Sennheiser Momentum True Wi-fi 4 evaluation: Stellar sound, forward-looking options

Firms don’t must make big updates to their wi-fi earbuds throughout generations. Typically, making an important set extra dependable and including options that stretch their lifespan are upgrades sufficient. That’s what Sennheiser has achieved for the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 ($300). The corporate’s fourth-generation earbuds retain the superb sound high quality I’ve come to count on from Sennheiser together with rebuilt Bluetooth tech, higher-resolution sound, help for Bluetooth LE Audio and a software for battery longevity. However, not everybody will reap the entire advantages I encountered throughout my Momentum True Wi-fi 4 evaluation.

Momentum True Wi-fi 4: Design

The Momentum True Wi-fi 4 is similar in look to the Momentum True Wi-fi 3, with the one distinction being a brand new copper/black coloration possibility alongside the prevailing silver/black and silver/white variations. Additionally, you’ll now get a fourth, extra-small, set of ear ideas and the corporate nonetheless contains three sizes of stabilizer arcs that can assist you get a really perfect match. Sennheiser’s Good Management app has a match check too, so that you’ve bought assist there. The corporate has additionally upgraded the mud and moisture safety right here with an IP54 score, in order that they now stand up to superb particles along with water spray.

There are, nevertheless, some vital modifications contained in the Momentum True Wi-fi 4. That features an replace to Qualcomm’s S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with Snapdragon Sound. A part of the Bluetooth overhaul I discussed is a redesigned antenna, which makes this fourth-gen set of wi-fi earbuds extra dependable. Customers had reported points with dropouts and the companion app failing to acknowledge the Momentum True Wi-fi 3, so Sennheiser is clearly addressing these points right here.

Software program and options

Like with current Sennheiser audio gear, the corporate’s Sound Management app is the place you entry the entire settings and customization choices for the Momentum True Wi-fi 4. The principle interface offers you fast entry to battery percentages, Bluetooth connections, customized sound, ANC settings, transparency stage, reconfiguring contact controls, match check and Sound Zones. That final function lets you automate modifications to audio settings like ANC and transparency in your location. You may set as much as 20 of those “zones” for locations like house, work and the health club. In fact, it’s a must to give the app permission to observe your whereabouts to make use of this.

Sennheiser has taken steps to future-proof these flagship earbuds – making certain they final for the following few years, at the very least. First, they help Bluetooth 5.4, which is prepared for LE Audio and Auracast. These objects aren’t accessible on the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 simply but, however Sennheiser is planning an replace this spring that may ship options like broadcast audio, audio sharing and assisted listening.

When you’ve got a current premium Android cellphone, the inclusion of Snapdragon Sound will turn out to be useful for elevated audio high quality. The Qualcomm processor in these gadgets can muster what Sennheiser calls “flawless” lossless audio when streaming from a appropriate music service. There are two settings right here: excessive decision at 24-bit/96kHz by way of aptX Adaptive and lossless at 16-bit/44.1kHz with aptX Lossless.

The ultimate quality-of-life replace issues the battery. So as to keep higher efficiency over time, Sennheiser added a battery safety mode that stops the buds from charging previous 80 %. That is vital since earbud batteries are virtually by no means replaceable and stopping them from overcharging will prolong its lifespan. It’s good to see the corporate making a product last more, which will even have environmental impacts.

Momentum True Wi-fi 4: Sound high quality

Sennheiser has a longstanding fame for nice sound high quality and the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 continues that custom. I couldn’t detect an enormous distinction between the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 and its predecessor, although, regardless of the corporate saying this 12 months’s mannequin has “advanced tuning” that features issues like “smoother treble response, in depth bass and easy midrange.” And that’s simply superb as a result of the Momentum True Wi-fi 3 already sounded wonderful.

