Audio T Verdict
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless remain an exceptionally strong all-round pair of wireless headphones. Their 42mm drivers deliver the full-bodied, engaging presentation that has made the MOMENTUM range so popular, while Adaptive Noise Cancellation, excellent comfort and genuinely outstanding battery life make them just as practical on a train or plane as they are sitting at home.
Up to 60 hours between charges remains one of their biggest advantages, but there is much more here than endurance. aptX Adaptive offers high-quality Bluetooth with compatible sources, Sound Personalization lets you tune the presentation to your taste and the supplied analogue cable means you are not completely dependent on Bluetooth or even a charged battery.
The newer MOMENTUM 5 adds stronger ANC, aptX Lossless, Dolby Atmos and further sound adjustment, while the HDB 630 takes a more neutral and hi-fi-focused approach. That does not suddenly make the MOMENTUM 4 obsolete. They remain an excellent balance of sound quality, features, comfort and value, particularly if you want a premium wireless headphone without moving to the considerably more expensive alternatives.
aptX Adaptive, But Not aptX Lossless
The MOMENTUM 4 support SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. They do not support aptX Lossless. A transmitter or phone supporting aptX Lossless cannot add the codec to headphones that do not support it at the receiving end.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are premium closed-back over-ear Bluetooth headphones designed for music, travel, work and everyday listening.
At their heart is Sennheiser's 42mm dynamic transducer system, backed by Hybrid Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Bluetooth 5.2, aptX Adaptive and an unusually long battery life of up to 60 hours even with ANC operating.
Smart Pause, touch controls, Bluetooth multipoint and Sennheiser's current Smart Control Plus app help make everyday operation straightforward, while both analogue and USB connections provide alternatives when Bluetooth is not the most appropriate option.
- Premium closed-back wireless headphones
- 42mm dynamic transducer system
- 6Hz to 22kHz frequency response
- 106dB SPL sensitivity
- Less than 0.3% THD
- Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1
- SBC codec
- AAC codec
- aptX codec
- aptX Adaptive codec
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Two simultaneous Bluetooth connections
- Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancellation
- Transparency Mode
- Four beamforming speech microphones
- Automatic wind-noise suppression for calls
- Smart Pause wear detection
- Automatic power management
- Touch-sensitive right earcup
- Built-in EQ
- Sound presets and modes
- Sound Personalization
- Smart Control Plus app
- Up to 60 hours battery life with Bluetooth and ANC
- Approximately two-hour full charge
- Five-minute quick charge for up to four hours playback
- 700mAh rechargeable battery
- Analogue wired listening
- Passive wired operation possible with a flat battery
- USB connection for streaming and calls with PC / Mac
- Fold-flat design
- 293g headphone weight
- Carry case supplied
- Airline adapter supplied
42mm Sennheiser Dynamic Drivers
The MOMENTUM 4 use a 42mm dynamic transducer system developed around Sennheiser's familiar emphasis on musicality, clarity and strong low-frequency performance.
The drivers cover a specified frequency range from 6Hz to 22kHz, providing useful extension below the conventional audible bass range while maintaining the upper-frequency bandwidth required for normal music reproduction.
6Hz Bass Extension
Deep extension does not simply mean producing more upper bass.
The MOMENTUM 4 are capable of reaching into the lowest octaves, helping give suitable recordings useful weight with:
- Bass guitar
- Kick drums
- Electronic bass
- Low piano
- Orchestral percussion
- Film soundtracks
Customise the Sound
Sennheiser provides several routes to adjusting the sound rather than forcing every listener to use exactly the same presentation.
Current Smart Control Plus functionality includes built-in EQ, presets, sound modes and Sound Personalization.
Sound Personalization
Sound Personalization takes a different approach from manually moving equaliser sliders.
The process asks you to make listening choices and then creates a profile around those preferences, allowing the headphones to adapt their presentation without requiring you to understand specific frequencies or EQ terminology.
Sound Personalization or EQ?
