Airpods Max vs Sennheiser Momentum 4

When it comes to premium headphones, the duel between AirPods Max and Sennheiser Momentum 4 is keenly anticipated.

Sennheiser, a pioneer in the audio industry, has released its latest edition, the Momentum 4, which builds on the success of the Momentum 3. It offers improved audio quality, active noise cancellation, and a modern design centered on long-term comfort.

On the other hand, Apple’s AirPods Max have already made waves with their seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, delivering high-fidelity sound, adaptive EQ, and top-notch noise cancellation. The duel between these two headphone titans is a contest of design, technology, and aural capability. 

This comparison will evaluate their features, performance, and overall value to help you determine which is superior, AirPods Max or Sennheiser Momentum 4.

Airpods Max vs Sennheiser Momentum 4: A Comprehensive Comparison

Specification

Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4	Airpods Max
Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4	Airpods Max
Form Factor	Over Ear	In-Ear
Frequency Response	6 Hz – 22000Hz	Unknown
Impedance	100 Ohms	Unknown
Driver Unit size	42mm	40mm
Battery Life	60h	20 h
Charging Time	2 h	2 h
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m
Bluetooth Version	5.2	5
Color	Black, White	Green, Pink, Silver
Weight	293g	384.8g
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sennheiser Momentum 4	Airpods Max
Headphone	Headphone
Carry Case	Case
Charging Cable	Cable
User Guide	User Guide

Design & Comfort

When comparing the style and comfort of the AirPods Max and the Sennheiser Momentum 4, both headphones have distinct aesthetics and features.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 features a new redesign that emphasizes comfort with a nylon fabric-covered headband and memory foam padding. The removal of prominent yokes contributes to a more streamlined appearance.

Furthermore, well-cushioned earpads and an ideal clamping force offer longer comfort during long listening sessions.

AirPods Max, on the other hand, has a visually appealing design with multiple color options and luxury materials like aluminum ear cups and a large mesh headband, promising durability and style. 

The ear cups’ adjustable arms allow them to sit comfortably on the head. However, the AirPods Max is significantly heavier than the Momentum 4, at 384g versus 293g, which may compromise long-term comfort.

In short, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 prioritizes lightweight comfort and a modern design, with an emphasis on ease of wear throughout extended use.

The AirPods Max, on the other hand, has an aesthetically appealing design with sturdy materials, but its somewhat bulkier structure may influence comfort during long listening sessions.

The option ultimately comes down to the user’s preference for design elements and their preference for lightweight comfort over a somewhat heavier, elegant build.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is paramount in premium headphones, and both the Apple AirPods Max and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless provide great audio experiences with their respective default EQs.

The AirPods Max have excellent sound quality, with a modest bass bump that provides warmth without dominating other frequencies.

The midrange is clear and crisp, highlighting vocals, while the treble is somewhat subdued, keeping a nice EQ that is notably remarkable for its immaculate vocals.

On the contrary, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless defaults to a slightly bassier sound profile, notably in sub-bass frequencies, giving a pleasing punch for bass-centric genres. The mids and treble are well-balanced, with no noticeable peaks or valleys. 

Furthermore, the Sennheiser Smart Control App provides extra EQ customization, allowing users to fine-tune the music to their preferences via custom EQ or preset selections.

Notably, the AirPods Max supports Apple’s spatial audio, which enhances the immersive 3D soundstage using head-tracking technology, making it suitable for watching movies and exploring 3D music formats.

Both headphones provide high-quality sound and have distinct frequency responses that appeal to a wide range of listening tastes.

The Momentum 4 Wireless’ more bass-heavy signature may appeal to individuals who want a warmer sound, whereas the AirPods Max has a more balanced audio profile. Finally, the choice between the two is determined by personal sound preferences and the necessary tonal characteristics for an excellent listening experience.

Noise Cancellation

Both the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and the AirPods Max excel at noise cancellation. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 impresses by efficiently minimizing ambient noises such as fans, traffic noise, and engine hums.

However, when compared to top competitors, it may be less effective in canceling higher-pitched sounds like keyboard taps or close conversations. The transparency option, which allows control over the volume of external sounds perceived, improves the user experience.

The AirPods Max, on the other hand, highlights Apple’s noise-canceling capabilities with four microphones embedded inside and outside the ear cups.

