Table of Contents
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Introduction: The Momentum 4 in 2026 – A Still-Relevant Contender?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones launched to considerable acclaim in 2022, quickly establishing themselves as a serious competitor in the premium noise-cancelling headphone market. Now, in 2026, with newer iterations from Sony, Bose, and Apple dominating headlines, the question remains: does the Momentum 4 still hold up? This review will delve into every aspect of these headphones, assessing their performance in the current landscape. They remain a popular choice for travellers, daily commuters, and audiophiles seeking a balance of sound quality, comfort, and features – but are they *the* best choice?
Sennheiser Momentum 4: Key Features & Specs
Let’s break down the core specifications of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless:
- Driver Size: 42mm dynamic drivers
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
- Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC – automatically adjusts to ambient noise
- Battery Life: Up to 60 hours (ANC on), 75 hours (ANC off)
- Weight: 293g
- Materials: Premium padded headband and earcups, fabric covering, metal hinges
- Colours Available (UK 2026): Black, White, Denim (limited edition)
Sound Quality: A Sennheiser Signature?
Sennheiser has a long-standing reputation for exceptional sound quality, and the Momentum 4 largely delivers. The sound profile is generally balanced, leaning slightly towards warmth. Clarity is excellent, allowing you to discern individual instruments and vocals with precision. Bass response is present and impactful without being overpowering, and the mid-range feels rich and detailed. Treble is clear and avoids harshness.
Compared to the 2026 Sony WH-1000XM6, the Momentum 4 offers a more natural and less processed sound. The Sony’s tend to emphasize bass more aggressively and utilise more digital sound enhancement. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, meanwhile, offer a wider soundstage, but arguably at the cost of some sonic neutrality. The Momentum 4’s EQ customization options via the Smart Control app allow you to tailor the sound to your preference, although a wider range of presets would be welcomed.
Noise Cancellation Performance: Blocking Out the World in 2026
The adaptive noise cancellation on the Momentum 4 remains impressive in 2026, although not quite at the level of the latest Sony or Bose offerings. It effectively blocks out consistent noises like engine hum on planes and the drone of office chatter. It performs admirably on commutes, reducing traffic sounds and train noise. However, it can struggle slightly with sudden, sharp sounds. Transparency mode is natural-sounding, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones.
The 2026 Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones utilise more advanced ANC algorithms, offering slightly superior performance in challenging environments. However, the Momentum 4 still provides a considerable level of noise isolation.
Comfort & Design: Premium Feel and All-Day Wear?
Comfort is a strong suit of the Momentum 4. The earcups are generously padded and covered in a soft, breathable fabric. The headband provides ample cushioning and distributes weight evenly, minimizing pressure points. I found them comfortable for extended listening sessions – easily 4-5 hours – without discomfort. The design is sleek and minimalist, although some may find it less visually striking than the more contemporary designs of its rivals. The folding mechanism is robust and makes the headphones easy to store in the included carry case.
Battery Life & Charging: Powering Your Day
Sennheiser claims up to 60 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, and in my testing, I consistently achieved around 55-58 hours. With ANC off, you can squeeze out over 70 hours. Charging via USB-C takes approximately 2 hours for a full charge. Wireless charging is also supported. A 10-minute quick charge provides around 4 hours of listening time. ANC and codec usage (aptX Adaptive consumes slightly more power) do impact battery drain, but the overall battery performance remains excellent.
Call Quality: Clear Communication On the Go
Call quality is above average. The microphones do a good job of isolating your voice and reducing background noise. Callers reported clear and intelligible audio, even in moderately noisy environments. Wind noise reduction is effective, but strong gusts can still introduce some interference.
Sennheiser Smart Control App: Customization at Your Fingertips
The Sennheiser Smart Control app is well-designed and user-friendly. It allows you to adjust the EQ, control the ANC, update the firmware, and customise the touch controls. The app is stable and responsive, and the EQ settings offer a decent level of customization. The automatic pause/play feature (detecting when you remove the headphones) works reliably.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs. The Competition (2026)
| Feature | Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Sony WH-1000XM6 (2026) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (GBP) | £279.99 | £329.99 | £349.0 | £549.0 |
| Noise Cancellation | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Sound Quality | Balanced, Natural | Bass-Forward, Enhanced | Wide Soundstage | Detailed, Accurate |
| Comfort | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Good (can be heavy) |
| Battery Life | Up to 60 hours (ANC on) | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) | Up to 24 hours (ANC on) | Up to 20 hours (ANC on) |
Price & Where to Buy: UK Deals in 2026
As of late 2026, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are typically priced around:
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (Black): £279.99
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (White): £279.99
You can find them at the following UK retailers:
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and discounts, particularly around Black Friday and Boxing Day.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Sennheiser Momentum 4 in 2026?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless remain a compelling option in the premium headphone market in 2026. While newer models have emerged with slightly improved features, the Momentum 4 still delivers exceptional sound quality, impressive noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. Its balanced sound signature makes it a great choice for audiophiles, while its robust battery life and comfortable design are ideal for travellers and commuters.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality – natural and balanced
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Long battery life
- Effective noise cancellation
- User-friendly app
Cons:
- ANC isn’t *quite* as strong as Sony/Bose
- Design is somewhat understated
- EQ customization could be more extensive
- No aptX Lossless support
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
FAQ
Q: Are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones waterproof?
A: No, the Momentum 4 are not officially waterproof. They have a splash-resistant rating, meaning they can withstand light rain or splashes, but they should not be submerged in water.
Q: Can I use the Momentum 4 with a desktop computer without Bluetooth?
A: Yes, you can connect the Momentum 4 to a desktop computer using the included 3.5mm audio cable.
Q: How often do I need to replace the ear pads?
A: The ear pads will eventually wear out with use. Replacements are available for around £49.99 and should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on usage. (See Sennheiser Momentum 4 Replacement Ear Pads)
Q: Does the Momentum 4 support multi-point pairing?
A: Yes, the Momentum 4 supports multi-point pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Q: Is the Sennheiser Smart Control app available on iOS and Android?
A: Yes, the Sennheiser Smart Control app is available for both iOS and Android devices.