Head-to-head · Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM5

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

Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about Travelers prioritizing call quality and top-tier noise cancellation — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #2 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

4.6

6 sources$217as of Aug 1

Sound quality and a massive 60-hour battery are what you buy the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless for, and together they carry the value case even with a fairly generic design. Active noise cancellation and microphone performance both lag key competitors like Sony and Bose. Audio fidelity and comfort over long listening sessions are where these win.

Strengths

— Exceptional 60-hour battery life that outperforms competitors
— Clean, neutral, and musical sound quality ahead of the pack
— Supports wired listening via USB-C and 3.5mm jack without draining the battery

Watch-outs

— Active Noise Cancellation is technically inferior to Bose and Sony top-tier models
— Microphone noise rejection is mediocre for calls
— Design drops the classy metal and leather aesthetic of predecessors for a plainer look

$217 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

4.7

7 sources$248as of Aug 1

Top-tier active noise cancellation and a real jump in sound quality, with precise bass and clear highs, put the Sony WH-1000XM5 at the front of the flagship ANC field. The new design is more comfortable for larger ears and call performance is excellent. Two knocks: there is no IP rating, and the non-folding build feels slightly less premium than its predecessors.

Strengths

— Outstanding active noise cancellation performance that excels in travel and office environments
— Sensational sonic clarity with punchy delivery and precise, agile bass
— Deep and wide ear pads accommodate larger ears for extended comfort

Watch-outs

— Build quality feels less premium than previous generations with a non-folding design
— No IP rating makes them vulnerable to moisture and unsuitable for gym use or rain
— High launch price compared to previous models

$248 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless dominates the category with a 60-hour battery life that dwarfs the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max, while offering a wired listening option the AirPods Max lacks. Its active noise cancellation is weaker than the Sony and Bose models, and its microphone quality is inferior to the Sony, but it delivers a more neutral, musical sound signature than the bass-heavy Sony or the heavy Px8.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 surpasses the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple AirPods Max in microphone clarity and bass precision, offering the most agile sound profile in the group. However, unlike the sturdy metal build of the AirPods Max or the luxurious Nappa leather of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, the Sony's non-folding design feels less premium and it lacks the 60-hour battery life found in the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless	Sony WH-1000XM5
Driver Size	42 mm	30 mm
Driver Type	Dynamic	Dynamic
Bluetooth Version	5.2	5.2
Weight	295 g	250 g
Charging Method	USB-C	USB-C
Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, aptX Adaptive	SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	60 hr	30 hr
Dimensions	—	9.75 x 9.5 x 3.25 in

← See the full ranking of best noise cancelling headphones