The Sennheiser Momentum 4 True Wireless Earbuds have garnered attention in the crowded market of true wireless earbuds. Renowned for their audio expertise and my extensive use of the brand in my recording studios of yesteryears, Sennheiser promises premium sound quality and advanced features in a sleek, compact design. In this detailed review, I’ll get into various aspects of the Momentum 4 earbuds to determine if they live up to my expectations.
Design and Build Quality:
The Momentum 4 earbuds boast a stylish and minimalist design, characterized by a sleek black finish with metallic accents. Gun Metal, to be exact. The earbuds come nestled in a compact charging case, which exudes a premium feel with its durable construction, high quality cloth and magnetic closure. The earbuds themselves are lightweight but not plasticky and ergonomically designed, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended wear. The gestures are, to me, a lot more intuitive than my beloved Apple AirPods Pro 2. It took me several days to get used to Apple’s gestures yet it took me less than 10 minutes to get used to the Momentum 4.
Sound Quality:
Sennheiser’s reputation for exceptional audio quality precedes them, and the Momentum 4 earbuds certainly deliver a lot more than what I expected. The earbuds feature dynamic drivers that produce rich, detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Bass is punchy yet well-balanced and not boomy in the slightest, the mids are clear and articulate, and highs are crisp without being harsh. Whether you’re listening to music (tested using MP3, Audio CD and Tidal Lossless), watching movies (tested using Apple’s Spatial Audio track on Netflix Dolby Atmos movies such as 6 Underground and Extraction 2, or taking calls both local and long distance, the Momentum 4 earbuds provide an impressive audio experience. Moreso, when tested using my own recordings, I don’t hear anything added nor taken away from the recordings. Mind you, my recordings are not in HiRes, per-se (they were done at 16-bit/48 kHz), but because I know exactly how my recordings are supposed to sound, I can, with certainty, tell the accuracy of these earbuds, warts and all.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
One of the standout features of the Momentum earbuds is their active noise cancellation capability. Utilizing advanced technology, the earbuds effectively block out ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions. The ANC performance is impressive, especially considering the compact size of the earbuds. It’s worth noting that users can adjust the level of noise cancellation via the companion app, providing flexibility to suit different environments. In fact, you can program up to 20 sound and ANC profiles depending what level of customization you need in those particular areas. You can even create literal zones for which one of the presets goes with the area you are in and by using geo-location, the preset will change to your preset locations without the need to change it manually. Kewl !
The ANC algorithm itself is very natural seemingly blocking sound in a flat-ish frequency response so you will hear less the environmental sounds without the feeling of being muffled. Great to wear during concerts. Alas, there is no way to push the ANC level higher as the level on ANC may not be sufficient on an aircraft (more bass ambient noise reduction is needed) or on a subway train where more high frequency noise reduction is needed. Perhaps for Momentum 5 TWS?
Battery Life:
Battery life is a crucial consideration for true wireless earbuds, and the Momentum earbuds deliver respectable performance in this area. On a single charge, the earbuds offer up to 7 hours of playback time with ANC enabled, and up to 9 hours with ANC disabled. The charging case provides an additional three full charges, extending the total listening time to a commendable 28 hours. Quick charging support ensures that you can get back to enjoying your music in no time.
Connectivity and Controls:
The Momentum earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for seamless pairing with your devices. The earbuds maintain a stable connection, even in busy wireless environments, thanks to Sennheiser’s expertise in wireless technology. Touch controls on the earbuds allow for easy navigation of music playback, call management, and access to virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. The controls are intuitive and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience.
Companion App:
Sennheiser offers a companion app for iOS and Android devices, providing additional customization options for the Momentum earbuds. Through the app, users can adjust EQ settings be it via their ample presets (I choose Dance), your own custom EQ settings, or an automated custom EQ to your preference. You can also customize touch controls, and most importantly, update firmware for improved performance. This way, the app can provide the user’s access to various audio presets tailored to different music genres, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience to their preferences.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 True Wireless Earbuds offer a compelling package for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With their premium design, exceptional sound quality, active noise cancellation, and intuitive controls, the Momentum 4 earbuds stand out in a competitive market. With a very similar price tag to the Apple offerings, the overall performance and craftsmanship easily justify the investment for those seeking top-tier wireless audio on the go. In fact, I like the Momentum 4 so much that I can honestly say that they are the best TWS I have ever tried in my life thus far. It will be very hard to best the Sennheiser Momentum 4 TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds for quite a while.
