Tarun Verma
Sennheiser’s $349.95 Momentum 4 Wireless noise-cancelling headphones are a radical departure from their predecessors in terms of design and functionality. They have the same bass-forward but balanced sound signature as the highly regarded Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399.99) and Bose QuietComfort 45 ($329). They don’t quite match those two models’ active noise cancellation (ANC), but they come close. While the app’s features are excellent, we wish the simplified EQ could be adjusted more precisely. Despite these minor flaws, the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a worthy rival to our top picks from Bose and Sony.
The second set of headphones we’ll look at is the Sony WH-1000XM4, an upgrade from the WH-1000XM3. Because of its multipoint connectivity, speak-to-chat functionality, and other cutting-edge software features, the WH-1000XM4 remains competitive with Bose. Sony outperforms the competition this time with the release of the Sony WH-1000XM5, which means you can save a lot of money over the predecessor model, the XM4. How confident are you that this Sony headphone set will compete with its rivals? We were able to get a good idea after borrowing the Sony WH-1000XM4 ANC headphones for two weeks.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Vs Sony WH-1000XM4: Comparison Table
| Features | Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
| Launching Year | 2021 | 2022 |
| Brand | Sennheiser | Sony |
| Model Name | momentum 4 | wh-1000xm4 |
| Connector Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Available Colors | Black | White |
| Average Battery Life | 7 hours | 3 hours |
| Charging Time | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| Compatibility | Smartphone, Tablet, PC, All Bluetooth Devices | Smartphone, Tablet, PC, All Bluetooth Devices |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.2 | Version 5.0 |
| Connection Distance Range (Bluetooth) | 66 feet | 10m |
| Driver | 10mm | 10mm |
| Online Price Ranges | Rs.14,399 | Rs.22,990 |
| Customer Ratings | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Vs Sony WH-1000XM4: Detailed Analysis
Build Quality and Design
The Momentum 4 Wireless headphones will keep their comfortable fit whether you listen for an hour or ten. You can rotate the earcups to the correct size for your head for a comfortable and secure fit.
Both the black and white headbands are lined with the same grey fabric at the top. These headphones stand out from the Momentum 3 Wireless models due to the metal slider on the headband. In addition, the new version has oval-shaped earcups. The memory foam ear cushions are covered in faux leather, and cloth grilles on the left and right sides make it easy to tell which side is which.
Although it appears to be similar to its predecessor, the WH-1000XM4 does have some advantages. Bluetooth multipoint allows you to connect two devices at the same time, making it slightly more convenient for everyday use (more on that later). If you work from home, you can easily switch between listening to music on your phone and watching a YouTube video on your phone. For multipoint to work, both devices must support the AAC Bluetooth codec.
Specifications
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Dynamic drivers have an internal frequency range of 6Hz to 22kHz and a 42mm diameter. These headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and are compatible with the AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive, and SBC codecs. Not all products in this price range provide such comprehensive support for today’s codecs. However, Sony’s headphones have a slight advantage in this regard because they also support the LDAC codec, which has a higher maximum bitrate.
If you don’t mind a slightly less stable connection, the Sony WH-1000XM4 provides the best streaming quality thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth multipoint, and support for SBC, AAC, and Sony’s own LDAC. If your device is unable to use one of the more advanced codecs, it will fall back to SBC, the most basic codec used by all Bluetooth audio devices. For use with non-Bluetooth devices, a 3.5mm audio cable is included.
READ MORE: Sony WH-1000XM3 Vs Sony WH-1000XM4: Which To Buy?
Connectivity
Beyond over-the-air firmware updates and basic configuration, the Sennheiser Smart Control app (for both Android and iOS) provides a plethora of additional features (such as on-head detection, smart pause, and auto-power off).
The main menu includes an EQ section with adjustable presets (the three-band EQ is a little basic, but it at least works with the Bass Boost and Podcast toggles), a Sound Check section (that creates an EQ preset based on a few parameters you specify after listening to familiar music), and a Sound Zones section (for switching between up to two paired devices) (which helps create ANC and EQ presets for up to 20 locations that automatically turn on when you enter those places).
contrast To get the most out of your WH-1000XM4 headphones, you’ll need the Sony Headphones Connect app, which we mentioned earlier. Despite the fact that the headphones are ready to use right away, some of the cool new features and customization options are only available through the corresponding app. For example, the second button on the headphones can be programmed to summon the phone’s assistant or to activate the noise cancelling feature.
You must choose between the two, and the only way to do so is to download the app. Depending on your preferences, you can use them with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. However, when used with iOS, Google Assistant is no longer compatible with Sony headphones.
Audio Quality
We paid close attention to the audio quality before and after activating EQ or Bass Mode. The headphones really shine when listening to “Silent Shout” by The Knife, which has a lot of low-frequency content. Even at maximum volume, the bass remains undistorted, and even at lower volumes, the sound quality remains high.
Listening to “Drover” by Bill Callahan, which has significantly less deep bass in the mix, gives us a better idea of the sound signature. This song’s bass drums are heavy and boosted, but they don’t sound artificially booming. Surprisingly, the Bass Boost mode only slightly boosts the lows while adding little thunder. Callahan’s baritone is full and clear, as are the acoustic strums and higher-register percussive hits. The sound signature of this app is balanced, if slightly sculpted, and can be made more clinically accurate by turning down the lows in the equalizer.
Sound quality is one of the many subtle ways in which the Sony WH-1000XM4 improves on its predecessor. It’s not that the XM3 doesn’t have a good sound; it does. The older model, on the other hand, has a more accessible bass boost, making it more appealing to the average listener.
Because of a more neutral frequency response in the lows, the sound is less bass-heavy than that of some competing headphones. Although this location is not suitable for everyone, the vast majority of visitors will have no trouble adjusting. Replace the app’s default EQ setting with one that emphasizes the bass.
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Vs Sony WH-1000XM4: Quick Result
| Particulars | Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Which one is the best? |
| Battery Life | Good | Amazing | Any |
| Deep Bass | Great | Good | Both |
| ANC | ANC | ANC | Both |
| Sound Quality | Better | Best | Sony wh-1000xm4 |
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Vs Sony WH-1000XM4: Final Verdict
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones are reasonably priced for the high-quality audio and active noise cancellation they provide. While the Sennheiser PXC 550-II lacks some of the more premium features currently available in headphones (such as USB-C charging), it is otherwise an unbeatable value at $199 USD. Superior noise cancellation, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and high-quality sound are also included. If you’re on the fence about how much you want to spend, think about this. Check out how it compares to the WH-1000XM4 for more information.
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