Compare Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max 2

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

Overall sound quality was broadly praised as rich, cleaner and more resolving, though some reviewers found the tuning less neutral or only incrementally improved.

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

Spatial audio was often strong for movies and immersive use, though at least one reviewer found it distracting for music.

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 from the earcups helped ANC and was praised where fit fully enclosed the ears.

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

Voice Isolation and mic noise reduction performed well in many noisy call tests, although standard mode could lag behind.

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.

Soundstage width was a strength in positive reviews, with several praising width, depth, openness and more dynamic presentation.

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

Reviewers generally found ANC substantially improved and often class-leading, though a few considered the improvement incremental versus already-strong rivals.

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

Frequency-response accuracy was viewed as generally balanced or accurate, with caveats around bass lift and treble shaping.

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

Immersive audio was praised for depth, fullness and a big presentation, especially with spatial content and USB-C playback.

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

Latency improved enough for casual gaming and video use, especially with Game Mode or wired USB-C.

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

ANC processing was described as natural and airy, avoiding the heavy pressure some rivals create.

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

ANC background artifacts were mostly praised as quiet, but lab-focused reviewers noted low-frequency rumble or added noise in specific modes.

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 was usually praised as tighter, deeper, punchier, and controlled, though some listeners found it heavy or boomy.

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

Included accessories disappointed some reviewers, especially the lack of a charging brick or proper case at this price.

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

Multi-platform compatibility remained weak because non-Apple devices lose many settings, updates and ecosystem features.

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

The Smart Case was widely criticized for poor protection, awkward design and poor travel practicality, despite enabling low-power mode.

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

Android compatibility was repeatedly framed as limited: basic listening works, but Apple-only features and controls are missing.

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

Ecosystem integration was a major strength, with reviewers praising Apple-device switching and deep iPhone, iPad and Mac behavior.

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 was one of the strongest consensus wins, often described as best-in-class, natural and conversation-friendly.

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

Portability was a repeated weakness because the headphones do not fold and occupy too much bag space.

Headband adjustability was praised for fitting comfortably and adjusting easily.

Headband adjustability had a minor fit caveat, with one review wishing it adjusted smaller for more head shapes.

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 was one of the clearest strengths, driven by aluminum, stainless steel and luxury fit-and-finish.

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

Connection stability and switching were considered better with H2 and reliable in Apple-device use.

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

Travel friendliness suffered because the headphones are heavy, bulky and paired with a minimally protective case.

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 clarity was praised for vocals, improved detail and more natural mids.

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

Ear cup padding was generally seen as roomy, breathable and supportive, though material feel was not universally preferred.

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 improved noticeably, with reviewers hearing more distinct placement and cleaner layering.

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 was praised for detail by some reviewers but criticized by others as rolled off, harsh or recessed in specific ranges.

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 were positive for Apple users and first-time premium buyers, but cautious for existing owners and audio purists.

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

Headband comfort was split between high praise for pressure distribution and criticism that the canopy can feel under-padded.

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

Connectivity was a standout for Apple users, with automatic switching reducing the need for manual multipoint management.

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

Maximum-volume clarity improved, with reviewers noting cleaner highs and less muddiness at high volume.

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

USB-C was welcomed for charging and wired lossless playback, especially by owners of Lightning-era AirPods Max.

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

Wired USB-C lossless playback was valued for added clarity, depth and more critical listening, even when the difference was not night-and-day.

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

The design was praised as sleek and fashionable, especially for public use, with few cosmetic changes from earlier models.

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

Two reviews explicitly awarded Editors' Choice recognition, reinforcing strong critical reception.

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

LDAC absence was a downside for reviewers comparing the AirPods Max 2 with Sony and other hi-res Bluetooth rivals.

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

Water and sweat resistance remained a limitation, with reviewers warning against gym or wet use.

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

Setup simplicity was praised as extremely easy, especially for pairing and first-run setup on iPhone.

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

EQ customization was a repeated frustration because Apple still does not offer a full manual equalizer.

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

The Digital Crown and physical button controls were repeatedly praised as intuitive, tactile and among the best on headphones.

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

Wireless connection reliability was strong in tested Apple setups, with no dropouts reported in key reviews.

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

Apple's no-standalone-app approach was treated as a tradeoff: seamless on iOS but less flexible than a dedicated app.

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

Bluetooth 5.3 was treated as a welcome stability and latency upgrade, though not cutting-edge.

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

Call and mic quality were generally strong, ranging from top-tier to good enough, with occasional unevenness or fuzz.

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

H2-enabled software features were widely viewed as useful modernization, with the main caveat that some users may not use every feature.

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

Conversation Awareness was mostly praised for convenience, though some reviewers preferred to switch modes manually or turn it off.

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

Smart listening features such as Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume and Conversation Awareness were usually useful, but not universally preferred.

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 was the most consistent weakness, with 20 hours repeatedly called disappointing or behind current flagships.

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

Charging-related feedback was limited but charge reminders and quick top-ups were viewed as useful conveniences.

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

Codec support was a clear weakness because reviewers wanted LDAC, aptX, LC3 or other high-resolution wireless options.

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 depended heavily on Apple ecosystem commitment: some found the price more justified, while others saw better sound or portability for less.

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

The low-power case behavior preserves charge well, but the lack of a physical power button was criticized.

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

Automatic device switching worked well inside Apple's ecosystem and exceeded conventional Bluetooth multipoint for reviewers.

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

Weight comfort was the most persistent ergonomic drawback, with several reviewers saying the heavy earcups become noticeable over time.

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

Clamp comfort was mixed: generally tolerable, but with some pressure concerns during longer wear.

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

The design was widely praised as elegant and gorgeous, though unchanged from the original.

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 was divisive: some called the headphones extremely comfortable, while others found long sessions uncomfortable because of weight or clamp.

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

Build quality was a major strength, with reviewers praising the aluminum, steel and premium construction.

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

Live Translation drew mixed reactions: some found it impressive and travel-ready, while others found pauses awkward or said it still needs work.

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

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

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.

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

Firmware and software-update support was praised where it unlocked meaningful sound and spatial improvements at no added cost.

Head gestures worked well and felt natural to reviewers who tested them, though they were not always considered essential.

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

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

Replaceable or washable earcups were a minor positive for maintenance and longevity.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The H2 chip was consistently credited for the meaningful upgrade, powering ANC, calls, smart features, latency and tuning improvements.

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

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

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