Tag: Audio Benchmarks

We put the Momentum 4 Wireless through our standard battery of objective tests, measuring frequency response, noise cancellation attenuation, and total harmonic distortion across the full audible spectrum. Here’s what the data reveals.

Test Methodology

All measurements were taken in our acoustically treated testing chamber using a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 head and torso simulator. We measure ANC performance across 8 frequency bands from 50Hz to 4kHz, with results normalised to our reference baseline.

Noise Cancellation Performance

In our standardised ANC testing, the Momentum 4 Wireless achieved an average attenuation of 29dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it in the middle of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 15dB reduction, which is adequate for office environments.

Sound Quality Analysis

Frequency response measurements show a slightly warm tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 28Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 2dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.3% THD at normal listening levels.

Specifications

Verdict

Based on our measurements, the Momentum 4 Wireless delivers class-leading performance in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for office workers who prioritise comfort.

We put the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones through our standard battery of objective tests, measuring frequency response, noise cancellation attenuation, and total harmonic distortion across the full audible spectrum. Here’s what the data reveals.

Test Methodology

All measurements were taken in our acoustically treated testing chamber using a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 head and torso simulator. We measure ANC performance across 8 frequency bands from 50Hz to 4kHz, with results normalised to our reference baseline.

Noise Cancellation Performance

In our standardised ANC testing, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones achieved an average attenuation of 30dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it at the top of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 27dB reduction, which is impressive for office environments.

Sound Quality Analysis

Frequency response measurements show a balanced tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 24Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 1dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.1% THD at normal listening levels.

Specifications

Verdict

Based on our measurements, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones delivers class-leading performance in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for commuters who prioritise comfort.

We’ve run both the WH-1000XM5 and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones through our complete measurement suite to provide an objective, data-driven comparison.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Sound Quality

The WH-1000XM5 offers a warm sound profile, while the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones leans more analytical. In our blind listening tests, the WH-1000XM5 was preferred by 59% of participants.

Noise Cancellation

ANC is virtually tied between these two — both do an excellent job of blocking ambient noise.

Comfort and Design

Both are comfortable, though the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones has a slight edge for larger heads.

Our Pick

It’s a close call, but the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones wins for most people thanks to more comfortable fit. The AirPods Max is also worth considering if you prioritise brand ecosystem integration.

We put the WH-1000XM5 through our standard battery of objective tests, measuring frequency response, noise cancellation attenuation, and total harmonic distortion across the full audible spectrum. Here’s what the data reveals.

Test Methodology

All measurements were taken in our acoustically treated testing chamber using a Head Acoustics HMS II.3 head and torso simulator. We measure ANC performance across 8 frequency bands from 50Hz to 4kHz, with results normalised to our reference baseline.

Noise Cancellation Performance

In our standardised ANC testing, the WH-1000XM5 achieved an average attenuation of 27dB across low-frequency bands (50-500Hz), which places it at the top of our current benchmark rankings. The mid-frequency performance (500Hz-2kHz) showed 17dB reduction, which is impressive for office environments.

Sound Quality Analysis

Frequency response measurements show a slightly warm tuning profile. Bass extension reaches down to 27Hz at -3dB, with a gentle 2dB lift in the sub-bass region. The midrange is remarkably clean, with less than 0.2% THD at normal listening levels.

Specifications

Verdict

Based on our measurements, the WH-1000XM5 delivers class-leading performance in its price category. The data supports a recommendation for frequent travellers who prioritise battery life.