Noise-canceling, Bluetooth, over-ear headphones: what are the options? It seems like every brand has their own version of what could be the best choice for your everyday, casual listening. Among the top contenders are the Sony WH-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and Beyerdynamic Aventho 300. These headphones are backed by three reputable brands, each offering unique strengths. Today, we take a side-by-side look at these models, diving into their design, features, and sound quality.
What Comes In The Box
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 | Beyerdynamic AVENTHO 300 |
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Overall, the three headphones come with similar accessories, including a carrying case, USB-C charging cables, and a cable for wired listening. Beyerdynamic stands out by including a drawstring bag and a USB-A to USB-C adapter for greater adaptability.
Aesthetics
Over-ear headphones allow for much variation in design. Side by side, these three models showcase unique aesthetics:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Features larger, outward-caving earcups. Despite its larger design, it’s the most lightweight of the three.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Sleeker and more flush with your head, offering a middle ground in terms of weight.
- Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Ergonomically designed earcups mimic the shape of the ear, providing a snug fit. It’s the heaviest model and the only one with a collapsible design for portability.
Color options are straightforward: black and white for all models, with Sony offering an additional pink variant.
Functionality
Functionality is consistent across all three headphones, with a few key differences:
- Touch Controls: All models use smart touch controls on the right earcup for functions like skipping tracks and adjusting volume. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has the most sensitive controls, while the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300’s are the least responsive.
- Pairing: Pairing each headphone is intuitive and consistent. Holding down the power button triggers pairing mode, confirmed by audio cues.
- Multipoint Connectivity: All three models support multipoint connection, allowing you to switch seamlessly between devices.
The Sony XM5’s ease of use and responsive controls make it the most user-friendly of the three.
Tech Specs
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $398 | $379.95 | $399.99 |
| Drivers | Dynamic Drivers | Dynamic Drivers | STELLAR.45 Drivers |
| Battery Life | 30 hours | 60 hours | 50 hours |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz – 40 kHz | 6 Hz – 22 kHz | 5 Hz – 22 kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Range | 10 m | 10 m | 15 m |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive | AAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LE Audio |
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 leads in battery life at 60 hours. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 offers the widest frequency response range, while the Aventho 300’s cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.4 and longer range of 15m stand out.
Listening Review
Soundstage & ANC
When it comes to soundstage and active noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers an expansive, three-dimensional listening experience. Its soundstage is particularly impressive, with precise imaging that allows you to pinpoint elements in the mix, creating a fully immersive sound. This is complemented by Sony’s industry-leading ANC, which adapts to various environments for a consistently quiet listening experience.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4, while also immersive, has a slightly narrower soundstage compared to the Sony. Its ANC is highly customizable, offering smooth transitions between modes for different scenarios. This makes it versatile, though its noise isolation isn’t as aggressive as Sony’s. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, on the other hand, boasts a lively and dynamic soundstage with excellent imaging. Its ANC is effective but lacks the nuanced control found in the Sennheiser, relying instead on straightforward toggle functionality.
Low Frequencies
In the bass department, the Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers deep, powerful lows with a textured response that avoids muddiness. Its EQ provides flexibility for listeners to adjust bass levels to their liking. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 takes a more balanced approach, with warm, detailed bass that complements its overall neutral tuning. This makes it suitable for those who prefer subtlety in the low end. Meanwhile, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 rivals Sony in bass performance, offering vibrant, impactful lows that emphasize its V-shaped sound signature.
Midrange Frequencies
The midrange performance varies across these models. Sony’s midrange is natural and layered, with vocals and instruments sounding lifelike and engaging. Background details in tracks are particularly well-rendered. Sennheiser excels in clarity and transparency, providing the most neutral midrange presentation of the three. This makes it ideal for audiophiles seeking accuracy across genres. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, however, offers a colorful and unique midrange. While it may feel slightly synthetic to some, its engaging character adds a distinct flavor to tracks.
High Frequencies
High frequencies are another area where these headphones differ. Sony’s treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, providing a bright yet controlled high end that pairs well with its bass-heavy signature. Sennheiser delivers the most energetic and prominent treble, adding brilliance and texture to tracks, particularly in pop and electronic genres. Beyerdynamic’s treble is vibrant and dynamic, though it rolls off slightly at the highest frequencies. This doesn’t detract from the listening experience, as the highs remain smooth and detailed.
Summary
Each model has its strengths:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Best for immersive sound, powerful bass, and top-notch ANC.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Ideal for balanced, audiophile-grade sound and exceptional battery life.
- Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Perfect for dynamic sound and cutting-edge Bluetooth technology.
Choosing the right pair depends on your personal preferences. Whether you value noise cancellation, balanced sound, or dynamic energy, one of these models will meet your needs.
You can find all three headphones – the Sony WH-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 – at Audio46.
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