Use Sound Personalization if you would rather make listening choices and let the software build a profile for you. Use the built-in EQ if you already know that you want more or less energy in a particular part of the frequency range. Neither is compulsory, and the headphones can be enjoyed without creating a personalised profile.
Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancellation
The MOMENTUM 4 use Hybrid Adaptive ANC to reduce surrounding noise while you listen.
The system continually responds to the acoustic environment rather than relying on one fixed level of noise cancellation.
This makes it especially useful for:
- Trains
- Aircraft
- Busy offices
- Commuting
- Working from home
- Background air-conditioning or ventilation noise
Closed-Back Isolation Plus ANC
The physical earcups already reduce some surrounding sound before the electronic ANC system becomes involved.
This combination of passive isolation and active cancellation allows music to remain easier to hear without simply increasing playback volume to compete with the outside world.
Transparency Mode
Sometimes you need exactly the opposite of isolation.
Transparency Mode uses the microphones to feed surrounding sound into the headphones so you can hear what is happening around you without removing them.
This is particularly useful when:
- Waiting for a station announcement
- Speaking briefly to somebody
- Working in a shared office
- Walking somewhere where situational awareness is important
Touch Controls
The outside of the right earcup contains a touch-sensitive control surface.
Music, volume, calls and ANC functions can be controlled using taps, swipes and pinch-style gestures without reaching for your phone.
The separate multi-function button handles functions including power, pairing and voice-assistant access.
Smart Pause
Wear detection allows the MOMENTUM 4 to recognise when the headphones are removed.
Smart Pause can automatically stop playback when you take them off and continue when they are placed back on your head.
This is particularly useful during travel or office use where interruptions are common.
Automatic Power Management
The headphones can also manage their power state automatically as part of Sennheiser's smart-control system.
This helps reduce unnecessary battery drain when the headphones have been put down and forgotten about.
Up to 60 Hours Battery Life
Battery life remains one of the standout features of the MOMENTUM 4.
Sennheiser specifies up to 60 hours of music playback over Bluetooth with ANC active under its stated test conditions.
That can mean several days of normal use before charging becomes necessary and makes the headphones particularly well suited to long-distance travel.
Approximately Two Hours for a Full Charge
The built-in 700mAh rechargeable battery takes approximately two hours to charge fully from empty under normal conditions.
Charging is through the USB-C connection.
Five-Minute Quick Charge
Sennheiser's current formal technical specification states that approximately five minutes of charging can provide up to four hours of additional playback.
This is useful when you discover the battery is low shortly before leaving the house.
Bluetooth 5.2
The MOMENTUM 4 use Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1 wireless technology.
Supported profiles include:
- A2DP for stereo audio
- AVRCP for playback control
- HFP for calls
aptX Adaptive
With a compatible source, aptX Adaptive provides a higher-quality Bluetooth option while dynamically adapting its operation to wireless conditions.
Its aim is to balance audio quality, connection reliability and latency instead of operating at one fixed data rate regardless of the environment.
Standard Bluetooth Codecs Too
The MOMENTUM 4 also support SBC and AAC, providing compatibility with a broad range of phones, tablets and computers.
Standard aptX is also included in Sennheiser's current specification.
No aptX Lossless
Do not confuse aptX Adaptive with aptX Lossless. Sennheiser specifically confirms that MOMENTUM 4 Wireless do not support Lossless Bluetooth audio. If this feature matters to you, consider the newer MOMENTUM 5 Wireless instead.
Bluetooth Multipoint
The MOMENTUM 4 support two active Bluetooth connections simultaneously.
That makes it possible to keep, for example, a laptop and smartphone connected at the same time rather than manually disconnecting and reconnecting every time you change device.
Useful for Working From Home
Multipoint, ANC and the integrated microphones make the MOMENTUM 4 particularly practical for people whose headphones move between music and work throughout the day.
You can stay connected to a computer while still retaining a connection to your phone for incoming calls.
Four Beamforming Speech Microphones
The MOMENTUM 4 use two speech microphones on each side, forming a four-microphone beamforming array.
