Sennheiser for the win for me, not only because of the monstrous 60hrs battery and the other quirky features but the way they sound, they feel more lively and airy to your ears when compared to Sony. And personally for me sound quality comes over anything when I’m paying a flagship amount and that’s where Sennheiser has truly nailed it.

To everyone out there - I have tested both for two weeks - but let me tell you - if you like the fit of Momentum 4 and don‘t find them uncomfortable - you really don‘t want the XM5 - the sound quality is just a different league on the Sennheisers.

The XM5s sound a bit tinny, which is what I noticed when I tried them in the Sony store. I went for the Sennys and I’m glad I did.

Cap, the M4s sound sooo much better than the XM5s that I had to return mine, I'm an audio engineer and the XM5s are not detailed at all, they're tinny, miss punch and have a more mainstream tunning which can be fatiguing. The M4s have bigger drivers, a way bigger battery (thus the weight) and better quality bass extension and definition. They lack in mids but you can EQ those, which is important since hardware limitations make the XM5s impossible to deliver the same bass as the M4s. Vocals are way better on the M4s too. If you don't care about ANC and listening to music is your focus, the M4s are the superior (and cheaper) option, technically speaking

I have been extremely happy with the momentum for AND. It’s super long life battery was a big reason that drew me to them… Sound is outstanding, and never a problem with connecting to iPhone or my computer… Also got a great deal on eBay, so could not be happier. they are extremely comfortable and controls a very logical set up… So far I would give them a 10 out of 10. 15:43

I`ve only found one very good solution for clearing up the slightly disappointing "tinny sound" in the XM5`s: load in the Harman-tuned profile for the XM5`s in the Wavelet app and use that app to add any EQ-settings on top of that new Harman baseline. It seems Wavelet does EQ more advanced and better than the Sony Headphones-app. The harman-tuned EQ-profile for the XM5`s really takes the XM5`s to nearly it`s full potential and certainly takes it much closer to the Momentum 4`s than from original settings/out of the box. But I suspect the Momentum 4`s are slightly better in the sound-department still, even after optimizing the XM5`s via Wavelet. And the sound department is the most important department. But the XM5`s are very satisfying to listen to as they are now, using Wavelet for all EQ. There are no obvious flaws, just a clear, ever so slightly warm soundstage.

Well, with the battery life, sound quality, and connection possibilities for the Seenheiser Momentum 4s, they've got me! You can do Bluetooth, audio 3.5MM, and USB on computer (which Sony doesn't have). Plus their 60-hour battery life, that has indeed won me over.

This the your first video that I've watched and am debating between these two headphones, and you covered "EVERYTHING"! And you did it very well . Subscribed.

My experience says that Momentum 4 is way better sound quality. My Momentum 4 is broken, so i decided to buy the Sony because most reviews says it's the best 🤦🏻 and now i regret 😔😔

I am a crazy audio lover and i own them both including high end audio gear which costs like 1500 Dollars I should say with my tests, Sennheiser is 3x better in sound quality and 2x better in battery life As for noise cancellation, Sony is way better but i dont use that feature since my usage environment is pretty silent Happy Audio Life People !

This is the only review I have seen that says Sony is more clear than the sennheiser. The Sonys are very veiled and muddy sounding to me compared to my momentum 4s. I guess everyone hears differently.

Sennheiser for me. I like listening and completely submerge into the music or podcast. The transparency mode accordingly your video and number of other reviewer seems to suggest an completely block out noises. And with mildly better sound quality, that's a win for me. And after using Sennheiser for over 15 years, I have my biases. Having said that, it appears XM5 is actually the better overall use headphones. So I agree with your comment, it all depends on our individual use cases, preferences and 'biases'. =)

I'm gonna be getting the Sennheiser pair soon. Cant wait

Which one has the best noise cancellation? I didn’t get that clear on the video and I’m doubting on which one of these I should buy

I have Then Senn M4 and previous version of the Sonys. I've kept the sonys, but the sound quality difference is light and day. The Sennheiser are so much better, but the Sony have better ANC especially if you are using them on london underground, only real wish is that the Senn M4 aren't quite loud enough in general

.....Really amazing comparison, Your videos are really great, really wish that you would do more reviews.....

