After the audio experts from Sennheiser reached for the throne last year with the over-ear model Momentum Wireless 4 (our test), the fourth generation of the top in-ear model was launched at the beginning of March, which may not be visually appealing, but has made significant technical improvements. With an RRP of around 300 euros, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are anything but a bargain. Our test clarifies whether the purchase is worthwhile.
Technical data
| The product | Momentum True Wireless 4 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Maximum operating range | 9m (without obstacle) |
| Battery life |
|
| Charging time | 1.5 hours (for charging case via USB-C or wireless) 8 minutes for 1 hour of playback |
| Size of charging case (H x W x D) | 36 mm x 50 mm x 45 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 g per earbud; 66.4 g charging case & earphones |
| Most important functions | ANC; Transparency mode; Wear detection; Multipoint, Auracast |
| Price | € 229.90 * |
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 test: Premium through and through
- Premium look and feel
- comparatively large charging case
- strong scope of delivery
The manufacturer remains true to the design of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. There are hardly any visual changes to the third generation and the charging case with fabric cover is also identical.
But that’s not a bad thing, because the True Wireless earbuds and case look really classy and high-quality and are undoubtedly among the most attractive representatives of their kind. Even if the case, with a length of around 70 mm and a height of 33 mm, is of course only suitable for trouser pockets to a limited extent.
But the earbuds themselves also have a modern, appealing look that is undoubtedly impressive and stands out (positively) from the typical in-ear monotony.
The silicone rings, which form the transition between the driver and the base and ensure an even more secure fit in the ear, are of course iconic. Just like the silicone ear inserts, these are interchangeable to guarantee the perfect individual fit. Four sizes each of the silicone rings and ear inserts are included in the scope of delivery, along with a short USB charging cable.
It should be noted that the in-ears themselves are protected against dust and splash water in accordance with IP54, but the charging case is not certified and therefore requires a little caution.
Excellent wearing comfort
- 6.2 grams per earbud
- convincing wearing comfort
With a weight of 6.2 grams per earbud, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are not necessarily lightweights. Nevertheless, the wearing comfort is very good, which is mainly due to the pleasantly rounded shape and the flexible silicone rings.
Of course, wearing comfort is a very individual matter and everyone has different preferences. In my opinion, however, the TW4s provide a pleasantly firm yet comfortable fit. Even after several hours of use, nothing pinches here, while the in-ears fit firmly enough in the ear without the risk of losing them during fast movements or sporting activities.
Personally, however, I have to say that I find the Nothing Ear (our test) even more comfortable. This is not only due to the lower weight, but also the pleasant rounded shape.
Future-proof features, good operation
- modern Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast
- high-resolution codecs
- disappointing wireless range
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are an excellent choice for those who value modern and future-proof features. The in-ears already use the new Bluetooth 5.4 standard and are based on the Qualcomm S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with Snapdragon Sound, which promises excellent, high-resolution sound.
The selection of Bluetooth codecs is outstanding. In addition to SBC and AAC, the high-resolution variants aptX, aptX Adaptive/Lossless and LC3 are also on board, so even audiophiles will get their money’s worth.
However, the Bluetooth range is rather below average at less than 10 meters. While I can move freely around my home with other earbuds, the range here is already limited when I enter the living room (around 9 meters away) – and not only when high-resolution codecs are activated, but also when using SBC.
The earbuds are also already equipped for Auracast. A feature that enables multiple Bluetooth devices to be paired with one source.
Of course, all the important features are also included. Multipoint allows you to connect two devices at the same time, there is a wearer recognition function including auto-pause and the use of just one earbud in mono mode works perfectly.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are operated via the touch-sensitive touch surfaces on the outside, which react very sensitively to inputs, but also to accidental touches and pause playback without further ado.
Apart from that, I really like the operation and it allows you to switch between ANC and transparency mode, the necessary playback control and even adjust the volume.
Not free of bugs
From time to time, however, there are a few bugs in the operation. For example, I noticed that playback sometimes starts automatically when you switch from transparency mode to ANC.
In addition, a song sometimes starts from the beginning if you switch on and use the in-ears in the middle. I noticed this when switching between different models for the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 test.
From time to time, I also encountered an error where the music was only played on one of the two in-ear headphones when inserting the earbuds. It took a few seconds for the other TW4 to also start playing.
