, Classical, Movies…
With the original soundtrack of House of the Dragon, the percussion instruments were accurate and clear. The sound of the violin was well-defined without being aggressive. When we paired the headphones with the TV, we didn’t notice any lag between the sound and the image.
Once activated, the Podcast mode available on the app offered clear, intelligible voices. This was also the case during phone calls. Even in a busy mall, the caller could hear us clearly.
Noise-cancelling
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones’ active noise-cancelling system effectively reduced ambient noise. In an open space office, the sounds of keyboards, mice and conversations were all erased when we put the headphones on. In a train, the Adaptive ANC considerably reduced background noise.
We particularly appreciated the very intuitive application, which allowed us to easily adjust the noise-cancelling and Transparent mode. The latter was very effective and even let us have a quick conversation.
Sennheiser Momentum 4: compared to…
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: now available for the same price, these two headphones are very similar. Each model offers an effective and precisely adjustable ANC system. Their comfort allows both to be worn all day long. However, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones blow their rival out of the water with a battery life of 60 hours, compared to 20 hours for Bose’s model.
Yamaha YH-L700A: the 3D surround sound delivered by the Yamaha headphones is more immersive for movies and video games. Comfort-wise, the new Sennheiser model is lighter and can therefore be worn for longer. Once again, the battery life of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is unbeatable.
Sennheiser Momentum 4: who are they for?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones will impress many music lovers with their sound signature, which can be customized in the very comprehensive app. The ANC, Transparent mode, 60-hour battery life and microphone quality will enthuse those looking to enjoy great sound quality during their long daily commutes.
Sennheiser Momentum 4: conclusion
First and foremost, we must stress that this new generation more than lives up to the previous iterations, which have been awarded numerous times by the specialized press. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Bluetooth headphones offer a natural and warm sound. They can be adapted to suit your preferences thanks to a responsive and effective EQ. Their impressive ANC and battery life complete the picture.
We liked
- The adjustable active noise-cancelling
- The musicality and balanced reproduction
- The powerful equalizer
- The comfort
- The ability to use them in passive mode
We would have liked
- Better performance in passive mode
Did you try usb connect to smartphone or pc? Should be much better than analog “passive” mode.