Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless: Which should you buy?

Sony and Sennheiser have long battled for top billing in the noise canceling headphone arena. The WH-1000XM6 are the latest flagship headphones from Sony, but Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is still going strong from nearly three years ago. We’ve spent significant time with both, testing how they handle daily commutes, long listening sessions, and real-world distractions. While Sony refines and refines, Sennheiser provides much value that might be enough to endure the competition.

What’s it like to use the Sony WH-1000XM6 compared to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 removes pain points from past models — fragile hinges, awkward fold-flat design, and an indistinguishable power button — and replaces them with practical improvements. The new metal skeleton folding hinges feel more robust than previous generations, and pairing is fast with predictable touch controls. The headphones fold neatly into a minimalist softshell case. However, the thin ear pads present a potential comfort concern. In testing, we measured only about 8mm of clearance between the plastic chassis and your head with a brand-new pair, and this gap can vary based on clamping pressure and whether the viscoelastic foam relaxes over time. The protruding ANC microphones inside the ear cups can potentially cause discomfort depending on your ear shape, especially if they brush against your tragus. Glasses wearers may find the seal particularly challenging to maintain with the thinner padding.

Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM 4 Wireless leans into comfort with noticeably thicker padding than Sony and a lighter build thanks to its plastic frame. The deeper ear cups provide more room for larger ears, though the gap between the pads is somewhat smaller. These headphones don’t fold completely like the Sony XM6 — instead, they use two swiveling yokes that lay flat, so the included carrying case is larger but can hold all accessories. The fabric-wrapped headband provides more give and doesn’t dig in during extended wear. I wore them for hours without fatigue, making them ideal for long listening sessions.

Both headphones feature Smart Pause, which automatically halts playback when you take them off, and Adaptive ANC that tweaks performance based on your surroundings. Neither headset offers water resistance, and both are unsuitable for rain or gym use.

The control schemes are remarkably similar between both models, with the main difference being Sony’s hand-cupping gesture for pass-through mode versus Sennheiser’s double-tap ANC toggle.

Do the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have more features?

Sony stuffed the WH-1000XM6 with an impressive array of features that set it apart. You get a full 10-band EQ, spatial audio via 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme for upscaling, volume limiting, and even head gesture support. The headphones can upmix stereo audio to emulate spatial formats, and while there’s no USB audio support, Auracast and LC3 are onboard. Multipoint connection is supported, though at reduced codec quality. Sony’s app development team has a strong track record of adding new features through firmware updates, as we’ve seen with previous WH-1000XM models. You can modify the sound profile to simulate different listening environments, like a nearby speaker or café ambiance. It’s a feature-rich headset aimed at power users, with enough software support to keep tinkerers happy for years.

The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless takes a more focused approach, offering core features like USB-C and analog listening, ANC customization, geotagging profiles, and call auto-hold with Smart Pause. While it lacks Sony’s ambitious spatial audio features and the extensive app ecosystem, what it offers is more practical and refined rather than flashy. The app provides EQ tweaks, firmware updates, and granular ANC control, though Sennheiser’s development team has a slower track record for feature additions and bug fixes compared to Sony. Sennheiser’s approach may be more appealing if you value simplicity, exceptional battery life, and future-proof connectivity over experimental features.

How do the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless connect?

Sony’s connectivity approach focuses on wireless excellence, supporting Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC (at 330, 660, and 990 kbps transfer rates), and LC3. The inclusion of LE audio and advanced Bluetooth features gives Sony a clear wireless advantage. However, Sony curiously omits USB-C audio support — a growing standard among rivals that represents a significant oversight for a 2025 flagship. Auracast is technically supported, though not fully functional in our tests. Analog connections are handled via standard 3.5mm TRRS. Multipoint works effectively, but forces reduced codec quality.

