Review: Sennheiser Gets Its Right With Momentum TW 4

What’s new? 

The new Sennheiser Momentum TW 4 buds are costlier than the TW3 buds. They are clad with top-of-the-line features that will help them remain relevant for a prolonged period, which is exactly what we’d expect from earbuds that cost Rs 18,990. 

We have features like Sennheiser signature sound, adaptive noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4 and a runtime of up to 30 hours in the Momentum TW 4. 

Design 

These are hands down one of the most well-built TWS earbuds we have used in a while. The edges are clean and there is a bit of a weight to each earbud. The attention to detail in the design as well as execution is commendable. The textile cover on the case exudes class and Sennheiser’s design brilliance. 

The case, however, is a different story. The textile outer shell on the case is classic Sennheiser and exudes a very classy vibe. Each and every detail is exactly where it needs to be. One particular thing, however, that could have been better is the USB-C charging port. It is located right at the centre and in the middle of the case.   

Performance 

The audio output of the Momentum TW4 is noteworthy. The rich clarity in audio makes the experience of listening to music and podcasts and watching online content simple and delightful. Coming from Sennheiser, expectations were already high and it is safe to say that Sennheiser almost nailed it. 

Right off the bat, as we heard a bunch of tracks, we came to the conclusion that the Momentum TW4 are not as bassy as an Indian audiophile would want it to be. The overall sound profile is good and holistic and apart from a little more bass, I don’t see anyone left wanting for more. 

Sennheiser gives full control over the equalizer via the app and there’s also a sound personalization feature that allows users to create a custom audio profile that’s tuned to your unique hearing characteristics. I largely kept the earbuds in their default mode and wasn’t disappointed. 

So, the way the noise cancellation usually works is that the hardware in the war buds analyses the ambient sound and applies the ANC to neutralise it. The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 is no different. We found the TW4’s ANC to be more than adequate and enough to block out irrelevant and unnecessary noise to help us focus on what we were doing. When it comes to the transparency mode, despite being able to hear almost everything around us, we did feel it could have been better given the hefty price tag of the product. The thing that caught our attention is that via the Sennheiser Smart Control application, users can set up specific ‘zones’. For instance, if someone wants a complete noise blackout in coffee shops, they can set it up like that. 

For those who prefer lossless audio in their music listening experience, the Momentum TW 4 hits the right chords as Sennheiser makes sure that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound tech delivers bit-by-bit lossless audio. As long as users have a music service that offers high-resolution audio, this will work. 

The earbuds also do a great job in the calling department. They act as perfect instruments for calls thanks to the six-microphone array that operates Sennheiser’s AI voice algorithm which separates the users’ voice from background noise. 

Connectivity 

There are definitely bigger changes made on the tech front. We have a redesigned antennae and a new Bluetooth technology stack. Together, they work seamlessly. For instance, the buds connect instantly once taken out of the case. Bluetooth v5.4 is effective and so do LE Audio and Auracast. 

There is a section where users can select the level of audio quality they prefer. Gamers, for instance, can use low-latency mode that becomes a good choice for a Nintendo Switch, an Asus ROG Ally or smartphones. 

Users can also connect two devices at once. So, if you want to connect the Momentum TW 4 earbuds to your computer and smartphone, feel free to do so. 

Battery 

With up to 6 to 7 hours of battery life per full charge, the TW 4 offers a substantial run time in one go. If you add the case here too, you get up to 30 hours of total run time. Not only this, Sennheiser really won some points here by offering an option to allow charging to only 80 per cent as we see in smartphones these days. 

Verdict: Is the Sennheiser Momentum TW 4 worth it? 

Sennheiser Momentum TW4 is a classy product that puts the brand among some of the top TWS makers in the market. The audio tech company’s new gambit comes in the form of feature-rich earbuds that promise great audio with options for customisation. The Momentum TW4, just like its predecessor, assures optimum quality and acute attention to detail. 

It needs to be said out loud that the Sennheiser Momentum TW 4 is made out of a different cloth altogether. Touching the case itself is a testament to the brand’s commitment to making top-notch products. 

If we compare it to the previous version, the TW 3, there is an immense level of improvement. The sound signature, the design and most importantly, connectivity, all aspects have been carefully tended to. 

So, what’s missing? The brand completely ignored TWS gimmicks like special audio, surround sound, 3D audio, Dolby Atmos or event head movements/gestures. We felt that Sennheiser was careful in selecting the features it wanted to offer its customers. The mobile application is the cherry on top. The app allows users to customise their sound in the manner they wish to. 

In conclusion, these IP54-rated earbuds sound great regardless of what device you connect them to. They are better than the TW 3 earbuds and on par with the competition. Covering all bases like an expensive pair of TWS earbuds should, the Sennheiser Momentum TW 4 impresses with its audio prowess, design etiquette and aesthetics. 

Deep Majumdar

BW Reporters is a Senior Correspondent at BW Businessworld who writes on consumer technology