Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Review: Solid Sound with Some Quirks

When it comes to headphones, Sennheiser is a name that often pops up in conversations among audio enthusiasts. Their latest offering, the MOMENTUM 4, promises a lot: crystal-clear calls, long battery life, and adaptive noise cancellation. These features sound impressive on paper, but how do they hold up in real-world use?

I've spent a couple of weeks with these headphones, putting them through their paces in different scenarios. From long commutes to work meetings and even while taking calls outdoors, I aimed to see if they live up to the hype. First impressions were positive, thanks to the sleek design and claimed 60-hour battery life.

However, first impressions only go so far. The real test is whether these headphones can consistently deliver on their promises, especially given the competitive market. Throughout this review, I'll break down my findings across various aspects like design, comfort, performance, and more.

So, let's dive into my experience with the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 headphones and see if they are worth your consideration.

The first thing that struck me about the MOMENTUM 4 is their minimalist design. They come in a classic black color, which gives them a sleek, modern look. The build quality feels pretty solid, with the plastic construction not feeling cheap despite the price point. The headphones are lightweight, which is a plus if you plan on wearing them for extended periods.

One feature I appreciated is the foldable design. This makes them easy to pack away in the provided carrying case, which is a nice touch for travelers or those who like to carry their headphones in their bag. However, the carrying case itself is a bit bulky, which might be a downside if you're tight on space.

The control scheme of the MOMENTUM 4 is fairly intuitive with touch controls on the ear cups. While it took a bit of getting used to, I found them responsive enough. There's also a voice control option, which worked well for basic functions but occasionally struggled with more complex commands.

Overall, the design is functional and stylish, but there are small quirks like the bulky case and touch controls that might not be everyone's cup of tea.

The battery life on the MOMENTUM 4 is one of its standout features. Sennheiser claims up to 60 hours of playback time, and in my experience, this isn't far off. I managed to get through several days of heavy usage before needing a recharge, which is impressive. The fast charging feature is also handy, giving you a quick boost when you're in a hurry.

Charging is done via USB-C, which is a nice modern touch. The headphones take about two hours to charge fully from zero, which is pretty standard. One small gripe is the lack of a built-in battery indicator on the headphones themselves, though you can check the battery level through the Sennheiser app.

Compared to other wireless headphones I've used, the MOMENTUM 4 stands out for its long battery life. It's a relief not to have to worry about constant recharging, especially if you use them daily for work or travel.

In conclusion, the battery life is a major selling point for these headphones, and it's one area where they truly excel. If you need reliable all-day power, the MOMENTUM 4 won't disappoint.

Comfort is a big deal for me when it comes to headphones, especially for long listening sessions. The MOMENTUM 4 headphones score well in this department. The headband is adjustable and well-padded, and the ear cups are covered with soft cushions. During my tests, I wore them for several hours at a stretch without any significant discomfort.

One thing I noticed is that the headphones could get a little warm after extended use, especially in hotter environments. This isn't a deal-breaker but something to keep in mind if you plan on using them in warm settings. The ear cups fit snugly over my ears, providing a decent seal that complements the active noise cancellation feature.

Compared to other over-ear headphones I've used in the past, the MOMENTUM 4 offers above-average comfort. They are lighter than some of the other models, which helps reduce strain on the head and neck. However, if you have a larger head, the fit might be a bit tight initially until they break in.

In summary, if comfort is a priority for you, these headphones are a solid choice, with just minor heat buildup being the only downside I encountered.

Sound quality is where Sennheiser often excels, and the MOMENTUM 4 delivers a pretty solid performance. The 42mm transducer system provides a rich and balanced sound. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are clear. I particularly enjoyed listening to a range of genres, from rock to jazz, and the headphones handled them all well.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) is effective but not the best I've experienced. It does a decent job of blocking out ambient noise, which is helpful in crowded spaces or during commutes. The adjustable transparency mode is handy if you need to stay aware of your surroundings; however, the transition between modes isn't seamless and can sometimes be a bit jarring.

For calls, the headphones shine. The beamforming microphones pick up voices clearly, and wind noise suppression is a nice feature for outdoor calls. I had no complaints from people on the other end about call quality, which is a relief for work calls.

While the performance is generally strong, the ANC could use some improvement to compete with top-tier models in the market. For most users, though, the sound quality and call performance will more than suffice.