Two years have passed since I reviewed the previous generation of Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless. Now, the new model from the German manufacturer comes to refresh its successful headphones. The launch price remains more or less the same – NIS 1,300 (through the official importer - Shochet Music). As the price suggests, the Momentum True Wireless 4 competes in the premium category, like Sony's WF-1000XM5 or Bang & Olufsen's Beoplay EX.
Design and Control: Momentum True Wireless 4 - Identical and Comfortable Design
The appearance of the MTW 4 remains the same as the previous generation, with slight differences in the case, the logo embossed in silver instead of white, and the fabric surrounding the carrying case appearing a bit darker. Other than that, we get the same comfortable design of the headphones. It features a rectangular external structure with rounded corners and rubber straps with a delicate sapphire structure, ensuring more stability in the ears.
The headphone's water resistance has improved, now coming with an IP54 standard instead of IPX4, meaning they are still protected to the same extent against moisture, but now also have dust protection. The carrying case remains the same size-wise, which means it's still large. Those who, like me, tend to keep the case in their pocket while using them on the go, might find it slightly less convenient.
Sound and Calls: Momentum True Wireless 4 - High-Quality Immersive Sound
Sennheiser has packed these headphones with a variety of technologies: updated Bluetooth 5.4, simultaneous connection to two devices, Qualcomm's S5 Sound Gen 2 platform allowing support for Snapdragon Sound technology featuring lossless audio. Such sound quality is available in some streaming services like Apple Music (not on Spotify). This enables you to enjoy high-quality sound and make the most of your headphones.
It's worth mentioning that the headphones also support codecs like aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive Audio (the latter codec provides better stability in crowded places with wireless devices and lower latency). Additionally, they include low latency support, useful for gaming.
Sennheiser plans to add support for Bluetooth LE with LC3 via firmware update, enhancing power efficiency while maintaining sound quality. Another feature to be added is Auracast, allowing connection to public audio devices, like a TV in a doctor's waiting room. In terms of sound, Sennheiser boasts its signature sound, and rightfully so. The sound quality is simply excellent, with well-defined bass, detailed highs, and a warm feeling during playback.
The headphones feature 7mm drivers and Sennheiser's TrueResponse technology aimed at solving distortion issues at high volume. Notably, the call management with the MTW 4 is seamless; I didn't encounter any issues with calls, whether on the street, in an office around people, or in quiet places.
With three microphones in each, they deliver good phone call quality. These microphones are also intended for active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, which performed well, although it's not the highest quality noise cancellation available. This is adaptive ANC, meaning it automatically adjusts to the surrounding noise, increasing or decreasing the intensity of cancellation. What was missing here is the ability to manually choose the intensity of cancellation. However, there is a wind noise neutral mode, which, although slightly less effective at filtering noise, manages to filter out wind noise.
Battery: Momentum True Wireless 4 - Approximately 30 Hours of Music
The listening time here is impressive – 7.5 hours of music with ANC on and a total of 30 hours with the charging case. Fast charging is available – 8 minutes provide an hour of music. There's also wireless charging.
Price: NIS 1,300 (official importer - Shochet Music).
In conclusion, the Momentum True Wireless 4 may not come with the most convenient carrying case or the best ANC, but the sound quality of these headphones is a delight for audio enthusiasts. They offer excellent sound with comfortable earbud design, a range of technologies, and long battery life.