The system is designed to concentrate on your voice while reducing surrounding noise during calls.
Sennheiser also incorporates automatic wind-noise suppression to improve intelligibility outdoors.
Voice Assistant Support
The multi-function control can also provide access to compatible voice assistants.
Sennheiser currently supports voice-assistant integration including Siri and Google Assistant, with Amazon Alexa configuration available through the headphone settings and Alexa app where supported.
Wired Analogue Listening
The MOMENTUM 4 are supplied with a 1.2m analogue cable.
The source end uses a conventional 3.5mm stereo plug while the headphone connection is 2.5mm.
Connecting the cable automatically activates Flight Mode and disables Bluetooth.
They Can Work With a Flat Battery
Unlike some active wireless headphones, the MOMENTUM 4 can still reproduce audio through the analogue cable when their rechargeable battery is empty.
Sennheiser specifies a passive headphone impedance of 60 ohms compared with 470 ohms when the headphones are operating actively.
This can be extremely useful on a long journey if you have exhausted the battery and still have access to a conventional headphone output.
What Changes in Passive Mode?
With no battery power, the MOMENTUM 4 can reproduce the analogue signal but the electronic features are unavailable. If the battery still has charge while you are using the analogue cable, ANC can continue to operate even though Bluetooth has been disabled.
Analogue Cable Disables Bluetooth
Connecting the 2.5mm plug to the headphones activates Sennheiser's Flight Mode.
Bluetooth is switched off automatically, which is useful in situations where wireless transmission is not permitted or simply unnecessary.
USB Connection for PC and Mac
The USB-C socket is not used purely for charging.
Sennheiser's current operating manual also identifies it for calling and audio streaming with a PC or Mac.
This provides another useful wired option when working at a computer.
Do Not Confuse MOMENTUM 4 With HDB 630 or MOMENTUM 5 USB Specifications
Sennheiser explicitly publishes up to 24-bit/96kHz USB operation for newer models such as the HDB 630 and MOMENTUM 5. Its current MOMENTUM 4 specification does not make the same 24-bit/96kHz claim, so we would not advertise MOMENTUM 4 as a 24-bit/96kHz USB headphone without a confirmed source-specific specification.
BTD 600 Compatibility
Sennheiser lists the BTD 600 Bluetooth USB adapter as an accessory for MOMENTUM 4.
The Sennheiser BTD 600 is particularly useful with a PC or Mac that does not provide the Bluetooth codec support you want, offering an easy route to aptX Adaptive and lower-latency Bluetooth operation.
Comfort for Long Sessions
The around-ear design uses deep cushioned earpads and a padded headband.
A low-friction hinge allows the fit to be adjusted without applying excessive pressure, while the headphones weigh approximately 293g.
That combination is important on headphones designed to last considerably longer on one charge than most people would ever want to wear them continuously.
Fold-Flat Earcups
The earcups rotate flat for storage inside the supplied carrying case.
This makes the MOMENTUM 4 considerably easier to pack for travel than a rigid full-sized headphone that occupies its complete listening shape inside a bag.
Carry Case Included
The supplied case protects the headphones and provides space for the charging and analogue accessories.
For a headphone intended to travel regularly, this is much more useful than relying on a soft pouch.
Airline Adapter Included
Sennheiser also supplies a traditional in-flight adapter for aircraft entertainment systems that still use the dual-plug headphone arrangement.
Together with the passive analogue capability, this makes the MOMENTUM 4 particularly flexible for long-distance travel.
MOMENTUM 4 or MOMENTUM 5?
MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
- 42mm dynamic driver
- 6Hz to 22kHz current specified response
- Bluetooth 5.2
- aptX Adaptive
- No aptX Lossless
- Hybrid Adaptive ANC
- Built-in EQ and Sound Personalization
- Up to 60 hours battery life
- Analogue passive operation
- Excellent value within the current range
MOMENTUM 5 Wireless
- 42mm dynamic-driver hardware
- Revised acoustic tuning
- Stronger Hybrid Adaptive ANC
- Eight dedicated ANC microphones
- aptX Lossless support
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio
- 8-band EQ
- USB audio up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Up to 57 hours battery life with ANC
- Improved call performance
Does MOMENTUM 5 Make MOMENTUM 4 Obsolete?
