Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 3 and Sony's WH-1000XM4 serve different needs despite both being premium options. The Sennheiser delivers true portability with 5.8g earbuds, 7 hours of ANC playback, and aptX Adaptive for gaming or video, making them ideal for commuters and travelers. Battery capacity totals 28 hours with the case. Sony's over-ear design provides 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, superior passive isolation from the over-ear fit, and LDAC hi-res audio support for audiophiles. The 254g weight trades portability for comfort during extended listening sessions. Sony's Dual Noise Sensor ANC edges ahead of Sennheiser's adaptive system in real-world effectiveness, particularly on flights or in loud environments. Sony includes a 3.5mm jack for wired listening and 10-minute quick charging yields 5 hours of use. Sennheiser offers IPX4 water resistance, perfect for workouts, while Sony lacks any rating. At $249, the Momentum 3 represents better value per pound of weight and suits active lifestyles. The WH-1000XM4 at $349 justifies its premium through unmatched ANC, longer battery life, and superior sound quality for stationary use. Choose Sennheiser for convenience and versatility, Sony for immersive listening and durability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 if…
- →Audiophile-grade sound quality — best-in-class for true wireless
- →aptX Adaptive provides high-quality, low-latency audio on Android
- →Effective ANC that adapts to your environment
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- →LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- →Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Pros
- Audiophile-grade sound quality — best-in-class for true wireless
- aptX Adaptive provides high-quality, low-latency audio on Android
- Effective ANC that adapts to your environment
- 28 hours total battery with wireless charging case
- Premium fabric-wrapped case and refined design
Cons
- Touch controls are fiddly and can misfire
- IPX4 is adequate but not rugged for intense workouts
- Ear tips may need upgrading for the best seal
- Multipoint can be slow to switch between devices
Sony WH-1000XM4
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups for long sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the same price
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- No IP rating — avoid using in rain or at the gym
- Microphone quality is average for calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 5.8 g (each) | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C or Qi wireless | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 7mm TrueResponse transducer | 30 mm |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Customizable touch controls, Sennheiser Smart Control app with EQ, Sound personalization, aptX Adaptive for low-latency audio | Industry-leading ANC with Dual Noise Sensor technology, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wearing detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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