This complete system excels in drowning out a wide range of sounds, including traffic and ambient noise. The transparency mode in AirPods Max is amazing, finding a perfect mix between music immersion and awareness of one’s surroundings with minimum sound leakage.

While the Sennheiser Momentum 4 performs admirably in terms of noise cancellation, the AirPods Max stands out for its remarkable noise-canceling ability, particularly in drowning out a wide range of sounds. The greater overall noise-canceling experience makes the AirPods Max the preferred choice in this regard.

Microphone or Call Quality

When comparing the microphone and call quality of the Apple AirPods Max with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, both demonstrate high-quality performance, albeit with some subtle variances. The AirPods Max has exceptional call clarity and clearly catches the user’s voice, ensuring clear communication throughout calls.

Its beamforming microphones and powerful software algorithms work together to reduce extraneous noise and focus on the user’s voice, improving call quality.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, on the other hand, provides a comparable call experience thanks to its built-in array of microphones, which is designed to effectively pick up and isolate the user’s speech while minimizing surrounding noise.

This function guarantees that calls are clear and understandable, adding to an overall great communication experience.

In essence, both headphones provide excellent microphone and call quality, addressing the needs of customers who value clear and crisp communication during phone calls or virtual meetings.

Individual preferences on additional features, design, and other functionalities beyond the limits of call quality would dictate the choice between the two.

Finally, both the AirPods Max and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are solid solutions for those looking for a high-quality microphone and call performance in their premium headphones.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 certainly takes the lead, with an astonishing 60 hours of playback time with ANC active.

This far exceeds the industry standard, which is that most premium headphones deliver roughly 20-30 hours of listening time with ANC active. The Momentum 4’s remarkable lifespan ensures longer usage without regular charging, which is a critical benefit for users on the road.

The AirPods Max, on the other hand, despite having a good battery life of 20 hours with ANC, falls short of the Momentum 4. 

Furthermore, the Momentum 4’s quick charge feature is noteworthy—a 5-minute charge can provide up to 4 hours of playback time, providing a speedy solution for low battery situations. In comparison, the AirPods Max provides only 1.5 hours of listening on a 5-minute charge.

Both headphones require about 2 hours to charge from 0% to 100%, using USB-C for the Momentum 4 and the Lightning connector for the AirPods Max. Finally, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 outperforms the AirPods Max in terms of battery life, giving extended playback hours and rapid quick charging.

Control System

The control technologies of the Apple AirPods Max and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless take different methods to command your audio experience.

The AirPods Max have a few tactile controls for basic operations. The Digital Crown button, which is similar to the Apple Watch’s interface and is positioned on the top of the right ear cup, allows you to adjust volume and playback.

In addition, there is a noise control button on the top front of the right ear cup that allows you to switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode.

In contrast, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless has a touch-based control system that requires users to perform certain touch movements on the ear cups.

These controls are mirrored on both ear cups, making them easier to use. Furthermore, the Momentum 4 Wireless incorporates a power button on the right earphone, allowing users to power off the headphones, a function that the AirPods Max lacks noticeably.

The distinction is in the physical versus touch-based control mechanisms, giving consumers the option of tactile or gesture-driven interaction.

While the AirPods Max uses physical buttons for crucial features, the Momentum 4 Wireless uses intuitive touch gestures, each delivering a distinct and efficient approach to controlling your music experience.

Connectivity

When it comes to communication, both the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and the Apple AirPods Max feature powerful Bluetooth technology, but there are some key differences. The Momentum 4 Wireless uses Bluetooth 5.2, which is a newer version than the AirPods Max’s Bluetooth 5.0.

While the change may be imperceptible in regular use, the Momentum 4 Wireless enables Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing concurrent connections with two devices—a feature lacking in the AirPods Max. This functionality is useful for people who often switch between devices while working.

The Momentum 4 Wireless excels in codec support, which is an important component in audio quality. It supports a variety of codecs, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, which may improve sound quality and compatibility. 

AirPods Max, on the other hand, is limited to SBC and AAC codecs due to its reliance on the H1 processor, restricting audio-enhancing options when wireless streaming.

The Sennheiser Smart Control app for the Momentum 4 Wireless allows for extensive EQ tuning, giving customers exact control over their listening experience—a feature missing from the AirPods Max.