No. The newer Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless add some substantial technical improvements, particularly ANC, lossless Bluetooth, USB resolution and spatial audio.
The MOMENTUM 4 remain current, use the same basic 42mm driver hardware and actually retain the slightly longer headline battery figure.
If the additional features of MOMENTUM 5 matter to you, the newer model makes sense. If you primarily want excellent Sennheiser wireless sound, ANC and enormous battery life, the MOMENTUM 4 remain extremely competitive.
MOMENTUM 4 or HDB 630?
MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
- 42mm dynamic driver
- Everyday Sennheiser Signature Sound tuning
- Adaptive ANC
- Sound Personalization
- aptX Adaptive
- Up to 60 hours battery life
- Passive analogue operation available
- Designed as an excellent premium all-rounder
HDB 630
- 42mm dynamic transducer
- Revised acoustic damping
- Deeper rear acoustic volume
- More neutral hi-fi-focused tuning
- Parametric EQ
- Crossfeed
- BTD 700 included
- Up to 24-bit/96kHz operation
- aptX HD and aptX Adaptive
- Up to 60 hours standard battery life
Which Is Right for You?
The MOMENTUM 4 are the more straightforward premium all-rounder, combining strong sound, ANC, excellent battery life and an attractive price.
The Sennheiser HDB 630 take the same broad form factor in a more specialist direction, with altered acoustic engineering, a more neutral target, parametric EQ, Crossfeed and the supplied BTD 700.
If you want everyday premium wireless headphones, MOMENTUM 4 make enormous sense. If you are specifically trying to get closer to a traditional hi-fi headphone experience without giving up wireless convenience, HDB 630 are worth the extra investment.
MOMENTUM 4 or ACCENTUM Plus?
The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless provide many of the same practical ideas at a lower level in the range, including Adaptive ANC, aptX Adaptive, Sound Personalization and long battery life.
The MOMENTUM 4 step up to the larger 42mm transducer platform and occupy the more premium position within Sennheiser's everyday wireless headphone range.
Excellent for Travel
Very long battery life, ANC, Transparency Mode, fold-flat construction and the supplied travel case make the MOMENTUM 4 particularly well suited to long journeys.
The analogue cable and in-flight adapter are useful fallbacks where Bluetooth is unavailable or an aircraft entertainment system still relies on a physical headphone connection.
Excellent for Commuting
Adaptive ANC helps reduce trains, buses and general urban background noise, while Transparency Mode provides quick access to the outside world when required.
Excellent for Work
Four beamforming speech microphones, Bluetooth multipoint and computer USB support make the MOMENTUM 4 useful well beyond music listening.
They can move between music, calls and meetings without requiring a separate office headset for many users.
Excellent at Home
Wireless headphones are not only useful when you leave the house.
The long battery life and closed-back design make the MOMENTUM 4 a convenient way of listening around the house without disturbing other people, while the analogue cable provides an easy route into conventional hi-fi equipment with a headphone output.
Who Are the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless For?
- Listeners wanting premium everyday wireless headphones
- Commuters
- Frequent travellers
- Home-office users
- People wanting strong Adaptive ANC
- Listeners wanting excellent battery life
- Users wanting aptX Adaptive
- People regularly switching between phone and computer
- Listeners who value Sound Personalization
- People wanting both wireless and analogue operation
- Travellers wanting a passive fallback if the battery runs out
- Listeners who want premium wireless performance without moving to HDB 630 or MOMENTUM 5 pricing
Who Are They Not For?
