Battle of the Buds: Sennheiser Momentum TW4 vs Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Technics AZ100 - 2025 Flagship Earbuds Showdown

• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 delivers up to 8 hours on a single charge with ANC off and about 28 hours total with the charging case, with around 7 hours of use when ANC is on.
• Pixel Buds Pro 2 provide roughly 8 hours of listening with ANC on (about 7 hours with ANC off) and over 30 hours in total with the case, plus a 5‑minute quick charge for about an hour of use.
• Technics EAH‑AZ100 offers up to 10 hours of playback with ANC on and roughly 28 hours with the case, with LDAC mode reducing to about 7 hours.
• Sennheiser MTW4 uses Bluetooth 5.3, supports aptX Adaptive with Lossless on capable devices, LE Audio with Auracast, and LC3, and offers multipoint for two devices.
• Pixel Buds Pro 2 use Bluetooth 5.4, support LE Audio LC3 and Auracast, offer multipoint across devices, and rely on Android for most codecs, with no native aptX or LDAC.
• AZ100 uses Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support and can connect to up to three devices simultaneously via advanced multipoint, though LDAC mode can limit three‑device use and Auracast support is not confirmed at launch.
• Comfort wise, Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller at 4.7 g per bud with a twist‑to‑fit stabilizer, MTW4 weigh about 6.2 g per bud, and AZ100 have a deeper in‑ear fit with four tip sizes and an IPX4 rating.
• In transparency, Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer top‑class ambient mode with Conversation Detection, MTW4 transparency is effective, and AZ100 provides Natural Ambient with Attention mode to boost spoken voices.
• App and control ecosystems include Sennheiser Smart Control across platforms, Google Pixel Buds integration on Android with a built‑in 5‑band EQ, and Technics Audio Connect with extensive customization and Spatial Audio for Dolby Atmos.
• Price: Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched at $229, while Sennheiser MTW4 and Technics AZ100 sit around $299.99, making the Pixel Buds Pro 2 the best value for Android users in this flagship trio.

Wireless earbuds have come a long way, and 2025’s latest flagships push performance to new heights. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4, Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Technics’ EAH-AZ100 against each other across every key aspect: sound quality, noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, battery life, comfort, connectivity (Bluetooth and multipoint), controls, app support, price, durability, firmware updates, and smart assistant integration. We’ll highlight each product’s strengths and weaknesses, drawing on the latest expert reviews and news as of August 2025. Which premium earbuds come out on top? Read on to find out.

Sound Quality

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Sennheiser has a reputation for audiophile-grade sound, and the Momentum TW4 lives up to it. Reviewers praise its rich, detailed and dynamic sound that’s refined and easy on the ears whathifi.com. The default tuning is warm with controlled bass and slightly soft treble, providing an enjoyable listen for most genres rtings.com. In fact, a What Hi-Fi verdict declares: “Watch out Sony and Bose! The Momentum True Wireless 4 offer a level of sonic refinement… that makes them a serious contender at this level.” whathifi.com These earbuds deliver excellent timbre and immersiveness scores in objective tests, indicating a wide soundstage and faithful reproduction soundguys.com. For those who want to tweak the sound, Sennheiser’s app includes a five-band EQ and presets (like Bass Boost and Podcast) to fine-tune the audio to your taste soundguys.com soundguys.com. Overall, the MTW4’s sound quality is outstanding out-of-the-box, with ample clarity and punchy bass that can satisfy both casual listeners and critical ears soundguys.com. One caveat: the sound is not completely neutral – it has a touch of warmth and bass emphasis, which most will love, though purists might prefer a flatter response whathifi.com.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also deliver a strong audio performance, albeit with a different philosophy. Google retuned the sound from the first-gen Buds Pro, opting for a more balanced profile with less boomy bass. The result is generally pleasing: “The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 sound pretty good… Most people will like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2.” according to SoundGuys soundguys.com soundguys.com. The Buds Pro 2 have a warm sound signature with a slight bass boost and mostly balanced treble rtings.com. Reviewers note the bass is powerful yet tighter than before – Gizmodo even lists “excellent bass” among its pros gizmodo.com. Highs are present without being harsh, though some analytical listeners have pointed out technical quirks: Rtings measured some group delay and phase mismatch that can make bass “sloppy” and vocals a bit hollow on a test bench rtings.com rtings.com. In real-world use, however, most find the sound enjoyable and versatile, especially with Google’s Volume EQ feature that subtly adjusts tuning at low volumes for better consistency rtings.com. While the Pixel Buds Pro 2 might not satisfy hardcore bass-heads or audiophiles to the same degree as Sennheiser, they deliver crowd-pleasing audio that’s improved over the original. Plus, you get a 5-band EQ in Android settings to adjust sound, and several EQ presets to suit different tastes soundguys.com soundguys.com. Bottom line: the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer very good sound quality for a broad audience, even if they don’t quite reach the audiophile refinement of the Sennheisers.

Technics EAH-AZ100: Technics brings its hi-fi heritage to the AZ100, aiming for a “Reference Class” listening experience. Experts applaud the AZ100’s ability to render superb detail and clarity, with an “expressive, spacious and engaging sound”, as noted by What Hi-Fi whathifi.com. These earbuds create a wide soundstage that makes music immersive and fun. Bass is certainly not lacking – Rtings describes the default profile as very bass-emphasized (around +5 dB) with slightly underemphasized treble rtings.com. This means the sound is warm and impactful, though the heavy bass can bleed into mids and overwhelm complex mixes if left unadjusted rtings.com. In fact, SoundGuys found the AZ100’s out-of-box tuning a bit “odd”, recommending users play with the in-app EQ presets if they find the sound imbalance not to their liking soundguys.com soundguys.com. That said, once tuned to preference, the AZ100 can really shine. Technics gives plenty of customization, including EQ and even a Spatial Audio mode with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive surround effect when playing Atmos content rtings.com. The consensus is that the AZ100 are capable of excellent audio performance – delivering rich detail, strong dynamics, and a spacious feel – but they may require a bit of tweaking for optimal sound balance soundguys.com soundguys.com. Non-audiophiles likely won’t notice anything amiss and will enjoy the energetic, engaging sound. For critical listeners, the AZ100 have the potential to impress, especially with their clarity, though they might still prefer Sennheiser’s more natural tuning in direct A/B tests.

