Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony XM5

The world of premium wireless headphones is fiercely competitive, with brands like Sennheiser and Sony consistently pushing the boundaries of sound quality, noise cancellation, and user experience. In 2022, Sennheiser released the Momentum 4 Wireless, a direct contender to Sony’s WH-1000XM5, which debuted earlier that year. Both headphones have garnered praise for their performance, but they cater to slightly different audiences. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down their strengths and weaknesses across key categories—design, comfort, sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), battery life, features, and price—to determine which one reigns supreme in 2025.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 share a modern, minimalist aesthetic, but their design philosophies diverge in subtle yet significant ways. The Momentum 4 marks a departure from its predecessor’s retro-industrial look, opting for a sleek, understated design with a fabric-covered headband and synthetic leather earpads. Weighing in at 293 grams, it’s slightly heavier than the Sony XM5, which tips the scales at 250 grams. Sennheiser uses a combination of plastic and fabric materials, giving the Momentum 4 a durable yet approachable feel. However, some fans of the Momentum 3’s leather-and-metal construction might find this shift less premium.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, meanwhile, refines the design of its predecessors with a smoother, more futuristic look. It features a headband with a stepless slider for adjustment—eliminating the notched increments of older models—and soft vegan leather earpads. Sony incorporates recycled plastic in parts of the XM5’s construction, a nod to sustainability that doesn’t compromise its lightweight feel. Unlike the Momentum 4, the XM5 doesn’t fold into a compact shape like its XM4 predecessor, which might disappoint travelers looking for portability. Both headphones come with hard-shell carrying cases, though the XM5’s case is slimmer and more practical for tight packing.

In terms of durability, both models feel sturdy enough for daily use, though the Momentum 4’s slightly thicker plastic construction gives it a marginal edge in perceived robustness. Neither headphone screams luxury like, say, the Apple AirPods Max, but they strike a balance between practicality and elegance. If weight and portability are your priorities, the XM5 wins; if you prefer a slightly more solid build, the Momentum 4 has the upper hand.

Comfort

Comfort is a critical factor for over-ear headphones, especially for long listening sessions. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 excels here, thanks to its well-cushioned earpads and a headband that distributes weight evenly. The clamping force is firm but not overly tight, making it suitable for hours of wear without fatigue. Testers have noted that even after extended use—think cross-country flights or all-day work sessions—the Momentum 4 remains comfortable, with no hot spots or pressure points.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is no slouch in this department either. Its lighter weight and plush earpads provide a snug, secure fit with just enough tension to stay in place without squeezing your head. The vegan leather is soft to the touch, and the stepless headband adjustment ensures a custom fit for various head sizes. However, some users report mild discomfort at the top of the head after several hours, likely due to the headband’s thinner padding compared to the Momentum 4.

Both headphones are winners in the comfort category, but the Momentum 4 edges out slightly for marathon listening sessions due to its superior weight distribution and slightly plusher headband. For shorter bursts or casual use, the XM5’s lighter design might feel more effortless.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where these headphones truly shine—and where their differences become most apparent. Sennheiser has a long-standing reputation for audio excellence, and the Momentum 4 delivers a balanced, dynamic sound signature that audiophiles will appreciate. Its 42mm drivers produce deep, punchy bass that avoids bloating into the mids, a transparent midrange that highlights vocals and instruments, and a detailed treble that’s articulate without being harsh. Out of the box, the Momentum 4 offers a slightly warm, natural tone that works across genres—from classical to hip-hop. The soundstage is wide and airy, with excellent imaging that makes it easy to pinpoint instruments in a mix.

Sony takes a different approach with the WH-1000XM5. Its 30mm carbon fiber drivers emphasize a bass-heavy, consumer-friendly sound that’s punchy and engaging. The bass is more pronounced than the Momentum 4’s, sometimes bleeding into the lower mids, which can muddy vocal clarity. The midrange is slightly recessed, giving vocals a touch of warmth but less presence than the Sennheiser. The treble is smooth but rolls off at the higher end, lacking the airiness and detail of the Momentum 4. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio feature adds a virtual surround sound option, which can enhance immersion for supported content, though its appeal varies by listener.

Both headphones support high-quality Bluetooth codecs: the Momentum 4 uses aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, while the XM5 supports Sony’s proprietary LDAC. For Android users with compatible devices, these codecs unlock hi-res audio potential, though iPhone users are limited to AAC on both. The companion apps for both headphones offer EQ customization, allowing you to tweak the sound to your liking. Sennheiser’s Smart Control app includes a “Sound Check” feature that tailors EQ presets to your preferences, while Sony’s Sound Connect app provides a more granular five-band EQ.

