Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4: Which Should YOU Buy in 2024?

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In this video we compare two of THE best pairs of headphones that we have tested over the years that are still amongst the top performers on the market in 2024. But which pair should YOU go for? Let's find out...
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Need to Knows...
02:21 Design
04:38 Sound Performance
08:40 Features
09:45 ANC Tets
11:00 Call Quality
14:32 Verdict
#sennheiser #sony #headphones ‪@sennheiser‬ ‪@Sony‬
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[@chitranshubisht4533]

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.

[@mv223]

I agree.

[@davidellis3087]

Yes, I agree, as well, Sennheiser's momentum 4 sound quality is just fantastic! Sony? It's Good, but lags behind Sennheiser Momentum 4 in this respect...

[@GlassHouse80]

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.

[@Trippeldose]

Yeah, I agree. You have to load in the Harman-tuned profile for the XM5s in the Wavelet-app. That profile clears up the sound, much much more so than any EQ-settings from KZbin that I tried in the Sony headphones-app. That Wavelet-profile made me go from thinking these headphones are kind of disappointing to "oh yes, this is the good stuff."

[@GlassHouse80]

@@TrippeldoseNice, would the wavelett app work on my sennys? I use an iPhone and PC to listen to them. They sound great but if I can make them sound even better happy days.

[@PoofyisDead]

how’s the noise cancelling? I like the senny’s sound way more (own wired ones myself) but I’m buying wireless more for lightweight and noise cancelling first and foremost (2 hour bus commute both ways)

[@RaginYak]

​@@PoofyisDeadif you want overall great headphones. Sony is better in terms of ANC, Calling capabilities; comfort etc. Sound wise I cant tell as I tried Senny at store and their volume is bit too low for me.

[@storm8760]

@@PoofyisDead if u want anc buy apple or Bose they're the best brands in that regard, but between these two xm5 are considerably better

[@davehillebrandt420]

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

[@rahuljayachandran4128]

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

[@Trippeldose]

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.

[@SONNYG2197]

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.

[@user-nw7yt1vt4k]

Is the ANC any good on the Sennheisers? I’m after a pair that will block out noise on an aeroplane.

[@NekoSinonTv]

​@user-nw7yt1vt4k xm5s anc is a super downgrade from the xm4s and my xm5s already broke down by the bracket and I'm one who takes very good care of my stuff

[@NekoSinonTv]

​@user-nw7yt1vt4k im about to find out how good momentum is I used to be team sony but the xm4s were monsters but the xm5s are very crap in comparison I will be testing out momentum vs what I used

[@workhorse7134]

ANC is where Sony XM5s beat the Momentum 4. ANC on Momentum 4, really does a poor job of being consistent, and you will notice the ANC drop out a lot and noises that should be muffled are not as muffled as they should be.

[@zato6226]

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.

[@doooouge1136]

I've tried all 3 and momentum 4 became the obvious choice. Definitely worth the higher price. Just get them if you can and be happy that you got the best

[@davidlai1996]

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.

[@kennykhoo1689]

does the M4 still having the issue of auto on in their casing when standing vertically?

[@davidlai1996]

@@kennykhoo1689 I never used their case, I just use the headphones and pack them up in my bag or wearing on my neck, so I don't know if they can turn auto on. Sorry.

[@kennykhoo1689]

@@davidlai1996 thanks for the info. appreciate it

[@dhritidiptaroy4534]

Hey, @davidlai1996 by usb you mean both audio and mic will work for M4s?

[@davidlai1996]

@@dhritidiptaroy4534 I don't know about mic, as I've never tried it, as I have an external mic that I use. But audio over USB works great, and with very little latency.

[@orangedrink888]

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.

[@Train115]

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

[@vishnugade117]

Great video 10/10

[@KUM0]

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

[@Ghg34465]

Is it better than the sennheiser m4

[@KUM0]

@@Ghg34465 I'm talking about the Sennheiser Momentum 4

[@Mufabiaz]

do you have any issues with the app or disconnecting with M4?

[@daniruegas4677]

I'm planning on buying those and sell my Wh1000xm4's. Will it be a noticieable difference?

[@marestgondev]

@@daniruegas4677 yes

[@jruiter4622]

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

[@antediluvianatheist5262]

M4 has none.

[@missjessen2045]

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

[@-Do_You_Love_Me-]

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

[@smarthomesounds]

Glad you liked it!

[@hidingly]

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

[@JohannesClinton]

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

[@Kvvz_]

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?

[@denikhalikov5178]

Sennheiser this isn’t even a comparison pls pls pls if it’s music quality, sennheiser

[@Kvvz_]

@denikhalikov5178 yeah I saw a sound test and they have slightly fuller sound but can't get high and low tones like the mx5s it's like everything has its pros and cons

[@Kvvz_]

​@denikhalikov5178 have you tried both of em?

[@denikhalikov5178]

@@Kvvz_ yeah i have the xm4, got the xm5 two weeks (theyr were only 220 at a discount!!!) ago too, sennheiser is just still much better and also my ears arent touching the inside of the cups the xm5s are a bit lighter and more fun looking though and have some really cool features but as far as sound quality goes especially with sennheisers custom sound edit, they sound sooo much better Although the xm5 with also adjusted eq can get really good, i just like the sennheiser sound more tbh

[@marko_popovic]

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)

[@efraintrejo6324]

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

[@ddo_0d]

Watch Mike O Brien's comparison on them, you'll be able see a detailed analysis

[@RobinMarples]

No place anymore for wired headphones?