- Listeners requiring aptX Lossless
- People specifically wanting Dolby Atmos spatial audio
- Listeners wanting a parametric equaliser
- People wanting the more neutral HDB 630 acoustic tuning
- Listeners wanting open-back headphone acoustics
- People who want a completely passive headphone as their primary use
- Sports users requiring water or sweat resistance
Key Features
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
- Model M4AEBT
- Black article number 509266
- White article number 509267
- Closed-back wireless headphones
- Around-ear / circumaural design
- 42mm dynamic transducers
- 6Hz to 22kHz frequency response
- 106dB SPL
- Less than 0.3% THD
- Active impedance 470 ohms
- Passive impedance 60 ohms
- Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1
- SBC
- AAC
- aptX
- aptX Adaptive
- No aptX Lossless
- A2DP / AVRCP / HFP
- Two active Bluetooth connections
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Hybrid Adaptive ANC
- Transparency Mode
- Four beamforming speech microphones
- Automatic wind-noise suppression
- Touch-sensitive right earcup
- Multi-function power / pairing button
- Smart Pause
- Wear detection
- Automatic power management
- Built-in EQ
- Sound presets
- Sound Personalization
- Smart Control Plus app
- 700mAh built-in rechargeable battery
- Up to 60 hours battery life with Bluetooth and ANC
- Approximately two-hour full charge
- Five-minute charge for up to four hours playback
- USB-C charging
- USB streaming and calling with PC / Mac
- 1.2m analogue cable supplied
- Passive analogue operation
- 3.5mm source connection
- 2.5mm headphone connection
- Flight Mode when analogue cable connected
- Fold-flat design
- Approximately 293g
- Carry case supplied
- In-flight adapter supplied
- 12-month manufacturer's warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless still current?
Yes. Sennheiser continues to list and actively support the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless alongside the newer MOMENTUM 5.
Have the MOMENTUM 4 been replaced by MOMENTUM 5?
MOMENTUM 5 are the newer generation, but MOMENTUM 4 remain a current model rather than a discontinued product.
What size drivers do they use?
42mm dynamic transducers.
What is the frequency response?
6Hz to 22kHz.
What is the impedance?
Sennheiser specifies approximately 470 ohms in active operation and 60 ohms in passive wired mode.
What is the sensitivity?
106dB SPL at 1kHz / 0dBFS.
What is the total harmonic distortion?
Less than 0.3% at 1kHz / 100dB SPL.
What Bluetooth version do they use?
Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1.
Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?
SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive.
Do MOMENTUM 4 support aptX Lossless?
No. Sennheiser specifically confirms that MOMENTUM 4 do not support aptX Lossless.
Do they support aptX HD?
Sennheiser's current MOMENTUM 4 codec specification lists SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. aptX HD is not listed as a supported MOMENTUM 4 codec.
Do they support Bluetooth multipoint?
Yes. Two Bluetooth devices can remain actively connected at the same time.
Do they have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes. They use Sennheiser's Hybrid Adaptive ANC system.
Can the ANC be adjusted?
ANC and Transparency behaviour can be controlled from the headphones and through Sennheiser's companion app.
Do they have Transparency Mode?
Yes.
What is Smart Pause?
The wear sensor can automatically pause playback when you remove the headphones and resume when they are worn again.
Do they have touch controls?
Yes. Music, calls, volume and ANC functions are controlled from the touch-sensitive surface on the right earcup.
Which app should I use?
Sennheiser's current product page directs MOMENTUM 4 users to the Smart Control Plus app.
Do they have an equaliser?
Yes. The app provides built-in EQ together with presets, sound modes and Sound Personalization.
What is Sound Personalization?
It creates a customised sound profile based on your listening preferences rather than requiring you to manually configure every frequency band.
How long does the battery last?
Up to approximately 60 hours of music playback via Bluetooth with ANC active under Sennheiser's stated test conditions.
How long does a full charge take?
Approximately two hours.
Do they support quick charging?
Yes. Sennheiser's current formal specification states that around five minutes of charging can provide up to four hours of playback.
What size is the battery?
700mAh.
Can the battery be replaced by the user?
The battery is built into the headphones and is not designed as a normal user-replaceable component.
Can I use the MOMENTUM 4 with a cable?
Yes. A 1.2m analogue cable is supplied with a 3.5mm plug for the source and 2.5mm connection at the headphones.
