Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
If you're planning a long trip or just hate charging frequently, this is a game changer. However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 excels with top-tier Active Noise Cancellation, making it the go-to for anyone who wants to block out the world. In my testing, the Sony's ANC felt more effective, especially in noisy environments. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 10.34 oz and Battery: 30h (Sony WH-1000XM4) vs 60h (Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless).
Why compare these? Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are premium flagship headphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (623 reviews) | 4.1★ (9,318 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with ANC on) |
| Main Drawback | No official IP water resistance rating | ANC is great, but slightly behind Sony/Bose top-tier models |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Over-ear
Bluetooth, USB-C (audio + charging), 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable
Bluetooth 5.2
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.1(9,318)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth, USB-C (audio + charging), 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (Hybrid Adaptive ANC) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode / Adjustable) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 42 mm dynamic transducer |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 6 Hz – 22 kHz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 4 digital beamforming microphones (2 per side) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 60 hrs (Bluetooth with ANC on) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; 5 min charge = 4 hrs play; approx 2 hrs for full charge |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (USB-C digital audio + analog via included cable) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (IP rating not officially stated) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 293 g |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Touch pad (right earcup) + 1 physical power/pairing button |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Sennheiser Smart Control (5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Smart Pause (wear detection); Auto On/Off; hard travel case; Sound Personalization test |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Cons
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Over-ear
Bluetooth, USB-C (audio + charging), 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable
Bluetooth 5.2
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
Yes (Hybrid Adaptive ANC)
Yes (Transparency Mode / Adjustable)
Pros
- Class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with ANC on)
- Superb sound quality with aptX Adaptive support
Cons
- ANC is great, but slightly behind Sony/Bose top-tier models
- Design does not fold up compactly (only rotates flat)
Which one is better?
Grab the Sony WH-1000XM4 if you prioritize superior noise cancellation and a more compact design.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you need top-notch noise cancellation, you travel often and want a lighter headphone at 8.96oz, or you enjoy a compact folding design.
Choose the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless if: you require a long battery life of up to 60 hours, you appreciate high-quality sound with aptX Adaptive, or you don't mind a slightly bulkier design.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.1★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 9,318 reviews vs 623
→ Choose Sennheiser MOMENTUM
Top-tier Active Noise Priority
Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Class-leading 60-hour battery Priority
Class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with ANC on)
→ Choose Sennheiser MOMENTUM
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 edges ahead with a 4.5★ rating compared to 4.1★. However, Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM4 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better choice if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless wins if you value class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with anc on). Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.1★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers top-tier active noise cancellation (anc), while Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless stands out with class-leading 60-hour battery life (even with anc on). Consider that Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. Meanwhile, Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless anc is great, but slightly behind sony/bose top-tier models. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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