Disclosure: The Momentum True Wireless 4 was provided by Sennheiser for the purpose of this review. Please read more about our product review disclosure here.
As an audiophile and tech enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly waiting to get my hands on the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 (TW4) and put it through its paces, especially after being impressed with the over-ear variant in the Momentum 4 lineup. In this review, we’ll take a close look at what makes the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 tick. We’ll check out their design and how comfy they are, dive into their sound quality and active noise canceling capabilities, and see how long their battery lasts. We’ll also explore some cool features like Auracast and aptX Adaptive, which might just change how you think about wireless audio. So, let’s jump in and see if these earbuds live up to the hype!
Key Specifications
- Type: True Wireless earphones
- Driver Type: Dynamic 7mm TrueResponse
- Weight: 72.4 g (earbuds and charging case), 6.2 g (single earbud) 66.4 g (charging case)
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 21 kHz
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.4
- Codec Support: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, Low Latency LC3
- Battery: 75 mAh per earbud, 820 mAh charging case
- Charging Method: USB-C, Qi wireless
- Microphone: Yes, 3 per earbud
- Weather Resistance: IPX5 (dust and splash resistant, earbuds only)
In The Box
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Four sizes of silicone eartips (XS,S,M,L)
- Three silicone ear fins (S,M,L)
- Manual
Design & Comfort
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 comes in three color options: black graphite, copper graphite, and white silver. I have the black graphite variant for this review, which looks professional and elegant in my opinion.
The earbuds feel weighty (around 6.2g per earbud) but extremely solid and well-built. The Momentum True Wireless 4 is a bit bulkier than most other wireless earbuds due to the thick plastic shell, but this means they should be durable enough to withstand daily use and workouts. The Sennheiser logo is etched onto the outside of each earbud, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.
The build quality of the charging case is also particularly impressive. It’s bulkier compared to some competitors, but this extra heft translates to a more solid and durable feel. The fabric covering the charging case acts as a sort of protective barrier from any scratches or drops. The case feels extremely solid and not too heavy (66.4g), and the magnetic lid feels satisfying to open and close, with the magnet being strong enough to prevent any accidental opening. My one gripe with the charging case is that, for me, it’s too bulky to put in my pocket. In colder weather this is a non-issue since I can easily put it in my jacket pocket, but in warm weather such as in summer, the case sticks out too much in my pocket for my liking.
Comfort and Fit
Sennheiser has put a lot of thought into the comfort and fit of the Momentum TW4. They come with assorted sizes of soft silicone ear tips and fins, allowing for a customized fit that can accommodate extended listening sessions. I particularly appreciate Sennheiser’s ear tips – they’re among my favorites in the market. With the medium tips, I always managed to get a tight seal.
There is also an interchangeable ring, or ear fin, around each earbud to help stabilize the earbuds and to get a good fit. I could never get a very stable fit with the Apple AirPods Pro, but with the Momentum True Wireless 4, I’m able to get a solid and comfortable fit thanks to the twist and lock design of the earbuds.
It’s worth noting that the Momentum TW4 earbuds aren’t as compact as some others on the market. They do stick out of your ears a bit, which might be noticeable if you have smaller ears.
Touch Controls
The Momentum True Wireless 4 features capacitive touch controls on each earbud, which I found to be responsive and intuitive. Tapping or holding each earbud performs different functions, such as one tap on the right earbud to play/pause, or holding the left earbud to decrease the volume.
I really appreciate the ability to customize these controls through the Smart Control app, so the touch controls can be highly personalized based on your preference and use case. One thing to note is that while the touch controls are generally excellent, they can take a bit of getting used to since there can be so many options. I also found myself accidentally activating them when putting the earbuds in my ears, but after some time I was able to get used to how to handle them.
IP54 Rating
One of the most significant upgrades in the Momentum True Wireless 4 is its improved durability. These earbuds boast an IP54 rating, making them both splashproof and dust-resistant. This is a step up from their predecessor, which only had an IPX4 rating for splash resistance.
This enhanced protection means you can confidently use these earbuds during workouts or in light rain without worry. While they’re not suitable for swimming, the IP54 rating provides ample protection for most everyday scenarios and light physical activities.
Another thoughtful design change is the addition of mesh to the eartips. This clever feature helps prevent ear wax and other debris from getting into the buds’ nozzles, potentially extending their lifespan and maintaining sound quality over time.
Features
Active Noise Cancelation
The adaptive noise canceling on the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is quite respectable, though it falls slightly short of top-tier competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen. In my tests, I found that with a proper seal, the Momentum True Wireless 4 managed to muffle a significant amount of ambient sound. I strongly recommend running the app’s fit test to ensure you’re getting the optimal seal. This not only enhances the ANC but also significantly improves passive isolation, with these earbuds physically blocking almost 50dB in some ranges. Overall really solid performance here.
Transparency Mode
The Momentum True Wireless 4’s transparency mode is another welcome feature. It’s quite good, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed. The app offers a slider to adjust the level of outside sound you want to let in, ranging from low to high.
I found the middle setting to hit full transparency, while the high level seemed to amplify things slightly, with a touch of white noise.
One nifty aspect I appreciate is the option to pause music automatically when Transparency Mode is activated.
Wind Reduction
Living in a city with its fair share of windy days, I was keen to test the wind reduction capabilities of the Momentum TW4. I’m happy to report that the Anti-Wind setting in the Smart Control app is among the best I’ve experienced so far.