Sound Quality Verdict: All three earbuds sound great, but with different strengths. Sennheiser’s Momentum TW4 offers the most refined, audiophile-friendly sound signature right out of the box – rich, detailed, and immersive whathifi.com soundguys.com. Technics AZ100 produces a very engaging and spacious sound with excellent clarity, though its default bass-heavy balance might require some EQ for true neutrality whathifi.com soundguys.com. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 have a well-balanced, warm sound that will please most listeners, even if they don’t quite reach the sonic sophistication of the other two for picky ears soundguys.com rtings.com. The good news is all three have EQ options to fine-tune the audio. Serious music lovers might lean toward Sennheiser or Technics, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 hold their own for everyday enjoyment.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Sennheiser Momentum TW4: Sennheiser stepped up its ANC game with the Momentum True Wireless 4. These earbuds feature adaptive noise cancellation with adjustable levels, so you can dial in how much of the outside world to block rtings.com. In practice, the MTW4’s ANC is highly effective, especially for constant low-frequency noises like airplane rumble. Rtings found the Sennheiser’s noise cancelling “does an excellent job” for commuting and travel – you can filter out the din of an airplane cabin or office chatter with ease rtings.com rtings.com. One reviewer noted that while the ANC is very good, it’s not the very best on the market (top contenders like Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra or Sony’s WF-1000XM5 still slightly edge it out) whathifi.com. What Hi-Fi says “noise cancelling can be bettered” elsewhere whathifi.com, but it’s still superb for most users. In fact, the Momentum TW4 beat many rivals in blocking a wide range of frequencies rtings.com. For everyday use – commuting, flights, noisy streets – Sennheiser’s ANC will dramatically hush the environment. Combined with the excellent passive seal and stable fit, you get an impressively quiet listening experience. Unless you’re comparing side-by-side with the absolute ANC champions, the MTW4’s cancellation will likely meet or exceed your expectations rtings.com whathifi.com.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Google doubled down on noise cancelling in the Pixel Buds Pro 2. At launch, Google touted that these new buds have ANC “twice as powerful” as the first-gen Pixel Buds Pro, thanks to the custom Tensor A1 chip and improved algorithms tomsguide.com gizmodo.com. Reviewers confirm that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer “powerful noise canceling” performance gizmodo.com that puts them in the upper tier of ANC earbuds. They effectively hush background hum from airplanes, trains, and city streets. Rtings measured the Buds Pro 2’s noise isolation as “very good,” noting that they can filter out annoying sounds during travel or office use quite well rtings.com rtings.com. While they might fall just a hair short of class leaders like Bose in absolute noise reduction, the difference is minor – most users will find the ANC more than sufficient. An interesting touch is that Google’s ANC system works in tandem with “Conversation Detection”, a feature that automatically pauses audio and lowers ANC when it hears you speaking to someone tomsguide.com rtings.com. This means you don’t have to yank out an earbud to chat briefly – the Buds Pro 2 intelligently let voices through (more on transparency in the next section). Overall, the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s ANC is a standout strength. They take Google’s originals (which were decent) and dramatically improve on them, putting Google firmly on the map alongside Sony, Apple, and Bose in the noise-canceling race. As one review summarized, these earbuds offer “far improved noise cancelation that’s twice as powerful as last year’s” tomsguide.com – a claim that holds up in real-world use.

Technics EAH-AZ100: Technics may be a hi-fi brand, but it’s not lagging when it comes to ANC tech – in fact, the AZ100’s noise cancellation is excellent. SoundGuys flatly states that these have “top-notch ANC”, one of the headline features of the product soundguys.com. In testing, the EAH-AZ100 strongly attenuates low-frequency noises (think airplane engines, traffic rumbles) as well as higher-frequency distractions. Rtings noted the AZ100’s “excellent noise isolation performance”, saying they “handily tackle noise from airplane cabins to busy streets” rtings.com rtings.com. This makes them great for travel and office work alike – you can focus without distraction. The Technics ANC is on par with the best: What Hi-Fi gave them a nod by saying “Sony and Bose should be worried” about how good the AZ100’s noise-cancelling is whathifi.com whathifi.com. A bonus is that Technics allows you to adjust ANC levels in their app, and even customize it per environment. The only small watch-out is fit: the AZ100’s deep in-ear fit helps ANC performance but can cause a bit of that ear pressure feeling for some (an issue common to many ANC buds) rtings.com rtings.com. Technics addresses this with multiple eartip sizes and a new driver design (they use “magnetic fluid” drivers to reduce distortion, which may also aid ANC by minimizing internal vibrations) rtings.com. In summary, ANC is a major strong point for the EAH-AZ100 – these earbuds compete at the top level for canceling noise, making them ideal for travelers or anyone needing peace and quiet.

ANC Verdict: All three models deliver effective active noise cancellation suitable for loud commutes and travel, but Technics EAH-AZ100 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 stand out as especially strong. The AZ100’s ANC is frequently described as excellent/top-tier, giving Sony and Bose a run for their money whathifi.com. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also offer powerful ANC (twice as good as the previous generation) that significantly reduces ambient noise gizmodo.com. Sennheiser’s Momentum TW4 is not far behind – its adaptive ANC is highly capable, just slightly short of the absolute best according to some experts whathifi.com. In practice, all three will hush everyday noise dramatically. Only in direct comparison might one notice that, say, the Technics blocks a tiny bit more low-end rumble, or the Pixel Buds handle sudden noises slightly differently. But for most users, the differences are minor – you’re getting top-notch noise cancellation with any of these premium earbuds.

Transparency Mode

Great ANC needs a great transparency mode (ambient sound mode) to match – and these earbuds oblige, letting you tune back into the world as needed.

Sennheiser MTW4 Transparency: Sennheiser’s transparency mode (which they call “Hear Through”) is effective and adjustable. SoundGuys found it “quite good,” noting that voices and surroundings come through naturally when activated soundguys.com. In the Sennheiser Smart Control app, you can control the level of passthrough to your liking, but the default setting is already excellent in balancing clarity with comfort soundguys.com. That means you can hold a quick conversation or hear announcements without removing the buds. Thanks to the MTW4’s high immersiveness audio tuning, ambient sound feels reasonably realistic and not overly artificial soundguys.com. Users have reported that there is minimal white noise or hiss in transparency mode – always a good sign. Sennheiser doesn’t advertise any fancy automatic ambient features, but what’s there works reliably. Bottom line: the Momentum TW4’s transparency mode lets you tune into your environment with ease and clarity, which is especially helpful given how well these earbuds isolate sound on their own.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 Transparency: Google made transparency a priority, and it shows – the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s transparency (ambient) mode is one of the best in class. Reviewers were impressed that when transparency is enabled, it can feel almost like not wearing earbuds at all. SoundGuys’ reviewer noted the “bizarre sensation like I wasn’t wearing the earbuds at all – until I spoke, anyway.” soundguys.com In other words, the Buds Pro 2 pass through outside sound very naturally. Google also tries to tackle the tricky issue of your own voice sounding too loud (sidetone). While no one gets sidetone perfect, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 “come close.” soundguys.com This makes conversation while wearing the buds feel comfortable and less muffled. Moreover, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have the Conversation Detection feature: start speaking while wearing them and the buds will automatically switch from ANC to ambient mode and pause your music tomsguide.com. This is great when, say, ordering a coffee – you can just talk, and the earbuds adapt on the fly. Users consistently mention how excellent the transparency mode is, allowing ambient sound without harshness or delay (likely aided by that Tensor A1 chip’s processing). If you use Android, you can also adjust ambient sound settings via the built-in menu. Taken together, Google’s earbuds not only silence the world effectively, they also let it back in seamlessly when you need awareness.

