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Sennheiser vs Sony
Too close to call: it comes down to the model.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Best Sennheiser
Sennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessSuperb battery and comfort, rich sound, but noise cancelling isn't class-bestSuits you if
- You want long listening sessions and rarely want to think about charging
- You care most about rich, balanced sound you can tweak to taste
- You wear glasses or want something comfortable for hours on a plane or at a desk
Best Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit youSuits you if
- You commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted
- Sound quality matters most to you and you like adjusting the sound in an app
- You use an Android phone and switch between two devices
The short version
Brand for brand, Sennheiser and Sony are closely matched. The best single model of the two is the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, which suits you if you want long listening sessions and rarely want to think about charging.
We researched 41 expert reviews, analyzed 84,896 owner ratings and comments across 21 sources for every Sennheiser and Sony model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
See the evidence
Brand scoreboardAverage score 79 vs 77 · reliability 49 vs 68
| Sennheiser | Sony | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 79 | 77 |
| Experts | 89 | 88 |
| Owners | 85 | 72 |
| Reliability | 49 | 68 |
| Models scored | 1 | 3 |
| Most reliable model | Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Quick answers
Which is better, Sennheiser or Sony?
Neither, clearly. Choose the model, not the brand.
Based on: Average Product Review score 79 for Sennheiser vs 77 for Sony.Which brand is more reliable, Sennheiser or Sony?
Sony. Its models are less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Average reliability 49 vs 68.What is the best Sennheiser noise cancelling headphones?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. It suits you if you want long listening sessions and rarely want to think about charging.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sennheiser models (79).What is the best Sony noise cancelling headphones?
The Sony WF-1000XM5. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sony models (79).