It seems only yesterday that the majority of headphone users were content in picking out a pair of essentially disposable, unbranded wired headphones from airport electronics stores and Claire’s Accessories. So long as they had a separate volume and play/pause button attached to the wire, we were good to go.
The audio technical space has skyrocketed in the last few decades, with the invention of noise-cancelling headphones in 1989 and Bluetooth in 1994 shifting the demand for high-quality, stylish earbuds and over-ear headphones into an entirely different realm.
Noise-cancellation technology was invented by none other than Dr Amar Bose (yes, that Bose), and it works by using a built-in microphone which analyses the noise levels around you to produce the opposite sound waves – thereby neutralising outside noise entirely. This has since become known as active noise cancelling (ANC).
So how can one pair be better at producing these noise-cancelling sound oscillations than another? The answer is simple. It’s all about the technical specifications of that magical built-in microphone and the overall fit of the headphones themselves.
What’s more, it’s not always just about the capacity for true, comfortable noise cancellation. It’s no secret that aesthetics play a massive role in the popularity of technology in this day and age – as Apple is a testament to. While most audio specialists and enthusiasts would agree that the infamous AirPod Max’s are simply not the best wireless noise-cancelling over-ears on the market technically speaking, they most definitely are the best-looking.
Sennheiser has been known to consistently put out high-quality, premium wireless headphones beloved by tech enthusiasts and fashion gurus alike. With the brand’s latest launch, the Momentum 4s, receiving a lot of hype as of late – we thought it would be a good idea to put them to the test.
Keep scrolling for an in-depth review.
Buy now: Momentum 4 Wireless - £309.99, Sennheiser
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Key specifications
Battery life: Up to 60 hours
Charging time: 2 hours for a full charge, 5-minute charging for up to 4 hours of playtime
Style: Headband stereo headphones
Ear Coupling: Around-the-ear, circum-aural
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 compliant, class 1, 10 mW (max)
Active noise cancellation: Hybrid Adaptive ANC
Speaker Type: SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX adaptive™
Accessories: USB-C charging cable, Audio cable 3.5mm and 2.5mm jacks, Airplane adapter
User-friendliness
While Sennheiser suggests using the companion app for a truly tailored experience (which if you’ve read my reviews, you’ll know fills me with a fiery rage), it’s important to note that the Momentum 4 will immediately connect to whatever device they are closest to, straight out of the box, simply by opening Bluetooth preferences. I thought this was a fantastic feature and one that made the entire set-up a breeze.
My only qualm, because I’m so used to my classic Bose 700s, is that the Momentum 4 cans do not announce exactly what device they’re connected to – which is problematic if you’re used to setting up a pair of Bluetooth headphones with every piece of audio-playing tech that you own. It makes connectivity – while immediate – a bit of a guessing game. This might stress out commuters with a fear of playing music or a saucy audiobook aloud on the tube.
The touch controls on the side of each earmuff allow you to easily adjust the noise cancellation settings, or the volume of your music - depending on which option you go for during set-up. The fact that these buttons work by tapping the outside of the headphones, like a pair of AirPods, is a great touch. No more searching for tiny buttons at the base of some oversized monstrosities.
Functionality
When it comes to active noise cancellation, the Hybrid Adaptive ANC is fantastic. Brilliant for my easily overwhelmed brain, I even loved using the headphones without playing anything because I found that – rather than filling my eardrums with a dizzying echo like the majority of noise-cancelling headphones – they left me feeling relaxed and focused.
Importantly, wearing these headphones for an extended period of time didn’t give me a headache, unlike my Bose 700s, which I frequently have to take off and massage my ears or the top of my head after long listening stints. This is likely due to the low-friction hinge mechanism which easily adjusts for a comfortable and snug fit, without placing any excess pressure on my head.
I gave these headphones a charge straight out of the box and found that I didn’t have to charge them again during my two weeks of testing. It’s safe to say that the 60-hour battery life isn’t a lie. Plus, the automatic on/off setting meant that, even when I forgot to turn off the Momentum 4s during coffee and lunch breaks – none of that excess battery life was used up. Either way, the fact that a five-minute charge would give me four extra hours of play time before my commute home at the end of the day was enough to sell me.
Sound
I’ve talked a lot about the noise-cancelling power of these headphones, but I haven’t mentioned the level of sound quality, which - spoiler alert - is equally fantastic. When buying headphones, no matter how pricey they are, there’s always the risk of a tinny sound or too much base. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 cans strike the perfect balance, offering cosy, all-encompassing sound waves that won’t leave you with a migraine.
Buy now £268.00, Amazon
Verdict
The Sennheiser Momentum 4s are a fantastic pair of noise-cancelling headphones that can certainly hold their own in a battle with some of the globe’s most beloved brands, including Bose, Sony and Apple. From the reactive and easy-to-use touch-sensors on the sides of each earmuff, to the surprisingly functional companion app (which thankfully isn’t even entirely necessary post set-up) these headphones offer premium comfort, top-tier noise cancellation and a truly tailored experience. Bravo.