Sennheiser offers superior wired flexibility with a wider range of codec options: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive. More importantly, it supports full USB-C digital audio listening, which Sony completely lacks. This gives the older Sennheiser headphones a significant future-proofing advantage. For wired analog listening, you’ll need the included 3.5mm to 2.5mm TRRS cable, but if you lose it, replacements are readily available. The seamless switching between codecs and wired modes showcases Sennheiser’s connectivity foresight.

Looking ahead 5 years, the lack of USB-C audio on the Sony XM6 becomes more concerning. As analog jacks become less ubiquitous and new connection standards like micropower Wi-Fi emerge, having USB-C digital audio provides a crucial fallback for lossless listening without dongles. In this forward-looking perspective, the older Sennheiser actually offers better longevity despite Sony’s newer Bluetooth stack.

Is battery life better on the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

This comparison isn’t even close. In our standardized testing, the Sony WH-1000XM6 delivered a respectable 37 hours and 14 minutes of playback with ANC enabled — beating most competitors but falling well short of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, which achieved an exceptional 56 hours and 21 minutes under identical conditions.

While Sony offers useful quick charging (3 minutes for 3 hours of playback), the real advantage lies in Sennheiser’s dramatically longer runtime. Beyond convenience, this has significant long-term implications for battery health. Fewer charge cycles translate directly to better battery longevity — what seems like one or two additional weekly charges could accumulate to 100-200 extra cycles annually. Over a typical 5-6 year headphone lifespan, this difference could mean Sennheiser’s battery lasts a full year longer than Sony’s. Sennheiser offers a clear advantage for users prioritizing longevity and reduced battery maintenance.

Do the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless block noise better?

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 delivers industry-leading noise cancellation, achieving approximately 87% loudness attenuation in our lab tests. The Q3 processor adapts quickly to environmental changes, with excellent passive isolation supporting the active system in muting low and midrange frequencies. Our simulations showed impressive reductions in sub-1kHz noise. However, the thinner ear pads can compromise the seal, particularly for glasses wearers, potentially affecting ANC performance.

Sennheiser’s ANC implementation is notably weaker, managing around 76-80% noise reduction — adequate for office use or commuting but falling short in demanding environments like aircraft cabins. The system particularly struggles with low-frequency attenuation, meaning you’ll hear more of the rumble from subways, buses, and airplane engines. However, the thicker padding provides a more forgiving and consistent seal for glasses wearers.

Interestingly, some urban dwellers might actually prefer Sennheiser’s more permeable approach, as it allows better awareness of surrounding traffic and safety sounds. But for maximum isolation during air travel or noisy commutes, Sony’s superior ANC is the clear winner.

Do the Sony WH-1000XM6 sound better than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

Both headphones represent the best-sounding noise-canceling options their respective companies have produced, though they take different approaches to audio reproduction.

Sony’s refined tuning achieves near-perfection with the WH-1000XM6, offering a dark but balanced signature with tasteful bass boost and extended treble that adds atmosphere without harshness. The 30mm drivers, despite their compact size, deliver impressive audio clarity with a slightly more vivid 3D soundstage. Sony leans darker overall, with strong sub-bass presence ideal for pop and hip-hop, plus a surprising brightness peak around 16kHz that helps older recordings feel more lively. However, this tuning includes more dramatic swings and emphasis in the highs that can be difficult to EQ away.

Sennheiser prioritizes accuracy by sticking closer to our preference curve, avoiding extreme emphasis in lows or highs. This creates a more natural sound that’s easier to customize through EQ if needed. The frequency response shows fewer deviations from neutral, with only mild sub-bass lift and restrained treble that avoids fatigue-inducing peaks. For vinyl-era recordings or detailed mixes, Sennheiser may actually edge ahead depending on taste preferences, offering a smoother and more balanced foundation for critical listening.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The MDAQS algorithm rates the WH-1000XM6 slightly ahead of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless.

Sony scores a 4.9 in Timbre, 4.3 in Distortion, and 4.6 in Immersiveness, with a strong 4.8 overall — the highest for any WH-series to date. These ratings confirm what I heard: a clean, full-spectrum sound with low artifacts and good stereo depth even without spatial modes engaged.

