AirPods Max vs Momentum 4
For over-ear headphones shoppers, the AirPods Max from Apple and the Momentum 4 from Sennheiser are two of the obvious candidates. Taken area by area, the Momentum 4 wins 1 of 3. That doesn’t make the AirPods Max a bad choice, but it does set the baseline. The launch prices sit $199 apart, with the Momentum 4 on the more affordable side.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Momentum 4 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Momentum 4 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging0.0
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging7.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Momentum 4 has 40 h more listening per charge
It’s a lopsided result (60 h for the Momentum 4, 20 h for the AirPods Max) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
-
The Momentum 4 has a 3.24 oz lighter build
The spread here is large: 10.34 oz on the Momentum 4 versus 13.57 oz on the AirPods Max. Expect to notice it. Fit and pressure matter as much as weight, but a lighter build is a good starting point for comfort.
Design & Size
The Momentum 4 weighs 3.24 oz less than the AirPods Max.
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Max | Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 13.57 oz | 10.34 oz (winner) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On sound & noise cancelling, both deliver about the same. Net result on sound & noise cancelling: level.
Battery & Charging
Momentum 4 leads
On battery & charging, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Momentum 4. The Momentum 4 steps ahead thanks to 40 h more listening per charge. The Momentum 4 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast. That makes the Momentum 4 the natural choice for buyers focused on battery & charging.
Battery (single charge)
AirPods Max: 20 h Momentum 4: 60 h Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
Call the features & connectivity round a draw. The takeaway: features & connectivity is not where these two differ.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods Max | Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 1.65 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | AirPods Max | Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 20 h | 60 h (winner) Longest listening per charge |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Charging port | Lightning (USB-C on the 2024 version) | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods Max | Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Digital Crown + noise control button | Touch |
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Max | Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 13.57 oz | 10.34 oz (winner) |
Price
| Spec | AirPods Max | Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $549 | $350 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Money is a real factor here: the launch prices are 57% apart, a difference of $199. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the Momentum 4 does, and it keeps $199 in your pocket.
These are US launch prices, recorded August 2022; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Momentum 4 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (60 h vs 20 h per charge)
- you wear them for hours and want less weight on your ears (10.34 oz vs 13.57 oz)
- you’d rather keep $199 in your pocket
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the AirPods Max or the Momentum 4?
On the specs compared here, the Momentum 4 makes more sense for most buyers; the AirPods Max doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which has better battery life, the AirPods Max or the Momentum 4?
Going by the official figures, the Momentum 4 leads: 60 h versus 20 h for battery (single charge). Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Is the AirPods Max cheaper than the Momentum 4?
The Momentum 4 is the cheaper option, launching at $199 less than the AirPods Max (launch prices as of August 2022).
Which weighs less, the AirPods Max or the Momentum 4?
Going by the official figures, the Momentum 4 weighs 3.24 oz less than the AirPods Max.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Apple or Sennheiser. I only care that you end up with the right one of the AirPods Max and the Momentum 4. To me, the standout is that the Momentum 4 offers 40 h more listening per charge. And the Momentum 4 doesn’t stop there; it also offers a 3.24 oz lighter build.
The way I see it, people who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture will be happier with the AirPods Max, and those who prioritize battery & charging with the Momentum 4.
My pick: the Momentum 4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.