Momentum True Wireless 4: Exceptional flagship earbuds

This is my initial in-depth introduction to Sennheiser’s TWS headphones, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. It serves as both their flagship model and a newly released product. I have previously reviewed several top-tier Sennheiser headphones, all of which have left a positive impression on me. Naturally, I am curious to see if the Germans can deliver high-quality sound in a wireless version.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is the latest addition to the company’s flagship TWS lineup. Since I haven’t had the opportunity to extensively test their previous generation, I won’t be providing comparative characteristics with it. Instead, I will compare them with my own headphones from a different manufacturer.

One notable upgrade in the fourth generation of Sennheiser Momentum TWS is the inclusion of an updated Bluetooth module, version 5.4, which supports the LC3 codec and Auracast. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, I encourage you to keep reading this review, where I will delve into the technology, sound characteristics, and more. But first, let’s begin with the unboxing experience.

Unpacking and packaging

Upon inspection, you immediately observe the compactness and meticulous packaging of the small box. Interestingly, it appears larger in the previous generation. The design exudes elegance, with the headphones depicted in the same color as their interior against a gray and white backdrop. True to Sennheiser’s style, there are distinct blue elements throughout. The logo is positioned on the top left, while the company name is situated on the right. The word “Momentum” is elegantly inscribed in a silver mirror font, while “True Wireless 4” stands out in blue, effectively distinguishing the series name from the model.

The equipment is a little non-standard:

• headphones in a case  Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
• in addition to the size (M) that is already installed on the headphones, there are also 3 pairs of ear pads in the sizes (XS, S, L) in the parchment bag
• interchangeable ear mounts in three sizes. (M) are already installed, and in the bag there are additionally sizes (S and L)
• cable USB type C – USB A – for charging headphones
• quick guide, extended user guide, warranty card

Specifications

Weight and size indicators:

• weight of the headphones together with the case: 72.4 grams
• headphone weight: 5.8 grams

Acoustic parameters:

• construction: closed
• driver: dynamic
• frequency range: 5 Hz – 21 kHz
• sensitivity: 107 dB
• coefficient of nonlinear distortion: <0.08 (1 kHz / 94 dB)

Wireless connection:

• Bluetooth 5.4
• Codecs: AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptx Lossless, SBC
• support for LE Audio and Auracast

Battery:

• working time of headphones: up to 7.5 hours
• together with the case: up to 30 hours
• in 8 minutes, the headphones are charged for 1 hour of listening to music

Features:

• wireless charging
• support for LE Audio and Auracast
• low latency when listening
• branded sound
• the ability to personalize the sound through the application

Design and features

The overall design of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 may appear unchanged at first glance, but there are actually some notable differences. The addition of new colors and a slight alteration in their layout sets this generation apart. Available in three color options – Black Copper, White Silver, and Black Graphite – I have opted for the popular and understated black-graphite version. In this fourth generation, the inner and outer parts of the earphone no longer share the same color as before. The faceplate now mimics metal and comes in various colors. If you choose headphones with a copper faceplate, it will immediately signal that you have the latest generation.

As for the case, it continues to be covered in fabric, a stylish feature that has been present since the first generation of Momentum. While I cannot speak to its practicality, it certainly adds a touch of distinction compared to other TWS headphones. The headphones are impeccably assembled, with a case that is sturdy and free from any play or creaking sounds. It is truly a high-quality plastic case that I would consider a valuable addition to my collection.

In terms of shape, the headphones remain the same as the third generation, with only the color design being updated. The square plastic faceplates bear the company’s logo, which convincingly imitates metal. The ear mounts, or retainers, have also been retained.

In terms of charging options, the headphones support both wired charging through the USB type C connector on the front panel and wireless charging using the Qi standard. Adjacent to the connector, you will find a charge indicator that displays the charge level of both the headphones and the case. The indicator light turns red when the charge is low, orange for medium, and green for high. During charging, the light follows the same color scheme, but when the charge level reaches 100%, the light remains a steady green, rather than turning off.

In terms of comfort, the depth of the fit is quite good, although the headphone case is not the smallest I have encountered. Wearing a hat may not be very comfortable as they tend to stick out slightly from the ears. Personally, I found the fit satisfactory, which was a relief as I used to worry about it before delving into audio equipment. I used to fear that TWS headphones would easily fall out or get lost, but now I realize that around 80% of such headphones fit well, with only 20% being average. Comfort is a crucial aspect when evaluating headphones, sometimes even more important than sound quality for some individuals. While the fit of the reviewed headphones is not the best, it falls within the category of almost perfect 80%.

