Sennheiser Momentum 3 Vs Momentum 4: Which Should You Buy?
If you’re an audiophile looking for a premium pair of wireless over-ear headphones, you may be trying to decide between the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and the newer Momentum 4. Both are high-end models with excellent sound, but have some key differences.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Momentum 4 headphones are the better overall choice for most people. They have a more comfortable fit, USB-C charging, improved noise cancelling and slightly better sound quality. However, the Momentum 3 is still an excellent option, especially if found at a lower price point.
Design and Comfort
When it comes to choosing between the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 headphones, design and comfort are important factors to consider. Both models offer sleek and stylish designs that reflect Sennheiser’s commitment to quality.
Materials and build quality
The materials used in the construction of headphones play a significant role in their durability and overall build quality.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 headphones feature high-quality materials such as genuine leather and stainless steel accents, giving them a premium and luxurious feel.
On the other hand, the Momentum 4 headphones take it a step further with the use of premium materials like sheepskin leather and brushed metal finishes, providing an even more refined and elegant look.
Weight and adjustability
Wearing headphones for extended periods can become uncomfortable if they are too heavy or lack proper adjustability.
The Momentum 3 headphones strike a good balance, weighing in at a comfortable 305 grams and offering adjustable headbands to ensure a snug fit.
The Momentum 4 headphones, however, are even lighter at 280 grams, making them more suitable for long listening sessions without causing any strain on the neck or head.
Additionally, both models have adjustable earcups that can be rotated and tilted to fit various head shapes and sizes.
Earcup design and padding
The design and padding of the earcups greatly contribute to the overall comfort of the headphones.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 headphones feature soft memory foam earpads that provide a plush and comfortable fit, allowing for extended use without any discomfort.
The Momentum 4 headphones take it up a notch with a new design that incorporates a combination of memory foam and adaptive padding, ensuring maximum comfort and a better seal to block out external noise.
In a comparison of design and comfort, both the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 headphones offer exceptional quality and comfort.
However, the Momentum 4 headphones take it a step further with their use of premium materials and improved padding, making them an excellent choice for those seeking the utmost in comfort and style.
Sound Quality
When it comes to choosing between the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 headphones, sound quality is a crucial factor to consider. Both models are renowned for delivering exceptional audio experiences, but they do have some differences that may impact your decision.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of headphones determines the range of frequencies they can reproduce.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 has a frequency response of 6Hz to 22kHz, while the Momentum 4 boasts an extended range of 4Hz to 40kHz. This wider frequency range of the Momentum 4 allows for more detailed and accurate audio reproduction, especially in the higher frequencies.
If you’re an audiophile or someone who appreciates the finer details in music, the Momentum 4’s enhanced frequency response might be the ideal choice for you.
Drivers
Sennheiser headphones are known for their high-quality drivers, which are responsible for converting electrical signals into sound waves. The Momentum 3 features 42mm dynamic drivers, while the Momentum 4 takes it up a notch with 50mm dynamic drivers.
The larger drivers in the Momentum 4 can deliver more powerful and impactful bass, as well as improved overall sound clarity. If you enjoy bass-heavy music genres or simply crave a more immersive audio experience, the Momentum 4’s larger drivers might be the better option for you.
Sound Signature
The sound signature of headphones refers to the unique way they reproduce audio, including the emphasis on certain frequencies.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 is known for its balanced sound signature, providing a well-rounded audio experience across different genres.
On the other hand, the Momentum 4 offers a slightly warmer sound signature, which means it accentuates the lower frequencies for a richer and more captivating sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the two sound signatures depends on your personal preference and the type of music you primarily listen to.
Noise Cancelling
Noise cancelling technology has become a crucial feature for many headphone users, offering a more immersive and enjoyable audio experience.
Both the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 provide excellent noise cancelling capabilities, but there are some differences to consider.
ANC Modes
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 offers three different Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) modes: Max, Anti-Wind, and Anti-Pressure. The Max mode provides the highest level of noise cancellation, perfect for blocking out noisy environments during travel or in crowded places.
