Compare Apple AirPods Max vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones

Reviewers broadly praised the AirPods Max sound as clear, refined, balanced, spacious, or even outstanding, though one audiophile-focused review found it merely competitive.

Reviewers overwhelmingly liked the sound, describing it as excellent, detailed, crisp, engaging, or exceptional; criticism focused more on tuning taste than basic audio quality.

Spatial audio was one of the most praised software features, especially for movies, supported Apple content, Dolby Atmos, and head-tracked experiences.

Spatial audio was a weakness in the 2025 video review, which described the feature as weak compared with newer headphone tech.

ANC background noise level was praised as clean and natural, with little hiss or artificial pressure in reviewer comments.

ANC background noise handling was mid-pack: the review said it held up but trailed the best competitors.

Passive isolation was mixed, with some reviewers praising the seal and others finding it weaker than expected for certain head shapes.

Passive isolation was a weakness, with reviewers saying the Momentum 4 let in more ambient sound than competitors or had weaker isolation than the prior model.

Sound leakage evidence was mixed, with one reviewer saying leakage was low and another saying people nearby could hear at higher volumes.

Sound leakage was positive in the one supporting review, which said the closed-back design and pads minimized leakage.

One reviewer praised wind-noise reduction during calls, noting that callers could still hear the voice well.

Microphone noise reduction was mixed: one reviewer noted issues rejecting noise, while another test found the microphones clearly picked up speech through traffic noise.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: some reviewers found the tuning balanced or close to preference targets, while one considered it only acceptable.

Frequency response accuracy was strongly praised by the lab-style review that found the measured response close to its preference curve.

ANC was one of the strongest points across the review set, with most reviewers calling it excellent, top-tier, or best-in-class, though a few found newer rivals stronger in some scenarios.

ANC opinions were split: several reviewers found it solid, effective, or excellent, while others called it middling, dated, subpar, or behind Sony and Bose.

Immersive audio quality was praised for cinematic, surround-like experiences and convincing spatial effects.

Immersive audio was praised in the supporting review for intimate, holographic vocal presentation.

Bass was generally described as controlled, punchy, deep, and less boomy than some rivals, with the main criticism coming from reviewers who wanted more sub-bass or dynamics.

Bass was generally praised for punch, warmth, and control, though several reviewers found the stock low end a little heavy, boomy, or occasionally flabby.

Most reviewers found the soundstage wide or spacious for closed-back wireless ANC headphones, while one technical review considered it only slightly above average.

Soundstage was usually considered good for wireless closed-back ANC headphones, with some reviewers praising width while others found it intimate or not as expansive as software-enhanced rivals.

Reviewers noted ANC can slightly change the sound, either by relieving pressure cleanly or by softening punch and dynamics.

ANC's sound impact was mildly negative because one review heard a small soundstage/imaging loss when ANC was activated.

Latency was viewed positively when wired or in normal video use, with reviewers noting no video delay and a useful low-latency update.

Audio-video sync was praised in the video review that found audio and video perfectly aligned.

Wind-noise handling was praised in call or ANC microphone contexts, especially for white noise and outdoor calls.

Wind noise handling was praised in one video review, which said the wind reduction worked effectively.

aptX support was criticized as missing in the SoundGuys review.

aptX support was evaluated positively, especially for Android consistency and codec flexibility.

The Smart Case was the clearest recurring complaint, with reviewers calling it ineffective, unprotective, pointless, or terrible.

Case quality was usually praised for protection, structure, compartments, and compactness compared with certain rivals, despite one note that it is large.

Android compatibility was consistently weak because reviewers said Android and Windows users lose key smart features.

Android compatibility was positive because aptX and aptX HD were described as more consistent on Android devices.

Included accessories were criticized because reviewers wanted essential wired-use adapters or cables included at the price.

Included accessories were praised for adding a hard case, cable, and airplane adapter convenience.

Apple ecosystem integration was strongly praised for seamless pairing, easy device switching, and daily-use convenience.

Ecosystem integration was limited for Apple-centric users because one review noted the lack of iOS-only features.

Multi-platform compatibility was limited; reviewers emphasized that non-Apple users miss many unique features.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive because the wired and wireless options helped across work and casual listening.

Transparency mode received unusually strong agreement, with reviewers repeatedly calling it natural, clear, best-in-class, or among the best they had heard.

Transparency mode was usable but not a standout, with reviewers calling it serviceable while criticizing it as less natural or less crisp than leading alternatives.

One reviewer reported strong Bluetooth stability, including no dropouts while moving away from the source device.

Stability was limited because the headphones stayed usable for walking but not more active movement.

The integrated microphone was judged inconsistent, especially when paired with the wrong device.

The integrated microphone array was positively described in one test as clearly picking up the speaker's voice.

Portability and foldability were weak because reviewers noted bulk, lack of folding, and reluctance to carry them outside.

