Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4: Which Should YOU Buy in 2024?

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In this video we compare two of THE best pairs of headphones that we have tested over the years that are still amongst the top performers on the market in 2024. But which pair should YOU go for? Let's find out...

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Need to Knows...
02:21 Design
04:38 Sound Performance
08:40 Features
09:45 ANC Tets
11:00 Call Quality
14:32 Verdict

#sennheiser #sony #headphones @sennheiser @Sony

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[chitranshubisht]

Sennheiser for the win for me, not only because of the monstrous 60hrs battery and the other quirky features but the way they sound, they feel more lively and airy to your ears when compared to Sony. And personally for me sound quality comes over anything when I’m paying a flagship amount and that’s where Sennheiser has truly nailed it.

[GlassHouse]

The XM5s sound a bit tinny, which is what I noticed when I tried them in the Sony store. I went for the Sennys and I’m glad I did.

[Trippeldose]

I`ve only found one very good solution for clearing up the slightly disappointing "tinny sound" in the XM5`s: load in the Harman-tuned profile for the XM5`s in the Wavelet app and use that app to add any EQ-settings on top of that new Harman baseline. It seems Wavelet does EQ more advanced and better than the Sony Headphones-app. The harman-tuned EQ-profile for the XM5`s really takes the XM5`s to nearly it`s full potential and certainly takes it much closer to the Momentum 4`s than from original settings/out of the box. But I suspect the Momentum 4`s are slightly better in the sound-department still, even after optimizing the XM5`s via Wavelet. And the sound department is the most important department. But the XM5`s are very satisfying to listen to as they are now, using Wavelet for all EQ. There are no obvious flaws, just a clear, ever so slightly warm soundstage.

[SONNYG]

To everyone out there - I have tested both for two weeks - but let me tell you - if you like the fit of Momentum 4 and don‘t find them uncomfortable - you really don‘t want the XM5 - the sound quality is just a different league on the Sennheisers.

[davehillebrandt]

I have been extremely happy with the momentum for AND. It’s super long life battery was a big reason that drew me to them… Sound is outstanding, and never a problem with connecting to iPhone or my computer… Also got a great deal on eBay, so could not be happier. they are extremely comfortable and controls a very logical set up… So far I would give them a 10 out of 10. 15:43

[davidlai]

Well, with the battery life, sound quality, and connection possibilities for the Seenheiser Momentum 4s, they've got me! You can do Bluetooth, audio 3.5MM, and USB on computer (which Sony doesn't have). Plus their 60-hour battery life, that has indeed won me over.

[KUM]

Cap, the M4s sound sooo much better than the XM5s that I had to return mine, I'm an audio engineer and the XM5s are not detailed at all, they're tinny, miss punch and have a more mainstream tunning which can be fatiguing. The M4s have bigger drivers, a way bigger battery (thus the weight) and better quality bass extension and definition. They lack in mids but you can EQ those, which is important since hardware limitations make the XM5s impossible to deliver the same bass as the M4s. Vocals are way better on the M4s too. If you don't care about ANC and listening to music is your focus, the M4s are the superior (and cheaper) option, technically speaking

[TheKorwaty]

My experience says that Momentum 4 is way better sound quality.
My Momentum 4 is broken, so i decided to buy the Sony because most reviews says it's the best 🤦🏻 and now i regret 😔😔

[Hawkeye]

This is the only review I have seen that says Sony is more clear than the sennheiser. The Sonys are very veiled and muddy sounding to me compared to my momentum 4s. I guess everyone hears differently.

[jj]

I have Then Senn M4 and previous version of the Sonys. I've kept the sonys, but the sound quality difference is light and day. The Sennheiser are so much better, but the Sony have better ANC especially if you are using them on london underground, only real wish is that the Senn M4 aren't quite loud enough in general

[troysteelroofing]

I have both and he’s right. I’ll have to give it to the Sony. The Senny has better sound quality but Sony has the better soundstage IMO. The Senny has a 2d soundstage so it is definitely wider than the Sony’s but Sony’s soundstage feel 3d ish which makes the music immersive. The Senny has the better bass though. One thing I didn’t like about the Sennheiser was the overemphasis on the treble. It sometimes gets too harsh above 60% and makes some songs sound unpleasant.

[rosenberg]

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones offer excellent audio quality for music. However, they may not be the best choice for video calls or meetings, particularly in an open office environment, as the microphone tends to pick up surrounding noises, including conversations from colleagues. Additionally, they are not suitable for sports activities due to overheating issues. It would be beneficial for Sennheiser to consider reintroducing physical buttons for volume and other controls.

[RabindraDahal-iesb]

Just bought Senneihser Momentum 4 at US Dollar 250. I don't need Noise Cancelling feature much as I listen music at my apartment mostly in night during my studies. So my prefences are good Sound quality, long battery life and comfort ; that's why I have choosen Senny Momentum 4 ( Black Colour). An attractive price of US Dollar 250 triggers me to buy immediately. Being a music learner I am a happy guy now 😊.

[ulgmail]

Another game changer for me that nobody mentions is the fact that you can use the M4 with the USB cable (listening and microphone).
In addition to the better sound... ;)

[zato]

This the your first video that I've watched and am debating between these two headphones, and you covered "EVERYTHING"! And you did it very well . Subscribed.

[rahuljayachandran]

amazing comparison, Your videos are really great, really wish that you would do more

[Kvvz_]

I'm not in anyway shape or form an audiophile I keep hearing people say that the Sennheiser's have richer sound but other say when tuned the Xm5's sound amazing so I'm deciding between these two pairs I'm mainly gonna be using them for music what pair should I get?

[mdrafiqul]

I bought Sony. Sehnheiser may sound a bit better but you can EQ Sony to get the same sound. Sehnheiser has small earcups and stronger clumping force which make it very uncomfortable. The ANC in Sehnheiser is also not as good as Sony

[raulvz]

Fantastic comparsion very complete and professional, thanks bro, greetings from Spain.

[dugarry]

Sennheiser for me. I like listening and completely submerge into the music or podcast. The transparency mode accordingly your video and number of other reviewer seems to suggest an completely block out noises. And with mildly better sound quality, that's a win for me. And after using Sennheiser for over 15 years, I have my biases.

Having said that, it appears XM5 is actually the better overall use headphones. So I agree with your comment, it all depends on our individual use cases, preferences and 'biases'. =)