There’s nonetheless nice element and readability right here, mixed with a heat, inviting sound profile that’s gratifying for hours on finish. Regardless that the bass is boomy and punchy when a tune like Incendiary’s “Lie of Liberty” calls for it, the low-end tone by no means overpowers. And you may simply hear the feel of the distorted guitars, clanging hits on the journey cymbal and different subtleties on that bombastic hardcore observe. Shift over to one thing extra mellow like Charles Wesley Godwin’s Apple Music Periods and the extent of element envelopes you much more. These songs are additionally accessible in Dolby Atmos, in order that they actually enable the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 to shine.

If the inventory tuning doesn’t swimsuit you, you may alter a 5-band EQ and save any customized presets. The app additionally provides Sound Personalization, which tunes the audio to your listening choice by way of a fast check. The Momentum True Wi-fi 4 sounded nice out of the field and I left the tuning untouched aside from a little bit of due diligence.

Android customers can reap the benefits of the elevated audio high quality I discussed earlier. There’s a noticeable distinction within the sound, particularly within the finer particulars, however whether or not it’s “higher” is dependent upon your preferences. In fact, that higher-resolution playback will affect battery life and also you’ll want a particular streaming plan (like Tidal’s Hello-Fi or Hello-Fi Plus choices) or regionally saved information to make use of what Snapdragon Sound provides within the first place.

iPhone house owners shouldn’t really feel neglected as Apple’s AAC streaming additionally sounds nice on the Momentum True Wi-fi 4. It’s aided by the truth that Apple Music’s audio high quality is superior to different companies, particularly if the tunes can be found in Dolby Atmos.

ANC efficiency

Like its predecessor, the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 has an adaptive ANC setup that routinely adjusts to modifications in your surroundings for a extra “immersive listening expertise.” Sennheiser didn’t level out any variations in its noise-canceling setup on this new mannequin and I didn’t discover any discernible enchancment or decline. The ANC works simply superb in most settings, however like most earbuds and headphones, it struggles with feels like human voices. I additionally discovered that it’s not as strong as the perfect buds from Bose and Sony with some sources of fixed noise, like white noise machines and noisy followers.

Name high quality

Sennheiser makes use of six microphones to deal with calls on the Momentum True Wi-fi 4. Total high quality is sweet, however not pristine, so long as you’re in a quiet spot. Fixed noise like a raucous fan comes throughout as a nondescript hum, but it surely’s nonetheless noticeable. Transparency mode helps a bit throughout calls, if solely to allow you to concentrate on your environment. It has a pure sound in comparison with different earbuds, however doesn’t pipe in your voice, so the tip end result isn’t nearly as good as Apple’s AirPods Professional.

Momentum True Wi-fi 4: Battery life

The Momentum True Wi-fi 4’s battery is rated to final seven hours with ANC on, however you may prolong that half-hour by disabling it. Throughout my checks, which consisted of principally ANC listening at round 70-percent quantity with a couple of calls utilizing transparency mode, I simply hit the seven-hour mark. Issue within the case, which helps wi-fi charging, and you may count on as much as 30 hours of playback on the go. There’s additionally a wi-fi quick-charge function with the battery safety mode that provides you an hour of use in simply eight minutes.

The competitors

The chief of the pack continues to be Sony’s WF-1000XM5. Whereas the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 has the sting by way of sound high quality, Sony’s earbuds provide higher noise-canceling and a number of helpful options. Instruments like Communicate-to-Chat computerized pausing and DSEE Excessive audio upscaling can’t be ignored. Sony additionally gives the power to routinely change sound settings primarily based in your location like Sennheiser does, so that you don’t should sacrifice that function. The WF-1000XM5 debuted final July, which implies you’ll find them on sale usually. They’re presently going for $278, $22 lower than the Momentum True Wi-fi 4.

Wrap-up

No new design? No drawback. Sennheiser has made sufficient upgrades to the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 to make it a compelling entry in a rising line of stellar-sounding earbuds. Sound high quality is nice as at all times, and that’s the largest promoting level for me. Mix that with the higher-resolution audio on Android, forward-facing options and stable battery life, and this mannequin checks loads of packing containers for a flagship set of buds. Certain, ANC may very well be higher and a few of us will yearn for spatial audio, however simply because the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 is great in some areas doesn’t imply it’s excellent.