Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are like cheaper Sony XM5s

Sennheiser has unveiled its new Momentum 4 flagship headphones which will take on the likes of Sony, Bose and Apple with a more affordable price. 

The new over-ear cans arrive with features like adaptive noise cancelling, 60-hour battery life and cost $349/£299. For comparison, the newly launched Sony WH-1000XM5 cost $399/£379. 

The flagship headphone range “continues to redefine the standard for sophisticated listening through superior sound” according to Sennheiser and the company even touts best in-class sound and exceptional comfort. 

Large 42mm drivers power the ‘audiophile-inspired’ acoustic system and promise dynamics, clarity and musicality. The ‘Adaptive Noise Cancellation’ simply promises you’ll be immersed in your music, while a typical transparency mode allows sound from around you to be heard. 

If the promised 60-hour battery life delivers, it will be a big lure for many users, especially considering that’s double what any of the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QC45, or Apple AirPods Max can offer. Sennheiser also says you can get six hours of playback from a quick 10-minute charge. 

Perhaps the downside here is that the stylish Momentum retro design has gone for a more generic, plain look which no longer folds up (just goes flat). However, this does make them lighter and there’s a more durable hard carry case included.

Sennheiser

Another big change is the loss of physical buttons for a touchpad interface, although you can also use voice controls for certain commands and the Momentum 4 will pause automatically turn on or off when you put them on or take them off. 

Other tech comes in the form of the Sennheiser Smart Control app with new Sound Personalization, 2×2 digital beamforming microphone array with automatic wind noise suppression and a range of Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive. 

You can pre-order the Sennheiser Momentum 4 now ahead of their release date of 23 August. They are priced at $349.95/£299.99/€349.90.