Technics AZ100 Transparency: Technics calls their ambient sound feature “Natural Ambient” mode, and it’s highly effective and even a bit smart. SoundGuys reported the transparency mode on the EAH-AZ100 is “quite good” and easy to toggle on/off quickly soundguys.com. Sounds from the environment are piped in clearly, and you can adjust the level in the Technics Audio Connect app. What sets Technics apart is their “Attention” mode, which is an intelligent twist on transparency. In Attention mode, the earbuds actively detect human voices around you and boost them over other background noise soundguys.com. If someone speaks to you (e.g. a colleague or a barista), the AZ100 will emphasize that speech so you catch it, while also automatically pausing your audio soundguys.com. It’s like a voice-triggered ambient mode – very handy for quick interactions. Users say this works well for brief conversations without manually fiddling with controls. Outside of Attention mode, the general transparency function of the AZ100 is natural sounding. Technics has ample experience in microphone arrays (thanks to Panasonic’s background), and it shows in how cleanly they capture outside audio. One slight con: because the AZ100’s fit can be deep, some people might feel a tiny bit “plugged” even in ambient mode – but the electronics do a good job counteracting that with the piped-in sound. Overall, Technics provides an excellent transparency mode that’s on par with Sennheiser and nearly as effective as Google’s. The added voice-detect feature is a bonus that frequent multitaskers will appreciate.

Transparency Verdict: All three earbuds allow you to hear your surroundings with clarity when needed. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 get a special gold star for transparency – many reviewers feel Google’s ambient mode is among the most natural available, making it easy to forget you’re wearing earbuds soundguys.com. Technics AZ100 also shines, offering clear ambient sound plus an innovative voice-detect mode that automatically handles brief conversations soundguys.com. Sennheiser’s MTW4 has a very good transparency mode that’s adjustable and effective, albeit without the auto conveniences the other two offer soundguys.com. In practice, if you frequently switch between ANC and hearing the world, the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s seamlessness (especially with Conversation Detection) is a delight. Technics isn’t far behind with its Attention mode. Sennheiser’s solution is straightforward and solid, if a bit more manual. No matter which you choose, you won’t feel isolated when you don’t want to – all three let you tune in voices and ambient sound when life calls.

Battery Life

Sennheiser Momentum TW4: The Momentum True Wireless 4 delivers solid battery life for its class, though not a record-setter. Sennheiser advertises up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge (with ANC off), and a total of around 28 hours including the charging case whathifi.com. In real-world testing with ANC on, reviewers achieved around 7 to 7.5 hours of continuous listening per charge rtings.com. Rtings measured just under 7.3 hours with ANC set to max, which is enough to last most cross-country flights or a full workday of intermittent use rtings.com. The case holds roughly three additional charges, for ~30 hours total endurance – aligning with Sennheiser’s claims rtings.com rtings.com. What Hi-Fi categorized the battery as “good” but not extraordinary whathifi.com whathifi.com. One notable feature is wireless charging support: you can drop the MTW4 case on a Qi wireless charger to top it up conveniently soundguys.com. The earbuds also have fast-charge – a quick 10-minute top-up yields around an hour of playtime (handy if you’re dashing out the door with low batteries). In summary, Sennheiser’s battery life will comfortably get you through daily use and medium-length trips. It doesn’t hit double-digit hours on a charge like some newer models, but ~7 hours of ANC playback is respectable, and the case provides plenty of backup power. Given the high performance and features packed in, the battery life is more than adequate, if not class-leading.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Battery life was a focus in Google’s redesign, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 show a nice improvement over their predecessors. These buds boast about 8 hours of listening with ANC on, and around 7 hours with ANC off along with the case for additional top-ups (Google quotes ~20 hours total with case, but real-world total is higher) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. In testing, SoundGuys managed 7 hours 55 minutes with ANC on, basically matching the 8-hour claim soundguys.com. Rtings measured about 8.1 hours of continuous playback on a single charge – a bit better than the original Pixel Buds Pro’s 7.6 hours rtings.com. With the charging case, you get roughly 30+ hours combined (Rtings logged ~30.4 hours total) rtings.com, plenty for a couple of days of on-and-off use. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also support wireless charging for the case and have quick-charge: ~5 minutes in the case gives about 1 hour of listening soundguys.com. Notably, Google’s case now includes a speaker for the Find My Device feature, but that doesn’t seem to hurt battery life significantly. Reviewers consider the Buds Pro 2’s stamina “decent battery life” – Gizmodo lists it as a pro gizmodo.com. And indeed, nearly 8 hours of ANC playback is on par with (or slightly above) many competitors. One thing to mention: enabling fancy features like Spatial Audio or using high volume may reduce battery a bit, but even so, it will easily last a long workout or a cross-Atlantic flight leg. Bottom line: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer all-day battery life with ANC, eliminating the worry of mid-day recharging for most users gizmodo.com.

Technics EAH-AZ100: Technics made a leap in battery performance with the AZ100 – these earbuds are battery life champs among premium ANC models. On paper, they claim up to 10 hours of playtime with ANC on, and around 28 hours total including the case whathifi.com. That’s a significant jump from the previous Technics AZ80 (which was about 7 hours ANC on). Impressively, independent tests back this up: What Hi-Fi confirms “with ANC on, you get up to 10 hours on a single charge and 28 hours with the case”, and calls it “quite a jump up” from the last generation whathifi.com. Rtings’ measurements were even more eye-opening – they recorded about 12.2 hours of continuous playback on the earbuds alone (likely at moderate volume with default codec) rtings.com rtings.com. That’s an exceptional result, outlasting nearly all competitors in 2025. This means the AZ100 can handle the longest flights or an entire workday plus overtime on one charge. The case provides roughly two extra charges (28 hours total as stated). There is a caveat: if you use the LDAC high-resolution codec, battery life drops – Technics notes you’ll get about 7 hours with ANC on using LDAC, and ~18 hours total with the case in that scenario whathifi.com. Essentially, LDAC (especially at 990 kbps) uses more power. But even 7 hours with LDAC is on par with the others, and if you prioritize longevity, switching to AAC or using the default settings yields that class-leading 10+ hour endurance. The AZ100 also supports Qi wireless charging and quick charge (15 minutes for ~90 minutes of play, per Technics). In summary, the EAH-AZ100 offers outstanding battery life – enough to satisfy heavy users and travelers who need long stretches of ANC playback without a pit stop whathifi.com. Technics clearly prioritized this, and it gives them a strong advantage in this category.

Battery Life Verdict: Technics takes the crown here: the EAH-AZ100 can last up to ~10 hours (or more) with ANC on whathifi.com, outlasting both Sennheiser and Google by a notable margin. This makes the AZ100 a top pick for those who value maximum battery life. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer an excellent ~8 hours of ANC listening, which is more than enough for most daily needs and on par with the best non-Technics rivals soundguys.com rtings.com. The Sennheiser MTW4 comes in slightly behind, around 7+ hours per charge with ANC rtings.com – still very good, but not exceptional. In practical terms, all three will get you through a long listening session or flight. The Technics just might keep going into the next leg of your journey without needing a recharge. All three cases provide roughly 25–30 hours of total use, and all support wireless charging for convenience soundguys.com whathifi.com. If battery longevity is your top priority, the Technics AZ100 is the clear winner. Otherwise, Pixel and Sennheiser both provide all-day use and then some, so you won’t feel battery anxiety with any of these premium earbuds.

