How much is it? Is great sound worth it to you? Sennheiser's top wireless earbuds ask that question in more ways than one. The previous version, True Wireless 3, was praised by reviewers, but some users raised issues such as battery drain and poor connectivity. The Momentum True Wireless 4 aimed to address these complaints by featuring an all-new battery system among “more than 10 significant upgrades,” according to Sennheiser.
In this context, the two earphone dropouts I experienced during my first few days testing the MTW4 were more noticeable than the usual new earphone jitter. Especially since the latest model has the exact same exterior design as MTW3, and as of 2024 it looks downright chunky compared to its competitors. Size aside, firmware updates seem to have fixed these connection issues, and I didn't experience any other dropouts in my several days of testing.
One thing that has never been questioned about Sennheiser is the sound quality. Even considering its impressive sonic pedigree, the Momentum 4 caught me off guard with its clarity, delicacy, and sheer sweetness and delicacy with which every tone was rendered. They combine this with competitive noise cancellation and a stable app. The result is a package that's worth a little faith, especially for those who prioritize great sound.
Not so much spyware
If you're even remotely familiar with Sennheiser's long-running Momentum series, the fourth-generation version will give you a sense of deja vu. The buds arrive in the same boxy case as the original 2019 Momentum. Compared to cases like Apple and Sony, it feels really huge. Still, you have to admire Sennheiser's style in sophisticated fabrics, taken straight from James Bond's corduroy collection.
Although the Buds have changed over time, Sennheiser has made no changes to the exterior starting with the 2022 MTW3 in order to maintain a “timeless aesthetic.” The angular smoked chrome housing certainly gives it a premium feel, but whether or not it's timeless, I would have liked some ergonomic updates.
With the default band that bends around the main housing, the buds barely dig into my medium-sized ears, but replacing them with the smaller of the two spares made them stable and relatively comfortable for several hours of use with the clip. became. Still, they're bulky and a little oppressive, and at 6 grams per side they're nowhere near as good as Apple's AirPods Pro (9/10, recommended by WIRED) and other favorite vanishing tricks. Four ear tip sizes allow you to further customize the fit, but if you have small ears, you may want to try them on before you buy.
lots of delicious food
Underneath its enamelled shell, MTW4 offers a relatively thorough package, from a new battery system (and the firmware that optimizes it) to support for the latest Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a new low-latency mode for gaming. It has undergone some modifications. It also has an IP54 rating for dust resistance.
The battery is probably the most important upgrade and includes a new provider to ensure improved reliability. Playtime is rated at 7.5 hours per charge and 30 hours total with the charging case. This is consistent with my testing, where the buds maintained their pace for about 7 to 8 hours per charge with noise canceling turned on.
Call quality has been upgraded with AI optimizations designed to provide advanced clarity through the buds' new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. I didn't really feel anything, but I didn't get any major complaints from other people even when I was talking outdoors.