Sennheiser isn’t far behind, with a 4.8 in Timbre, 3.5 in Distortion, and 4.1 in Immersiveness, netting a 4.6 overall. The slightly lower Immersiveness and Distortion scores reflect a more analytical sound signature and slightly less pronounced soundstage. Still, these scores make the MOMENTUM 4 one of the best-sounding wireless headphones under $400, and they offer a different flavor that some listeners may prefer.

Objective Measurements

Objectively, Sony leans darker, with more emphasis in the bass and a bit of brightness in the treble that can add perceived detail. I measured a strong sub-bass presence, ideal for pop and hip-hop, and a surprising Knowles-like peak around 16kHz. This tuning helps older recordings feel more lively but may be fatiguing for sensitive listeners on tracks with aggressive upper frequencies.

The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless hews closer to our ideal preference curve, with only a mild sub-bass lift and a restrained treble. Sennheiser’s frequency response avoids the pitfalls of over-enhanced highs, delivering a smoother, less fatiguing listen. In our lab tests, they performed reliably across genres and volume levels, and their out-of-the-box tuning required little correction. This makes them a safer choice for those chasing a balanced sound.

Do the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have a better microphone?

Sony takes a decisive win with its 6-microphone beamforming array enhanced by AI processing to isolate voice from environmental noise. The system performed excellently across ideal, street, and windy conditions in our lab testing. Sony clearly invested significant resources in voice clarity under challenging conditions, and the results speak for themselves.

Sennheiser’s microphone array handles quiet environments adequately but struggles with noise rejection in real-world scenarios. While it delivers usable audio for standard calls, the more aggressive noise processing on Sony’s system provides noticeably clearer results. However, some users have reported occasional over-processing artifacts with Sony’s system, though our testing suggests call quality limitations are more likely due to network conditions than the headphones themselves.

Sony WH-1000XM6 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WH-1000XM6 microphone demo (Wind conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless microphone demo (Wind conditions):

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless: Price and availability

At $449.99, the Sony WH-1000XM6 sits at the premium end of the ANC headphone market. That price reflects its feature-rich package, flagship branding, and incremental improvements over previous generations. It’s widely available from major retailers and occasionally sees modest discounts.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless retails for $350, offering compelling value at $100 less than Sony. As these headphones have matured in the market over nearly three years, the price has come down considerably from launch, making them an even better value proposition. For budget-conscious buyers seeking top-tier audio and exceptional battery life, the MOMENTUM 4 punches well above its weight class.

Should you get the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

The recommendation depends entirely on what you need your headphones to accomplish over the next 5 years.

Choose Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want:

• The strongest available ANC performance
• Cutting-edge spatial audio and upmixing features
• Superior microphone for calls and meetings
• Extensive app features with ongoing updates
• Latest Bluetooth standards and wireless tech

Sony delivers the most polished WH-series experience yet, with thoughtful design improvements and standout sound quality. It’s the clear choice for users who prioritize digital signal processing capabilities and are willing to pay a premium price.

Choose Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless if you prioritize:

• Exceptional 55+ hour battery life and longevity
• USB-C digital audio for future-proofing
• Superior comfort for extended wear
• More natural, easily customizable sound signature
• Better value at $100 less

Despite being nearly three years old, the MOMENTUM 4 offers practical advantages that may prove more valuable over time. The combination of USB-C audio support, exceptional battery life, and comfortable design makes it an excellent choice for users seeking reliable, long-term performance.

The future-proofing factor shouldn’t be overlooked. While Sony offers newer Bluetooth features, Sennheiser’s USB-C audio capability provides a crucial backup as connection standards evolve. With new wireless technologies like micropower Wi-Fi emerging, having reliable wired digital audio ensures compatibility regardless of future developments.

Both headphones deliver excellent performance — the “right” choice depends on whether you value cutting-edge features and maximum ANC (Sony) or practical longevity and superior value (Sennheiser).