86

Momentum 4 Headphones

Over-ear · ANC · 60h · aptX Adaptive · BT 5.2

$280

MSRP

84

WF-1000XM5 Earbuds

In-ear TWS · ANC · 8h/24h · LDAC · BT 5.3

$230

MSRP

Our verdict

The Momentum 4 Headphones takes the performance lead with a 2% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.

However, the Momentum 4 Headphones tells a compelling value story. At $280 versus the WF-1000XM5 Earbuds's $230 price tag, it costs $50 less while delivering performance that's only 2% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.

Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the Momentum 4 Headphones is the smarter purchase. The WF-1000XM5 Earbuds only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.

Performance winner

Momentum 4 Headphones

2% faster overall

Best value for money

Momentum 4 Headphones

5% better value per dollar

Momentum 4 Headphones best for

Power efficiency

2% faster overall

Audio

Driver Size
42mm
8.4mm
Frequency Response
6Hz - 22kHz
20Hz - 40kHz
Form Factor
Over-ear
In-ear TWS

Battery

Battery Life (ANC On)
60h
8h
Total with Case
N/A
24h
Fast Charge
10min → 4h
3min → 1h

Comfort

Weight
293g
5.9g
IP Rating
None
IPX4
Wireless Charging
No
Yes (Qi)

Connectivity

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Codecs
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
LDAC, AAC, SBC
Multipoint
Yes (2 devices)
Yes (2 devices)

Noise Cancellation

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes (Adaptive)
Yes (V2+QN2e)
Transparency Mode
Yes (Adaptive)
Yes (Adaptive)

Frequently asked questions

Is the Momentum 4 Headphones worth $50 more than the WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?

It depends on your needs. The Momentum 4 Headphones scores 86 overall vs 84 for the WF-1000XM5 Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the WF-1000XM5 Earbuds offers better value.

Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the Momentum 4 Headphones or WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?

The Momentum 4 Headphones delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The Momentum 4 Headphones provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the WF-1000XM5 Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.

Can the WF-1000XM5 Earbuds handle 4K gaming?

The WF-1000XM5 Earbuds can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the Momentum 4 Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.

Which should I buy, the Momentum 4 Headphones or WF-1000XM5 Earbuds?

Choose the WF-1000XM5 Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the Momentum 4 Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

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