How much costs great sound that’s worth it for you? The best wireless headphones from Sennheiser ask this question in several ways. The previous version, the True Wireless 3, was praised by critics, but some users raised issues like battery drain and connection issues. THE Momentum True Wireless 4 has decided to address these complaints with an all-new battery system among “more than a dozen major upgrades,” according to Sennheiser.
In this context, the two earbud losses I noticed during my first days of testing the MTW4 stood out more than the usual nervousness of new earbuds. Especially since the last pair sports exactly the same exterior design as the MTW3, which appears, in 2024, downright chunky compared to the competition. Size aside, a firmware update appears to have resolved these connection issues, and I experienced no further dropouts over several days of testing.
One thing that has never been in question at Sennheiser is sound quality. Even given their superb sonic pedigree, the Momentum 4s caught me off guard with their clarity, sensitivity, and the smoothness and delicacy with which they rendered each sound. They pair this with competitive noise cancellation and solid application. The result is a package worthy of some confidence, especially for those who prioritize quality sound.
Not-so-spyware
If you’re familiar with Sennheiser’s long-running Momentum line, you’ll feel deja vu with the fourth-generation version. The heads arrive nestled in what looks like the same square case as the Original Momentum 2019. This seems downright huge compared to the cases from Apple, Sony and others. However, you have to admire Sennheiser’s style, dressing it in an elegant fabric straight out of the James Bond Corduroy collection.
The heads have transformed over time, but Sennheiser hasn’t made any exterior changes from the 2022 MTW3 to maintain their “timeless aesthetic.” They certainly look premium with their slanted smoked chrome cases, but, timeless or not, I would have appreciated some ergonomic updates.
The earbuds barely fit into my medium-sized ears with the default band flexing around the main housing, but swapping it out for the smaller of the two replacement pieces made them stable and relatively comfortable for a few hours with a clip . They still feel bulky and somewhat invasive, and at 6 grams on each side, they don’t exactly manage to disappear from Apple’s AirPods Pro. (9/10, WIRED recommends) or other favorites. Four sizes of ear tips allow you to further customize the fit, but those with smaller ears may want to try before you buy.
Many gifts
Photography: Ryan Waniata
Beneath their enameled shells, the MTW4s have undergone a relatively thorough overhaul, from their new battery system (and firmware to optimize it) to support for the latest Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a new low latency mode for games. They are also now protected against dust, with an IP54 rating.
Arguably the most important upgrade is the battery, which includes a new supplier to ensure improved reliability. Playback is rated at a respectable 7.5 hours per charge and 30 hours total with the charging case. This matched my testing, with the earbuds keeping pace at around seven to eight hours per charge with noise cancellation enabled.
Call quality has been improved, with AI optimization designed to deliver advanced clarity through the earbuds’ new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. I didn’t notice anything special on my end, but I never received any major complaints from others, even when speaking outside.
