Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: A Battle of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
By Elisabeth Christ
Published March 2024
In the ever-evolving world of wireless headphones, two giants stand out: Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM5. Each brings its own flair to the table, with Sennheiser banking on exhaustive battery life and intuitive features, while Sony plays its hand with unparalleled noise cancellation and ergonomic design. This comparison delves into what sets them apart, exploring everything from their acoustic performance to the comfort they offer during extended listening sessions. It's a sophisticated yet casual guide for those teetering on the edge of a high-end headphone purchase.
Key Takeaways
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 present compelling but distinct propositions. Sennheiser focuses on comfort and battery life, perfect for long listening sessions without compromising on sound quality. Sony, however, prioritizes noise cancellation and soundstage, offering a premium listening experience at a higher price point.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Better Choice for Battery Life
✓ Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs
✓ 55 - 60 hours battery life
✓ IPX4 rating water resistance
✓ 42 mm dynamic drivers
Sony WH-1000XM5
Better Choice for Noise-Cancelling Feature
✓ Sony QN1 and V1 chipsets
✓ Wide soundstage
✓ Auto-pause feature
✓ 24 - 30 hours battery life
#1 Price & Design
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Sennheiser Momentum 4 retails at $350, a price that packages a lightweight, plastic band design with thick padding and soft leather for prolonged comfort. It includes a fabric case, an airplane adapter, and a unique button for various functions, marrying practicality with elegance despite its plastic feel which some might not find premium.
On the other hand, Sony WH-1000XM5 commands a $400 price tag, featuring soft vegan leatherette and deep padding. Its 250g frame is light yet doesn't fold up like its competitor, opting instead for a single hinge design. Sony's choice of materials and functionality emphasizes a blend of luxury and practicality, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
#2 Features & Performance
Sony WH-1000XM5
Now let's talk about their qualities. Sennheiser's Momentum 4 not only shines with its 42 mm dynamic drivers and Qualcomm's latest chipset but also introduces a realm of personalization through the Smart Control app, ensuring users are always up-to-date with the latest firmware. It's a gadget that learns with you, featuring smart pause when removed from your ears and customizable ANC levels to suit any environment. The innovation doesn't stop there; it also allows users to define up to 20 geotags for automatic ANC adjustment, enhancing the listening experience based on location.
Sony's WH-1000XM5, in contrast, is a marvel of acoustic engineering, housing a 30 mm driver unit alongside Sony's proprietary QN1 and V1 chipsets for noise cancelling that's both nuanced and powerful. This pair goes beyond just blocking unwanted noise, offering an impressive array of microphones for crystal-clear call quality and a soundstage that feels both spacious and intricately detailed. Features like Speak-To-Chat, which automatically pauses audio when you start a conversation, and hands-free Quick Attention, triggered by simply cupping the right earcup, showcase Sony's dedication to intuitive use.
#3 Battery Life
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Momentum 4 leads the battery race with a staggering 56 hours of playback with ANC enabled, showcasing Sennheiser's dedication to longevity.
Sony's WH-1000XM5 offers a respectable 31 hours with ANC and extends beyond 53 hours without, including a quick charge feature for on-the-go users, balancing performance with convenience.
#4 Connectivity
Sony WH-1000XM5
Both headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 and multiple audio codecs, ensuring versatile connections across devices. Sennheiser adds a 3.5mm jack for wired listening, while Sony's LDAC support hints at a slight edge in audio quality over Bluetooth. Nevertheless, both provide robust connectivity options catering to various user preferences.
#5 Potential Downsides
Sennheiser Momentum 4
While both have provided impressive qualities, they are not without flaws. Sennheiser's plastic exterior and finicky touch controls might turn off those seeking a more premium feel and smoother operation. Sony's larger carrying case and requirement for personal information for app usage could be deterrents for those valuing compactness and privacy.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Final Thoughts
Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Choosing between the two device might be confusing as each has their uniqueness.
However, if marathon battery life and a lighter wallet appeal to you, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 could be your audio companion and, on the other hand, if you're willing to invest a bit more for superior noise cancellation and a more immersive soundstage, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands ready to elevate your listening experience.
But again, your choice should align with your primary use case—be it travel, work, or leisure listening—to ensure your new headphones not only meet but exceed your expectations.
Finding yourself liking headphones? You might want to check these guides out:
Pulse Elite vs INZONE H7: Choose Your Fighter!
Pulse Elite vs Pulse Explore: Which One is The Winner?
Beats Studio Pro vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones: Which One Should You Choose?
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