Sennheiser Momentum 4: Still Worth It After Sonova’s Takeover?

Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 headphones are now part of Sonova’s consumer audio stable. But in 2026, are these ANC cans still a smart buy in the US against Sony, Bose, and Apple? Here is what has actually aged well.

Bottom line up front: If you want long-haul battery life, relaxed sound, and serious noise canceling without paying Apple AirPods Max money, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is still one of the most quietly compelling over-ear headphones you can buy in the US right now.

Ownership of Sennheiser’s consumer audio business may have shifted to hearing-care giant Sonova, but for you that mainly means more long-term support and audio expertise behind the scenes, not a different product on your head.

What users need to know now about performance, battery life, and whether the Momentum 4 still beats Sony and Bose.

Analysis: What9s behind the hype

Since launch, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless has built a reputation as the practical audiophile pick in the premium ANC space. US reviewers consistently highlight three pillars: huge battery life, comfortable fit for long sessions, and a refined, neutral-leaning sound that does not pound you with bass by default.

That remains true in 2026. Sony9s WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra have leapfrogged on some smart features, but Momentum 4 still holds its own as a value play in the $250 to $350 range, especially as street prices dip during US sales events.

Key specs at a glance

Feature	Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Headphone type	Over-ear, closed-back, wireless
Noise canceling	Adaptive ANC with transparency mode
Battery life	Up to around 60 hours of playback with ANC (varies by volume and codec)
Charging	USB-C, fast charging (roughly a few hours of use from a short top-up)
Wireless codecs	Bluetooth with SBC, AAC, aptX / aptX Adaptive support (device-dependent)
Multipoint	Yes, supports connection to two devices at once
Controls	Touch and swipe gestures on earcup, companion app for tuning
App support	Sennheiser Smart Control app on iOS and Android
Weight	Light for a premium over-ear (exact feel is noticeably less chunky than AirPods Max)
Launch MSRP (US)	Commonly listed around the mid-$300 range when new; current street pricing often lower
Colors (US)	Typically Black and White variants widely sold in North America

US pricing and availability

In the US, the Momentum 4 Wireless is widely available through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Sennheiser9s own online store. While the original MSRP sat in the premium bracket, real-world pricing in dollars has softened as newer rivals arrived.

You will frequently see the Momentum 4 discounted into the mid-$200s during seasonal sales, which moves it from a premium indulgence into an aggressively competitive option versus Sony and Bose. For US buyers, that discounting is a big part of why the headphones still trend on Reddit and in YouTube comparison videos.

Design: understated, travel-friendly, and practical

The Momentum 4 marks a shift from the retro metal-and-leather look of earlier Momentum generations to a more low-key, plastic-forward design. On photos it can look plainer, but in hand the build feels solid and intentionally minimal.

• Comfort: Thick padding and a lighter clamp force make it easy to wear for a full workday or transcontinental flight.
• Portability: The earcups fold flat to slip into the included case or a backpack pocket, which travelers on US domestic flights will appreciate.
• Controls: Swipes and taps handle volume, playback, and ANC modes, which some reviewers love for speed and others find slightly finicky in very cold or wet conditions.

In user photos and street shots, the Momentum 4 does not scream branding the way some competitors do. If you want a premium headphone that does not make a statement on every Zoom call or subway ride, that is a feature, not a bug.

Sound quality: relaxed hi-fi for everyday listening

Professional reviews from US outlets and countless YouTube channels converge on a similar take: the Momentum 4 prioritizes balance. Bass is present and controlled, mids are clear, and treble avoids harshness unless you aggressively tweak the EQ.

• Out of the box: Tuned for a warm but not boomy signature, ideal for pop, indie, jazz, and long playlists at work.
• EQ via app: The Smart Control app lets you nudge bass or treble to taste with custom presets, and most users say even modest tweaks make a noticeable difference.
• Detail retrieval: Not as hyper-analytic as some audiophile wired sets, but more resolving than many mainstream Bluetooth headphones in the same price band.

If you are coming from something like Apple AirPods Pro or an older Beats model, the Momentum 4 will sound more open and less fatiguing over time. Compared with Sony WH-1000XM5, the Sennheiser tends to feel less bass-heavy and more neutral, which many reviewers still frame as the "grown-up" tuning.

