AirPods Max & Sennheiser Momentum 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the AirPods Max rather than the Sennheiser Momentum 4.
Why Do I Recommend The AirPods Max?
- The Apple AirPods Max features dynamic head-tracking Spatial Audio for an immersive surround-sound experience that adapts to head movement, enhancing movie and music playback compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4.
- Apple AirPods Max includes the H1 chip in each ear cup for ultra-fast wireless connectivity, seamless device switching, and low audio latency across Apple devices, compared to the Momentum 4’s standard Bluetooth implementation.
- It supports Adaptive EQ to adjusts the audio based on ear fit and seal to deliver consistent, rich sound quality, compared to the Momentum 4’s manual EQ presets.
- The Apple AirPods Max features seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem for auto-switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac to allow smoother transitions during multitasking, compared to the Momentum 4’s traditional Bluetooth multipoint.
- Apple AirPods Max supports Find My tracking functionality to locate misplaced headphones easily within the iCloud network, which is not available on the Momentum 4.
- It includes a precision-machined aluminum ear cup design for a premium feel and enhanced durability, compared to the plastic housing of the Momentum 4.
- The Apple AirPods Max comes with memory foam ear cushions for superior passive noise isolation and long-term wearing comfort, while the Momentum 4 has the softer leatherette pads.
- Apple AirPods Max features intuitive Digital Crown controls for precise volume adjustment, playback control, and Siri activation without relying on touch gestures compared to the Momentum 4’s touch surface.
Maybe the Sennheiser Momentum 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods Max. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | AirPods Max | Sennheiser Momentum 4 |
| Audio Codecs Supported | AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive |
| Driver Type | 40mm custom dynamic driver | 42mm transducer system |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Adaptive ANC via H1 chip | Hybrid ANC with adjustable intensity |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | No |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Siri only | Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Battery Life (ANC ON) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 60 hours |
| Fast Charging | 5 min = 1.5 hrs | 5 min = 4 hrs |
| Charging Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wired Playback Support | Via Lightning to 3.5mm | Yes |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 293 g |
| Materials Used | Aluminum, stainless steel, mesh headband | Plastic, fabric-padded headband |
| Ear Cup Padding | Memory foam | Leatherette |
| Smart Features | Head detection, auto-switch, Find My | Auto-pause, Sound Zones, Sidetone |
| Device Tracking | Yes | No |
| Platform Optimization | Apple ecosystem | iOS and Android |
| Firmware Updates | Via iOS device only | Via app |
| Carrying Case | Soft Smart Case | Hardshell protective travel case |
| Headband Adjustability | Telescoping stainless steel arms | Stepless sliding mechanism |
| Color Options | Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Pink, Green | Black, White |
| Price | Check AirPods Max Price | Check Momentum 4 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Over-Ear Design: Both headphones use a full-size over-ear (circumaural) design that envelops the ears, contributing to better passive noise isolation and a more immersive audio experience ideal for long listening sessions.
- Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity: Each model supports Bluetooth wireless streaming, eliminating the need for cables and ensuring compatibility with smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both the AirPods Max and Momentum 4 feature advanced ANC technology that intelligently reduces ambient noise, allowing for distraction-free listening in loud environments such as public transport or offices.
- Transparency Mode: Each headphone includes a transparency or ambient mode, allowing users to let outside sounds in—ideal for hearing announcements, conversations, or traffic without removing the headset.
- Custom Dynamic Drivers: Both use specially designed dynamic drivers that deliver high-fidelity sound, with deep bass, rich mids, and clear highs, ensuring premium audio quality regardless of genre.
- Auto Play / Pause: The headphones feature automatic play/pause functions based on whether you are wearing them, using sensors to detect when they are on your head or taken off.
- Head Detection Technology: On-head detection allows for seamless user experience—audio playback stops when the headphones are removed and resumes when worn again.
- Built-in Microphones: Both models include beamforming microphones that enable clear voice calls and also contribute to effective ANC by filtering out environmental noise.
- Multipoint or Seamless Device Switching: While AirPods Max enables fast switching between Apple devices using iCloud, the Momentum 4 supports traditional Bluetooth multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously (e.g., phone + laptop).
- Voice Assistant Integration: Each supports voice control with digital assistants. AirPods Max works with Siri, and the Momentum 4 supports Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa.
- Fast Charging: Both headphones support fast charging technologies that allow several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging—great for quick top-ups.
- Wired Listening Option: While implemented differently, both headphones support wired audio—AirPods Max with a Lightning-to-3.5mm cable (sold separately) and Momentum 4 with a standard included 3.5mm cable.
- Comfortable Padding: Each model prioritizes long-session comfort with plush ear cushions—memory foam in AirPods Max and soft leatherette in Momentum 4—minimizing fatigue.
- Closed-Back, Noise-Isolating Design: The closed-back over-ear construction passively blocks external sounds and prevents sound leakage, enhancing immersion and privacy.
- Firmware Update Support: Both devices can be updated with new features and bug fixes—AirPods Max via Apple devices and Momentum 4 via the Sennheiser Smart Control app.
- Premium Build Quality Intent: Each model is built with a premium experience in mind, with sturdy materials and refined aesthetics that appeal to discerning users.
- Travel Case Provided: Though the designs differ, both include a travel case for protection on the go, enhancing portability and safe storage.
- Call Functionality: Both are equipped for high-quality audio calls, leveraging multiple microphones and intelligent processing to suppress background noise and focus on your voice.
Common Features
| Feature | AirPods Max | Sennheiser Momentum 4 |
| Over-Ear Design | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| High-Fidelity Audio Drivers | Custom dynamic drivers | Custom dynamic drivers |
| Auto Pause / Play | Yes | Yes |
| On-Head Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphones | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Playback Option | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort-Focused Padding | Yes | Yes |
| Noise-Isolating Design | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Build Intent | Yes | Yes |
| Travel-Friendly Case | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Call Functionality | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check AirPods Max Price | Check Momentum 4 Price |
