Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones Promise 60 Hour Battery Life, But Forgettable Style

Not solely is Sennheiser identified for its glorious sounding audio gear, it’s additionally identified for its distinct styling, notably with headphones like its wi-fi over-ear Momentum line. In previous iterations, the road featured an uncovered steel headband strap that aesthetically stood out in opposition to the competitors, however for the brand new Momentum 4, Sennheiser is introducing a complete redesign that guarantees extra consolation and higher efficiency, however with uninspired seems.

When the Sennheiser Momentum 3 wi-fi headphones have been launched again in 2019, we raved about not solely their sound high quality and ANC efficiency, but in addition their retro-inspired design. Given how generic most wi-fi earbuds are, bigger wi-fi on-ear headphones are one of many few methods customers can specific their model by means of their gear, but it surely’s arduous to think about anybody shopping for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 for its seems. The distinctive steel headband strap is now gone, changed with a extra generic however articulated construction that makes these $350 cans appear like the cheaper alternate options to the remainder of Sennheiser’s headphone lineup.

Also gone are the hinged earcups that fold in on themselves. Like current Sony and Apple choices, the brand new Momentum 4 wi-fi headphones characteristic a fold-flat design as a substitute, so whereas the included carrying case has a bigger footprint, it’s additionally a lot slimmer and probably simpler to slip right into a bag. With the headscarf now connecting to pivot factors on the sides, the featureless sides of the Momentum 4 earcups at the moment are giant touchpads for activating playback, operate, and quantity shortcuts by means of faucets and swipe gestures. All bodily buttons have been faraway from the Momentum 4, apart from a single energy/Bluetooth pairing button.

So, what do the Momentum 4 wi-fi headphones do? Sennheiser guarantees the redesigned headband has elevated padding, whereas the added articulation on every barely angled earcup permits the headphones to remain on the pinnacle with much less strain, making them extra comfy to put on. The lambskin overlaying the padding on every earcup has additionally been changed with an artificial leather-based, which is one other step in the appropriate route.

The headphone’s touch-sensitive controls may not be an enchancment so far as performance is anxious, however whereas the Sennheiser Momentum 3 headphones supplied round 17 hours of battery life at most, the Momentum 4 promise a staggering 60 hours. That’s twice the battery life that Sony guarantees with its current WH-1000XM5, and even when hitting 60 hours requires some power-saving strategies (like conserving the amount pumping by means of its 42mm transducers low) that’s nonetheless a formidable achievement. When they do die, a fast 10 minute cost offers an additional six hours of runtime.

Sennheiser can also be promising improved lively noise cancellation efficiency, and added customizability and personalization by means of an accompanying cellular app. But probably the most compelling purpose for the intense redesign is the $350 price ticket (obtainable for pre-order beginning at present and formally on sale beginning on August 23). That’s $50 cheaper than the Sennheiser Momentum 3. If you prioritize operate over type, there’s undoubtedly rather a lot to love right here, however if you happen to care extra about how your headphones look, it may be time to maneuver on.