Despite the earbuds protruding slightly from each ear and the outer casing seeming prone to catching gusts, the Anti-Wind mode proved incredibly effective. Standing on an exposed and gusty promenade at a waterfront, I was amazed at how well it made the sound of the wind disappear.
Bluetooth Codec Support
The Momentum True Wireless 4 supports an impressive array of Bluetooth codecs, ensuring you get the best possible sound quality. With aptX Adaptive, you can enjoy high-resolution audio up to 24bit/96kHz.
For those who demand the absolute best, these earbuds support aptX Lossless, delivering CD-identical sound quality (16bit/44.1kHz) wirelessly.
Additionally, the earbuds support SBC, AAC, and Bluetooth LE Audio codec, LC3. This last one is particularly impressive, offering the same audio quality as SBC but at half the bitrate, ensuring efficient and high-quality transmission with no delay. I was able to test all of the codecs and they all performed as they were intended to.
Lastly, the Momentum TW4 also supports Auracast, but I was not able to test this.
Companion App
To manage the settings and firmware updates for the Momentum TW4, you need to use the Sennheiser Smart Control app. As far as companion apps go this one is pretty decent, offering a good amount of customization options and features. I do find the app to be on the slower side performance wise, sometimes lagging and taking a while to open or change views within the app. This is especially evident on lower-performing Android devices, such as some DAPs (digital audio players). Here are a few screenshots from within the app and what you can do with the TW4:
Battery Life and Charging
In my standardized battery test, the Momentum True Wireless 4 delivered an impressive 7 hours and 40 minutes of music playback, pretty much bang on with Sennheriser’s claims (7.5h). This is a significant improvement over many current true wireless earbuds, even if it’s not breaking any records. With noise canceling on, I got 6.5 hours of playtime (Sennheiser claims 7h), which is still more than enough for most users.
The charging case for the Momentum True Wireless 4 is a powerhouse in its own right, it provides an additional 26 hours of playtime in my tests. This means you can go for days without needing to plug in the case.
The Smart Control app includes a “Battery Protection Mode” that slows down charging and prevents a full charge. The charging case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, giving you flexibility in how you power up your earbuds.
There is also a quick charge capability. Sennheiser claims that just 8 minutes of charging provides up to 1 hour of additional listening time. In my tests, this claim held up, making it a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry and need a quick boost.
Multi-Device Pairing
This allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously. I tested this by connecting to my phone and DAP at the same time, and switching between them was seamless. It’s perfect for those who need to juggle work calls and personal audio throughout the day.
Sound Quality
Source devices used:
- Sony NW-WM1AM2
- HiBy R4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- 2020 iPad Pro 11″
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the listening experience the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 offers, and I’m excited to share my insights with you.
Sound Profile
At the heart of these earbuds is Sennheiser’s extra wide-band TrueResponse transducer system. With 7mm dynamic audio drivers, they deliver a high-end sound experience that’s nothing short of exceptional. The bass is impactful and punchy, adding depth and energy to your music without overwhelming the other frequencies.
What really stands out for me is the improved treble response. It’s crisp and airy, adding just the right amount of sparkle to each track without ever becoming harsh. This balance creates a soundstage that’s both immersive and precise. I found myself closing my eyes and feeling transported into the music, able to pinpoint each instrument’s location in space.
The midrange quality is also particularly well done. Vocals shine brightly, commanding attention while seamlessly blending with the rest of the arrangement. The level of detail and texture in the midrange enriches both vocals and instruments, bringing a lifelike quality to every track.
Personalized Sound
The Momentum True Wireless 4 offers a sound personalization guide through the Smart Control app. It uses advanced technology to create an individual sound profile based on your hearing through a simple and engaging listening test. After going through the sound personalization guide I ended up sticking with the results as they did sound even better for my preferred listening style. For those who prefer more hands-on control, there’s a 5-band equalizer in the app.
Microphone Performance
The microphone quality is average. They sound good and get the job done without too much background noise interfering. The person on the other end of my calls had no complaints, but when it comes to voice calls in windy conditions, the performance isn’t quite up to par. Wind noise, in particular, is handled poorly, which could impact call quality if you’re often on the move in breezy environments.
Final Thoughts
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds have proven to be a remarkable addition to the high-end audio market. They offer a compelling blend of premium design, exceptional sound quality, and advanced features that make them stand out in a crowded field. The improved durability, impressive battery life, and smart connectivity options add significant value to these already impressive earbuds.
While they may not be the most compact option available, and the microphone performance is average, the Momentum True Wireless 4 more than makes up for this with its outstanding audio and technical performance. Their balanced audio profile, effective noise cancelation, and future-proof technology make them a solid investment for audio enthusiasts. These true wireless earbuds are Sennheiser through and through.
At $299 USD the Momentum TW4 has lots of high-end competition. If you are looking for excellent audio audio and good ANC performance, I’d highly recommend them. If ANC performance is your sole objective, then I’d suggest looking at the Bose and Sony options.
We are not always able to cover all the details of a product, both hardware and software, in our reviews. If you have any specific questions you’d like answered about this product please feel free to leave a comment or contact us directly.
HiFi Oasis Verdict
HiFi Oasis Verdict-
Design & Comfort8/10 Very good
-
Sound9/10 Amazing
-
Features9/10 Amazing
Pros
- Excellent aptX codec support
- Balanced sound profile
- Comfortable fit
- IP54 rating
- Well implemented sound and control personalization features
Cons
- ANC performs not as good as competitors
- Bulky charging case
- Microphone performance could be better