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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.

Ratings: 4.1★ vs 4.2★

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Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

4.1
(9,090)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear
Connectivity:Bluetooth, USB-C (audio + charging), 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
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Comparison: Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

4.1(9,090)Amazon
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

4.2(18,670)Amazon
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Rating:4.1(9,090)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear
Connectivity:Bluetooth, USB-C (audio + charging), 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
ANC:Yes (Hybrid Adaptive ANC)
Transparency:Yes (Transparency Mode / Adjustable)
Drivers:42 mm dynamic transducer
Frequency Response:6 Hz – 22 kHz
Microphones:4 digital beamforming microphones (2 per side)
Battery Life:Up to 60 hrs (Bluetooth with ANC on)
Battery Life:N/A (Headphones only)
Charging:USB-C; 5 min charge = 4 hrs play; approx 2 hrs for full charge
Multipoint:Yes (2 devices simultaneously)
Low Latency Mode:Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically)
Wired Mode:Yes (USB-C digital audio + analog via included cable)
Water Resistance:None (IP rating not officially stated)
Weight:293 g
Controls:Touch pad (right earcup) + 1 physical power/pairing button
App Eq:Sennheiser Smart Control (5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones)
Extras:Smart Pause (wear detection); Auto On/Off; hard travel case; Sound Personalization test

✓ Pros:

  • Class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with ANC on)
  • Superb sound quality with aptX Adaptive support
  • Very effective fast charging (5 mins = 4 hours)
  • USB-C port supports high-res digital audio playback

✗ Cons:

  • ANC is great, but slightly behind Sony/Bose top-tier models
  • Design does not fold up compactly (only rotates flat)
  • Touch controls can be overly sensitive for some users
  • No official water resistance rating

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Rating:4.2(18,670)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC:Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Drivers:30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit
Frequency Response:4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC)
Microphones:8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls)
Battery Life:Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off)
Battery Life:N/A (Headphones only)
Charging:USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD)
Multipoint:Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously)
Low Latency Mode:No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app)
Wired Mode:Yes (3.5mm cable included)
Water Resistance:None (No IP rating)
Weight:250 g (approx.)
Controls:Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC)
App Eq:Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass)
Extras:Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer

✓ Pros:

  • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
  • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
  • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
  • Multipoint connection works seamlessly

✗ Cons:

  • Non-foldable design reduces portability
  • Price increase compared to previous generation
  • No IP water resistance rating
  • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

Based on ratings and feature balance, Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones has a slight edge for specific features. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.

Who should buy each?

Expert take:
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless suits buyers who need Class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with ANC on), Superb sound quality with aptX Adaptive support
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones suits buyers who want Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system

Conclusion

With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless excels if you value class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with anc on). Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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