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For stronger noise isolation, choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen); for longer battery life and the sound presentation praised in one direct comparison, choose Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Bose also has a slight comfort advantage in RTINGS’ comparison, but fit and sound preference vary from person to person. One important distinction: battery test results for the original QuietComfort Ultra do not establish the second-generation model’s endurance.
Which headphones cancel noise better?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the safer pick if blocking surrounding noise is your main concern. RTINGS’ direct comparison favors the second-generation Bose for noise isolation. SoundGuys also found stronger isolation from Bose than from MOMENTUM 4, but its comparison tested the original QuietComfort Ultra, not the 2nd Gen. Sennheiser specifies hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) for MOMENTUM 4; that feature description does not mean it matches Bose’s measured isolation.
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If you take frequent flights or commute in noisy surroundings, prioritize the Bose advantage. For everyday listening where battery life or sound character matters more, the difference in isolation may not outweigh MOMENTUM 4’s strengths.
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Which pair is more comfortable for long listening?
RTINGS describes Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as somewhat more comfortable than MOMENTUM 4. In SoundGuys’ review of the original QuietComfort Ultra, its padding was described as glasses-friendly; the reviewer also noted that MOMENTUM 4’s headband could press when adjusted too tightly. Those are reviewer observations, not guarantees about how either model will fit you.
#1 Best Overall
- Seamless Firmware & App Updates: Enjoy a smoother, more reliable experience with the latest firmware and Smart Control Plus app features for your over the ear Bluetooth headphones, including ANC toggle and touchpad off switch for premium music quality
- Audiophile-Inspired Sound : Sennheiser wireless over-ear headphones over with signature sound, 42mm transducers and aptX Adaptive deliver crystal-clear audio and deep, immersive music. Ideal for music lovers and travelers
- Personalized Listening Experience: Tailor your sound on these wireless over ear headphones via the Smart Control Plus app with integrated equalizer, presets, and sound modes for a unique custom audio profile, whether used for music, podcasts, or gaming
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode: Block distractions or stay aware of your surroundings with these Bluetooth headphones for uninterrupted music enjoyment anywhere, ideal for commuters, students, and professionals
- Exceptional Comfort & Long Battery Life: These Sennheiser wireless noise cancelling headphones are lightweight, foldable and designed with a cushioned headband and ear pads; enjoy up to 60 hours of long-lasting comfort playback with fast charging capability
Head shape, glasses, clamp pressure and the way you wear a headband all affect comfort. If possible, try both on before buying, especially if you expect to wear them for hours at a time.
How do they sound?
SoundGuys preferred MOMENTUM 4’s sound out of the box in its comparison with the original QuietComfort Ultra. Treat that as a reviewer’s listening judgment, not an objective ranking: preferences for tonal balance and immersive processing are personal. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer immersive audio features that some listeners may prefer.
If sound is your deciding factor, audition both with familiar tracks or adjust their sound settings to your taste. MOMENTUM 4 supports SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth, according to Sennheiser’s product specifications. Codec support depends on the playback device and does not by itself determine sound quality.
Rank #2
- Seamless Firmware & App Updates: Enjoy a smoother, more reliable experience with the latest firmware and Smart Control Plus app features for your over the ear Bluetooth headphones, including ANC toggle and touchpad off switch for premium music quality
- Audiophile-Inspired Sound : Sennheiser wireless over-ear headphones over with signature sound, 42mm transducers and aptX Adaptive deliver crystal-clear audio and deep, immersive music. Ideal for music lovers and travelers
- Personalized Listening Experience: Tailor your sound on these wireless over ear headphones via the Smart Control Plus app with integrated equalizer, presets, and sound modes for a unique custom audio profile, whether used for music, podcasts, or gaming
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode: Block distractions or stay aware of your surroundings with these Bluetooth headphones for uninterrupted music enjoyment anywhere, ideal for commuters, students, and professionals
- Exceptional Comfort & Long Battery Life: These Sennheiser wireless noise cancelling headphones are lightweight, foldable and designed with a cushioned headband and ear pads; enjoy up to 60 hours of long-lasting comfort playback with fast charging capability
Which lasts longer between charges?
MOMENTUM 4 has the better-supported battery case. Sennheiser rates it for up to 60 hours of Bluetooth music playback with ANC, specifying an iPhone at medium volume as the test condition. That is a manufacturer rating, not a guarantee for every device, volume or use pattern. Sennheiser also says a full charge takes about two hours and that five minutes of charging can provide up to four hours of playback.
In its 2025 test, SoundGuys measured 56 hours 21 minutes for MOMENTUM 4 with ANC and 27 hours 37 minutes for the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The Bose test result is not for QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), so it should not be used as the second-generation model’s battery figure. The available evidence supports a strong endurance case for Sennheiser, but does not establish a directly comparable Bose 2nd Gen test result.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about wired listening and device compatibility?
Sennheiser lists Bluetooth 5.2 and the SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs for MOMENTUM 4. Its U.S. product page lists a 1.2 m auxiliary cable, USB-C charging cable and carry case in the box. An auxiliary connection can serve as a wired fallback, but these details do not establish that wired listening is lossless.
Rank #3
- brand: Sennheiser
Bose features can vary by generation and firmware. What Hi-Fi? reported on September 29, 2026, that Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) firmware 10.12.12 added LE Audio support, while noting that LE Audio is unavailable on Apple devices. Since updates and compatibility can change, check Bose’s official support information and confirm compatibility with your phone or computer before treating LE Audio as a buying factor.
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| What matters most | Better fit based on available comparisons | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Noise isolation | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | RTINGS favors the 2nd Gen for noise isolation over MOMENTUM 4. |
| Battery endurance | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless | Sennheiser rates it for up to 60 hours under its stated test condition; SoundGuys also measured 56 hours 21 minutes in its 2025 test. |
| Comfort | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), narrowly | RTINGS reports a slight comfort advantage; individual fit still varies. |
| Sound presentation | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, if you share SoundGuys’ preference | SoundGuys preferred its out-of-box sound in a comparison against the original QuietComfort Ultra; taste is subjective. |
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) when isolation is the priority and its fit suits you. Choose MOMENTUM 4 when fewer charging stops and the sound profile praised by SoundGuys matter more. For a close call, fit and listening preference are better reasons to decide than a reviewer’s comfort or sound judgment alone.
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