Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones (2025)

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#3. Sennheiser Momentum 4

A Modern Classic Still Hitting the High Notes?

Okay, let’s tune into the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones from the perspective of a buyer in May 2025. Launched in August 2022, these headphones quickly gained acclaim for their exceptional sound quality, marathon battery life, and effective noise cancellation. Nearly three years later, they remain a highly regarded option in the premium wireless headphone space.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones represented a slight design departure from their predecessors but doubled down on what Sennheiser does best: delivering a superb audio experience. As we assess them in May 2025, especially with a potential Momentum 5 on the market or heavily rumored, the Momentum 4s often present an attractive proposition for those seeking flagship-level performance, potentially at a more accessible price point.

The Enduring Appeal: Why the Momentum 4 Still Turns Heads in 2025

Even with newer entrants, the Momentum 4 boasts core strengths that keep it compelling:

Exceptional, Signature Sennheiser Sound: This is paramount. The Momentum 4s deliver a clean, neutral, yet deeply musical sound profile with excellent clarity, detail, and balance across the frequency spectrum. They are renowned for their engaging and audiophile-pleasing performance.
Monumental Battery Life: With up to 60 hours of playback on a single charge (even with ANC on), this was class-leading at launch and remains absolutely outstanding in 2025. This is a massive practical advantage for travelers and heavy users.
Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The ANC is highly competent, significantly reducing ambient noise and comparing favorably with other top-tier options from its era, like the Sony WH-1000XM5. It creates a focused listening environment.
Supreme Comfort: Designed for long listening sessions, they feature generously padded earcups, a comfortable headband, and a relatively lightweight build despite their robust construction.
Versatile Connectivity & Codec Support: Bluetooth 5.2, support for high-quality codecs like aptX Adaptive(great for Android users) and AAC (for Apple devices), plus wired options via USB-C (for audio and charging) and a 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable.
Sennheiser Smart Control App: Offers good customization, including an equalizer, sound zones, and ANC settings.

Key Specifications & Features:

Connectivity:
- Wireless: Bluetooth 5.2.
- Wired: USB-C (supports audio playback and charging) and a 2.5mm to 3.5mm TRS audio cable.
- Microphone Note: The built-in microphones (two per earcup, totaling four) work well for calls and voice assistant use over Bluetooth. As is common, the microphone does not function when using the analog 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable. For PC/laptop use with a mic, Bluetooth or a direct USB-C audio connection is recommended.
Compatibility:
- Windows: Windows 10 and higher.
- macOS: macOS X and later.
- iOS & Android: Full app support via Sennheiser Smart Control.
Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive.
Driver Technology: 42mm dynamic drivers.
Microphones: Four beamforming microphones for voice calls and ANC.
Design: A more modern, minimalist aesthetic compared to previous Momentum generations. Earcups swivel flat for storage in the included case but do not fold inwards. Available in Black and White/Stone.

The Acclaimed Sennheiser Sound: Audio Performance Deep Dive

The Momentum 4 is tuned for a listening experience that is:

Balanced and Natural: Avoiding over-emphasized bass or treble, aiming for a faithful reproduction of the source material.
Detailed and Clear: Revealing nuances in music that lesser headphones might miss.
Musical and Engaging: While neutral, they are far from sterile, offering an enjoyable and immersive listen across genres.
Customizable: The Smart Control app provides a 3-band EQ and a “Sound Check” feature to help you tailor the sound to your preferences if desired.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Awareness

Active Noise Cancellation: The Momentum 4’s ANC is very effective at reducing consistent low-frequency noise (like engine hum) and a good amount of mid-frequency sounds (like office chatter). While top-tier in its launch window, the absolute quietest headphones from Sony or Bose in their 2024/2025 iterations might offer a slight edge in the most challenging environments.
Transparency Mode: Allows you to hear your surroundings clearly, with adjustable levels via the app.

Marathon Battery Life: Still a Class Leader?

Absolutely. The 60-hour battery life (with ANC on) is still a standout feature in 2025 and a major reason to choose the Momentum 4, significantly outlasting many competitors. Quick charging is also supported (e.g., around 5-10 minutes of charge for several hours of playback).

