How a lot is nice sound price to you? Sennheiser’s high wi-fi earbuds ask that query in additional methods than one. The earlier model, the True Wi-fi 3, was praised by reviewers, however some customers raised points like battery drain and connection glitches. The Momentum True Wireless 4 got down to tackle these complaints with an all-new battery system amongst “over a dozen main upgrades,” in response to Sennheiser.
Inside 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. Particularly because the newest pair sports activities the very same exterior design because the MTW3, which is, in 2024, trying downright chunky in comparison with the competitors. Dimension 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 very good 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 package deal that’s worthy of somewhat religion—particularly for many who put nice sound first.
Not-So-Spyware and adware
For those who’re in any respect conversant in Sennheiser’s long-running Momentum line, you’ll be feeling déjà vu with the fourth-gen model. The buds arrive nestled in what seems like the identical boxy case from the original 2019 Momentum. It feels downright huge when in comparison with instances from Apple, Sony, and others. Nonetheless, it’s a must to admire Sennheiser’s fashion, cloaking it with smooth cloth straight out of the James Bond Corduroy Assortment.
The buds have morphed over time, however Sennheiser made no exterior adjustments from 2022’s MTW3 to keep up their “timeless aesthetic.” They actually look premium with their angled, smoked-chrome housings however, 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 primary housing, however swapping it for the smaller of two spares made them steady 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 Professional (9/10, WIRED Recommends) or different favorites. 4 ear tip sizes allow you to additional customise the match, however these with smaller ears might need to strive before you purchase.
Loads 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 newest Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a brand new low-latency mode for gaming. They’ve additionally now received mud safety, with an IP54 ranking.
The battery is arguably crucial improve, which features a new supplier to make sure improved reliability. Playback is rated at a good 7.5 hours per cost, and 30 hours whole with the charging case. This matched my testing, with the buds conserving tempo at round seven to eight hours per cost with noise canceling on.
Name 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, however I additionally by no means obtained main complaints from others, even whereas speaking outdoor.
