In 2025, the battle between Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 remains one of the most competitive matchups in the premium wireless headphone space.
These two models stand at the top for anyone looking for superior sound quality, strong noise cancellation, and long-lasting comfort.
Sennheiser brings its signature audiophile tuning with a balanced and detailed sound profile, while Sony continues to dominate with class-leading ANC and advanced smart features.
If your priority is immersive listening, these two deserve to be at the top of your shortlist. But the real question is: which one gives you the better value in 2025? Let’s break it down step by step.
Design & Comfort: Momentum 4 vs WH-1000XM5
Both headphones are built for comfort, but they take different approaches in design. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 leans toward a minimalist and sleek look with soft fabric padding on the headband and large cushioned earcups.
It’s lighter than many expect, weighing around 293 grams, which makes it ideal for extended use without causing pressure fatigue. The earcups also swivel flat, making them easier to pack and carry.
The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, is slightly lighter at 250 grams and focuses on a modern, futuristic design with a smooth matte finish.
The slimmer headband and softly padded earcups create a feather-like fit that’s perfect for daily commutes and long flights. Its clamping force is well-balanced so that users can wear it for hours without discomfort.
Here’s a quick design comparison table to make things clearer:
| Feature | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
| Weight | 293 g | 250 g |
| Foldable | Yes (flat & compact) | Yes (non-folding, swivel) |
| Earcup Padding | Thick fabric cushion | Soft leatherette |
| Design Style | Minimalist | Sleek & futuristic |
Both headphones excel in build quality, but Sony takes a slight lead in portability, while Sennheiser feels more traditional and premium in hand. Comfort is subjective, but if weight matters to you, Sony may be more appealing for everyday use.
Sound Quality and Tuning Comparison
When it comes to pure audio quality, Sennheiser continues to hold its reputation. The Momentum 4 delivers a balanced, neutral sound signature with crisp highs, warm mids, and punchy yet controlled bass.
It’s the kind of sound that lets vocals and instruments breathe, making it a favorite among music enthusiasts. Sennheiser uses 42 mm dynamic drivers that offer a wide soundstage and clarity that feels natural and immersive.
Sony, with its WH-1000XM5, has a slightly more bass-forward tuning. It’s fun, dynamic, and perfect for pop, EDM, and hip-hop. While it doesn’t have the same neutral accuracy as Sennheiser, Sony’s strength lies in its adaptability. With the Sony Headphones Connect App, users can customize the EQ to match their preferences.
Another key difference is the audio codecs. Momentum 4 supports aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC — a great combination for high-resolution streaming. Sony supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC, which is especially useful for Android users seeking near-lossless quality.
| Feature | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
| Driver Size | 42 mm dynamic drivers | 30 mm dynamic drivers |
| Sound Signature | Balanced & natural | Warm & bass-forward |
| Supported Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Soundstage | Wide and detailed | Rich and immersive |
In real-world testing, Sennheiser tends to shine for critical listening and live instrumentals, while Sony provides a more engaging and customizable listening experience. If accuracy is your top priority, Momentum 4 takes the lead. If versatility matters more, WH-1000XM5 might be the smarter pick.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, and Call Performance
Noise cancellation is where the Sony WH-1000XM5 shows its true strength. Sony has consistently been at the top of the ANC game, and in 2025, it still holds that title.
With its dual processor system and 8 microphones, it delivers exceptional noise reduction, especially in low-frequency environments like airplane cabins, trains, or busy cafés. It adapts automatically to your surroundings, making it an excellent travel companion.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 also offers strong ANC, powered by adaptive hybrid technology. While it does a great job of cutting out consistent background noise, its ANC is slightly less aggressive compared to Sony’s.
However, Sennheiser excels in transparency mode, allowing ambient sounds to pass through naturally without distortion, which is great for talking or staying aware of your environment.
Call quality is excellent on both models, but Sony again edges ahead with its Precise Voice Pickup technology, which isolates the speaker’s voice more effectively in windy or crowded environments. Sennheiser’s microphone array delivers clear audio, too, but it can occasionally pick up more background noise during calls in very loud places.
Verdict:
- Best ANC: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best Transparency Mode: Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Best Call Clarity: Sony WH-1000XM5
Battery Life, Connectivity, Codecs, and Smart Features
Battery life remains one of the most important deciding factors for wireless headphone buyers, and this is where Sennheiser Momentum 4 takes a decisive lead. It offers up to 60 hours of playback time on a single charge with ANC turned on, which is currently one of the best in its class. A quick 5-minute charge can provide around 4 hours of playback.
Sony WH-1000XM5, while not matching those numbers, still offers an impressive 30 hours of playback with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off. A 3-minute quick charge gives about 3 hours of playback.
For most users, this is more than enough for daily use and long flights, but Sennheiser clearly has the edge for marathon listeners.
In terms of connectivity, both support Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint pairing, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Sony also integrates Google Fast Pair and Swift Pair, making device switching smoother. Sennheiser’s Smart Control App and Sony’s Headphones Connect App both offer firmware updates, EQ customization, and adaptive sound control.
Both headphones also support wear detection, customizable touch controls, and voice assistant integration (Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri).
| Feature | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 60 hours | 30 hours |
| Quick Charge | 5 min = 4 hrs playback | 3 min = 3 hrs playback |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Smart Control App | Headphones Connect App |
Verdict: If battery life is your top concern, Momentum 4 is a clear winner. But Sony counters with smarter software integration and a slightly more polished user experience.
Price, Value for Money, and Which Headphone to Buy in 2025
Pricing in 2025 remains competitive, and both models target the premium segment. As of October 2025:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 retails around $399 USD, though frequent discounts can bring it closer to $349.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 is priced at approximately $379 USD, and deals often push it slightly lower.
From a value perspective, Sennheiser offers a better battery-to-price ratio and a sound profile that appeals to serious music lovers. Sony, however, provides more advanced noise cancellation, smarter features, and better overall integration with modern ecosystems, especially Android devices, thanks to LDAC and Adaptive Sound Control.
| Pros & Cons | Momentum 4 | WH-1000XM5 |
| Pros | Excellent battery, natural sound, premium design | Class-leading ANC, lightweight, smart features |
| Cons | ANC slightly behind Sony | Battery life lower than Momentum 4 |
Final Verdict:
- Choose Sennheiser Momentum 4 if you value battery life, neutral audio quality, and a premium classic design.
- Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if you want the best ANC, a lighter build, and a smarter overall experience.
Both are excellent in their own right — and your choice should depend on what matters more to you: endurance and audio purity (Sennheiser) or noise control and smart convenience (Sony).
Final Thoughts
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 represent the very best of what the premium wireless headphone market offers in 2025. They’re not just audio devices anymore — they’re complete listening experiences, combining cutting-edge technology with top-tier comfort and refined sound.
If your listening habits involve long sessions, a love for balanced sound, and a preference for classic, premium design, then Momentum 4 is your perfect match.
Its 60-hour battery life remains one of the strongest reasons many choose it over its competitors. The soundstage is spacious and detailed, giving audiophiles a clean and accurate listening experience.
On the other hand, if your lifestyle includes commuting, frequent flights, or noisy environments, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has the best ANC performance in its class. Add its featherlight design, intelligent sound features, and LDAC codec support, and you get a headphone that’s designed for modern daily use.
At the end of the day, both headphones are winners — the decision depends on what matters more to you: pure audio endurance or smart listening technology.