Portability was mixed because the case and non-folding design were criticized despite some travel-friendly organization.

Premium feel was one of the strongest consensus positives, with reviewers emphasizing metal materials, luxury presentation, and high-quality feel.

Premium feel was mixed: one reviewer missed the more premium older build, while another found the textured case and fabric experience high-end.

Travel friendliness was limited by flight-ANC doubts, bulk, case issues, and the tendency to keep the headphones at home or in the studio.

Travel friendliness was mixed because battery and case helped, but weak noise cancellation limited travel and commuting recommendations.

LDAC support was criticized as missing in the SoundGuys review.

LDAC was a clear omission for reviewers who wanted higher-bitrate or lossless-style wireless options.

The headphones can play loud, but one reviewer noted they do not get incredibly loud.

Volume output drew caution because reviewers said the headphones were quieter than some competitors even though usable listening remained possible.

3.5mm analog input availability was a recurring complaint because reviewers wanted the cable or adapter included and found the lack inconvenient.

Analog input practicality was mixed to negative because wired listening without power degraded significantly in one review.

USB-C was welcomed for lossless or low-latency wired use, though one reviewer still framed the refresh as disappointing because little else changed.

USB-C was praised as a meaningful listening option that gives users another practical way to use the headphones.

Midrange clarity drew strong praise from several reviewers, especially for vocals, but one technical review found the mids somewhat muted and veiled.

Midrange reactions were mixed: some reviewers heard clean vocals and exceptional reproduction, while others found the mids less rich, blunted, or not the main strength.

Overall recommendations were positive but conditional: reviewers admired the sound, ANC, and Apple integration while warning about price, weight, case, and rival value.

Overall recommendation was positive across many reviews, especially for sound, comfort, features, battery, and value, with caveats around ANC, calls, and newer tech.

One reviewer found the AirPods Max stayed clean at higher volumes with basically no distortion.

Maximum-volume clarity was positive in the one supporting review, which said the headphones still sounded great even at max volume.

Ear cup padding was mostly praised for softness, breathability, depth, and replaceability, though one reviewer disliked the material preference.

Ear cup padding was praised for being soft, comfortable, and accommodating without making the headphones feel insecure.

Treble was often described as crisp, clear, detailed, and non-fatiguing, though one technical review found the treble uneven and occasionally unpleasant.

Treble was mostly viewed as clear and energetic, with praise for shimmer and accuracy tempered by notes about forwardness, sizzle, or slight harshness for sensitive listeners.

Wear detection and auto-pause were praised as simple and effective when used with supported devices.

Auto-play and wear detection was praised as an important feature that the reviewer felt was implemented well.

USB-C lossless and low-latency audio was viewed as a useful update for wired editing or production use.

Built-in DAC and wired playback were praised because wired mode tightened and improved bass compared with wireless.

Several reviewers praised instrument separation and layering, but one technical review criticized image separation and fine detail as weak.

Instrument separation was a recurring strength, with reviewers noting resolving performance, spatial separation, and distinct instruments, though one comparison found stronger separation elsewhere.

Headband padding and mesh were mixed, with one reviewer worried about long-term fabric wear and another finding it breathable and comfortable.

Headband padding was a comfort caveat, with reviewers noting pressure concentration or possible digging during careless fit or very long sessions.

One reviewer praised the minimalist, beautiful look, supporting a high aesthetics score.

The discreet profile was a plus for one reviewer who preferred the understated, normal-looking design.

Water or sweat resistance was criticized because reviewers found the lack of protection a miss for a portable product.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness because the review advised against wearing them in the rain.

EQ customization was a consistent weakness because reviewers wanted a real user EQ or disliked Apple removing choice through Adaptive EQ.

EQ customization was a strength, with reviewers praising useful app EQ, many options, and accurate frequency adjustment.

Physical controls were widely praised, especially the Digital Crown and button layout, which reviewers found tactile, smooth, intuitive, and easy to use.

Button usability was criticized because the power/Bluetooth button made powering on feel finicky.

Bluetooth reliability was viewed positively, with reviewers noting strong connection strength, no dropouts, and later updates improving connectivity issues.

Bluetooth was marked down in one 2025 review because the hardware was described as older compared with newer Bluetooth developments.

Advanced software features were valuable for iOS users but mixed overall because reviewers also noted quirks, limited feature depth, or Apple-only behavior.

Advanced software features were a major strength, with reviewers praising app-based personalization, Sound Zones, and feature execution.

Smart listening features were useful and practical for some reviewers, but Adaptive EQ and related smart behavior also drew criticism for needing improvement.

Smart listening features were praised through Sound Zones, which one reviewer found useful and effective in real testing.

Call microphone quality ranged from okay to good, with several reviewers finding it usable and one calling headset performance strong.

Call quality was inconsistent, ranging from usable in some cases to disappointing when background noise interfered or when walking and biking were considered.