Ultimately, the Momentum 4 wins for sound quality if you value neutrality, detail, and a wider soundstage. The XM5, however, might appeal more to bass lovers or those who enjoy a fun, energetic sound profile—especially with EQ adjustments.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Sony has long been the king of noise cancellation, and the WH-1000XM5 upholds that legacy. Its dual-chip processing and eight-microphone array deliver industry-leading ANC, blocking out a wide range of frequencies—from low-end rumbles like airplane engines to midrange chatter in busy cafes. The XM5’s adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment automatically, and its “Auto NC Optimizer” fine-tunes performance based on factors like air pressure and fit. In real-world tests, it outperforms the Momentum 4 by a small but noticeable margin, particularly with consistent low-frequency noise.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4’s ANC is no slouch, though. It’s a significant improvement over its predecessors, effectively muting traffic noise, office hums, and most everyday sounds. Its adaptive ANC also adjusts to your surroundings, though it’s less seamless than Sony’s implementation. Where it falls short is in attenuating low-end frequencies—think bus engines or HVAC systems—where the XM5 pulls ahead. High and midrange noise, like voices or keyboard clatter, are handled comparably well by both.

Both headphones offer transparency modes to let in ambient sound, with Sony’s quick-passthrough feature (activated by cupping your hand over the right earcup) and voice-triggered transparency standing out. Sennheiser’s transparency mode is solid but less customizable. For pure ANC performance, the XM5 takes the crown; for most practical scenarios, the Momentum 4 is still excellent.

Battery Life

Battery life is a standout category for the Sennheiser Momentum 4, which boasts an astonishing 60 hours of playback with ANC and Bluetooth enabled. This doubles the XM5’s 30-hour runtime, a figure that’s still respectable but pales in comparison. In testing, the Momentum 4 lives up to its claim, often lasting a full week of moderate use without needing a recharge. It also supports fast charging, delivering 6 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.

The Sony XM5’s 30-hour battery life is more typical for premium headphones, matching competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. It offers 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, slightly less than the Momentum 4. Both support USB-C charging, and the Momentum 4 includes an auto-off feature after 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve power.

If battery life is a top priority—say, for frequent travelers or those who hate frequent charging—the Momentum 4 is the clear winner. The XM5’s runtime is sufficient for most, but Sennheiser’s endurance is unmatched.

Features and Connectivity

Both headphones are packed with modern features, but their approaches differ. The Momentum 4 keeps things straightforward: Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connectivity for two devices, touch controls on the right earcup, and the Smart Control app. Unique features include “Sound Zones,” which adjust EQ and ANC based on your location, and wearer detection to pause playback when you remove the headphones. However, it lacks extras like spatial audio or advanced voice controls.

The Sony XM5 is a feature powerhouse. It also uses Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support, but adds bells and whistles like Speak-to-Chat (pauses music when you start talking), DSEE Extreme for upscaling compressed audio, and 360 Reality Audio. Its touch controls are responsive, and the Sound Connect app offers extensive customization, from ANC levels to control layouts. The XM5’s microphone system, with four beamforming mics and AI noise reduction, also outshines the Momentum 4 for call quality, especially in noisy environments.

For connectivity, both support SBC and AAC, with the Momentum 4 adding aptX variants and the XM5 offering LDAC. Neither fully supports iPhone’s AAC potential, but Android users benefit from the hi-res options. If you love feature-rich tech, the XM5 wins; if you prefer simplicity with core functionality, the Momentum 4 suffices.

Price and Value

At launch, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 retailed for $350 / £300 / AU$550, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 debuted at $399 / £380 / AU$649. As of March 2025, discounts have brought the XM5 closer to the Momentum 4’s price point, often within $20-30 depending on region and sales. The Momentum 4’s lower starting price and superior battery life make it a better value proposition on paper, especially for sound-focused buyers. The XM5 justifies its premium with top-tier ANC and extra features, appealing to those who prioritize noise isolation and versatility.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 depends on your priorities. If you crave exceptional sound quality, unmatched battery life, and all-day comfort at a slightly lower price, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is the better pick. Its natural, detailed audio and 60-hour runtime make it ideal for audiophiles and long-haul users who don’t need the absolute best ANC.

If you demand industry-leading noise cancellation, a feature-packed experience, and a lighter design, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is your champion. Its ANC prowess, call quality, and extras like 360 Reality Audio cater to commuters, frequent flyers, and tech enthusiasts willing to pay a bit more.