Sennheiser Momentum 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 And The Winner Is..

Welcome to my review of Sennheiser Momentum 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4.

Today I will help you pick a headphone that fits you. If you are looking for immersed in the sound, long lasting battery, noise-canceling and sleek design then buy Sony WH-1000XM4. While if you are looking for durability, good sound quality, user friendly app, and not caring much about wheight and battrey life then buy Sennheiser Momentum 3. 

Below we will dive deep on each one of these two awesome wireless headphones.  

Specifications	Sennheiser Momentum 3	Sony WH-1000XM4
Battery Life	17 hours	30 hours
Charging Time	3-5 hours	3 hours
Weight	0.67 lbs	0.56 lbs
Warranty	2 years	1 years
Colors	Black and White	Black, Blue, and Silver
Rating
Price

Sennheiser and Sony are both esteemed audio brands that provide some of the best headphone technology on the market. What it comes down to is not only the quality of the models but also what your overall preference will be. Below, we compare two leading wireless headphones from each company: Sennheiser Momentum 3 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4.

Products at a Glance

Before we get into each model and brand, here’s a little insight into the companies that created these products. Sennheiser is a German company that was established in 1945, following the end of World War ll. They’ve been able to find much critical acclaim on their products throughout the decades. 

Sony started as a small company in Tokyo in 1946, but it wasn’t until the 1970’s when their Walkman put them on the map of headphone technology. Since then, they have been consistent in establishing new products with up-to-date technology becoming a leading brand in the audio market.

Sennheiser Momentum 3

Manufactured with real leather, these over-the-ear and wireless headphones are effective and comfortable. The noise-canceling technology, when utilized, can adapt to your environment, giving you just the right amount of sound wherever you are.

This model comes in two colors: black and white. This model’s best features are its reliable Bluetooth connectivity, a comfortably padded design, and a three-button interface that makes it simple to navigate in case you don’t have your app at the ready.

Pros

• 3 active noise-canceling modes that block out all outside sound
• Smart control app compatibility
• Bluetooth 5 connectivity
• Design is comfortable and foldable for compact storage.

Cons

• The case that comes with the headphones is flimsy and not built for protection.
• Auto-pause is a bit buggy and, luckily, can be disabled in the app.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Hands-free listening is the future, and these headphones embody that to the fullest. The sleek design is not only modern and aesthetically pleasing but comfortable for easy, extended listening. Plus, the technology that it utilizes goes a bit above industry standard and strives to produce a quality, but also up-to-date wireless headphone experience. 

These headphones come in three colors: black, navy blue, and silver. The touch controls on the headphones themselves can be a bit sensitive, resulting in unwarranted actions. The best features that this model pulls in would have to be its attention to quality sound and feel along with giving a lightweight design that results in ultimate comfortability. 

Pros

• Two device pairing with Bluetooth with easy interchangeability
• 30-hour battery life optimizing usage time
• Hardshell carry case with room for charging cable
• Quick charge battery feature that allows for extended use

Cons

• Tedious and sensitive controls on the side of the headphone
• Slight hissing sound in between silences

Features Face-to-Face

The best way to gauge which of these two headphones are the headphones for you is to look at the details and the features that make them marketable. Even though they are similar products, they each have their own focus, meaning they each have a specific marketable quality about them that pulls different types of customers. 

Sennheiser markets their Momentum 3 as a completely wireless experience. They’ve focused on features that make easy listening as hands-free as possible. Now, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has put its focus into fine-tuning its noise-canceling features and creating an ambient atmosphere and immersive auditory experience.  

Battery Life and Charging Time

When it comes to wireless products across the board, one of the most important things you’ll need to know is how long you’ll be able to use it wirelessly. The industry may be on the cusp, but as for now, products need time to recharge before you can use them fully again and again.

Luckily, when it comes to these wireless headphones, their battery lives can easily achieve a day’s worth of listening. Yet, there is a stark difference in the amount of time that they both can give. This may be the dealbreaker if longevity is important to you since it is also one of the biggest differences between these two headphones.  

Sennheiser Momentum 3 –  When it comes to this model, the battery life is enough to get the job done. Between 17-19 hours of use, depending on your amount of use, it can require a charge every couple of days or so. Not a problem for those who are looking for a quality but casual use of wireless headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM4 – This model comes in at a whopping 30 hours of use, allowing plenty of flexibility until the next charge. If you plan to use these headphones for work and use them repeatedly throughout the week, then this is a definite plus. Also, if the need arises, there is a quick battery charge feature that allows the headphones to be charged for 10 minutes allowing for 5 hours more of use.  

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4

​More: Sennheiser Momentum 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Which One Should You Pick

Compatible App

Another new standard for wireless technology is to have an accompanying app for your phone. This allows for more control and personalization of your listening experience. For example, adjusting the sound levels and controlling the amount of noise canceling that is available. 

When it comes to apps, it’s important to remember that this is all new technology, and there can be more limitations than you think. As it becomes more industry standard, companies are almost playing catch up to the next new technology available. The result can be buggy software and a lack of user-friendly interfaces.

Learning more about what each of these features has to offer regarding the headphones will help clarify your decision-making.   