Regarding the connection process, there is a minor inconvenience where the headphones and case need to be turned on for charging for 15 seconds before the initial connection. I am unsure if this step is necessary, but once connected to a standard USB port on my computer, the process is straightforward. Simply taking the headphones out of the case and navigating to the Bluetooth settings quickly pairs them with the phone.

Functional capabilities

In terms of functionality, let’s discuss noise reduction, transparency mode, and microphones. I conducted a thorough comparison of all the modes, including the microphones, using my Technics AZ60. To ensure objectivity, I tested the modes while playing music on the speakers instead of the headphones. This way, I could accurately assess the performance of the transparency and noise reduction modes without the additional sound from the headphones interfering.

Now, let’s delve into the noise reduction mode. In short, the Sennheiser Momentum TWS 4 performs slightly better in this aspect. It cuts off a bit more mid-range frequencies compared to the Technics AZ60. However, it’s important to note that the Technics AZ60 is quite an old product, and TWS technologies are rapidly advancing. I didn’t notice any impact of the noise reduction mode on the music itself.

Moving on to transparency mode, there’s more to discuss. Starting with the Technics AZ60, it’s not bad, but it tends to be a bit quiet without the attention mode activated. Additionally, you can sense some electronic processing happening. As for the Momentum 4, it’s a bit unclear. There’s an option to adjust the level of transparency, but when you turn the knob to 25% or higher, you start hearing noise. This becomes even more pronounced at 100% transparency when the music is not playing. It can be described as a faint rustle with a squeak, which is almost inaudible when music is playing. However, you can still hear it, and that’s definitely a drawback. I wouldn’t recommend using it at the maximum level. On the positive side, you can hear everything quite well, almost as if using your own ears. But these electronic sounds can be quite loud and uncomfortable for extended periods of time.

Lastly, let’s talk about the microphones, and unfortunately, they are quite disappointing. I’m not sure how they were in the previous generation, but in this one, they are even worse than the ones in my Technics AZ60.

Management and application

Control begins with the touch faceplates, allowing for convenient and instant reactions to touches, all while being accompanied by voice prompts.

Right earphone:

• single click: play and pause; answer the call; turn off the microphone during calls
• double tap: next track; reject the call; end call
• triple tap: voice assistant (Siri, Google)
• hold: volume up

Left earphone:

• single click: transparency mode; answer the call; turn off the microphone during calls
• double tap: previous track; reject the call; end call
• triple press: active noise cancellation
• hold: volume down

To establish a connection with other devices (Auracast), simply hold down the faceplates of both headphones for 3 seconds. The accompanying application, Smart Control, can be downloaded for free from both the AppStore and PlayMarket. During setup, the application automatically detected the headphones and connected them without requiring location access.

Upon launching the app, users will see a visual representation of the headphones in their actual color, along with the battery levels of both the headphones and the charging case. A list of connected devices is displayed below, while the “My Sound” section offers two sound customization options. The first option allows users to manually adjust sound using a 5-band equalizer, with additional toggles for “Bass Boost” and “Podcast” modes. These modes cannot be used simultaneously, and activating one will disable the other.

For more advanced sound customization, users can explore the “Sound Personalization” section. Here, sound levels can be adjusted based on personal preferences, with options to increase or decrease volume, adjust bass levels, and fine-tune other audio settings using a slider. The app provides real-time feedback on the adjustments being made, allowing users to tailor the sound to their liking. It is recommended to experiment with this feature to fully understand its capabilities.

As we progress through the different sections of the application, we encounter adaptive noise reduction. This feature allows you to customize the noise reduction settings by turning it off, focusing solely on wind reduction, or activating full noise reduction mode. You can also adjust the transparency level by sliding the bar to your desired setting. Additionally, there is a switch that enables automatic music pause in transparency mode. Furthermore, you have the option to disable touch panels if you do not intend to use them, preventing accidental touches, and customize the controls to suit your preferences. The “Fit test” feature assesses the ear pad fit for optimal sizing. “Sound Zones” automatically adjusts settings based on your location. Finally, users are prompted to rate the headphone performance for review purposes.