Can I use them if the battery is flat?
Yes. Sennheiser's operating manual specifically lists an empty rechargeable battery as one of the reasons to use the analogue cable.
Does ANC work when using the analogue cable?
Yes, provided the rechargeable battery still has charge. If the battery is completely discharged, passive analogue listening remains available but the electronic functions cannot operate.
What happens to Bluetooth when I plug in the audio cable?
Connecting the analogue cable activates Flight Mode and disables Bluetooth.
Can I use the USB-C socket for audio?
Yes. Sennheiser's operating manual states that the USB-C connection supports streaming and calls with a PC or Mac as well as charging.
Does MOMENTUM 4 support 24-bit/96kHz USB audio?
Sennheiser does not currently publish the same explicit 24-bit/96kHz USB specification for MOMENTUM 4 that it does for newer models such as HDB 630 and MOMENTUM 5, so we would not claim this specification for MOMENTUM 4.
Does the BTD 600 work with MOMENTUM 4?
Yes. Sennheiser currently lists the BTD 600 as a MOMENTUM 4 accessory.
How much do the headphones weigh?
Approximately 293g.
Do they fold?
The earcups rotate flat for storage in the supplied carrying case.
Are they suitable for travel?
Yes. ANC, long battery life, the fold-flat design, analogue cable, carrying case and in-flight adapter make travel one of their strongest applications.
Are they suitable for calls?
Yes. Four speech microphones use beamforming and automatic wind-noise suppression to improve voice pickup.
Are they good for working from home?
Yes. Multipoint Bluetooth, microphones, ANC and USB support make them well suited to switching between music and computer or phone calls.
Are they waterproof?
Sennheiser does not specify MOMENTUM 4 as waterproof or as dedicated sports headphones, so they should be protected from excessive moisture.
What is the difference between MOMENTUM 4 and MOMENTUM 5?
MOMENTUM 5 retain the same basic 42mm driver hardware but add revised tuning, significantly stronger ANC, aptX Lossless, Dolby Atmos, an 8-band EQ, higher-resolution USB operation and improved microphones. MOMENTUM 4 retain excellent ANC and slightly longer headline battery life at up to 60 hours.
What is the difference between MOMENTUM 4 and HDB 630?
HDB 630 use a related 42mm platform but substantially revise the acoustic damping and rear volume for a more neutral presentation. They also add a parametric EQ, Crossfeed, high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz operation and include the BTD 700 dongle.
How long is the manufacturer's warranty?
Sennheiser currently specifies a 12-month manufacturer warranty for MOMENTUM 4, subject to its applicable warranty conditions and proof of purchase. This voluntary manufacturer warranty does not affect your statutory consumer rights.
What comes in the box?
The current package includes the MOMENTUM 4 headphones, carrying case, approximately 1.2m USB-C to USB-A cable, approximately 1.2m analogue cable with 3.5mm and 2.5mm plugs, in-flight adapter, Quick Guide and Safety Guide.
Related Sennheiser Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless From Audio T?
Wireless headphones now differ substantially in sound, noise cancellation, codec support and software features, so choosing purely from the specification sheet does not always lead to the right result.
Audio T can help you compare the MOMENTUM 4 with the newer MOMENTUM 5, the more hi-fi-focused HDB 630 and the more affordable ACCENTUM models, as well as advise on Bluetooth codecs, computer connections and whether a BTD 600 adapter would improve compatibility with your particular source.
- Friendly specialist headphone advice
- MOMENTUM 4 demonstrations where available
- MOMENTUM 4 and MOMENTUM 5 comparisons
- MOMENTUM 4 and HDB 630 comparisons
- MOMENTUM and ACCENTUM comparisons
- Bluetooth codec guidance
- aptX Adaptive advice
- BTD 600 setup guidance
- ANC and Transparency Mode advice
- Smart Control Plus setup
- Sound Personalization guidance
- Analogue and USB connection advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to arrange a demonstration or compare the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless with other noise cancelling headphones.