Comfort: Excellent. The plush earpads and headband design distribute weight well, making them suitable for hours of continuous wear.
Build: Uses quality plastics, fabric accents on the headband, and smooth synthetic leather on the earpads. Feels durable and well-constructed.
Portability: The earcups swivel flat to fit into a relatively slim hard case. However, they don’t fold up like some other travel-focused headphones, making the case a bit larger in one dimension.

Connectivity, Codecs, and Call Performance

Bluetooth 5.2 & Codecs: Provides a stable connection. aptX Adaptive is particularly beneficial for Android users, offering a balance of high-quality audio and low latency.
Call Quality: Generally good, with the microphones providing clear voice transmission for calls in most environments.

The Sennheiser Smart Control App: Personalizing Your Audio

The app offers:

Firmware updates.
Customizable EQ and sound personalization (Sound Check).
ANC and Transparency mode adjustments.
“Sound Zones” (location-based audio settings).
Connection management.
Sidetone adjustment for calls (hearing your own voice).

Who is the Sennheiser Momentum 4?

The Momentum 4 remains an excellent choice for:

Audiophiles Prioritizing Sound & Battery: If exceptional audio fidelity and industry-leading battery life are your top concerns.
Long-Haul Travelers & Commuters: The combination of comfort, long battery, and effective ANC makes them ideal for extended journeys.
Remote Workers & Office Use: Comfortable for all-day wear, good for calls, and helpful ANC for focus.
Users Seeking Value in a Premium Product: If a Momentum 5 is the current flagship, the Momentum 4 can often be found at a more attractive price, offering a large percentage of the premium experience.

Price & Value: Assessing the Investment in 2025

Original Launch Price: Typically around $349.99 – $379.99.
Typical 2025 Price: By May 2025, especially if a successor is available, you can expect to find the Momentum 4 priced more competitively, potentially in the $250 – $320 range new, with further discounts possible during sales or for refurbished units. This makes them a very strong value proposition.

Points to Consider: Potential Trade-offs

Non-Foldable Design: The case is a bit larger than some due to the earcups only swiveling flat.
No Official IP Rating: Not ideal for workouts or use in wet conditions.
ANC is Great, But Maybe Not Absolute Best vs. Latest 2025 Models: While highly effective, the newest dedicated ANC champions from Sony/Bose might have a slight edge in total silence.
Touch Controls Can Be Sensitive: Some users find the touch controls on the earcups can take some getting used to, though many appreciate their responsiveness once familiar.

The Premium Headphone Arena: Momentum 4’s Standing

In May 2025, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 would be compared against:

Sennheiser Momentum 5 (if released): Sennheiser’s own successor would be the most direct comparison, likely offering incremental improvements and new features at a higher launch price.
Sony WH-1000XM5 / WH-1000XM6: Sony’s flagships are key competitors, often seen as leaders in ANC and smart features. The Momentum 4 often wins on battery life and is preferred by some for its sound signature.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (or successor): Bose is a strong rival, particularly for ANC prowess and comfort. The Momentum 4 offers a different audio profile and superior battery.
Apple AirPods Max (or potential successor): Targets Apple ecosystem users with a premium build but at a much higher price and with different design priorities. Momentum 4 offers broader codec support and far better battery.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e / Px8: Offer a more luxurious build and a different sound signature, often at a higher price point than a discounted Momentum 4.
Other high-end options from Focal, Master & Dynamic, etc.: For those exploring the broader audiophile market.

Bottom Line: The 2025 Verdict on a Modern Classic

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are, without a doubt, still an outstanding choice in May 2025. Their combination of stellar, audiophile-pleasing sound quality and truly phenomenal 60-hour battery life keeps them at the top of many recommendation lists, especially for users who prioritize these aspects. The comfort and effective noise cancellation round out a very compelling package.

If a newer Momentum 5 is available, the Momentum 4 often becomes an even more attractive value proposition, delivering a huge slice of that premium Sennheiser experience at a more accessible price. While they may not fold down like some travel headphones and lack an official IP rating, their core performance in audio and battery endurance is hard to beat. For anyone seeking a high-fidelity, long-lasting, and comfortable wireless listening experience, the Momentum 4 remains a top-tier contender