A truly exceptional experience isn’t always contingent on possessing the latest technology. A well-designed and executed gadget remains valuable regardless of its release date. One advantage of considering products that aren’t the absolute newest is the potential for increased value. Bearing this in mind, we reached out to Sennheiser to evaluate the Momentum 4, their former flagship model released a few years prior. We were impressed with their mid-range Accentum headphones in our review last year, especially considering their price point, which is now comparable to the current price of the Momentum 4. With rumors circulating about a successor, we wanted to determine if the 2022 headphones still warrant a purchase.
Design and Comfort
Upon unboxing the Momentum 4, the enhanced build quality compared to the Accentum is immediately apparent. While defining “quality feel” can be subjective, we can offer some observations. The Momentum 4 exhibits a robust construction without feeling excessively heavy. The fabric headband is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, although long-term stain resistance is a potential concern. However, the gray melange fabric should effectively camouflage minor blemishes. In contrast to our Accentum review, where we noted imperfections in the plastic molding, the Momentum 4 boasts well-molded plastic components. The hinges also convey a sense of durability, operating smoothly and silently.
The Momentum 4’s earcups can be rotated to lie flat, facilitating storage, but they lack a folding mechanism for further space reduction. While this is not a significant drawback, fewer joints can contribute to increased durability. Some users have reported hinge failures in competing models, such as those from Sony. A premium travel case is included with the Momentum 4.
Comfort is subjective, but we found the padding to be ample and the earcups sufficiently large for most users. The clamping force is secure without being excessive. One potential downside is a tendency for the earcups to become slightly warm during extended use. We wore the headphones for 5-8 hours daily during the review period without experiencing discomfort, which is a testament to their ergonomic design.
Battery Life
As previously mentioned, we subjected the Momentum 4 to rigorous testing, utilizing them for extended periods each day. Consequently, we rarely needed to recharge them. The battery performance proved to be exceptional. The rated battery life is 60 hours. While we did not conduct precise measurements, we believe that real-world battery life under typical usage scenarios may even exceed Sennheiser’s specifications.
Functions
Beyond its superior build quality compared to the Accentum, the Momentum 4 offers an expanded feature set. A primary distinction is the utilization of touch controls instead of physical buttons. While user preference may vary, we found the touch controls to be intuitive and responsive during our evaluation. Even when wearing gloves, we were generally able to execute the desired commands, a characteristic that is less common than one might expect. The “pinch” gesture for adjusting the transparency mode was particularly well-received. This intuitive gesture, similar to zooming on a touchscreen, provides seamless control.
The Sound
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, robust construction, and diverse feature set, the pivotal question remains: how does the Momentum 4 sound? The term “fantastic” is an apt descriptor. The sound signature is relatively neutral without sacrificing engagement, avoiding excessive brightness or an over-emphasized bass response. The bass is characterized by its pleasant, tight response that avoids muddying the overall soundstage. To assess the bass capabilities and dynamic range of the Momentum 4, we listened to Aaron by Paul Kalkbrenner. While many headphones struggle to reproduce this track effectively, the Momentum 4 handled it with aplomb. Another track that often reveals sonic shortcomings is Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar soundtrack, which features rapid transitions between bass-heavy passages, treble flourishes, and intricate midrange textures. The Momentum 4 reproduced this complex score faithfully, delivering an enjoyable listening experience. The headphones also excelled in reproducing acoustic tracks with prominent vocals. The Momentum 4 truly highlighted the nuances in vocal performances, such as those in Albin Lee Meldau’s Josefin or Marie Fredriksson’s Sparvöga, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant experience.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation performance is impressive, bordering on class-leading. The headphones effectively attenuate distractions, such as office chatter, construction noise, and even the drone of airplane engines. However, the Momentum 4 truly excels in wind noise reduction. We consistently find Sennheiser’s ability to virtually eliminate wind noise to be remarkable. For users who frequently encounter windy conditions or cycle without a helmet and desire to listen to audiobooks or podcasts without maximizing the volume, Sennheiser remains a top contender.
Conclusion
As we noted initially, the latest model doesn’t always guarantee the best user experience. The Momentum 4 exemplifies this principle. Despite its age, it continues to deliver sound quality, comfort, and functionality that remain competitive. With its robust construction, impressive battery life, and effective noise cancellation, the Momentum 4 is a compelling choice. For users seeking high-quality headphones that provide exceptional value, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 represents a worthwhile investment.
Sennheiser provided review units for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial process. Our reviews are conducted independently, with a focus on the needs of our readers and consumers.