Sound

In this section, I will provide a detailed description of the sound quality of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 headphones, as well as a comparison with the Technics AZ60. I listened to them using a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with the aptX codec for the Momentum 4 and LDAC for the Technics. It is important to note that the “Sound Personalization” feature allows for significant changes in the sound signature, to the point where it may feel like you are using completely different headphones. After experimenting with different settings, I found that boosting the low and high frequencies worked best for me. I increased the high frequencies by about 10-15% and the low frequencies by 25-30% relative to the center. In addition to comparing them with the Technics AZ60, I can also compare the two settings of the Momentum 4, one with “Sound Personalization” activated and the other with the standard setting.

Now, let’s discuss the overall performance of these headphones. They offer a warm and neutral sound, which is typical of Sennheiser’s top-quality products. The bass is not overly pronounced, and the midrange is smooth. The highs are restrained and do not emphasize fine details.

Now, let’s delve into the sound characteristics based on different frequencies with the standard equalizer.

Low frequencies: The bass is soft, enveloping, and well-developed, although not particularly fast. It is well-suited for instrumental music, providing a soft and non-intrusive experience. The sub-bass dominates over the mid-bass, which may be a drawback for electronic music enthusiasts like myself. To address this, I decided to experiment with the equalizer.

Middle frequencies: The midrange is well-balanced, with the low frequencies not overpowering them. Vocals sound clear, transparent, and true to their timbres. There is a slight sense of stage presence, although it could benefit from a bit more airiness.

High frequencies: The highs are clean and restrained, without attempting to make the sound overly bright or hyper-detailed. They may not reveal every nuance in the recording, but this characteristic adds to their versatility across various genres.

I customized the “Sound Personalization” feature to my preferences, resulting in an immediate improvement in brightness and the addition of mid-bass, enhancing the clarity of voices. While low frequencies did not gain speed or depth quantitatively, the VHF range boost prevented them from overshadowing the mids. The increase in midbass quantity and texture significantly widened the soundstage, providing a decent impact without overpowering weight. Medium frequencies saw improved intelligibility and separation of voices without altering their timbre, thanks to the emphasis on vocals and instruments. High frequencies now boast the brightness and detail I was missing, with enhanced microcontrast and clarity in percussion and cymbals. Overall, adjusting the settings may reduce versatility but enhances emotional impact, offering a personalized listening experience that can transform your perception of the sound quality.

In terms of fit and passive noise isolation, both options have a similar performance. As for comfort, neither option is perfect, but they are both close to it. Now, let’s talk about the sound comparison of the Momentum 4 without an equalizer. Both headphones have a similar overall sound signature, but the Technics AZ60 has a more emotional sound.

When it comes to low frequencies, the Technics AZ60 delivers a meatier and punchier sound. It may lack some refinement and detail, but it compensates with increased weight and a powerful punch. This is particularly noticeable in the mid-bass range, around 50 Hz and above. On the other hand, the Momentum 4, at its default setting, is better suited for instrumental music, while the Technics AZ60 shines with electronic music.

Moving on to the middle frequencies, the Technics AZ60 seems to have a slightly depressed sound compared to the Momentum 4. It gives the impression that the performer is standing further away, and the low frequencies tend to overshadow the midrange. Sennheiser, on the other hand, maintains better clarity in vocals and makes them more intelligible.

In terms of high frequencies, both headphones have a similar presentation. They offer a warm color without any noticeable emphasis or microcontrast.

To conclude, the Momentum 4 excels in its even mid-range and accurate bass, while maintaining unaccented highs. Meanwhile, the Technics AZ60 delivers a more emotional sound with its punchy low frequencies.

Conclusion

What immediately grabs your attention is the unchanged design, which is actually a positive thing. It shows that they have stayed on the right track and avoided any unnecessary changes. The build quality and materials used are top-notch, resulting in a case that doesn’t make any creaking noises and stands out with its fabric covering among other TWS headphones.

In terms of functionality, there are some uncertainties. The microphones were quite disappointing, and the transparency feature also has its downsides. However, the noise reduction feature was pleasing and provided some relief. It may not be perfect, but it still competes fairly well with other options out there.

On the other hand, the sound quality is truly exceptional. It carries the signature Sennheiser balance and color, which I really appreciate. What impressed me the most is the ability to customize the sound through the application. It’s like discovering a whole new level of personalization. This feature definitely stands out as my favorite aspect of these headphones.