Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 — Battle of the Bluetooth Flagships

If you’re shopping for high-end wireless headphones in 2025, two names are likely topping your shortlist: the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4. These premium over-ear Bluetooth headphones represent the best of what Sony and Sennheiser have to offer in the consumer ANC space. But with both offering excellent features like long battery life, noise cancellation, and spacious sound, choosing between them isn’t easy. What really sets these two apart? Let’s dive deep into both headphones and see which model best fits your listening lifestyle.

What You Get

Look & Feel

While the Momentum 4 has a solid build for the price, the XM6 went out of its way to make tons of improvements to its previous iteration. It results in a sleeker, more robust design that I prefer overall to Sennheiser’s model. It’s the easy choice, especially if you need headphones that fold in. The Momentum 4 has a standard look to it, with a looser fit that might be what you prefer. I like the tighter pinch the XM6 has over the Momentum 4, as it feels more snug and secure without any added pressure.

Design & Functionality

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Sony XM6 are dynamic driver headphones with a similar level of output power. Neither are the loudest Bluetooth headphones, but they get to a comfortable enough level to enjoy. What you’re probably most interested in is their noise-canceling, but it’s safe to say that the XM6 is the clear victor here. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, though, knowing Sony’s ANC technology leads the industry. The Momentum 4 has serviceable noise-canceling, but the XM6 is dead quiet in comparison. Where the XM6 continues to outshine the Momentum 4 is with its highly responsive and intuitive touch gestures. Whether it’s swiping up and down on the right earcup to adjust volume or taking advantage of the wear sensors, the XM6 is a better headphone to use when it comes to controls. Sony also has a superior companion app, with a better EQ and tons of customization.

Bluetooth

The Sony XM6 is a slight step above the Momentum 4 in terms of the version of Bluetooth they use. You get Bluetooth version 5.3 with the XM6, with the Momentum 4 supporting version 5.2. If you’re an Android user, then you’ll get more use out of the XM6 with its LDAC support.

Battery Life

Where the Momentum 4 has the XM6 beat is in its battery life. The XM6 only has a playtime of around 30-40 hours, while the Momentum 4 can be used for almost 60 hours.

Soundstage

The Sony XM6’s spatial capabilities are easy to be wowed by, especially since you can use it with all of your audio now. While the XM6 features good spatial imaging for Bluetooth headphones, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 still outshines it in terms of accuracy. Each new version of the Sony 1000x model is able to make improvements with soundstage width and separation, but the Momentum 4 was already at the same level from the day it launched. Sound elements have a precise position on the Momentum 4, while the XM6 has instruments that float around in comparison. This might not be an issue if you’re just trying to enjoy your tracks and exact placement doesn’t bother you. The XM6 is spacious, and the 3D audio is fun, but the Momentum sounds more like the track in its natural form.

Low End

It’s hard to match the booming tone of Sony’s 1000x models, and the XM6 has its punchiest yet. However, listening to the XM6 and Momentum 4 back to back, you quickly realize just how muffled Sony’s model is in comparison. Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 features a much cleaner response while also offering a rich impact similar to the XM6 but with more finesse. The Momentum 4 is a tighter tone that doesn’t fill the low end with loose resonance, which is a constant issue I have with the 1000x models. If you prioritize having the fullest and thickest tone possible, you will enjoy the XM6 more than the Momentum 4. Those who are looking for a more natural timbre without sacrificing impact will prefer the Momentum 4.

Mids

Both the XM6 and Momentum 4 have similar recession in their midrange, but they still both showcase different levels of resolve. The XM6 certainly has a messy midrange response, but it still shows prominence compared to past versions of the 1000x series. Compared to the Momentum 4, the XM6 has less detail but is also smoother. With the Momentum 4, you’ll hear better note clarity and dynamics in the midrange.

Highs

If you’re worried about high-frequency information being too prominent in either headphones, you’ll most likely prefer the XM6. It has a more relaxed tone, while the Momentum 4 offers more sparkle and crisp frequencies. Both sound signatures are pretty defined in what they’re trying to do in this region, so it’s easier to come to a conclusion on which one you prefer.

Summary

If you value industry-leading noise cancellation, sleek folding design, smart touch controls, and Android-optimized features like LDAC, then the WH-1000XM6 is your clear winner. Sony has refined its flagship series yet again, creating a headphone that excels in usability and immersive audio experience. However, if your top priorities are natural sound fidelity, longer battery life, and cleaner bass and midrange clarity, the Momentum 4 earns serious points. It might not have the flashiest ANC or app integration, but its acoustic tuning delivers one of the most refined Bluetooth sound signatures on the market. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a top-tier listening experience. But understanding your personal listening habits and feature preferences will ensure you pick the one that truly fits your needs.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Sennehsier Momentum 4 are available at Audio46.