Smart Control App
- clear and comprehensive companion app
- customizable sound
- practical sound zones
In order to really be able to use all the features, the Smart Control app is required, in which, for example, the operation can also be customized.
This is also where the various ANC modes can be selected, for example: while the first mode greatly reduces wind noise in particular, “Adaptive ANC” takes care of adaptive, situation-dependent adjustment of the active noise cancellation.
Otherwise, the app is clearly structured and easy to understand. It is also possible to influence the sound with the help of a 5-band equalizer or – after prior registration – to carry out a personalized sound test.
A fit test checks whether the correct ear tips have been used. If you also want to use the high-resolution audio codecs, you must first activate them in the settings.
The sound zones are also interesting. Different zones can be defined in the app – for example for home, work or on the move – and each can be assigned its own EQ presets and ANC or sound modes. When you enter one of these locations, the in-ears automatically switch the settings for the respective sound zone.
Strong battery life
- seven hours of runtime with ANC
- Charging case with 30 hours runtime
With a battery life of around seven hours with ANC activated, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are quite far ahead and easily outperform the AirPods Pro 2, for example.
However, the excellent Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 (our test) last noticeably longer at up to 10 hours. Sony’s top model, the WF-1000XM5, also lasts a little longer at around 8 hours.
Nevertheless, a really good battery life, which increases to 30 hours in combination with the charging case – which in turn is a rather below-average value. However, there is a quick-charging function that pumps enough energy into the in-ears for one hour of playback in eight minutes.
Rich sound, strong ANC, good microphones
- lively, detailed sound
- rich bass, airy treble
Let’s move on to the supreme discipline of headphones. The sound. And this is where the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 can really impress, scoring points with an incredibly detailed and airy sound that, in my opinion, doesn’t need any adjustment by the equalizer.
The sound is voluminous and powerful, with strong bass without missing any details in the mids and highs. The sound is quite neutral and has no real weaknesses in any discipline, making the earbuds equally suitable for all music genres.
If I had to criticize something, it would be the upper mids, which tend to be (very) slightly exaggerated when singing at maximum volume. At least when the arrangements are mixed sharply. But that’s complaining at an extremely high level. In general, I really like the sound and it ranks even higher than the Melomania M100 mentioned above.
The TW4 played through my Tidal playlist, which is made up of a wide variety of genres, with flying colors. The TW4 battled their way through different tracks and had to prove themselves, for example, in the classic “Futura” by Hannah Parott as well as in “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “B.O.B.” by Outkast or “L’enfant sauvage” by Gojira.
No matter which song you put in front of the earbuds: they play it flawlessly, extremely detailed and pleasantly full and airy. Outstanding.
ANC and transparency mode at top level
- excellent ANC
- very good transparency mode
The active noise cancellation of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is also convincing across the board and not only effectively blocks out low, sonorous background noise, but also copes very well with fan noise, voices and other rather high frequencies.
However, as with the equally successful transparency mode, there is always a slight background noise. However, this is only noticeable when the music is paused and does not cause any further disturbance.
In direct comparison with the top dog, namely the Sony WF-1000XM5, the Sennheisers are slightly inferior in ANC and transparency mode. Nevertheless, both modes are also at a very good level here.
Good microphone quality
The microphone quality of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is also convincing in my eyes. However, this only applies indoors. Here, the six built-in microphones score points with a clear and quite detailed representation of your own voice.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 microphone test recording:
Microphone test recording Sony WF-1000XM5:
Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 microphone test recording:
However, as soon as more ambient noise is added, the quality decreases noticeably. In outdoor use, the TW4s can therefore hardly be used for phone calls.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 test: Conclusion
The conclusion about the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is quite short. In my opinion, the premium in-ears absolutely live up to their rather high price. In terms of sound in particular, the earbuds are convincing across the board with a detailed and airy sound.
They also have a very good ANC function, a practical app and an ultra-modern and future-proof feature set. The TW4 are also at the forefront when it comes to battery life.
It’s just a shame that occasional bugs disrupt the user experience somewhat. Nevertheless, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are right up there with the best in-ear headphones and are definitely worth the money.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound Quality
Microphone Quality
Features
Value For Money
92/100
Very elegant and excellently manufactured in-ear headphones with outstanding sound, very good ANC and great battery life.
No replies yet
Neue Antworten laden...
Gehört zum Inventar
Beteilige dich an der Diskussion in der Basic Tutorials Community →