Comfort and Fit

Sennheiser Momentum TW4: Sennheiser’s earbuds have a distinctive design with a relatively large housings, and they aim for a secure fit using optional stabilizer fins. In practice, the comfort level is high for most, but not all, users. The Momentum TW4 comes with three sizes of silicone ear tips and three sizes of “concha fins” (wingtips) to help lock them in your outer ear soundguys.com. This allows you to customize the fit for stability. Reviewers report that once properly fitted, the MTW4 sits securely and can even handle workouts, given its IP54 sweat resistance rtings.com. Comfort during short and moderate use is generally rated as very good – What Hi-Fi explicitly lists the “comfortable fit” as a pro whathifi.com. The earbuds have a rounded, metallic-accented design that some describe as like “earrings,” and while they do protrude a bit, they distribute weight well (each bud is about 6.2 grams) soundguys.com. However, those with smaller ears might find the Sennheisers a bit invasive over long sessions rtings.com rtings.com. Because the housings are on the larger side, extended wear (several hours straight) could lead to pressure or soreness in smaller ears. Rtings noted that “smaller ears can encounter some discomfort over longer listening sessions” with the MTW4 rtings.com. The nozzles are somewhat shallow, meaning you don’t jam them super deep, which helps mitigate pressure soundguys.com. Overall, for average ear sizes, these earbuds are snug and comfortable for extended listening, with the fins helping keep them in place during movement rtings.com. But if you know you have very small ear anatomy, you might have to experiment with the fit or possibly find them less ideal for marathon wears. On the plus side, the secure fit and IP54 rating make them a good gym or outdoor companion (they’ll stay put and handle sweat/rain) rtings.com. In summary, the Momentum TW4 offers a stable, comfortable fit for most people, with a thoughtful array of ear tip/fin sizes, though their relatively large size means comfort can be subjective if your ears are on the smaller side.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Google put a big emphasis on redesigning the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for comfort, and it’s paid off – these may be one of the most comfortable and secure earbuds available in 2025. The Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller and much lighter than the first-gen (each bud went from ~6.3g to 4.7g) gizmodo.com. They have a new ergonomic shape with a subtle “twist-to-fit stabilizer” fin on each bud gizmodo.com. Gizmodo’s reviewer raved about the fit: “Whatever Google did… it worked. The fit is perfect… these fit me so snugly that I wish Google could share its secret with other manufacturers.” gizmodo.com. She noted even with extended wear, the buds “didn’t start hurting my ears and didn’t plop out” during brisk activity gizmodo.com. Google’s design included testing with “45 million data points from different ears” to get a shape that sits naturally gizmodo.com. The result is an earbud that is small, contoured, and has an oval nozzle plus a soft rubber fin that gently anchors in the concha soundguys.com. Importantly, Google brought back an XS ear tip size in the package, which is a boon for folks with very small ear canals gizmodo.com. Most competitors omit extra-small tips, so this inclusion broadens who can get a good seal. Real-world feedback is very positive: the Buds Pro 2 tend to “disappear” in your ears without causing fatigue. They also stay secure during workouts – no stems to catch, and an IP54 rating means sweat is no problem rtings.com rtings.com. One thing to mention: to achieve the best fit, you might feel a slight twist when inserting (to engage that stabilizer), but it’s minor. Overall, Pixel Buds Pro 2 nail comfort. Many experts highlight comfort as a standout feature, with one saying Google “finally cooked up the perfect recipe for in-ear buds that don’t budge” gizmodo.com. If you prioritize all-day wearability or have struggled with other earbuds falling out or causing pain, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 should be high on your list.

Technics EAH-AZ100: The Technics AZ100 has a unique design that blends retro aesthetics with practical ergonomics. The buds are somewhat chunky in appearance, but they manage to be comfortable for most users thanks to smart design choices. Each earbud uses a soft rectangular nozzle that fits into the ear canal with silicone eartips that have foam in the inner part for better seal and comfort soundguys.com. They come with four sizes of these custom tips to accommodate different ears soundguys.com. The body of the earbud sits in the concha and has a flatter profile with a “metallic-looking” touch surface on the back soundguys.com. Despite the large case and somewhat large earbuds, SoundGuys notes “while the size of the earbuds isn’t for everyone, it will nestle in most ears fairly comfortably” once inserted correctly soundguys.com soundguys.com. Technics includes no wingtips, relying on the shape of the nozzle and the slight angle to keep them secure. For most, this works well – the AZ100 feels secure enough for moderate exercise (though it lacks an explicit stabilizer wing, the fit itself is tight). Rtings found that even without ear fins, “the earbuds likely won’t fall out of your ear, even when performing exercises” – they noted a stable fit for workouts like box jumps rtings.com. The deeper in-ear insertion helps stability and noise isolation, but it can create a “cabin pressure” sensation for some who are sensitive to it rtings.com. This is that ear-plugged feeling some people get with in-ear monitors. If you know you dislike deep fits, this might be a consideration, though many adapt quickly. On comfort duration, most reviews did not flag major issues; the foam-filled tips likely help by gently conforming to the ear canal. What Hi-Fi listed “comfortable design” as a pro, indicating they found no comfort red flags in typical use whathifi.com. Additionally, the AZ100 buds have wear sensors (for auto-pause) but those don’t affect comfort. With an IPX4 rating, they handle sweat and rain, but note the lack of dust resistance. Summing up, the Technics AZ100 offers a secure, comfortable fit for those who don’t mind a slightly deeper in-ear feel. Most users find them perfectly fine for extended listening and exercise, but extremely sensitive ears might prefer the shallower fits of the other two.

Comfort & Fit Verdict: Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 emerge as a comfort champion – their lightweight, compact form and thoughtful ergonomics yield a snug yet forgettable fit that many reviewers call near-perfect gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Technics AZ100 are also very comfortable for most, with a secure fit and spacious design, though the deeper insertion may not suit everyone equally rtings.com. Sennheiser MTW4 are comfortable and secure for the majority, especially with the optional fins, but their larger size means a few people (particularly with small ears) might experience pressure over long periods rtings.com. In general, all three are designed for stability: none are prone to easily falling out, and all can be used for workouts (with appropriate water resistance ratings to back that up). If you prioritize all-day comfort, Pixel Buds Pro 2 likely have the edge by a slight margin. For secure fit during vigorous activity, all three perform well; Sennheiser’s fins and Technics’ deep seal keep them in place, while Pixel’s ergonomic design does the same. It’s worth noting fit can be personal, so individual experience may vary – but these three flagships all rank highly for comfort compared to average earbuds on the market.

Connectivity and Bluetooth Features

All three earbuds support the latest in Bluetooth connectivity, including multipoint pairing, but there are some differences in codecs and device integrations.

Bluetooth Version & Codec Support:

