The title for this Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 assessment ought to be “Momentum 4 the future.” See what I did there? I didn’t go together with that as a result of it might sound like a press launch, however whenever you drill right down to what Sennheiser has carried out right here, that’s precisely what stands out most about these earbuds, which assist lossless streaming over Bluetooth (for those who even have a cellphone that helps it). I’ll dive into that future intimately in a bit, however first, I’m going to let you know that you need to by no means purchase based mostly on what a product could also be however what it’s proper now! Confused? Don’t be. What Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds are at the moment is excellent. They don’t embrace spatial audio, and a few rivals might have a stronger function right here or there, however Sennheiser does high-end sound so effectively that these Momentums and the energy of their options make them a critical contender in a market that already has some powerful competitors within the $300 worth vary.Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Price & availability(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)Sennheiser introduced the Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds on January 8, 2024, with a pre-order date of February 15th and availability on March 1. Priced at $299.99, that’s a $50 improve over the $249.95 launch of the Momentum True Wireless 3 in 2022. You have three colours you possibly can select from: black copper, metallic silver, and graphite. I’ve the graphite pair for assessment. They have a protracted checklist of options, however you need to know they gained’t ship with all of them. We’ll get into that momentarily. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: What I like(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)As I stated earlier, this text might be titled “Momentum 4 the future,” however very similar to Veruca Salt, I need what I need and I need it now! And Sennheiser delivers that in spades, er, musical notes. Cracking the field open, you’re met with what seems practically an identical to the earlier era earbuds—that candy, candy tweed charging case. The Momentum True Wireless 3’s physique is black, however I like the brand new graphite extra.The form of the earbuds is almost an identical, however the earbud suggestions have a brand new trick this 12 months. The earlier mannequin had a “+” with mesh beneath it, which wasn’t straightforward to wash. This 12 months, a perforated silicon floor was molded into the inside portion of the ear tip, which I believe handles wax buildup from exercises higher.In addition to the same old sizes, you get a set of additional small suggestions for these with baby-like ear canals like me. You’ll additionally get a complete of three ear fins to assist with sizing, which is a pleasant addition as they add some friction the place the buds sit towards the concha. All of this made the Momentum True Wireless 4s comfy for prolonged intervals of wear and tear.(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)You’ll additionally get the USB-C cost cable within the field, which you gained’t want for those who’re going to cost wirelessly in a single day. When charging over the cable, it should take an hour and a half to get to a full cost, and eight minutes of fast charging will provide you with an hour of playback. Sennheiser says you’ll rise up to seven and a half hours of playback with ANC off and 7 with it on. That held fairly true to spec for my use, however extra long-term testing will reveal how constant that’s as I hearken to extra hi-res audio recordsdata. When it involves energy, one of many choices I recognize in these lithium ion-equipped earbuds is a brand new “Battery Protection Mode” within the Smart Control app. This function costs the unit slower and prevents charging to 100% to lengthen the lifespan of your battery. I cost on a Qi wi-fi enabled pad at night time, and the totally charged case will get you as much as 30 hours of extra listening time so this slower Qi charging is a non-issue for me.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryMomentum True Wireless 4ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4 compliant, class 1, 10 mW (max); Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth LE Audio supportedSupported codecsSBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive/Lossless, LC3Speaker kind/dimensionTrueResponse™ dynamic, 7mm diameterSpeaker frequency range5 Hz to 21 okayHzMics3 mics per earbud (MEMS), beamforming for noise reductionActive Noise CancellationHybrid Adaptive ANCBatteryEarbuds: 75 mAh, charging case: 820 mAh, USB-C, Qi Wireless charging enabledWeather resistanceIP54, mud and splash resistant (earbuds solely)Weight72.4 g (each earbuds and charging case) 6.2 g (single earbud 66.4 g (charging case)App assistSennheiser Smart Control app for iOS and AndroidColorsBlack Graphite, Black Copper, White SilverThere are actually wi-fi earbuds available on the market with more practical noise canceling, however these nonetheless did a strong job in my testing. As I walked neighborhood facet streets and a busy predominant avenue, the MTW4s did an incredible job of canceling or dampening nearly all of sound with their