How much Is the great sound worth it to you? Sennheiser’s top wireless headphones pose this question in more ways than one. The previous version, the True Wireless 3, was well received by reviewers, but some users raised issues with battery drain and connection glitches. Sennheiser says the Momentum True Wireless 4 begins to address these complaints with a new battery system that includes “more than a dozen significant upgrades.”
Against this backdrop, the two earbud detachments I experienced during my first few days of testing the MTW4 stood out more than the usual new earbud jitter. Especially since the latest two models adopt the exact same exterior design as the 2024 MTW3, which looks very chunky compared to its competitors. Size aside, firmware updates appear to have fixed these connectivity issues, and I encountered no other drops during multiple days of testing.
For Sennheiser, one thing that is never in question is sound quality. Despite the Momentum 4’s excellent sonic pedigree, I was caught off guard by its clarity, sensitivity, and the sheer sweetness and refinement with which each tone was rendered. They combine this with competitive noise cancellation and solid apps. The result is a kit that deserves a little confidence – especially for those who put good sound first.
Not so spyware
If you’re very familiar with Sennheiser’s long-running Momentum series, you’ll have a sense of déjà vu with the fourth-generation version. The buds arrive in the same box as the original 2019 Momentum. Compared to cases from Apple, Sony and others, it feels huge. Still, you have to appreciate Sennheiser’s style, swathed in stylish fabrics straight from the James Bond corduroy range.
The buds have changed over time, but Sennheiser hasn’t made any cosmetic changes based on the 2022 MTW3 to maintain its “timeless beauty.” Their sloping smoked chrome shells do look premium, but timeless or not, I would appreciate some ergonomic updates.
The earbuds barely fit into my average-sized ears, and the default straps flexed around the main case, but swapping them out for the smaller of the two spares kept them stable and relatively comfortable for a few hours. They still feel bulky and a bit intrusive, and at 6 grams each, they don’t quite pull off the disappearing trick of Apple’s AirPods Pro (9/10, recommended by WIRED ) or other favorites. Four ear tip sizes allow you to further customize the fit, but those with smaller ears may want to try them out before buying.
a lot of good stuff
Photography: Ryan Vaniata
Under the enamel shell, the MTW4 has undergone a relatively complete overhaul, from a new battery system (and firmware that optimizes it) to support for the latest Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a new low-latency gaming mode. They now also feature dust protection with an IP54 rating.
The battery is arguably the most significant upgrade, which includes a new supplier to ensure improved reliability. It offers 7.5 hours of playback per charge, and a total of 30 hours of playback with the charging case. This matches my testing, which saw the headphones last about seven to eight hours per charge with noise cancellation turned on.
Call quality has been upgraded, with AI optimization designed to deliver advanced clarity through the headset’s new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. I didn’t notice anything special about myself, but I also never received any major complaints from others, even when talking outdoors.