How a lot is nice sound value to you? Sennheiser’s prime wi-fi earbuds ask that query in additional methods than one. The earlier model, the True Wireless 3, was praised by reviewers, but some customers raised points like battery drain and connection glitches. The Momentum True Wireless 4 got down to deal with these complaints with an all-new battery system amongst “over a dozen major upgrades,” based on Sennheiser.
Within this context, the 2 earbud dropouts I skilled in my first few days of testing the MTW4 stood out greater than the standard new bud jitters. Especially for the reason that newest pair sports activities the very same exterior design because the MTW3, which is, in 2024, wanting downright chunky in comparison with the competitors. Size apart, a firmware replace appears to have fastened these connection woes, and I’ve skilled no different dropouts over a number of days of testing.
One factor that’s by no means been in query with Sennheiser is sound high quality. Even given their excellent sonic pedigree, the Momentum 4 caught me off guard with their readability, their sensitivity, and the sheer sweetness and delicacy with which they render each tone. They pair that with aggressive noise canceling and a strong app. The result’s a bundle that’s worthy of slightly religion—particularly for many who put nice sound first.
Not-So-Spyware
If you’re in any respect accustomed to Sennheiser’s long-running Momentum line, you’ll be feeling déjà vu with the fourth-gen model. The buds arrive nestled in what appears like the identical boxy case from the original 2019 Momentum. It feels downright huge when in comparison with circumstances from Apple, Sony, and others. Still, you need to admire Sennheiser’s model, cloaking it with smooth cloth straight out of the James Bond Corduroy Collection.
The buds have morphed over time, but Sennheiser made no exterior modifications from 2022’s MTW3 to keep up their “timeless aesthetic.” They definitely look premium with their angled, smoked-chrome housings but, timeless or not, I might have appreciated some ergonomic updates.
The buds barely wedge into my medium-size ears with the default band that flexes round the principle housing, but swapping it for the smaller of two spares made them secure and comparatively cozy for a couple of hours at a clip. They nonetheless really feel bulgy and considerably invasive, and at 6 grams per aspect, they don’t fairly pull the disappearing trick of Apple’s AirPods Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) or different favorites. Four ear tip sizes allow you to additional customise the match, but these with smaller ears might need to strive before you purchase.
Plenty of Goodies
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Beneath their enameled shells, the MTW4 have undergone a comparatively thorough makeover, from their new battery system (and firmware to optimize it) to assist for the most recent Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a brand new low-latency mode for gaming. They’ve additionally now acquired mud safety, with an IP54 score.
The battery is arguably a very powerful improve, which features a new supplier to make sure improved reliability. Playback is rated at a decent 7.5 hours per cost, and 30 hours whole with the charging case. This matched my testing, with the buds maintaining tempo at round seven to eight hours per cost with noise canceling on.
Call high quality has been upgraded, with AI optimization designed to supply superior readability by way of the buds’ new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. I didn’t discover something particular on my finish, but I additionally by no means acquired main complaints from others, even whereas speaking outdoor.