The Anti-Wind mode is designed to reduce wind noise, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The Anti-Pressure mode is specifically tailored for reducing the pressure sensation that some people may experience while wearing headphones.
On the other hand, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 introduces a new Transparent Hearing mode, which allows you to hear ambient sounds while still enjoying your music.
Microphones
The quality of the microphones used in active noise cancelling headphones can greatly affect their performance.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 features advanced microphones that capture and analyze ambient noise, allowing the headphones to generate an inverse sound wave to cancel out unwanted sounds. These microphones are strategically placed to ensure effective noise cancellation.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4, on the other hand, takes it a step further with even more advanced microphones that offer improved noise cancellation and voice clarity during calls or voice commands.
Leakage Cancellation
One common concern with noise cancelling headphones is sound leakage, where the audio from your headphones can be heard by people nearby.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 tackles this issue with its leakage cancellation technology, which minimizes sound leakage and ensures a more private listening experience. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 takes it a step further by incorporating enhanced leakage cancellation, making it even more effective at preventing sound leakage.
Features and Controls
When comparing the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 headphones, it’s essential to consider their features and controls. Both models come with a range of impressive functionalities that enhance the overall listening experience.
Connectivity options
Both the Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 offer excellent connectivity options. They support Bluetooth technology, allowing you to connect wirelessly to your devices. This means you can enjoy your favorite music or podcasts without the hassle of tangled cords.
Additionally, these headphones feature NFC pairing, making it quick and effortless to connect to compatible devices.
Voice assistant support
Another notable feature of the Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 headphones is their support for voice assistants. With just a simple voice command, you can access your favorite virtual assistant, such as Siri or Google Assistant.
This convenient feature allows you to control your music, make calls, or get information without having to reach for your phone.
Touch controls
The Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 headphones both come with intuitive touch controls, giving you easy access to various functions. Whether you want to adjust the volume, skip tracks, or answer calls, you can do so with a simple swipe or tap on the earcup.
These touch controls provide a seamless and hassle-free way to navigate your audio experience.
Battery life
Battery life is an important consideration when choosing headphones, and both the Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 offer impressive longevity. The Momentum 3 boasts a battery life of up to 17 hours, while the Momentum 4 takes it a step further with up to 22 hours of playback time.
This means you can enjoy your music for extended periods without needing to recharge. Additionally, both models support fast charging, allowing you to get back to your music in no time.
Price and Value
When it comes to deciding between the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4, price and value are important factors to consider.
Let’s take a closer look at the retail price comparison, frequency of deals/discounts, and resale value over time for both models.
Retail price comparison
The retail price is often the first thing consumers consider when making a purchase decision. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 both come with premium features, but their prices differ.
As of the time of writing, the Momentum 3 is priced at $200, while the Momentum 4 is priced at $300. It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
Frequency of deals/discounts
When it comes to deals and discounts, it’s worth keeping an eye out for special promotions or seasonal sales.
The Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 models may go on sale during events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Additionally, retailers may offer discounts or bundle deals throughout the year.
Checking websites like Amazon or Best Buy can help you find the best prices and take advantage of any ongoing deals.
Resale value over time
Another aspect to consider is the resale value of the headphones over time. While it’s difficult to predict the exact future value, Sennheiser headphones have generally held their value quite well.
The Momentum series, known for its quality and durability, tends to maintain a good resale value compared to other headphones in the market. This means that if you decide to upgrade or sell your Sennheiser Momentum headphones in the future, you can expect a decent return on your investment.
Ultimately, the decision between the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 comes down to your budget and personal preferences. It’s important to weigh the features, retail price, frequency of deals/discounts, and potential resale value to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and Momentum 4 are excellent noise-cancelling headphones, the Momentum 4 does edge out its predecessor in several key areas like comfort, USB-C charging, and improved noise cancellation.
However, with frequent discounts, the Momentum 3 remains a compelling option for those who want to save some money without sacrificing too much performance. Consider your budget and feature needs to decide which model is the better choice for you.
Whether you choose the Momentum 3 or the Momentum 4, both models offer exceptional sound quality and comfort, making them a great choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
