Verdict
All guidesResearchMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
The short answer

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about value-conscious commuters — read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose QuietComfort 45
Ranked #7 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45
6 sources$299as of Jun 7

Active noise cancellation is the Bose QuietComfort 45's job, and it remains among the best in class, which is why it works so well for frequent travelers and commuters. SoundGuys praised the comfort and the USB-C upgrade over previous models while noting the sound quality isn't exceptional. PCMag's Tim Gideon gave it an Editors' Choice rating, highlighting reliability and comfort despite some outdated control mechanisms. Buyers who put ANC performance ahead of audio fidelity are the fit; anyone who wants more advanced codec support should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding active noise cancellation that's among the best in class
  • — Comfortable over long periods of time with well-distributed weight (240g)
  • — USB-C charging port replaces outdated micro-USB
Watch-outs
  • — Sound quality is not great, with only SBC and AAC codecs supported
  • — No true off ANC mode; must use Aware mode to disable ANC
  • — Controls are physical buttons that can be odd to get used to
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Over-ear Headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
6 sources$217as of Aug 1

SoundGuys and What Hi-Fi? both point to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless for battery life and sound quality that beats much of what else sells at this price. Active noise cancellation works well without matching the top-tier models from Bose and Sony. What Hi-Fi? called it 'one of the best-performing ANC over-ears at their price today,' while lamenting the departure from the brand's previously classy design aesthetic. Commuters and frequent travelers who want performance and value in one package are the target; audiophiles may find the ANC short of premium offerings.

Strengths
  • — Excellent battery life with up to 60 hours of playback
  • — Superior sound quality that's ahead of the pack according to SoundGuys
  • — Effective active noise cancellation for the price point
Watch-outs
  • — Middling ANC performance compared to top-tier competitors like Bose or Sony
  • — Drops predecessors' classy aesthetic for a more generic design
  • — Mic noise rejection is subpar according to SoundGuys
$217 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Bose QuietComfort 45

While the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers outstanding active noise cancellation that rivals the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max, it falls short in sound quality compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, which both deliver superior audio fidelity. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5, it lacks true off ANC mode, forcing users to rely on Aware mode to disable ANC, a limitation not present in its competitors.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless excels in battery life and sound quality compared to the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Apple AirPods Max, though it doesn't match the ANC performance of the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X. Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5, it lacks IP rating and is less premium in build quality, but offers better value for money than the Apple AirPods Max which is more expensive and ecosystem-dependent.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose QuietComfort 45Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Weight240 g295 g
Connectivity5.15.2
Driver40mm42 mm dynamic
ANCYesYes
Battery Life24 hours60 hours
Charging MethodUSB-CUSB-C
← See the full ranking of best over-ear headphones