Sennheiser Momentum 3 – The Smart Control App created for the Sennheiser headphones offers two key aspects. Firstly, transparent hearing can help you set whether you’d like to noise cancel or allow ambient sound to come in. Secondly, an intuitive equalizer gives you options to set the specific volume and bass levels. It’s a basic interface that allows you to toggle your noise levels regarding the audio and outside sound.  

Sony WH-1000XM4 – Headphones Connect is the app that Sony utilizes through Bluetooth pairing. This app also utilizes a simple interface, with personalization settings to set your sound levels. The biggest difference it has from the Sennheiser is that it is more basic in terms of personalization. The app definitely feels more like an added feature but not at the forefront of concern.

Winner: Sennheiser Momentum 3

​More: Sennheiser Momentum 2 vs Momentum 3: Should You Upgrade?

Design and Functionality

This is probably one of the more important features of any headphones, given the nature of use. When it comes to listening to music, watching videos, or even just working remotely, headphones are worn with the intention of longevity. If you plan on being quite mobile with your headphones, you might have to consider the compact storage capabilities of the product as well. 

Therefore, comfortable wearing and lightweight design along with easy storage are imperative. If you’ve never felt the ache of your ears after wearing uncomfortable headphones for a long time, then count yourself lucky. When you’re about to invest in a product that has a high price-point, then it’s important to make sure that you’ll be able to comfortably wear them with little to no problem. 

Sennheiser Momentum 3 –  This model incorporates real leather with an arching metal band and cushioned ear pads. It is a foldable design to allow compact storage into the given carry case. Be aware that the case in question is not reliable for protecting your headphones, so if you choose the Sennheiser Momentum 3, be sure to seek extra means of protection if you plan on traveling often with the headphones. The design is all-around reliable and comfortable with the only drawback being its weight. A heavier band around the head does tend to affect the resting of the ear causing it to droop. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of.

Sony WH-1000XM4 – This model incorporates foamed urethane in the ear pads along with extra padding around the headband. It provides a stable and all-day comfortable fit while remaining lightweight. These headphones can fold and be compactly stored into a hardshell case that comes with the purchase. The only drawback to the design is the use of touch-style buttons on the sides, becoming sensitive and tedious to work with.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4 

More: Sennheiser HD 450BT VS Sony WH-CH700N: Which One Should You Get?

Wireless Technology

The model that takes full advantage of the wireless technology available today, is always the best option to look for. Of course, this encompasses many things when it comes to features. What you want to look for is the ability to stay connected with your devices and utilize any hands-free features that are available.

The main thing that these two models share is an effective Bluetooth connection. Plus the ability to pair with a maximum of two devices at a time. Since both of these models have quite similar wireless technology, but we broke down the details anyway to illustrate and highlight the few differences that do exist.

Sennheiser Momentum 3 – Transparent hearing functionality is one of the best features you can get from this technology. With the use of the app, you can control the ambient noise around you, only allowing in what you want to hear. The side buttons along the edge of the ear pads are user-friendly. With a tap of a button, you can even activate voice control on your phone. The auto features like auto-pause are somewhat finicky, resulting in the waste of what could have been a cool feature.

Sony WH-1000XM4 – This model has a Google or Alexa voice assistant built-in, which is unique to this product. In general, Sony focuses on providing crisp and quality sound, and that reflects in the microphones used in the final product. The touch-tone panel exists on the side of the ear but can become a bit tedious when trying to direct your way. It’s still a cool feature and shows that Sony is looking towards the future.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4

​More: Sony WH1000XM4 vs Sony WH1000XM3: Is it Worth to Upgrade?

Stand-Out Features

When it comes to headphones, everyone wants something comfortable and able to transmit the sound clearly and loudly with enough variability to work with when it comes to volume. Brands are striving to incorporate new technology with enough added features to pull those customers in.

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are both wireless headphones, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 has the bonus of a voice assistant.

Using voice command:

• Use Google, Alexa, or Siri with your headphones so that hands-free wireless technology goes further with voice command.
• Operate your headphones while focusing on the task at hand
• Create greater interoperability among your various listening devices to enable a smooth transition

Conclusion

These Sennheiser Momentum 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are both leading brands and models of wireless headphones. Given the qualities and features that they both possess, the ultimate decision comes down to what is important to you. 

When it comes to the Sennheiser Momentum 3, there is long-term reliability to count on as far as the manufacturing quality. With the Sony WH-1000XM4, there are exciting technological aspects to try out, but not without a trial run. If you’re still unsure, down below, we’ve broken down the reasons as to why someone might like each of these wireless headphones.

Use the Sennheiser Momentum 3 if: 

• You value quality manufacturing and durability.
• Noise-canceling aspects aren’t your main motivation for investing in a pair of wireless headphones.
• You like user-friendly interfaces, not only on the headphones but on the compatible app as well.
• You plan on leaving them at home or in the office.

Use the Sony WH-1000XM4 if:

• You’re an avid music listener and value being immersed in the sound.
• You plan to take these headphones with you everywhere you go.
• Longevity and noise-canceling are your main motivations for investing in a pair of wireless headphones.
• You are into sleek, modern, and young designs to match your aesthetic.