Another game changer for me that nobody mentions is the fact that you can use the M4 with the USB cable (listening and microphone). In addition to the better sound... ;)

To be a long term user of XM5 , mine broke already, the memory foam is bad also they make clicking noise and I deactivated touch, cause it keeps clicking randomly. I'm trying to find a better one

I have both and he’s right. I’ll have to give it to the Sony. The Senny has better sound quality but Sony has the better soundstage IMO. The Senny has a 2d soundstage so it is definitely wider than the Sony’s but Sony’s soundstage feel 3d ish which makes the music immersive. The Senny has the better bass though. One thing I didn’t like about the Sennheiser was the overemphasis on the treble. It sometimes gets too harsh above 60% and makes some songs sound unpleasant.

I found the Sennheiser momentum 4's sounds significantly more detailed to me.

Sennheiser all the way! Sony doesn't even come close , I tried them all .

I’ve been looking for a new pair of headphones. I waited years for Sonos to make a set. I bought them. 6 days later I am returning. They’re good but not worth that $449. I found the momentum 4 on sale at Best Buy for $289. That was a no brainer. Should have them in a few days but from what I have been watching review wise, I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Excellent review btw. You have earned a subscriber!

I'm not in anyway shape or form an audiophile I keep hearing people say that the Sennheiser's have richer sound but other say when tuned the Xm5's sound amazing so I'm deciding between these two pairs I'm mainly gonna be using them for music what pair should I get?

Sennhieser high costs but why dual device bluetooth connection is missing?

For sounding it's Sony for no.2 😊❤

Do these headphones work via plugged audio cable while staying off? Or do they need to be turned on any way work even with the audio cable??.. Thanks! Great review!!!

I have the momentum 4 and they have been an awesome option, I cant say anything bad about them Personally I think the Senny's sound better than Sony's

I mean the iPhone audio is WAY better. However I prefer the Momentum audio.

Trying to decide between these two and I am ever so slightly leaning towards the Senn M4s (but not yet pulled the trigger). This is the best review of these that I've watched (congrats guys), and on all mic tests across reviews, Senns sound best to me: crisper, clearer - yet here and on other reviews, reviewers state "XM5 slightly better on mics". Don't get it. However the XM5s are also bulbous in appearance, and I already get "Princess Leia" comments(!) with my Anker Q45s (which become uncomfortable after 30 mins)

I have these two devices in me both gift from my relatives. I enjoy sennheiser M4 More and there's a lot of cool stuff and the quality of both devices are great but Sennheiser is feels more durable than XM5

This video sounds good listening to it with the momentum 4s

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones offer excellent audio quality for music. However, they may not be the best choice for video calls or meetings, particularly in an open office environment, as the microphone tends to pick up surrounding noises, including conversations from colleagues. Additionally, they are not suitable for sports activities due to overheating issues. It would be beneficial for Sennheiser to consider reintroducing physical buttons for volume and other controls.

Just saw reviews, and Sonny XM5 seemed better than Sennheiser, but the XM4 had better bass and was overall better despite less sleek. So, at $248 I got the XM4. *Note my MDRXB950BT won't charge anymore but those we're awesome and a classic. So I feel good XM4 is the successor

Should i get accentum plus or momentum 4? The price difference is $100

Great video 10/10

Love the vocal/mid forward sound from the Momentum. Most of the music I listen to has vocals and I always want that part of the song to shine.

Super smart to put on background music during ANC test 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙄

Momentum 4 for me ❤

I bought Sony. Sehnheiser may sound a bit better but you can EQ Sony to get the same sound. Sehnheiser has small earcups and stronger clumping force which make it very uncomfortable. The ANC in Sehnheiser is also not as good as Sony

that was great. thank you for the video. pls proceed with same format

so I am really sensitive to the (altitude pressure feeling) with headphones witch of these two headphones has less of that pressure feeling?

I like Sennheiser

Im a go with the B&W px7 s2e 🔥🔥🔥 because the sound quality matters 👏

Caleb over at Digital Trends liked the momentum much better than the XM5, shows the difference in opinion from person to person. PX8 Vs Bathys is a great example at the top. some prefer the Bowers, some prefer the Focal.

Right now the denim color Shennheiser Momentum 4’s are $249.99 at BestBuy. But it’s only till July 8, 2024.

