Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Review: Big but Still Beautiful Leave a comment

How a lot is nice sound price to you? Sennheiser’s prime wi-fi earbuds ask that query in additional methods than one. The earlier model, the True Wi-fi 3, was praised by reviewers, however some customers raised points like battery drain and connection glitches. The Momentum True Wi-fi 4 got down to deal with these complaints with an all-new battery system amongst “over a dozen main upgrades,” in keeping with Sennheiser.

Inside this context, the 2 earbud dropouts I skilled in my first few days of testing the MTW4 stood out greater than the same old new bud jitters. Particularly for the reason that newest pair sports activities the very same exterior design because the MTW3, which is, in 2024, wanting downright chunky in comparison with the competitors. Dimension apart, a firmware replace appears to have mounted these connection woes, and I’ve skilled no different dropouts over a number of days of testing.

One factor that’s by no means been in query with Sennheiser is sound high quality. Even given their very good sonic pedigree, the Momentum 4 caught me off guard with their readability, their sensitivity, and the sheer sweetness and delicacy with which they render each tone. They pair that with aggressive noise canceling and a strong app. The result’s a package deal that’s worthy of a bit of religion—particularly for many who put nice sound first.

Not-So-Spyware and adware

For those who’re in any respect conversant in Sennheiser’s long-running Momentum line, you’ll be feeling dé​jà vu with the fourth-gen model. The buds arrive nestled in what appears to be like like the identical boxy case from the unique 2019 Momentum. It feels downright large when in comparison with circumstances from Apple, Sony, and others. Nonetheless, you need to admire Sennheiser’s type, cloaking it with modern cloth straight out of the James Bond Corduroy Assortment.

The buds have morphed over time, however Sennheiser made no exterior modifications from 2022’s MTW3 to keep up their “timeless aesthetic.” They definitely look premium with their angled, smoked-chrome housings however, timeless or not, I might have appreciated some ergonomic updates.

The buds barely wedge into my medium-size ears with the default band that flexes round the principle housing, however swapping it for the smaller of two spares made them secure and comparatively comfortable for just a few hours at a clip. They nonetheless really feel bulgy and considerably invasive, and at 6 grams per aspect, they don’t fairly pull the disappearing trick of Apple’s AirPods Professional (9/10, WIRED Recommends) or different favorites. 4 ear tip sizes allow you to additional customise the match, however these with smaller ears might need to attempt before you purchase.

Loads of Goodies

Beneath their enameled shells, the MTW4 have undergone a comparatively thorough makeover, from their new battery system (and firmware to optimize it) to help for the most recent Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a brand new low-latency mode for gaming. They’ve additionally now acquired mud safety, with an IP54 score.

The battery is arguably an important improve, which features a new supplier to make sure improved reliability. Playback is rated at a decent 7.5 hours per cost, and 30 hours whole with the charging case. This matched my testing, with the buds maintaining tempo at round seven to eight hours per cost with noise canceling on.

Name high quality has been upgraded, with AI optimization designed to supply superior readability through the buds’ new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. I didn’t discover something particular on my finish, however I additionally by no means acquired main complaints from others, even whereas speaking open air.