improved adaptive noise canceling, though that is notably one thing I solely do when testing earbuds. Usually, I stroll with transparency modes activated to keep up my situational consciousness. Sitting in my workplace and blasting 80dB of airplane cabin noise on YouTube, with no music enjoying, that noise was considerably hushed however not canceled. With music enjoying, that cabin noise was barely noticeable. The transparency mode isn’t simply “on,” however it additionally has a slider within the app that lets you set the extent of transparency from “Low” to “High.” It sounds fairly pure, and although I examined it at varied ranges, I preserve it at “High.” Placing it on “Low” feels extra prefer it’s an ANC slider than transparency and defeats the purpose.Still, when it comes to earbuds that I’ve listened to within the final 12 months, these are among the many finest for ANC implementation, even when they don’t place first or second for his or her effectiveness.You’ll get fairly strong name high quality out of the six MEMS and beamforming microphones (three on every bud) whenever you do make calls. During one among my check calls, my buddy on the opposite finish couldn’t inform I used to be utilizing a Bluetooth earpiece, and that was in my automobile with the home windows down at occasions. On the opposite hand, I examined mic high quality standing subsequent to a water function in entrance of a luxurious high-rise on a serious avenue, and I sounded “robotic.” The MTW4 did a superb job of eradicating some critical background noise, however my precise vocal high quality was middling. Your location will matter when it comes to how pure you sound, however within the oft-quiet room circumstances we take Zoom or Google Meet calls from, try to be wonderful. Your mileage might fluctuate if you end up in a loud cafe.(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)The finest method for me to check audio, which has been improved over the Momentum True Wireless 3, was to hit Tidal and the domestically saved FLAC recordsdata on my Pixel 7 Pro and make the most of the aptX codec supported by the MTW4s. Playing audio again in customary aptX at CD high quality (16bit, 44.1kHz) is a pleasant expertise and one of many the reason why Sennheiser continues to be my “go-to” for energetic listening. Despite being what I name “boom bap balanced,” Sennheiser produces a big soundstage no matter musical style. This is obvious when listening to Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes.” Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s acapella intro has a heavenly high quality, and when the instrumentation lastly kicks in round a minute and ten seconds into the tune, the meticulously layered stereo picture is completely stunning.Boom bap balanced is a reference to hip-hop-inspired tuning, which shines by way of on what’s arguably among the many finest produced and engineered rap songs, “Still D.R.E.,” making Dr. Dre’s tracks and samples crystal clear. His and Snoop Dogg’s vocals are vivid and by no means muddy, and the best way Dr. Dre performs with the panning between the tune’s physique and Snoop’s easy supply of the refrain is a Master Class in rap monitor engineering. But I digress.The out-of-the-box sound expertise on the Momentum True Wireless 4s is a superb increase bap balanced base to start with, however going by way of the guided EQ customization of the Smart Controls app’s Sound Personalization function elevates the general expertise. I pulled the mids and highs a bit extra ahead by the top of the personalization routine, leading to among the best Bluetooth earbud listening experiences I’ve had with Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” But it would not cease there.The Smart Control app offers extra customization choices. Tapping “edit” on the Equalizer tile lets you make the most of a wide range of Sennheiser presets, use its five-band equalizer to regulate frequency nodes, or use the Sound Check function to tailor a number of EQs to accommodate particular genres you hearken to.(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)For you music nerds on the market or these attempting to study extra, the app will even present you information in regards to the music whereas it’s enjoying, which might turn out to be useful.Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Momentum 4 the long runSennheiser True Wireless 4 with Pixel 7 Pro (Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)The MTW4’s chipset is Qualcomm’s S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with Snapdragon Sound with Bluetooth 5.4 and assist for aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive Audio, Bluetooth LE Audio, LC3, and Auracast. That’s what is going to allow these future upgrades and future-proof these earbuds.The declare is that the chipset will allow “bit-by-bit flawless audio transmission.” Sweet! However, for those who’re the typical smartphone shopper in North America, you seemingly don’t at the moment personal a cellphone that helps aptX Lossless or Adaptive Audio. Boo!Nontheless, LE Audio will ultimately embrace an up to date LC3 codec within the MTW4s. The Bluetooth SIG says this codec will enhance battery life by streaming audio at decrease information charges with out compromising high quality.Then there’s Auracast, which is your Bluetooth connection to the world. It allows a single-source public tackle system to broadcast audio to what they declare will probably be a limitless variety of gadgets, form of like FM radio (for those who’re FM radio years outdated and know what that’s). So you possibly can simply decide up audio from TVs on the gymnasium or that self-led docent tour at your favourite museum. What’s most fun is what Auracast allows for individuals who put on listening to aids. They’ll get direct audio feeds with out the listening to aids having to course of ambient sound so customers can hear TVs and music. Auracast assist can also be coming to the Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds by way of a future firmware replace.Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: What may use some work(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)In addition to the earbuds not having all of the options at launch, the Momentum True Wireless 4’s case is bigger than a few of its competitors, making it a decent slot in your denims coin pocket and a bit cumbersome in a pants pocket. It is not horrible, however you’re feeling that distinction for those who’ve been utilizing one thing a bit extra svelte.The ANC, although effectively applied, would not permit you to simply crank it to the max and keep there. This is, in any case, adaptive noise canceling, which, because the identify implies, robotically adjusts to your environment. It’s a plus for battery life when you do not want aggressive canceling, and the extent scales down together with battery utilization, however sitting at my quiet desk typing this with it on and no music enjoying, I can hear my delightfully clicky and loud mechanical keyboard. However, when urgent play on “Texas Hold’ Em” once more, the clicky keys are barely perceptible.(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)Something else I do not care about is that the cost port for the case is on the entrance, whereas the cost cables on my desk are routed by way of the again. So, if I flip it round and plug it up, I can’t see the charging indicator. I think about this design choice was seemingly made due to the wi-fi charging, however it nonetheless appears… backward.Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: CompetitionRight: Technics EAH-AZ80 (Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)One of my favourite earbuds this 12 months, to this point, Technics EAH-AZ80, beats Sennheiser within the multipoint race, being the primary to assist three system simultaneous connections. And for these searching for one thing with a bit extra swag when it comes to design, its brushed metallic aesthetic is eye-catching. Then, after all, once we’re speaking about noise canceling as a precedence in your buying choice, you’re going to have a look at Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. There’s additionally the Beats Fit Pro if exercises are a central a part of your life- one other favourite of mine.Looking at that competitors, you simply really want to know what’s most vital to you. Technics’ sound profile is extra treble ahead out of the field, Beats are positively heavier within the backside finish than Sennheiser, and Bose is completely impartial when in comparison with the Sennheiser curve.Other than standing out with Bluetooth 5.4, Sennheiser additionally has the best sturdiness score at IP54, upgrading from the IPX4 discovered within the earlier era and the present competitors.Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)You should purchase this if…Big, ethereal, heat sound is vital to you You like and hearken to all the pieces. All the genres You like dwelling on the bleeding fringe of tech and are keen to guess on having the ability to entry future enhancementsYou should not purchase this if…Noise canceling is your prime precedenceYou do not care about lossless audioYour pockets weeps on the considered spending $300 for earbudsBluetooth 5.4, multipoint pairing, an exhaustive checklist of codec assist, and Sennheiser sound are among the many many causes to take a tough have a look at Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds in your subsequent audio gear buy. They test all the appropriate containers for me, together with crucial one: sound high quality. Sure, there are higher noise-canceling earbuds available on the market, however once we discuss cancellation effectiveness, what number of of you have interaction in an exercise and use your earbuds with no audio? With audio enjoying, the distinction in high quality between Sennheiser and its rivals is negligible, and also you don’t need to sacrifice audio high quality for it.If Sennheiser and the Bluetooth SIG ship on their technological guarantees, that would make these the earbuds to beat within the close to future for those who’re outdoors the U.S. Stateside although, solely time will inform as we watch for handset producers to implement all that Bluetooth 5.4 affords.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
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The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are a number of the finest sounding earbuds you should purchase, with assist for loads of audio codecs for high-res audio. And with extra options on the best way, these earbuds are virtually future-proof.