Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Apple AirPods Max 2

ANC is one of the headphone's strongest cards. Apple's claimed '1.5x better' cancellation is hard to A/B but reviewers consistently rate it near the top of the class, with measured ~89% average attenuation and especially powerful low-frequency suppression.

• GSMArena calls the noise cancellation on the latest model superb — among the headphone's strongest attributes alongside build and ecosystem integration.
• SoundGuys measured the Max 2 attenuating the perceived loudness of outside noise by an average of about 89%, pulling roughly 30-40 dB through the 20-200Hz bass range — considerably stronger low-end cancellation than the Bose QC Ultra 2.
• Mark Ellis says the 1.5x-better ANC claim is tricky to A/B test, but you can settle your mind knowing you have one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market.
• On a plane the Max 2 cuts out around 80% of cabin noise, with the over-ear format and Apple's tuning doing a thorough job of isolating you from the outside world.
• Above roughly 1 kHz the Max 2's ANC converges with rivals and performs similarly through the midrange and highs — its clear advantage is concentrated in the low frequencies.
• Transparency mode pipes in ambient sound naturally without sounding jarring, and the H2's loud-sound reduction softens sudden noises like car horns or door slams without killing awareness.
• The loudnwireless comparison found the cheaper AirPods Pro 3 actually cancels noise more effectively in general except in the midrange where voices sit — so the Max 2's ANC lead is not absolute even within Apple's own lineup.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Adequate for office and light commuting, but falls short for frequent flyers.

• ANC is fine for office use but it's clearly a tier below Bose and Sony — you'll hear more airplane noise with these.
• The transparency mode is decent but doesn't match the natural quality of Apple or Bose's implementations.