• Sennheiser MTW4: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, Sennheiser offers a wide gamut of codecs, catering especially to audiophiles. You get SBC and AAC for baseline compatibility, and importantly aptX Adaptive (which includes aptX Lossless capability on supported devices) soundguys.com. This means if you have a compatible phone (typically one with Snapdragon Sound) or a dedicated transmitter, you can stream in higher bitrate, even up to lossless quality – a rarity in true wireless soundguys.com. LE Audio is also supported; the MTW4 were among the first to advertise Auracast broadcast audio support (the new Bluetooth audio sharing feature) to future-proof them rtings.com soundguys.com. In fact, Sennheiser’s inclusion of Auracast was highlighted as a standout addition for the new generation rtings.com. Practically, this means the MTW4 can eventually connect to public Auracast transmitters (once those roll out in venues) and also use the LC3 codec for efficient audio. Regular connectivity on the MTW4 is rock solid – users report strong connection stability and range. Sennheiser supports multi-device pairing (multipoint), allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously (e.g., phone and laptop) and seamlessly switch audio between them rtings.com. Rtings lists multipoint and Auracast support as a notable pro for these buds rtings.com. Pairing is straightforward, and the Smart Control app helps manage connections if needed. In short, Sennheiser delivers top-tier codec support (great for Android hi-fi enthusiasts) and the convenience of multipoint and future-forward features like Auracast out of the box rtings.com rtings.com.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 use the latest Bluetooth 5.4 standard, and at launch they support the standard SBC and AAC codecs soundguys.com soundguys.com. Google did not include aptX or LDAC support – likely because they rely on Android’s native codecs (AAC is used on Android and iOS, and SBC as fallback). However, the Buds Pro 2 do support LE Audio (LC3) and indeed received an update to enable Auracast broadcasting after launch soundguys.com soundguys.com. Initially, reviewers noted “no higher-bitrate codecs” and “no Auracast (currently)” as a drawback soundguys.com, but as of late 2024 a firmware update added Auracast and presumably LC3 streaming soundguys.com soundguys.com. So Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now fully up-to-date with Bluetooth LE Audio features, which is great for future-proofing. When it comes to multipoint, Google did a particularly good job: the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can pair with multiple devices and seamlessly switch, and this isn’t locked to only Google hardware rtings.com rtings.com. Rtings praised that “multi-device pairing [is] not locked to operating system or device” – unlike some other brands, you can use the Buds Pro 2’s multipoint on any Bluetooth sources (e.g. a Windows PC and an Android phone) rtings.com. Google calls this Audio Switch, and it can even auto-switch in certain scenarios (for example, if a call comes in on your phone while you’re watching a video on your tablet). Another Pixel perk is the Fast Pair on Android and deep integration: if you have a Pixel or modern Android, you don’t need a separate app – the settings for the buds show up in your phone’s settings UI, making pairing and tweaking very seamless soundguys.com. Pixel users also benefit from extras like wideband voice when used with a Pixel phone (for clearer call quality) soundguys.com. iPhone users can still use the Buds Pro 2 via AAC, but there is no dedicated iOS app, meaning you won’t have access to features like firmware updates or EQ on iOS – that’s a consideration (some features are accessible via button combos, but the full experience is on Android). Connectivity strength is generally strong and reliable; Bluetooth 5.4 with the new chip ensures a stable link. Summing up, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 provide a smooth connectivity experience, especially for Android users: fast pairing, multipoint support, and now LE Audio for the latest broadcast and low-energy features soundguys.com rtings.com. They lack aptX/LDAC, but most users streaming standard content won’t miss those.
• Technics EAH-AZ100: The Technics AZ100 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and a focus on broad compatibility and quality. They support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs soundguys.com. Notably absent is aptX – Technics has opted for Sony’s LDAC to provide a hi-res option (up to 990 kbps) for those who want better-than-AAC quality. If you have an Android device or source that can use LDAC, the AZ100 will happily stream higher-resolution audio. As discussed, using LDAC at the highest setting will impact battery life, and Technics even limits multipoint when you’re in LDAC 990 mode soundguys.com. Speaking of multipoint, Technics is a star: the EAH-AZ100 can connect to up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth rtings.com. This is rather unique – most earbuds max out at two. So, for example, you could have your phone, laptop, and tablet all paired and connected, and the Technics can juggle between them (they use a “customizable Bluetooth multipoint” approach in their app to manage this) rtings.com. Do note the caveat: if you want to use three devices, you should be on SBC, AAC, or LDAC 330kbps mode; you cannot use 3-device multipoint with the highest LDAC bitrate or with LC3 soundguys.com. The AZ100 also supports Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3), according to Technics, but interestingly SoundGuys pointed out the buds did not have Auracast at launch – they speculated it might come via firmware soundguys.com. As of August 2025, Auracast still isn’t confirmed active on the AZ100 (no official announcement yet), but the hardware is likely capable, so a future update might enable listening to public broadcasts soundguys.com. Connectivity reliability is rated highly; Rtings specifically mentioned the AZ100’s top-tier noise isolation with multi-point up to three devices, making it great for office use where you hop between a phone and multiple computers rtings.com. Additionally, Technics provides Google Fast Pair support on Android for quick one-tap pairing. The app also has a “Find My Buds” function (making the buds emit a chime) and the case is compatible with Google’s Find My Device network for locating on a map soundguys.com. In summary, Technics offers a rich connectivity package: hi-res audio via LDAC, an industry-leading 3-device multipoint capability rtings.com, and all the standard conveniences (fast pair, etc.), only missing Auracast which could be added later soundguys.com.

Connectivity Verdict: All three earbuds have strong Bluetooth 5.3/5.4 connections and multipoint support, but their ecosystem approaches differ. Sennheiser MTW4 is the codec king – great for those who want aptX Lossless or broad device compatibility (works well with both Android and iPhone, and the app is on both) soundguys.com rtings.com. It supports two devices at once and even new broadcast features like Auracast out-of-the-box rtings.com rtings.com. Pixel Buds Pro 2 integrate beautifully into Android, with seamless multipoint and fast switching, plus they’ve been updated with Auracast and LE Audio as well soundguys.com rtings.com. They lack hi-fi codecs, focusing more on smart features (which are mostly Android/Pixel-exclusive) – if you’re in the Google ecosystem, connectivity feels magical; on iPhone, you’ll be limited to basic functions. Technics AZ100 offers the most flexibility in device connections, handling up to three simultaneously, and provides LDAC for high-quality audio streaming rtings.com. It’s a boon for power users juggling multiple devices. The main trade-off is slightly less dust protection (no dust-proof rating) and the pending status of Auracast support soundguys.com. In plain terms, you can expect stable, hassle-free Bluetooth from all three. If you care about high-bitrate audio or use many devices, Sennheiser and Technics have an edge. If you use a Pixel or Android phone primarily and love Google’s integrations, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will delight you with their smooth connectivity experience.

Controls and App Support

Onboard Controls: Each of these earbuds provides touch controls on the earbuds themselves, allowing you to manage playback, calls, volume, and modes without reaching for your phone.