Codec support was a recurring weakness because reviewers noted reliance on AAC/SBC and lack of higher-end Bluetooth codec support.

Codec support was praised as a strong, price-appropriate list, despite separate criticism elsewhere about missing LDAC and newer lossless Bluetooth options.

Value for money was the biggest tradeoff: reviewers often liked the headphones but criticized the high price, especially against cheaper rivals.

Value for money was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly describing the Momentum 4 as a bargain, steal, or high-value alternative to pricier rivals.

Auto on/off reliability was a repeated frustration because reviewers disliked the lack of a real power button and dependence on the case.

Auto on/off reliability was mixed, with one reviewer disabling it due to misfires while another found auto-off consistent.

Clamping force drew criticism from reviewers who felt pressure from the clamp or sides of the head.

Clamping force was consistently positive, with reviewers saying it was gentle, balanced, or just right rather than overly tight.

Weight comfort was the most divided comfort issue: some praised the distribution, while many called the headphones heavy or tiring over time.

Weight comfort was positive in one review, which found the headphones relatively light despite being near 293 grams.

Design was praised as beautiful, minimal, and distinctively Apple.

Design reactions were mixed: reviewers liked the functional, understated approach but also called it plain or less original than prior Momentum models.

Comfort over long use was split: some reviewers found them extremely comfortable for hours, while others reported fatigue, clamp, heat, or long-session discomfort.

Comfort was one of the strongest areas, with many reviewers praising long-wear comfort, soft padding, lighter feel, glasses compatibility, and all-day listening.

Build quality was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising metal materials, solid construction, durability, and premium assembly.

Build quality was positive in the supporting review, especially the smoother, sturdier-feeling ear cup mechanism.

Long-term durability evidence was mixed, with one reviewer reporting headband wear over years and another saying the headphones still looked new.

Durability evidence was mixed: one review called the plastic build not especially rugged, while another long-use video said the headphones still looked pristine.

Battery life was mixed to negative: some reviewers found it acceptable or impressive, but many called 20 hours weak versus competitors.

Battery life was the product's clearest consensus strength, with reviewers repeatedly describing 49-60 hour results as exceptional, class-leading, or nearly worry-free.

Charging convenience was mixed, with one long-term reviewer linking battery preservation to the case and still finding charging part of the convenience problem.

Charging was viewed positively because a short charge can deliver several hours of playback.

ANC effect on sound signature was mildly negative because one review reported a small performance loss with ANC on.

Wear detection performance was praised because playback resumed automatically and was described as fantastic.

The app was broadly praised as intuitive, useful, and clean, with strong access to EQ, ANC, device management, and other settings.

Bluetooth version was criticized as feeling older in the context of newer wireless standards.

Smart Pause performance was positive in the review that said the app-enabled features worked as advertised.

Setup simplicity was criticized in one video because the app onboarding had too many pop-ups and needed streamlining.

Siri worked well for one reviewer, who preferred voice activation over manually using the crown.

Voice prompts and feedback were criticized for inconsistent verbal and musical cues that made status feedback less clear.

Award recognition was strong in TechRadar's evidence, which noted the headphones became its headphones of the year for 2022.

Cable quality was criticized because the supplied analog cable was viewed as thin and underbuilt for expensive travel headphones.

Channel matching or imaging was criticized in one technical review, which found image separation and distinction poor.

Connectivity options were strongly praised, especially the mix of Bluetooth, analog, USB-C, and practical fallback listening modes.

Detachable cable convenience was positive because the wired option kept the headphones usable across different work and casual listening situations.

Ear cup rotation was viewed positively because the rotation felt smoother and contributed to a sturdier fit.

Launch and refresh feature evidence was negative, with reviewers calling the limited update disappointing and asking for fixes in a future generation.

Headband adjustability was praised for fitting comfortably and adjusting easily.

Preset EQ quality was positive where discussed, especially the podcast preset's ability to improve midrange balance.

Replaceable earpads were praised because reviewers found the magnetic pads easy to remove and replace.

Sidetone was praised by TechRadar for improving call handling and making conversations feel more natural.

Sustainability and repairability evidence was limited and mixed, with praise for paper/cardboard-forward packaging but a call for better retail hangers.

Touch controls were divisive: several reviewers found them intuitive and dependable, while others reported sensitivity, accidental inputs, or startup glitches.

Wear detection auto-pause was praised because music paused and resumed automatically in a way the reviewer liked.

Dolby Atmos and head tracking were praised as accurate, cinematic, and especially good for movies and supported content.

One reviewer singled out the hinge design as rock solid and highly durable.

Sustainability materials were mixed, with paper/cardboard-forward packaging praised but retail packaging improvements suggested.

Multipoint was useful when working well, but reliability was mixed because one review reported seamless switching while another saw glitches near previously paired devices.