ANC champion vs battery king. Based on product documentation, both are compared for flights, office calls, and commutes to assess noise cancellation, so...
The Momentum 4 wins on battery (60 hours) and sound warmth at $20 less. The Sony wins only if ANC and call quality are your top priorities.
Score
Sony WH-1000XM5
4.7/5
★★★★★
Sennheiser Momentum 4
4.6/5
★★★★★
Comparison Table
Spec
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Price
$399
$379
Battery
30 hours
60 hours
ANC
Excellent
Good
Sound
Balanced
Warm, rich
Call Quality
Excellent
Good
Travel
Bulky
Folds flat
Pros
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
Class-leading active noise cancellation
Lighter and more comfortable than the XM4
Crystal-clear call quality with 8 mics
LDAC for hi-res wireless audio
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Pros
60-hour battery crushes the Sony
Richer, warmer default sound signature
Folds flat for travel
aptX Adaptive for low-latency video
Cons
Sony WH-1000XM5
Cons
Battery drops to 30 hours, down from XM4
No folding hinge, bulky for travel
$399 is expensive
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Cons
ANC is a step behind the Sony
Heavier on the head
Call quality is good, not great
Who Wins?
Frequent flyer / noisy commuteSony WH-1000XM5
Long battery prioritySennheiser Momentum 4
Music lover / audiophileSennheiser Momentum 4
Lots of video callsSony WH-1000XM5
Travel-friendly foldingSennheiser Momentum 4
FAQ
Which has better noise cancellation?
The Sony WH-1000XM5. Its V1 processor and 8 mics deliver class-leading ANC that noticeably beats the Momentum 4 on planes and trains, especially in low-frequency rumble.
Is the 60-hour battery of the Momentum 4 real?
Yes, with ANC on Sennheiser rates it at 60 hours per official specification. The Sony XM5 drops to 30 hours, a real step down from the XM4 40-hour runtime.
Which sounds better?
Subjective, but most testers preferred the Momentum 4 warmer, richer sound for music. The Sony is more balanced and neutral, which some prefer for podcasts and calls.
Which is better for calls?
The Sony. Its 8-mic array and processing deliver clearer voice on calls, while the Momentum 4 picks up more ambient noise. If you take calls all day, get the Sony.