• Sennheiser MTW4 Controls: Sennheiser uses touch-sensitive panels on each earbud and gives you a good degree of customization. By default, taps and gestures cover all essential functions (play/pause, track skip, volume up/down, ANC/transparency toggle, and voice assistant) soundguys.com. The controls are responsive – What Hi-Fi specifically praised the MTW4’s “responsive controls” as a positive whathifi.com. In the Smart Control app, you can remap certain gestures if desired to tailor them to your preferences. For example, you could assign a single tap on the left bud to volume down and on the right to volume up, etc., or choose whether a long press triggers ANC mode cycle or your voice assistant. Users generally find Sennheiser’s touch controls reliable and intuitive after a short learning curve. The absence of any physical button means no need to press into your ear. Additionally, the MTW4 supports ear-detection sensors – remove a bud and your music can auto-pause, reinsert and it resumes. The app also offers a helpful feature to test and ensure you have a proper fit (tone-based seal test). In summary, Sennheiser provides a full suite of controls on the earbuds, which can be customized and work fluidly whathifi.com.
• Pixel Buds Pro 2 Controls: Google nailed the control scheme on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Each bud has a touch-sensitive exterior that supports taps, long presses, and even swipe gestures for volume. This was a standout in reviews: Gizmodo highlighted the “highly intuitive onboard controls” and especially loved that volume is adjusted by swiping horizontally on the earbuds gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Swiping forward (toward your face) raises volume, and swiping backward lowers it gizmodo.com. This simple addition means you don’t have to rely on your phone or voice for volume changes – something many earbuds lack. The swipes were found to be very responsive and less error-prone than some competitors’ methods gizmodo.com. Taps handle play/pause (single tap), track forward (double tap), back (triple tap), and you can long-press on either bud for a user-assignable function gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. By default, a long press can toggle ANC/transparency or activate “Gemini” (Google’s AI assistant feature), but you can customize one side to ANC and the other to Assistant if you like gizmodo.com. The controls are mirrored on both sides for taps and swipes, which keeps it simple. Pixel Buds also have in-ear detection for auto-pause. Because the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are integrated with Android, if you forget the gestures, the Pixel’s settings menu provides a tutorial/reference. Overall, Google’s control scheme is one of the best, making it easy to control your audio entirely from the buds with minimal fuss gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Even first-time users find it intuitive, as the gestures mimic natural motions.
• Technics AZ100 Controls: Technics uses touch panels on each earbud with a comprehensive set of gestures. A single tap, double tap, triple tap, and long press can each be assigned to different controls, and Technics allows independent remapping of each gesture for each ear in their app rtings.com. This means you have a lot of flexibility to set up controls exactly how you like (for instance, you could have volume on the left bud taps and track control on the right bud taps, etc.). Straight out of the box, the defaults cover the bases (play/pause, track skip, ANC/transparency toggle, volume, etc.), but it’s nice that the app lets you change them – not all brands allow full customization. What Hi-Fi notes the AZ100 has “ample customizable features,” which includes the control scheme whathifi.com. The touchpads themselves are described as responsive. One benefit of Technics’ design is the buds are somewhat larger, so there’s a decent touch surface area, reducing accidental touches. Additionally, because the seal is deep, tapping the buds doesn’t tend to dislodge them or hurt the ear. The app (Technics Audio Connect) even lets you adjust touch sensitivity and offers a “lock” if you want to disable touch to avoid accidental presses in certain scenarios. Like the others, the AZ100 pauses music when you remove an earbud and resumes when you put it back, thanks to wearing detection sensors soundguys.com soundguys.com. In summary, Technics provides fully featured controls that are user-adjustable, and reviewers find them easy to use and reliable. They might not have flashy swipe gestures, but every function you need can be accomplished with a tap or press, and you can configure it to your liking rtings.com.

App Support and Features:
All three models have companion apps (or OS integration) that enhance the experience with customization, firmware updates, and extra features:

• Sennheiser Smart Control: Available on iOS and Android, the Smart Control app gives MTW4 users access to an equalizer (with presets), ANC mode adjustments, transparency level, touch control customization, and firmware updates soundguys.com soundguys.com. It’s well-regarded for a clean interface. Importantly, Sennheiser doesn’t lock any features by platform – whether you’re on iPhone or Android, you get the same options (aptX Adaptive works on Android for capable devices; on iPhone you’ll use AAC since iPhones don’t support aptX). The app also can perform a fit test, display battery levels for each bud and case, and let you turn on/off features like sidetone during calls. Smart Control also is where Sennheiser would deliver new features (for example, if they update Auracast functionality, it would come via a firmware update through the app). Firmware updates: Sennheiser has a track record of supporting their Momentum line with updates to improve performance and add features. While we haven’t seen a major new feature added yet beyond initial release (they launched with everything including Auracast), future Bluetooth improvements could arrive. The app makes updating straightforward. Overall, Sennheiser’s app support is comprehensive and cross-platform, ensuring all users can take advantage of the earbuds’ capabilities rtings.com rtings.com.
• Google Pixel Buds App / Android OS Integration: On Android 12+ devices (especially Pixel phones), you actually don’t need a standalone app – the Pixel Buds Pro 2 integrate into the system settings. Tapping the earbuds in Bluetooth settings opens a dedicated menu with all options. Here you’ll find a 5-band EQ, toggles for ANC/transparency, Conversation Detection, spatial audio settings, Google Assistant (Gemini) settings, and more soundguys.com soundguys.com. Google also pushes firmware updates through the Pixel Buds interface – these happen over-the-air when connected to your phone (and you’ll be notified). For non-Pixel Android phones, the experience is similar (via Google’s “Pixel Buds” app or an integrated services update). On iOS, however, Google has no official app for Pixel Buds. You can still pair them and use basic functions (ANC toggle via long press, play/pause, etc.), but you can’t adjust settings or get firmware updates on an iPhone. This is a clear limitation if you’re not within the Android ecosystem. Assuming you are an Android user, the app support is excellent and even adds Google-specific perks: for example, you can enable Google Assistant hands-free so that saying “Hey Google” triggers your assistant through the buds for queries or texts soundguys.com. The Buds Pro 2 also integrate with Google Translate and other Assistant features for real-time translation or notifications reading. Additionally, because of the Tensor A1, new features can come via software – indeed, since release Google added Auracast broadcasting support with a firmware update soundguys.com, and they could potentially add other AI features down the line. Google has shown commitment by improving the original Buds Pro with significant updates (like spatial audio added in 2023); we can expect similar support for the Buds Pro 2 through 2025. In summary, app support for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is outstanding on Android (especially Pixel devices), offering deep customization and integration soundguys.com rtings.com. Just be aware that on iOS or older devices, you’ll miss out on a lot of these goodies.
• Technics Audio Connect App: Technics provides their app on both iOS and Android, giving all users full access to the AZ100’s feature set. The app is quite feature-rich: you can adjust ANC level and ambient sound level, select from sound EQ presets or create a custom EQ, remap touch controls, and enable special features like Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos) mode rtings.com. There’s also a setting for the Voice Assistant (the AZ100 can trigger your phone’s assistant – Siri, Google, Alexa if supported – via a touch, which you can configure). A unique feature is “Voice Focus AI” for calls: through the app, you can turn this on to reduce background noise when speaking on calls. However, as What Hi-Fi noted, this algorithm sometimes made voices sound a bit “robotic”, so some users might leave it off whathifi.com. The app also manages multipoint device connections – you can see the three paired devices and prioritize or disconnect as needed. Firmware updates are delivered through the app as well; Technics did issue updates for previous models to enhance functionality, and with hints of Auracast possibly coming, the app would facilitate that soundguys.com. Another fun inclusion: you can switch the LED on/off on the case via the app (some like to disable it for bedside use, etc.). Overall, Technics’ app support is robust and multi-platform, letting you utilize all features whether you’re on Android or iPhone rtings.com. It might not have the deep OS integration of Google, but it covers everything in one place. The interface is generally straightforward, though perhaps not as polished as Google’s. One small drawback: connecting to 3 devices and using the app to manage them can get a bit complex, but that’s inherent to having more connections. In any case, the app is an essential part of the AZ100 experience to get the most out of features like EQ, spatial audio, etc., and Technics has delivered on that front.