[@jeffreygravener8047]

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!

[@Gan-ErdeneChinbayr]

Do comparison between px7 s2e and momentum 4

[@jnturner506]

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)

[@whosaywzhat]

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

[@Sayid.M]

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👌

[@3582jj]

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

[@raniachairya]

does the m4 comfortable enough for longwear???

[@3582jj]

@@raniachairya yeah I find them fine

[@playboigoofy]

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

[@doooouge1136]

The momentum 4 are more comfortable and feel more premium. Definitely worth the higher price

[@sanchomill]

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

[@saltywalrus]

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

[@dugarry500]

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'. =)

[@fluttzkrieg4392]

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.

[@dewittfiala5021]

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.

[@ulgmail]

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... ;)

[@jayjpepedreamer]

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

[@MegaUltraSuperDuable]

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

[@LeesReviews69]

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

[@joshuvaantonio]

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 !

[@dostv3743]

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

[@Hawkeye242]

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.

[@mcatlow8]

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

[@jesuscervantesj82]

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

[@4rosenberg]

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.

[@jeid3822]

For sounding it's Sony for no.2 😊❤

[@JoseRamirez-kd7qy]

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

[@marestgondev]

guarantee

[@adambuffrey7966]

Great Review SHS appreciate your content!

[@timurmakhambek8464]

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?

[@marestgondev]

Are you using them with a iPhone? iPhones try to mess with the sound volume with there safety features. Try going to ‘sound and haptics’ then ‘headphone saftey’ and turn on ‘reduce loud sounds’ then turn up the decibels and android to sometimes

[@rolins3279]

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

[@nepolyie]

It's music playing in the headphones.

[@kevinumber7]

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

[@Joseph-sy8ep]

If sound quality is your priority Momentum 4 is the one to go

[@silenz1970]

Momentum 4 for me ❤

[@TheDezmen3]

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

[@Rosso488]

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.

[@samiakib5155]

Why do you think it’ll be the best year ever?

[@eliasb3857]

@@samiakib5155 AI

[@WeileWorld]

I like Sennheiser

[@Blake00001]

You lost me at high fidelity sound of XM5

[@TheKorwaty]

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 😔😔

[@capberganza]

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

[@tomzeru]

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

[@dontjud6eme]

Bluetooth 5.4

[@NekoSinonTv]

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

[@vokso11]

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

[@BBYbaka]

Yeah but what about the ANC. I heard it’s meh on the M4

[@vokso11]

@@BBYbaka As someone who owned the XM4 , the QC 45 and the QC : ANC on the Sennheiser momentum 4 is very good and enough to cut down A TON of noise. Do I wish it could be Bose level? yes! However, the sound quality will make you forget the slightly lower ANC. at First coming from Bose I was not impressed , but once I played the music , the magic happened.

[@BBYbaka]

@@vokso11 thanks for letting me know, I’m pretty sure I’m gonna get the momentum 4 when it’s on sale ;)

[@vokso11]

@@BBYbaka it is on sale already at bestbuy for the one in black

[@ayodejiebilakun1904]

​@@vokso11 thanks for the information shared. Did you experience unbalanced sound with the momentum 4? I have been seeing alot of comments regarding that.

[@MetaDataAutomation]

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.

[@jameshanlon5470]

1000xm4 went shitty after a year

[@Guylove-agnostik]

Sennheiser best

[@simmi6287]

Btw Sony is much better.

[@MegaEpstein]

Sound quality much better on XM5

[@unmatchedfrolov]

Hey, how did you notice that? Asking because I'm going to choose one for many years ahead

[@micheallarsen8687]

​@@unmatchedfrolovmomentum 4 better sound brother

[@unmatchedfrolov]

@@micheallarsen8687 thanks for the answer

[@jgomez3190]

Xm5 don’t get loud and don’t sound no where near as momentum for, look at bowers px7 as well

[@sanjay12265]

Sony sounds better!!

[@Themaster2399]

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 🥲

[@chitranshubisht4533]

Yeah even I was skeptical with that regard, but luckily I didn’t face any issue till date. Probably they have fixed that with a software update which I got one straight out of the box.

[@adambuffrey7966]

I bought the Momentum 4's as a Birthday treat a few weeks back. I did test the XM4 & 5's but preferred the sound of the sennheisers. I did have an issue with the on head detection, replaced with a new set and works perfectly. Happy with my choice.

[@jaylinroberts2526]

I've learned that the ear sensor sometimes trips out seemigly causing connection issues.. I found that if you turn them off and turn them back on after wiping the sensor, you won't have that issue. (I think it's a collection of sweat condensation over time. A quick wipe here and there and i havent had it happen)

[@nikitaramazanov7192]

@@adambuffrey7966can you give more detailed review please ? What about bass ? I heard that XM4 has worse bass than Momentum 4. But talking about the sound, some people pointed that Momentum 4 might sound too harsh sometimes. And also, how comfortable are they in comparison ? Thank you

[@aidenjohnson6253]

I haven’t