Two of the most popular premium wireless over-ear headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Both offer active noise cancellation, strong battery life and comfortable fits, but they take different paths to get there. This head-to-head uses the HearWiki database to separate what is recorded from what is marketing talk, and ends with a clear recommendation for each type of buyer.
Price and positioning
The Sony WH-1000XM4 launched in 2020 and currently sits at $315. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless arrived in 2022 and asks $234. That is a meaningful gap of roughly 26 percent, so the Sennheiser is the cheaper option at list price. However, the Sony has been on the market longer, so you may find it discounted more aggressively in real shops; the recorded prices here are the baseline, not a promise of what you will pay today.
Positioning is also different. Sony markets the WH-1000XM4 as the all-rounder that nails noise cancelling and convenience. Sennheiser positions the MOMENTUM 4 as a refined travel companion with extreme battery endurance. Neither is a budget product, but the Sennheiser asks for less money while offering more battery hours, which is a strong starting point for value-focused buyers.
The scores, side by side
The HearWiki headline score is a buyability score derived from published review consensus, price and current availability. It is not a weighted average of sub-scores. Here, the Sony scores 92/100 and the Sennheiser scores 81/100. That is an 11-point gap, which is noticeable but not enormous. It suggests the Sony is the safer all-round buy for most people, but it does not mean the Sennheiser is a poor product.
Sub-scores are only recorded for the Sennheiser: sound 8.5/10, ANC 8/10, battery 9.5/10, calls 7.5/10 and value 8.5/10. For the Sony, all sub-scores are not recorded in the database, so any claim about its individual category strengths must come from published reviews and specifications, not from HearWiki numbers. The headline gap of 11 points is what the database says; the sub-scores do not explain it directly.
Sound
Neither product has a recorded sound sub-score in the HearWiki database, but their specifications and review consensus give a clear picture. The Sony uses 40 mm dynamic drivers and supports SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs. LDAC allows high-resolution wireless audio on Android, which is a genuine advantage if you have a compatible phone. Published reviews describe the WH-1000XM4 sound as well-balanced and detailed, with a slight warmth that suits most genres without exaggerating bass.
The Sennheiser uses larger 42 mm dynamic drivers and supports SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. That gives it an edge for Android users who do not have LDAC, since aptX Adaptive is widely supported. Reviews describe the MOMENTUM 4 sound as very good but not class-leading, with a clean, slightly neutral tuning. In practice, both are enjoyable for daily listening; the Sony leans a touch more consumer-friendly, while the Sennheiser is a bit more neutral. If you value codec flexibility, the Sennheiser wins on aptX; if you have a high-end Android phone, the Sony's LDAC is the stronger option.
Noise cancelling and battery
Both headphones have active noise cancellation. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is widely regarded as one of the best ANC implementations in its generation, with adaptive processing that adjusts to your environment. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 offers effective ANC, but published reviews consistently place it a step behind the Sony in raw attenuation, especially against low-frequency rumble like aircraft noise. The recorded sub-score for the Sennheiser ANC is 8/10, which is strong but not top-tier.
Battery is where the Sennheiser wins decisively. The MOMENTUM 4 is rated at 60 hours of playback, while the Sony manages 38 hours. That is a 58 percent difference, and for frequent travellers it is the single most important spec on this page. Both support quick charging, but the Sennheiser's endurance means you can often skip charging for days. If battery life is your priority, the choice is clear.
Calls and everyday use
Call quality is recorded for the Sennheiser at 7.5/10, which is decent but not outstanding. For the Sony, call quality is not recorded in the HearWiki database, so you should rely on published reviews; they generally describe the WH-1000XM4's microphone array as good for quiet environments but less impressive in wind or noisy streets. Neither is a dedicated headset for calls, so if you take many calls in loud places, you may want a separate boom mic.
Everyday use favours the Sony for features. It has multipoint pairing, touch controls and a lighter build, which makes it easier to wear for long stretches. The Sennheiser is comfortable too, but its design is more understated and slightly heavier. The Sony also has wear detection and speak-to-chat, which are handy if you often take the headphones off to talk. The Sennheiser keeps things simpler, which some buyers prefer.
For a side-by-side spec comparison, see the full comparison table. You can also browse other over-ear options or check the best ANC earbuds if you want something smaller.
Which one should you buy?
If you want the best all-round noise cancelling, a lighter fit and LDAC support, buy the Sony WH-1000XM4. Its higher headline score reflects stronger review consensus, and it is the safer choice for most people. The extra $81 buys you better ANC and a more feature-rich experience.
If you want maximum battery life and a lower price, buy the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Its 60-hour endurance is a genuine advantage, and its sound is very good even if it is not class-leading. You give up a little ANC performance and some convenience features, but you save money and charge far less often.
There is no single winner. The Sony is better at the traditional premium headphone tasks; the Sennheiser is better at endurance and value. Choose based on which of those matters more to you.
FAQ
Which has better noise cancellation, Sony WH-1000XM4 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has better noise cancellation according to published reviews and the HearWiki sub-score for the Sennheiser, which sits at 8/10. The Sony is widely considered a leader in ANC, especially against low-frequency noise like engines. The Sennheiser is effective but not as strong.
How long does the battery last on each?
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless lasts up to 60 hours on a single charge, which is exceptional. The Sony WH-1000XM4 lasts up to 38 hours. Both support quick charging, but the Sennheiser gives you roughly 58 percent more playback time.
Are these headphones good for calls?
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 has a recorded call sub-score of 7.5/10, which is decent for quiet settings. The Sony WH-1000XM4 has no recorded call sub-score, but published reviews indicate it handles calls well indoors. Neither is ideal for very noisy environments, so consider a dedicated headset if calls are your main use.