I am in the market for new headphones since my XM5s broke down at the swivel, something I unfortunately found to be a massive weakness based on numerous experiences I ran into once it happened to me too. So, now, I am somewhere between Momentum 4 and Bose Ultra. I would jump to Bose if their mic was better (rather than perhaps the weakest part)

5:08 if those are real and recorded from headphones speakers, damn, SM4 is like 100% sound, XM5 is 70% and it's very muffle. Especially last track, XM5 sounds like they were dumped into metal can

You lost me at high fidelity sound of XM5

I wasn't ready to hear the Sony clearer with vocals. Sadly, the sample is too small to judge, however.

should I go with momentum 4s bose qc ultra or b&w px7s2e?

I had a weird experience with Sony headphones. I bought the XM3’s and my cheap AliExpress Bludio headphones sounded better. I just bought the Sennheiser’s I hope I am blown away

Give get the Henn because that battery life is insane and people say the sound quality is slightly better. I hate ANC so I would exclusively use Transparency Mode anyway.

Excellent review. I love high end tech items so I bought them both. I agree with everything you’ve covered in this comparison video. Great job and well done👌

Sennheiser best

Do comparison between px7 s2e and momentum 4

Momentum 4 !!!!

For all peoppe need to know xm5s are to basy, way to tinny, anc significantly decrease from what the xm4s were and the xm4s sound quality 75% better honestly i will be getting momentum delivered sooner

I’d buy a cheap pair then wait for either the Sony XM6 or Sennheiser momentum 5. Because next year will be the best year ever for wireless headphones.

Thanks for this good video, At this level, price is the decision maker ;)

Amazing review everything explained with clarity i went with the XM5'S in the blue color and love the desing of it i love the sound quality of the sony and how comfortable the earcups feel like pollows gently clamping your head ive used my XM5'S in my home with my parrots and they did a very good job to minimize the chirps they did so far i have enjoyed them and they ticked all my boxes i prefer touch controls over physical buttons

1000xm4 went shitty after a year

Bought Momentum 4, only two days with it : already few bluetooth issues. In a train full of people the connexion is jammed, at the office just same. Quality is great but my colleague with the MX4 tell me he never had connectivity issues ! So I'm quite baffled, what to do : take it back and go with the XM5 or stick with it in hope connectivity will work again

getting momentum 4’s now cuz my xm5’s broke after 4 months 😔

No place anymore for wired headphones?

11:30 do you guys can decide which one better in mic quality?

i can say these headphones sounded almost live when connected to pc, don’t know what happened over bluetooth without being able to customize the sound tho

Great Review SHS appreciate your content!

Bluetooth 5.4

returned my Momentum 4s back to Currys as found them not loud enough, following quick internet research, looks like im not the only one complaining about Momentum 4 are not loud enough?

Btw Sony is much better.

It's funny with these reviews. On paper, yeah the xm5's sound and look great with all the features you need... But man they are so buggy. I got them on release and had them for a few months, and forums were packed with people have the same issues as me. The ANC tries to adapt to your surroundings and itjist doesnt work well. I use to were these mowjng the lawn. Anc is needed causes obviously mowers are loud. The xm5 use to always cut to TRANSPARENCY mode in and out while mowing for no reason what so ever. It was the same with calls, talking with someone would amplify certain sounds to the extreme on their end. What was so frustrating was Sony's customer service is abysmal. Despite a large amount of users hating the auto ANC changing and havimg issues, Sony just keeps quite and doesn't acknowledge the issue. They rarely release big patches to fix the problems and so i sold them because of this.

I hate to said and everyone know all around Sony xm5 wins ! But i never recommend Sony they are poorly 💩 made ! And Sony won't honor the warranty. For that go for Sennheiser ! I have sony wh-1000xm5 and they have crazy durable battery and Bluetooth connection but if you are paying that amount of money Sony should be more cautious ⚠️ when they crafting and what materials they choose! Almost forgot to say Sony xm5 support LDAC audio 32 bits/96 kHz and 990 kbps. LDAC can also maintain a maximum bit depth and frequency range of 96 kHz/24 bit during transmission. Sony it's fkn futuristic but the worse customer service ever ! Not even the Bowers px8, Sennheiser momentum the only one are behind are the Apple! But beside I hope sony gettin better for the next generation and they will obliterated their entire competition!

Sony sounds better!!

Sound quality much better on XM5

I've heard bad things about the Momentum 4's connection issues Have you run into any? I feel like that's the only thing keeping me from buying a pair 🥲