Sennheiser Momentum 4 Vs AirPods Max Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Summary

In this comparison of three premium headphones—the Sennheiser Momentum 4, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2, and Apple AirPods Max—the reviewer evaluates sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, and user experience. The Momentum 4 offers excellent battery life and noise cancellation but suffers from connectivity and comfort issues. The PX7 S2 stands out for its superior comfort, sound openness, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, making it the top pick. The AirPods Max, while impressive in some areas, fall short due to their short battery life. Ultimately, the PX7 S2 emerges as the most balanced choice.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Sound Quality**: The Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 delivers a balanced sound with clear mids and controlled bass, making it ideal for those who appreciate detailed instrumentals.
• 😀 **Comfort**: The PX7S2 is the most comfortable, offering a loose fit, spacious ear pads, and a well-padded headband, ideal for long listening sessions.
• 😀 **Battery Life**: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 leads the pack with an impressive 60 hours of battery life, significantly outlasting both the PX7S2 and AirPods Max.
• 😀 **Noise Cancellation (ANC)**: The Momentum 4 and AirPods Max provide excellent noise cancellation, especially for low frequencies, with the Momentum 4 excelling in higher-pitched noise blocking.
• 😀 **AirPods Max Battery Issues**: Despite premium features, the AirPods Max suffer from short battery life (20 hours) and quick battery drain when not in use.
• 😀 **Bluetooth Connectivity**: The Momentum 4 and PX7S2 support dual Bluetooth connections, offering versatility, whereas the AirPods Max excels in Apple ecosystem integration but lacks universal compatibility.
• 😀 **Build Quality**: The PX7S2 stands out for its premium materials, which are more refined compared to the Momentum 4, which has some compromises in build quality.
• 😀 **User Experience Issues**: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 has some software issues, such as failure to automatically connect to devices and overly sensitive touch controls, impacting the overall user experience.
• 😀 **Comfortable Fit**: While the Momentum 4 offers good noise cancellation, its firm fit and potential ear pad discomfort make it less ideal for extended wear compared to the PX7S2.
• 😀 **Price vs Performance**: The AirPods Max, while delivering great sound and build quality, are difficult to justify due to their high price, shorter battery life, and limited comfort for extended wear.

Q & A

What are the key features of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones offer a 60-hour battery life, excellent noise cancellation, a robust ambient mode with multiple features, and great sound quality. They also support both wired and wireless connections via USB-C or audio jack.

What are some issues the reviewer encountered with the Sennheiser Momentum 4?

The reviewer faced problems with automatic connection to devices, overly sensitive touchpads, and the headphones turning on while in the case. Additionally, the user experience was compromised by a firm fit, cramped ear pads, and a potential pressure point from the headband.

How does the comfort of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 compare to the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2?

The reviewer finds the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 more comfortable than the Sennheiser Momentum 4, citing a looser fit, more spacious ear pads, and a well-padded headband. The Momentum 4, on the other hand, has a firmer fit and potentially uncomfortable ear pads.

What advantages does the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offer over the Sennheiser Momentum 4?

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers better comfort due to a looser fit and more spacious ear pads. It also features superior instrument separation, making the sound more open compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Additionally, it doesn't face the connectivity issues that the Momentum 4 does.

What sound quality difference does the reviewer highlight between the Momentum 4 and the PX7 S2?

The reviewer notes that the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers better instrument separation, resulting in a more open sound, while the Sennheiser Momentum 4 provides more physicality in its bass. However, the PX7 S2 is considered to have a more balanced overall sound.

Why does the reviewer find it hard to recommend the Apple AirPods Max?

The reviewer finds it difficult to justify the price of the AirPods Max due to their short battery life and battery drain issues, which are significant drawbacks compared to the other headphones reviewed.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the noise-cancelling performance of the AirPods Max?

While the AirPods Max are acknowledged for their effective noise-cancelling abilities, the reviewer still struggles with the overall value, particularly due to other practical issues like battery life and power drain.

How do the Bluetooth connectivity issues affect the Sennheiser Momentum 4?

The Bluetooth connectivity issues with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are significant, as the headphones sometimes fail to automatically connect to devices, creating frustration for the user. This issue has been observed on multiple devices.

What materials are used in the construction of the Sennheiser Momentum 4, and how do they affect comfort?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 no longer uses premium materials in its construction, which contributes to discomfort. The ear pads are cramped, and the headband creates a pressure point, making the headphones less comfortable than other models like the PX7 S2.

What recommendation does the reviewer give for someone looking for the best overall headphones in this comparison?

The reviewer recommends the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 as the best overall headphones due to their superior comfort, sound quality, and stable Bluetooth connectivity. Despite the Sennheiser Momentum 4's strong performance on paper, the reviewer prefers the PX7 S2 for its balance of features and user experience.