ANC and transparency: strong enough for US commuting and flights

Noise canceling is a top priority for most US buyers, especially if you are bouncing between open-plan offices, coffee shops, and airplanes. The Momentum 49s adaptive ANC is widely judged to be in the top tier, even if Bose usually keeps a slight edge for pure low-frequency suppression.

• Low-frequency noise: Engine rumbles, subway drones, and HVAC hum are knocked down significantly, making it easy to listen at lower volumes.
• Voices and chatter: Midrange cancellation is solid but not absolute; you will still faintly hear PA announcements, which some people prefer for situational awareness.
• Transparency mode: Pass-through is clear enough for hearing your name at the airport gate or chatting in a grocery store without ripping the headphones off.

US flyers, in particular, highlight how the combination of comfort and battery life makes these an easy set-and-forget option for cross-country or transatlantic trips with hours of noise canceling to spare.

Battery life: the killer feature that still holds up

This is where the Momentum 4 really stretches its legs. Multiple independent tests and user reports back up Sennheiser9s claim of extremely long battery endurance with ANC active.

• Real-world usage: Users routinely report going an entire workweek or longer without a recharge at moderate volumes.
• Fast charges: Even short charging sessions over USB-C can give you enough juice for a long commute or a gym session.
• Travel factor: For frequent US travelers, not needing to hunt for an outlet in every airport lounge is a major quality-of-life upgrade.

This battery resilience is a core reason why the headphones stay relevant years after release. While newer competitors have focused heavily on AI tweaks and spatial audio, Momentum 4 doubles down on just not dying when you need it.

App, connectivity, and daily usability

The Sennheiser Smart Control app is where you tweak ANC levels, sound presets, and customize basic settings. It is available in the US app stores for both iOS and Android and has seen stability improvements over multiple updates.

• Multipoint pairing: You can stay connected to your laptop and phone simultaneously, which is perfect for switching between a Teams call and a personal call.
• Codec support: AptX and aptX Adaptive matter most for certain Android phones, while iPhone users will mostly rely on AAC. There is no Apple-specific spatial audio lock-in here, but you get consistent, high-quality wireless performance.
• Call quality: Microphone performance is generally rated as good enough for home office and commuting, though not on the same level as dedicated boom-mic headsets.

You can also use a wired connection in situations where Bluetooth is not ideal, like airplane entertainment systems. Many US reviewers call that flexibility a quiet but important advantage over some all-wireless competitors.

Where Sonova fits in

Sonova Holding AG, a Swiss company best known for hearing aids and audiology tech, acquired Sennheiser9s consumer audio division and now oversees the Momentum lineup. That shift raised eyebrows, but the effect on the actual headphones has been subtle.

• Acoustic know-how: Sonova9s background in hearing science reinforces Sennheiser9s tuning expertise instead of replacing it.
• Long-term support: The combined resources should help maintain firmware updates, spare parts availability, and future product lines.
• Brand continuity: On the box and in US stores, you still see the Sennheiser logo and branding. For daily users, the Sonova connection is mostly a reassuring footnote.

For US buyers, the key takeaway is that Momentum 4 remains a Sennheiser-branded, Sennheiser-tuned product, backed by a company with deep hearing tech chops and a long-term interest in consumer audio.

What the experts say (Verdict)

Across English-language reviews, a pattern emerges. The Momentum 4 is not always crowned the single best ANC headphone overall, but it is consistently recommended as the most balanced all-rounder for people who value sound quality and battery more than flashy ecosystem tricks.

• Praised for: Class-leading battery life, comfortable fit, refined tuning, and strong ANC. Reviewers also like the flat-folding design and reliable Bluetooth performance.
• Criticized for: More generic aesthetics compared with older Momentum models, touch controls that are not everyone9s favorite, and an app experience that is good rather than exceptional.
• US market angle: With frequent discounts, it often undercuts Sony and Bose in price while still meeting or beating them on sound for many listeners.

If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem and crave seamless spatial audio and instant device switching across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, AirPods Max and the latest Beats may still feel smoother. If you want the absolute strongest ANC and are willing to trade some tuning finesse, Bose remains a safe bet.

But if you care most about how your music actually sounds over many hours, want to stop babysitting your battery, and prefer a brand with one foot in high-end audio and one in serious hearing tech, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 under Sonova9s stewardship is still an easy headphone to recommend in the US in 2026.