Momentum 4 vs WH-1000XM5
Two brands, one target. The Momentum 4 from Sennheiser and the WH-1000XM5 from Sony compete head to head for over-ear headphones shoppers. If you only read one line, make it this: the Momentum 4 takes 1 of 3 compared areas, and the battery & charging gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Momentum 4 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Momentum 4 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging7.5
- Features & Connectivity5.0
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.9
- Features & Connectivity5.0
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 30 h more listening per charge
Here the Momentum 4 pulls well ahead of the WH-1000XM5, with 60 h compared to 30 h. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
-
The WH-1000XM5 has a 1.52 oz lighter build
The WH-1000XM5 doesn’t just edge this one; 8.82 oz against 10.34 oz is a lead you’ll feel. The WH-1000XM5 puts less weight on your ears or head, which adds up over a full day.
-
The Momentum 4 has
Bigger or smaller? On driver size, the Momentum 4 has 1.65 in and the WH-1000XM5 has 1.18 in. Larger drivers can move more air, while smaller ones allow a more compact design; neither guarantees better sound.
Design & Size
In the weight column, the WH-1000XM5 leads by 1.52 oz.
Fit & Build
| Spec | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 10.34 oz | 8.82 oz (winner) Lightest in class |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on sound & noise cancelling; the numbers are close throughout. Neither pair gives you a reason to choose it on sound & noise cancelling.
Driver size
Momentum 4: 1.65 in WH-1000XM5: 1.18 in Treat driver size as a design detail rather than a verdict on how each pair sounds.
Battery & Charging
Momentum 4 leads
If battery & charging is high on your list, the Momentum 4 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Momentum 4 comes with 30 h more listening per charge. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips. The battery & charging verdict goes to the Momentum 4.
Battery (single charge)
Momentum 4: 60 h WH-1000XM5: 30 h The Momentum 4 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The differences on features & connectivity are small enough to ignore in daily use. The takeaway: features & connectivity is not where these two differ.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 1.65 in | 1.18 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | N/A (not specified) | 360 Reality Audio |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 60 h (winner) Longest listening per charge | 30 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch | Touch |
Fit & Build
| Spec | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 10.34 oz | 8.82 oz (winner) Lightest in class |
Price
| Spec | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $350 (winner) Lowest price in class | $400 |
“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
The WH-1000XM5 asked only $50 more at launch. Less money, more wins: the Momentum 4 beats the WH-1000XM5 on value by a clear margin and saves $50.
Launch prices in the US as of August 2022; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Momentum 4 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (60 h vs 30 h per charge)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($50 less)
- you trust Sennheiser and want to keep things familiar
Choose the WH-1000XM5 if…
- you want the lighter fit (8.82 oz vs 10.34 oz)
- you’re comfortable with how Sony does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Momentum 4 or the WH-1000XM5?
The Momentum 4 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you need a 1.52 oz lighter build, which only the WH-1000XM5 offers.
Does the Momentum 4 last longer on a charge than the WH-1000XM5?
The Momentum 4 comes out ahead on battery (single charge), with 60 h compared with 30 h on the WH-1000XM5.
Which costs less, the Momentum 4 or the WH-1000XM5?
At launch, the Momentum 4 undercut the WH-1000XM5 by $50. These figures are as of August 2022, and street prices can change.
Is the Momentum 4 lighter than the WH-1000XM5?
The Momentum 4 is the heavier of the two; the WH-1000XM5 saves 1.52 oz.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Momentum 4’s and the WH-1000XM5’s) so you don’t have to. Practically speaking, the Momentum 4’s biggest advantage is 30 h more listening per charge. The WH-1000XM5 does have a strong card to play: a 1.52 oz lighter build.
Your priorities do the choosing here: battery & charging points to the Momentum 4, comfort to the WH-1000XM5.
My pick: the Momentum 4, though the WH-1000XM5 makes sense if you’d trade the rest for a 1.52 oz lighter build.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.