Furthermore, both headphones accept wired connections for situations when battery life is a problem, with the Momentum 4 Wireless providing greater connectivity options.

In summary, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless stands out for its improved codec support, EQ tuning via its app, and Bluetooth Multipoint capability, giving customers more freedom and control over a personalized and adaptive audio experience.

Which is the Winner?

The winner of the Apple AirPods Max vs. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless battle is determined by your priorities and needs. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless shines in terms of functionality, with long battery life, rapid charging, and extensive app and codec support. Its reduced weight and collapsible design improve comfort and portability.

The AirPods Max, on the other hand, includes a luxury design, balanced sound quality, and top-tier active noise cancellation, giving a sumptuous listening experience with smooth iOS integration. It is, however, somewhat more expensive.

Individual needs and preferences ultimately dictate the option. iPhone users may choose the AirPods Max due to their tight iOS connection, while others may prefer the Momentum 4 Wireless due to its practicality and competitive feature set.

Balancing aspects such as battery life, ANC effectiveness, and design aesthetics will lead your decision between these two great noise-cancelling headphones.

Alternative Options

When comparing alternatives to the AirPods Max and Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as an appealing option.

It combines the elegant design elements of the AirPods Max with the connection functions of the Momentum 4. The WH-1000XM5 is known for its superb noise cancellation and music quality while balancing style and functionality.

The Soundcore Space NC45 is an appealing option for people looking for a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing capabilities. It is less expensive than the AirPods Max and Momentum 4, while yet providing good app support and impressive battery life. It strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and usefulness.

If powerful noise suppression and a bass-heavy music experience are important, the Sony WH-XB910N is the way to go. These headphones provide strong noise reduction while emphasizing a strong bass response. This option caters to bass aficionados’ preferences in terms of audio profile.

In summary, these options cater to various needs, whether it’s a blend of elegance and functionality, affordability with vital features, or a concentration on excellent noise cancellation and bass emphasis.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, Soundcore Space NC45, and Sony WH-XB910N are potential alternatives to the AirPods Max and Sennheiser Momentum 4 depending on user preferences and economic limits.

Airpods Max vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 – FAQs

Which headset offers better noise cancellation, the AirPods Max or the Sennheiser Momentum 4?

Both the AirPods Max and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 provide great noise cancellation, however, the AirPods Max is often regarded as having superior active noise cancellation (ANC). Apple’s ANC technology is extremely good at reducing ambient noise and creating an immersive listening experience. While the Sennheiser Momentum 4 provides good noise cancellation, it may not achieve the same level of cancellation as the AirPods Max.

How can I extend the battery life of my Apple AirPods Max?

While the AirPods Max lack a power button, placing them in their case immediately initiates low power mode, efficiently preserving battery life by lowering power consumption when not in use.

Which headphones charge faster, AirPods Max or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless offers rapid charging, allowing you up to 6 hours of listening time after only 10 minutes of charging. In comparison, the Apple AirPods Max provides an impressive 90 minutes of listening duration with a short 5-minute charge.

What colors are available for the Apple AirPods Max and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

The Apple AirPods Max comes in five different colors: silver, space gray, sky blue, pink, and green. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, on the other hand, is available in the classic colors of Black and White, offering users a more discreet yet elegant option.

Are the AirPods Max better for iOS users because of the seamless integration?

Yes, the AirPods Max integrates seamlessly with iOS devices, making it an excellent alternative for iOS consumers. The H1 chip enables simple pairing, automatic switching between devices, and hands-free “Hey Siri” voice activation. The seamless communication and integration give a smooth user experience, particularly for those within the Apple ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Individual priorities and preferences influence the decision between the AirPods Max and the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Apple’s AirPods Max provides seamless connectivity with iOS devices, an attractive design, improved active noise cancellation, and a balanced sound profile.

It appeals effectively to individuals who are invested in the Apple environment. The Sennheiser Momentum 4, on the other hand, stands out for its amazing battery life, excellent sound quality, and improved comfort. Its touch-based controls and customizable sound via the Smart Control app improve the user experience.

Both headphones provide high-quality music and noise cancellation, therefore the ultimate choice is based on one’s preference for ecosystem integration, design, sound characteristic, battery life, and user interface.