Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Despite 80 years in the audio business, Sennheiser has flown somewhat under the radar in the consumer headphone space, at least compared to giants like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Beats. But its headphones deliver the kind of high-tech features, all-day comfort, and excellent sound quality you’d expect from a flagship headphone, often for less.
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 is the brand’s most popular over-ear headphones, and carries similar controls and features to Sony’s latest flagship headphones, the WH-1000XM6. But how does the Momentum 4 stack up against the XM6? We put both headphones to the test, evaluating design, sound quality, noise canceling, and more, to see how they compare.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
$249.95
$449.95
44% off
Buy Now at sennheiser
Buy Now on amazon
Pros: Great sound, comfortable fit, long battery
Cons: ANC outpaced by rivals, large case
Sony WH-1000XM6
$459.99
Buy Now at sony
Buy Now on amazon
Pros: Excellent ANC, more compact design, solid audio
Cons: Could use more padding, fussy app
Sennheiser Momentum 4
List Price: $449
Stated Battery Life: 60 Hours
Controls: Tap/Swipe on right earcup
Release Date: August 2022
Sony WH-1000XM6
List Price: $449
Stated Battery Life: 30 Hours
Control: Tap/Swipe on right earcup
Release Date: May 2025
Design and Construction
Both headphones feature a minimalist, plastic construction. The Momentum 4 headphones have a fairly anonymous design, with minimal branding on the headband. Sony’s headphones have a distinctive, bulky look, with the Sony logo subtly stamped on the hinges of the earcups. Both headphones will likely appeal to minimalists, who might be turned off by the more overt branding of brands like Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, and Beats.
Both headphones have earcups that fold, but the Momentum 4 headphone earcups don’t rotate, unlike the XM6s. That means the Momentum 4 case is somewhat larger and bulkier. The Momentum 4 headphones also feel heavier than the XM6s, although the Momentum 4 has a more plush headband and earcups, making up for the added bulk. Comfort is subjective, but I might give a slight edge to Sennheiser for the deeper, more plush earcups.
The Momentum 4 case comes with a charging cable, audio cable, as well as a two-pronged airplane adapter, which is a handy extra.
Features and Controls
Both the XM6 and Momentum 4 headphones have similar features; both use touch controls on the right earcup. Swiping up and down raises and lowers the volume, back and forth skips forward or back, while tapping controls playback. Sennheiser’s headphones also feature a two-finger pinch control that adjusts the transparency level of the noise canceling. It works, but it’s somewhat tricky to use without accidentally prompting a different command.
Like Apple’s AirPods Max, the Momentum 4 headphones feature a magnet in the case that automatically powers the headphones down. That means that when you put the headphones on, they’ll automatically power on and connect. Sony’s headphones, meanwhile, use a traditional power button.
Sennheiser’s headphones use the Smart Control+ app, while Sony’s use the Sound Connect app. Both have plenty of features, including the ability to adjust noise canceling, EQ, and adjust controls, although Sennheiser’s app is more straightforward.
Sound Quality and Noise Canceling
Both headphones deliver excellent audio quality — both hew to a more natural-sounding sonic profile, rather than overly emphasizing bass. Both have refined clarity and detail, as well as stereo imaging for an immersive listening experience.
And if you find the audio not immediately to your liking, both headphones have comprehensive EQ options in the app. In terms of pure audio performance, the slight edge would have to go to Sennheiser for its detailed but neutral sound.
Where Sony has the edge is in noise-canceling. Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 headphones do a capable job in this area, effectively handling a variety of daily noises and distractions. But Sony’s XM6 headphones are near the top of the pack when it comes to noise canceling. If ANC is your top priority, then you’ll likely favor the Sonys.
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 headphones have an advantage in battery life, with up to 60 hours, compared to Sony’s 30 hours. If you regularly forget to charge your headphones, you may prefer the massive battery life of the Momentum 4.
Verdict
Both headphones offer top-tier features, with Sennheiser triumphing in battery life, a more user-friendly app, and slightly refined sound. Sony leads with a lightweight build, a more compact carrying case, and top-tier ANC. If you frequently find yourself on loud trains and commutes, and ANC is a top priority, Sony’s headphones will likely be the ones you choose.
If sound quality is more important — and you can live with the occasional voice or distraction breaking through — then Sennheiser’s excellent headphones may be the better buy, particularly given their frequently on-sale price.
Overall, both headphones are standout options in the crowded market for noise-canceling headphones.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
$249.95
$449.95
44% off
Buy Now at sennheiser
Buy Now on amazon
Get this if: Sound quality and battery life are a priority
Sony WH-1000XM6
$459.99
Buy Now at sony
Buy Now on amazon
Get this if: You prioritize ANC and like a lot of features