Controls & App Verdict: All three earbuds offer full control without pulling out your phone, which is great. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 have an edge in ease and intuitiveness of controls, thanks to the brilliant addition of swipe gestures for volume and generally well-thought-out tap functions gizmodo.com. Sennheiser and Technics also provide comprehensive control schemes, with Technics winning for customization flexibility (nearly every gesture can be remapped) rtings.com, and Sennheiser striking a good balance of default layout and customization whathifi.com. In terms of apps, Sennheiser and Technics are on equal footing – both have apps on iOS and Android, giving all users access to customization, EQ, ANC settings, and updates soundguys.com rtings.com. Google’s approach is superb on Android (arguably the best integration, with features like Assistant and conversation mode easily accessible rtings.com), but it’s minimal on other platforms. So, if you’re an Android user, Pixel Buds Pro 2’s software experience is arguably the most seamless and “smart”. If you’re on iOS or frequently switch between ecosystems, Sennheiser or Technics will offer a consistent app experience across devices. It’s also worth noting all three companies have shown a commitment to firmware improvements: Google added Auracast and continues tweaking ANC and features soundguys.com, Sennheiser built in future codec support from day one rtings.com, and Technics might enable new things like Auracast via updates soundguys.com. In summary, you won’t be frustrated with controls on any of these – they all let you do what you need on-ear. App-wise, Pixel Buds Pro 2 are best for Android-centric users, while Sennheiser and Technics offer excellent, platform-agnostic app support.

Price and Value

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: This is a premium-priced product, launching at $299.95 in the US (around £259 in the UK) soundguys.com whathifi.com. By August 2025, we have seen some discounts – for instance, at times they’ve been on sale for around $249 or less – but they generally occupy the high-end price bracket. For the price, Sennheiser is delivering top-notch sound quality, very good ANC, and a suite of bleeding-edge features (aptX Lossless, Auracast, etc.) that many competitors don’t have soundguys.com rtings.com. Are they worth it? If sound quality is your top priority, many experts say yes – these “outstanding earbuds” justify their cost with audio performance and a luxurious build soundguys.com soundguys.com. What Hi-Fi gave them five stars at the £260 price, implying strong value for the audiophile crowd whathifi.com whathifi.com. However, $300 is still a lot to spend on earbuds. SoundGuys points out that “$300 is a lot to shell out” and calls the price a negative, even though they conclude the MTW4 do “exactly” what they need to for that cost soundguys.com. In other words, you are paying a premium, but you largely get a premium experience. One could argue there are slightly cheaper models (Sony, Bose) that offer similar ANC performance or features, but Sennheiser’s distinctive sound and feature set set it apart. Value-wise, if you’ll use the advanced codec support and care about audio fidelity, the MTW4 holds its value. If not, you might find less expensive options sufficient. As of 2025, with frequent sales, the MTW4 can be a bit easier on the wallet than at launch – e.g., one What Hi-Fi blurb noted a price drop to £179 during a sale whathifi.com, which would be a steal. In summary, the MTW4 is expensive but delivers on its premium promise, offering solid value to those who appreciate its strengths (sound, build, tech) whathifi.com.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Google priced the Buds Pro 2 slightly above the originals. They launched at $229 (up from $199 for the first-gen) soundguys.com tomsguide.com. At $229, they undercut many flagship competitors (Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are $249, Sony WF-1000XM5 $299, Bose QC Earbuds II $299, Sennheiser $299, Technics $299). So the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a bit more affordable in this company of high-end buds. Reviewers generally felt this pricing was fair given the upgrades, though it’s not “budget” by any means. SoundGuys acknowledged $229 “might be a tall ask, but many people will love these earbuds” soundguys.com. You’re getting excellent ANC, very comfortable design, and Google’s unique features (like the Tensor-powered smarts) for a lower cost than some audio-centric brands. One catch: that value shines brightest for Android/Pixel users. If you’re an Android user, the Buds Pro 2 might offer the best bang for buck because you can leverage everything (Assistant, etc.). If you’re an iPhone user, at $229 these would be a tougher sell since you lose many features – in that case, you’d be better off with AirPods Pro or another platform-agnostic earbud at similar price. But focusing on the intended audience: Google likely priced these to attract Android users who might otherwise consider Samsung or Sony. Given their performance, $229 is a competitive ask. By mid-2025, we’ve seen Google do occasional promotions (for example, pre-orders came with store credit 9to5toys.com, and by summer 2025, one could find them on sale for ~$180-$200). Gizmodo noted they are “pricey” in the cons gizmodo.com, but that was relative to the original’s price – they ultimately deliver a lot for the money, making them a good value in the premium segment. Bottom line: Pixel Buds Pro 2’s pricing undercuts many rivals while offering nearly as many features (or more, in terms of AI integration). They represent strong value for Android users seeking flagship performance without the absolute top-tier price tag.

Technics EAH-AZ100: Technics launched the AZ100 at $299.99 (and £259/AU$499) – essentially the same premium price point as Sennheiser and Sony’s flagships soundguys.com whathifi.com. This is unsurprising, as Technics positions these as their “reference class” earbuds, loaded with tech (new drivers, LDAC, etc.). At $300, the AZ100 have to compete on merit with the very best. Do they justify it? What Hi-Fi’s verdict was enthusiastic, implying they absolutely contend at this level (and even saying “Sony and Bose should be worried”) whathifi.com. You are getting top-tier ANC, great sound, and class-leading battery life, which helps the value proposition. Technics also notably did not increase the price over the prior AZ80 – they kept it the same while delivering a bunch of improvements (better driver, much longer battery, improved ANC) whathifi.com whathifi.com. So in that sense, they added value year-over-year. However, $300 is still $300. SoundGuys gives the AZ100 a very good 8.2 score but flags price as a con as well, meaning they find it steep if you’re not going to fully use what it offers soundguys.com soundguys.com. For instance, if someone doesn’t care about LDAC or 3-device multipoint or Atmos, they might find a cheaper model just as satisfying. But if those features appeal, the AZ100 is unique in combining them. The value really shows if you consider the battery: if you need all-day ANC frequently, the Technics could save you from needing over-ear headphones, effectively giving you more usage scenarios for your money (e.g., long-haul travelers might see extra value in that 10-12h stamina). As of 2025, being a newer release, the AZ100 hasn’t seen major discounts yet, but you might find slight sales (maybe down to ~$270 occasionally). It’s also worth noting Technics includes a lot in the box (multiple tips, etc.) and the build quality is high, which factors into value for a premium product. Overall, the AZ100 is priced at the top-tier level, and it mostly delivers premium performance to match that premium price soundguys.com whathifi.com. Its value is best appreciated by those who want its specific strengths (fantastic ANC, sound clarity, battery, multi-point) enough to pay a premium.

Price/Value Verdict: In pure price terms, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the cheapest of the trio (launch $229), making them the most value-oriented option for a flagship experience – especially for Android users who can fully utilize them soundguys.com. Technics AZ100 and Sennheiser MTW4 both sit at ~$299, commanding a premium for their respective audio pedigrees soundguys.com soundguys.com. Between those two, value might tilt depending on user priorities: Sennheiser gives you cutting-edge codec support and that renowned Sennheiser sound; Technics gives you maximum features (ANC, battery, LDAC, multipoint) and an arguably more versatile toolkit. Both are pricey but offer the performance to justify a high-end price – they compete directly with other $279–$299 earbuds and hold their ground whathifi.com whathifi.com. The Pixel Buds Pro 2, while less expensive, might skip some “audiophile” features (no aptX/LDAC) but still deliver on sound, ANC, and comfort, meaning for many mainstream users they represent the best bang for the buck in this lineup. If budget is a big factor and you want 90% of what the $300 earbuds offer, Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a savvy choice. If you want the very best in a specific area (like sound or battery or connectivity), investing the extra ~$70 in Sennheiser or Technics could be worth it. Finally, keep an eye on discounts – by late 2025, the landscape may have these models frequently on sale, which can tip the value scales (e.g., a discounted Sennheiser at ~$200 would be a fantastic buy).

