Apple AirPods 4 / Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4

Apple AirPods 4: AirPods 4 (2024), the basic model without active noise cancellation; USB‑C charging case. The same-design AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro models are separate.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4: MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 (2024); Black Graphite 700365, White Silver 700366, Black Copper 700367 (Denim and Gold were added later). The over-ear MOMENTUM 4 Wireless and the in-ear MOMENTUM True Wireless 3/5 are separate models.

SpecificationApple AirPods 4Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
Release year20242024
TypeOpen-fit (no silicone tips) wireless earbuds; USB‑C charging case

This is the basic AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation. The identical-looking “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation” is a separate product.

Apple		True wireless stereo in-ear earbuds; ear-canal fit with ear fins

The box includes four sets of ear tips (XS/S/M/L) and three sets of ear fins (S/M/L).

Sennheiser
Audio technologyCustom high‑excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ

Adaptive EQ tunes the sound to the fit in the ear. Spatial Audio needs supported content; the personal profile is created with an iPhone that has a TrueDepth camera.

Apple		—
Noise controlVent system for pressure equalisation; active noise cancellation only on the separately sold ANC model

At launch Apple offered two distinct models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. This model has an open design that does not seal the ear canal.

Apple		—
ChipH2 headphone chip

H2 enables Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions with head gestures and Personalised Spatial Audio.

Apple		—
Microphones and sensorsDual beamforming microphones, inward‑facing microphone, optical in‑ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor

The speech-detecting accelerometer helps detect when you are speaking; the optical sensor resumes playback when the bud is put in.

Apple		—
ControlsPress the stem: once to play/pause or answer, twice to skip forward or end a call, three times to skip back, press and hold for Siri; “Siri” voice activation; nod or shake your head to answer calls

Apple’s control list does not include volume adjustment on the stem.

Apple		—
DurabilityIP54 dust, sweat and water resistance (earbuds and case)

According to Apple this is for non-water sports and exercise; resistance is not permanent and may decrease with wear. Do not charge when wet.

Apple		IP54 dust and splash resistance (earbuds only)

The charging case is not covered by the IP rating.

Sennheiser
BatteryUp to 5 hours listening per charge; up to 30 hours total with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour listening

Apple measured these figures at 50% volume with Spatial Audio off.

Apple		Up to 7.5 hours per charge (ANC off) / up to 7 hours (ANC on); up to 30 hours total with the case; lithium-ion, 75 mAh per earbud, 820 mAh case

Times were measured with an iPhone at medium volume (85 dB). According to Sennheiser, 8 minutes of charging gives about 1 hour of playback; the battery protect mode in the app slows charging and slightly lowers maximum capacity to extend battery lifespan.

Sennheiser
ChargingCharging case with USB‑C port; USB‑C cable sold separately

Apple says the case is more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor. Charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger is specific to the ANC model.

Apple		USB-C socket on the case (5 V, 1,000 mA max) and Qi wireless charging

A USB-C cable is in the box; there is no adapter.

Sennheiser
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3

It works as a Bluetooth headset with Android and other devices, but Apple says functions may be limited. Full features require current iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS.

Apple		—
Size and weightEarbud: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm, 4.3 g; case: 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, 32.3 g Apple—
AccessibilityLive Listen, headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations Apple—
Driver—TrueResponse dynamic, 7 mm; 5 Hz–21 kHz; 107 dB SPL (1 kHz / 1 mW)

According to Sennheiser, audio resolution up to 24-bit/96 kHz is supported with a compatible source.

Sennheiser
Noise cancellation—Hybrid ANC, adaptive to surroundings; Transparency Mode

Adaptive mode sets the cancellation level automatically for the surrounding noise; Transparency Mode lets outside sound in without removing the earbuds.

Sennheiser
Bluetooth and codecs—Bluetooth 5.4 (Classic and LE Audio); SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive/Lossless, LC3; A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, TMAP, PBP

aptX Lossless needs a Snapdragon Sound phone that supports it; an iPhone uses AAC. According to Sennheiser, Auracast broadcast listening only arrives through a firmware update. Multipoint lets it switch between two devices.

Sennheiser
Microphones—3 MEMS microphones per earbud (6 in total), beamforming noise reduction; 100 Hz–10 kHz Sennheiser
Weight and size—Single earbud 6.2 g; case 66.4 g; total 72.4 g; 70.1 × 44.6 × 34.8 mm with the case Sennheiser
App—Sennheiser Smart Control for iOS and Android: 5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones, touch control settings

Sound Personalization was developed with Fraunhofer IDMT and builds a sound profile from the user’s reactions to sample sounds.

Sennheiser
Operating conditions—Operating 0 to +40 °C; charging 5 to 35 °C Sennheiser