Headphones / WH-1000XM5 vs Momentum 4 Wireless
WH-1000XM5 vs Momentum 4 Wireless
WH-1000XM5
The value pick in the XM line now that the XM6 has launched.
Wins overall by 0.0 points
Quick Verdict
This is a close call. The WH-1000XM5 edges ahead by 0.0 points overall, but the Momentum 4 Wireless is still an excellent choice — especially if the battery-life and sound-quality champion for long trips.
The WH-1000XM5 and Momentum 4 Wireless are both current-generation headphones, and the Momentum 4 Wireless is $28.10 cheaper than the WH-1000XM5 ($299.95 vs $328). On battery, the Momentum 4 Wireless leads (9.8 vs 8.5/10) — playtime, standby, and charging speed. On call & mic quality, the WH-1000XM5 leads (8.9 vs 8.2/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. On noise cancelling, the WH-1000XM5 leads (9.3 vs 8.7/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.7/10 for the Momentum 4 Wireless, though the gap is close enough that your specific use case should decide it. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | WH-1000XM5 | Momentum 4 Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $328.00 | $299.95 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30 | 60✓ |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 40 | 60✓ |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 3✓ | 10 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Weight (g) | 250✓ | 293 |
| Driver Size (mm) | 30 | 42 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 8✓ | 4 |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 24 months |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, White, Graphite |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The WH-1000XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (40 hours with ANC off), while the Momentum 4 Wireless is rated for up to 60 hours with ANC on (60 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the WH-1000XM5 roughly 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute top-up, versus a 10-minute top-up for the Momentum 4 Wireless.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the WH-1000XM5 rates 9.3/10 versus 8.7/10 for the Momentum 4 Wireless. WH-1000XM5 carries the ANC edge overall in this matchup based on the combined scoring above — see the Scores section for the full category breakdown.
Comfort
The WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and scores 8.8/10 for comfort; the Momentum 4 Wireless weighs 293g and scores 8.5/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: WH-1000XM5 9.1/10, Momentum 4 Wireless 9.4/10. Driver size is 30mm on the WH-1000XM5 versus 42mm on the Momentum 4 Wireless — larger drivers don't guarantee better sound, but they're one input into tuning.
Calls & Microphone
The WH-1000XM5 uses a 8-microphone array and scores 8.9/10 for calls, while the Momentum 4 Wireless uses 4 microphones and scores 8.2/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 and does not fold flat; the Momentum 4 Wireless scores 9.2/10 and folds flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 7.2/10 for the WH-1000XM5 and 7.3/10 for the Momentum 4 Wireless. For latency-sensitive games, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Best For
Choose the WH-1000XM5 if…
- • You're on calls constantly and need clear mic pickup with background noise rejection.
- • Noise cancelling is your top priority — the WH-1000XM5 scores 9.3/10 for blocking ambient noise.
- • You wear headphones for hours at a time and need superior comfort.
- • Your main use case is commute or students.
Choose the Momentum 4 Wireless if…
- • You want maximum battery life — the Momentum 4 Wireless runs up to 60 hours on a charge.
- • You travel often and want reliable ANC, a compact fold, and long battery life on planes.
- • You want to spend less — it's $28.10 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is professionals.
Pros & Cons
WH-1000XM5
Pros
- +Excellent ANC for the price, especially now discounted
- +Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- +Mature, reliable app ecosystem
- +Strong resale/second-hand value given how common it is
Cons
- −Does not fold flat, bulkier to pack than the XM4
- −Fewer mics than the XM6, so calls are a step behind
- −No wear-detection auto pause improvement over predecessor
Momentum 4 Wireless
Pros
- +Class-leading 60-hour battery life
- +Excellent, detailed sound signature audiophiles favor
- +Widest codec support (aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC)
- +2-year warranty, longest of any brand here
Cons
- −Heavier and less streamlined design than rivals
- −Weakest microphone array of the flagship competitors
- −Touch controls are less precise than Sony/Bose
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the WH-1000XM5 or Momentum 4 Wireless better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which has better battery life, the WH-1000XM5 or the Momentum 4 Wireless?+
The Momentum 4 Wireless lasts longer, rated for up to 60 hours with ANC on versus 30 hours for the WH-1000XM5.
Is the WH-1000XM5 worth the price difference over the Momentum 4 Wireless?+
The Momentum 4 Wireless is the cheaper option at $299.95 versus $328. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in battery.
Which is better for travel, the WH-1000XM5 or the Momentum 4 Wireless?+
For travel, we weight battery life, ANC performance, and foldability. The Momentum 4 Wireless scores higher here (9.2/10).
Which has better noise cancelling?+
The WH-1000XM5 has the stronger ANC, scoring 9.3/10 versus 8.7/10.
Can I use the WH-1000XM5 and Momentum 4 Wireless for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the Momentum 4 Wireless scores better for gaming use (7.3/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the WH-1000XM5 and Momentum 4 Wireless support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint. Yes, the Momentum 4 Wireless supports multipoint too.
Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?+
The WH-1000XM5 scores higher on comfort (8.8/10), largely due to clamp force, padding, and weight — the WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and the Momentum 4 Wireless weighs 293g.
What's the warranty on the WH-1000XM5 vs the Momentum 4 Wireless?+
The WH-1000XM5 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Momentum 4 Wireless ships with a 24-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Premium Option
QC Ultra Headphones — $429.00