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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience and integration with Apple devices, the AirPods (3rd generation) might serve you well at a lower cost; they're designed for seamless pairing with iPhones and have features like "Hey Siri" voice activation. However, if sound quality and longer listening sessions are more important to you, you may prefer the Sennheiser Momentum 4. They typically offer superior sound with active noise cancellation for immersive listening and are comfortable for extended use. Keep in mind that the Momentum 4 might also have better battery life but will generally be pricier. If you take calls or attend virtual meetings, check if the microphone quality meets your needs as this can vary between models. The AirPods' microphone is usually well-tuned for calls but Sennheiser usually offers good quality as well. Remember, while both are good options, your personal usage and device ecosystem should guide your choice. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
9.0
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
6.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is only fair.
TV and Video
5.5
8.9
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
59.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 has 59 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$250
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 costs $250.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.5
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Sennheiser Momentum 4 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Sennheiser Momentum 4 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Sennheiser Momentum 4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $250 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sennheiser | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 59 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Sennheiser Momentum 4
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | January 2023
"If you're looking for a slightly more affordable set of ANC headphones in comparison to the Bose or Sony offerings: the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is not a bad way to go. While its ANC is technically behind the other top-tier headphones, its sound quality is ahead of the pack—as is its battery life. Not bad for $350 USD."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Sennheiser Momentum 4
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sennheiser
A family-owned company, Sennheiser is a German, high fidelity, audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1945. Their consumer audio division is now owned by the Swiss hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer Sonova. Sennheiser offers a wide variety of, very high quality, audio equipment solutions, from headphones to earbuds, full sets of monitoring speakers, amplifiers and microphones. They also make what is widely regarded as the best, and most expensive, headphones in existence, the HE-1 Orpheus, costing a whopping $59,000 dollars.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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