Compare Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)

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

Reviews are broadly positive on sound quality, especially after EQ or over USB-C, but several reviewers still found the tuning less refined than top sonic rivals.

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

Spatial and cinema modes are divisive: movie use receives praise, while music-focused immersive modes are less consistently liked.

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

ANC is praised for not changing the headphone’s sonic character in one review’s listening.

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.

Passive isolation is considered useful and fairly good, but one reviewer notes the foam is not the thickest.

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

ANC background noise is generally improved or very low, with reviewers praising quiet operation and reduced hiss, though not every review is flawless.

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

Immersive audio quality is highly split, with some reviewers loving cinema/spatial effects and others preferring normal stereo.

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

Active noise cancellation is the product’s strongest consensus win, repeatedly described as elite, best-in-class, or among the best available.

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

Frequency balance is debated: some reviewers hear an impressively balanced profile after EQ, while others find the default tuning bassy, safe, or not neutral.

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

Microphone noise handling is generally positive, with reviewers saying voices stay clear and background noise is reduced well in common noisy settings.

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

Wired USB-C listening is credited with reducing Bluetooth latency, giving it a practical audio-video sync benefit.

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

ANC-off mode is a sonic caveat because one reviewer says tonality worsens with ANC disabled.

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 often describe the soundstage as wide, spacious, or open, especially for closed-back ANC headphones.

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

Bass is frequently praised as strong, deep, and enjoyable, though a few reviewers call the default balance bass-heavy or V-shaped.

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

Wear detection performance is praised as excellent in daily use.

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

Setup and navigation are generally easy, with reviewers praising stability, intuitive menus, and simple access to features.

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

Bluetooth pairing is described as straightforward, supporting an easy day-to-day connection experience.

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

EQ customization is one of the most repeated complaints because Bose still relies on a simple three-band EQ.

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

Smart Pause works but has a caveat: folding the headphones can defeat the lay-flat pause behavior and waste battery.

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

Bluetooth 5.4 is viewed mildly positively as a useful modern update rather than a major advantage.

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

Advanced software features are mixed: CustomTune and acoustic compensation impress some reviewers, while others complain that Bose offers little new.

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

The app is generally easy to use, but reviewers often describe it as limited, basic, or not as feature-rich as rivals.

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

Smart listening features such as ActiveSense and immersive audio are appreciated when they solve practical problems, but the enthusiasm is not universal.

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

Call microphone quality is usually good enough to excellent, but not every reviewer finds it full-bodied or exceptional.

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

Button usability is mixed, with some reviewers liking the balance of buttons and touch and others criticizing overloaded controls.

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

Preset EQ quality is weak in the evidence, with reviewers calling presets ineffective or lackluster.

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

Analog input is useful and dedicated, though one reviewer notes the headphone-side cable connection is less common.

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

Travel friendliness is a major strength because reviewers highlight comfort, ANC, foldability, and long-flight usefulness.

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

Headband padding is praised as soft and supportive, helping the headphones stay comfortable for long sessions.

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

USB-C playback is praised for giving more output headroom for listeners who want louder playback.

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

Portability is a strength because reviewers like the foldable frame and compact travel form.

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.

Transparency mode is generally praised as natural and useful, though several reviewers note hiss, reduced level, or weaker performance than AirPods Max or Sony.

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

Reviewers note that fine detail and micro-detail are not class-leading, even when the overall sound is enjoyable.

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

The integrated microphone is serviceable to good, with clear call presence, though not always exceptional.

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

Stability is adequate for light movement, but not ideal for dynamic workouts or smaller heads.

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

Auto-pause is generally positive, with reviewers noting automatic pause and power-up behavior when the headphones are removed or worn.

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

Touch control feedback is mixed: some reviewers find the slider responsive, while others call it imprecise or annoying.

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

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength, especially for users switching across phones, laptops, Android, iOS, and other operating systems.

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

Android compatibility is positive where reviewers mention Google Fast Pair and Snapdragon/aptX Adaptive support.

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

Premium feel is mixed: the Gen 2 can feel nicer than before, but multiple reviewers still call out plastic, rattling, or non-premium materials.

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

Earcup padding is strongly praised as plush, cushy, soft, and supportive.

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

Water and sweat resistance is a weakness because reviewers call out the lack of an ingress protection rating.

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

The carry case is usually praised as compact, protective, or sturdy, though a few reviewers find the fit awkward or the zip case less convenient.

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

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case plus charging and audio cables.

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.

Midrange feedback is mixed: several reviewers like vocal clarity and texture, while others hear recessed or dull low mids.

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

USB-C audio is one of the clearest feature upgrades, praised for lossless listening and practical wired use.

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

Overall recommendations are positive for new buyers and travel users, but several reviewers temper that with Gen 1 upgrade and price caveats.

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

aptX support is treated as a meaningful upside for compatible newer Android devices, even though the transcript renders it as AEX.

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

Instrument separation is usually seen as good to excellent, though one reviewer notes it can struggle when mixes get busy.

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

The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.

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

Connectivity options are a strength because reviewers say USB-C, analog, and Bluetooth make it hard to be stuck without a usable connection.

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.

Treble is generally smooth or crisp enough, but reviewers do not treat it as the strongest part of the tuning.

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

The profile is seen as discreet and attractive, with reviewers saying the headphones look good without standing out too much.

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

Wear detection for wake/play behavior is praised for quickly waking and connecting when the headphones are put on.

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

Award recognition is strong in the RecordingNow review, which gives the headphones an Editor’s Choice-style recognition.

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.

Value is mixed: reviewers like the feature set and experience, but price and weak upgrade logic for Gen 1 owners are repeated caveats.

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

Auto on/off behavior is praised for quick wake, sleep, and battery-saving reliability.

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

Multipoint is a clear strength in the reviews, with seamless switching and reliable two-device behavior praised repeatedly.

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

Codec support is viewed positively where aptX Adaptive/Snapdragon Sound support is relevant, especially for compatible Android devices.

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

Durability evidence is positive but limited, mostly based on case wear and confidence in long-term construction.

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

Design feedback is generally positive, with reviewers liking the modern look, finish options, and refined styling.

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

Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight to comfort, calling the headphones light and easy to wear.

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

Build quality is acceptable to good, but reviewers split between reassuring solidity and complaints about plasticky or less premium feel.

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

Comfort during long use is one of the most consistent strengths, with reviewers repeatedly saying the headphones can be worn for hours.

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

Clamping force is usually praised as gentle or well judged, though one reviewer found the fit snug.

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.

Battery life is improved and usually adequate, but reviewers commonly frame it as average, mid-pack, or not class-leading.

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

Charging gets positive evidence from the quick-charge result and ability to recover several hours quickly.

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

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

The lack of a low-latency dongle is a drawback when compared with more flexible rivals.

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

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

Headband adjustability was praised for fitting comfortably and adjusting easily.

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

Replaceable earpads are a practical upside for cleaning, wear, and possible third-party pad swaps.

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

Smudge resistance is a downside because glossy accents pick up fingerprints and dust.

Streaming integration is a limitation because the app lacks built-in music service or internet radio integration.

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

The hinge and moving hardware are described positively because the moving parts use high-quality metal.

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

LE Audio readiness is weak because one reviewer specifically complains that low-energy goodies are still missing.

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

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

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