Durability and Build Quality

All three earbuds are built to high quality standards and come with water resistance ratings, but there are some differences:

• Build and Materials: The Sennheiser MTW4 earbuds feature a premium build with metallic accents and high-grade plastics. They have a sleek, “fashion-forward” look, available in colors like black or a light white/gray, each with metal Sennheiser logo plates on the touch surface soundguys.com. The charging case for the MTW4 is compact and well-built; interestingly, Sennheiser moved away from the fabric-covered case of the Momentum TW2 and went with a smooth hard shell for the TW4, which improves durability (fabric can get dirty or fray). SoundGuys and others note the IP54 rating – this means the earbuds are dust resistant (limited ingress) and splash/water resistant soundguys.com. They can handle sweat, rain, and dust exposure (like a dusty jog or a trip to the beach) without issues. IP54 is actually slightly better than many competitors that often do IPX4 (no dust rating). The case itself isn’t advertised as water-resistant (most cases aren’t), so you wouldn’t want to soak that. Durability-wise, Sennheiser earbuds feel solid and should handle daily wear and tear well. Some users have had them survive accidental drops with minor scuffs. The mic performance might be a weak spot, but that’s more about functionality than durability soundguys.com – speaking of which, multiple mics are tucked into the design, and some are under mesh that should be kept clean for best performance. Internally, Sennheiser’s electronics (like any tiny earbuds) include a battery that will degrade over years, but nothing unusual there. Overall build quality is high, as expected at this price, and the IP54 rating gives confidence for active use soundguys.com.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Google’s buds have a very refined build as well, with a soft matte plastic exterior available in various colors (Porcelain white, Hazel, Peony pink, and a minty Wintergreen, etc.). They’re smaller and lighter than before, but still feel well-made. The design is stemless and low-profile in the ear. They have IP54 dust and water resistance just like the Sennheiser rtings.com. That’s an upgrade over the original Pixel Buds Pro which were only IPX4 – now dust is accounted for, which is great tomsguide.com. So the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can handle sweat and splashes, and won’t be bothered by a bit of dust or pocket lint ingress. The case for Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a pebble-shaped, smooth plastic case that is IPX4 water-resistant (no dust rating on the case) soundguys.com. It’s one of the few cases with any IP rating at all, meaning it should survive minor water exposure (like light rain) although you still wouldn’t dunk it. A unique aspect of the Pixel Buds case is the built-in speaker for the Find My Device – that adds a little complexity but Google must have ruggedized it sufficiently; still, one might want to be gentle to avoid water getting into the speaker hole. In terms of longevity, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 benefit from Google’s attention to battery health – they likely have optimized charging to prolong battery lifespan (e.g., not overcharging). Google also added scratch-resistant coatings on the Buds Pro 2 (the original Pixel Buds Pro were prone to scuffs on the case; hopefully the new finish is more resilient). Durability feedback so far is positive; they can be tossed in a gym bag or pocket and come out fine. The comfort improvements also mean less pressure on them physically when inserting/removing, potentially reducing user-caused damage. All told, Pixel Buds Pro 2 are durable daily drivers, and their IP54 rating backs that up for active use rtings.com.
• Technics EAH-AZ100: The Technics AZ100 earbuds are slightly larger and carry a bit of a retro design flair, but they’re built like high-quality tech. The buds have a two-tone look with a metallic Technics logo plate and solid-feeling construction. They are IPX4 rated – which means sweat and water resistant, but no specific dust resistance rating soundguys.com. So they can handle workouts and rain, but they might not guard against fine dust as much as IP54 devices (though practically, a bit of dust shouldn’t be an issue; just don’t submerge them in sand). The lack of a dust rating is minor unless you work in very dusty environments. The charging case of the AZ100 is larger than average – SoundGuys called it “chunky but pocketable” soundguys.com. It does not carry an IP rating, so treat it like any electronics (avoid water). The hinge and magnets are robust; Technics likely built it to last dozens of open/close cycles a day without trouble. Build quality is generally praised: Rtings gave a high score for durability/build, noting sturdy construction soundguys.com. The earbuds’ finish seems to resist scratches reasonably well, and the inclusion of foam-filled tips means you won’t tear tips easily. One specific feature, Voice Focus AI, is a software feature and doesn’t affect durability directly, but interestingly What Hi-Fi noted that using it made voices sound robotic whathifi.com. If Technics issues firmware updates to refine that, it’s nice for longevity of the product’s features. The battery life being so good also ties into durability – fewer charge cycles for the same use means the battery might stay healthy longer. Also, Technics has user-replaceable ear tips and likely you can get replacements for the custom tips if they wear out. Summing up, the AZ100 is built solidly, with an emphasis on long-term functionality (e.g., large battery) and the essentials of durability. IPX4 is sufficient for most people’s usage (sweat and rain), just keep the case dry and clean since it’s not as element-proof.

Durability Verdict: All three earbuds are built to premium standards and suitable for active daily use. Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Sennheiser MTW4 have a slight edge in ingress protection with IP54 – they guard against both dust and water splashes soundguys.com rtings.com. Technics AZ100 is IPX4, effectively meaning it’s fine with sweat/rain but not certified against dust soundguys.com. In practical terms, unless you’re routinely in dusty environments, IPX4 vs IP54 for earbuds is not a huge difference. For most users, all three will survive workouts, commutes in the rain, and general jostling in pockets or bags. The build quality on each is excellent: Sennheiser with its stylish metal touches, Google with its refined ergonomic design, and Technics with its robust, slightly larger form. Each has a well-built case too, with Google even adding a tracker speaker for convenience. Users should treat the cases with moderate care (as none are waterproof), but the buds themselves can take the usual abuse of daily life. On longevity: Sennheiser and Technics including support for new Bluetooth standards (Auracast, etc.) suggest they’re built for the future, and Google’s frequent updates show a commitment to keeping the Buds Pro 2 fresh. If we consider firmware updates as part of product “durability” in a technological sense – all three have shown they will get updates (Google and Sennheiser already have done so soundguys.com soundguys.com, and Technics likely will too). So, they are not only physically durable but also likely to improve over time with software, increasing their lifespan in your gadget arsenal. In conclusion, you can expect long-lasting build and durability from any of these flagship earbuds, with minor differences in water/dust ratings being the only separator – and in that regard, Pixel and Sennheiser have a tiny advantage on paper.

Firmware Updates and Future Support

In the fast-evolving tech world, it’s worth considering how these products will be supported over time with updates and whether there are new models on the horizon.

Sennheiser Momentum TW4 Updates: Sennheiser released the Momentum True Wireless 4 in early 2024 and has provided firmware updates primarily for performance tweaks. As of March 2025, the MTW4 firmware was at version 5.3.5 during SoundGuys’ testing soundguys.com, indicating a few updates since launch. These updates have improved stability and possibly ANC performance. A big plus is that Sennheiser included LE Audio (Auracast) support from the start, effectively “future-proofing” the earbuds rtings.com. If the Bluetooth standards evolve or new features become available, the hardware is ready. Sennheiser’s app will alert users to firmware updates, and installation is user-friendly. Historically, Sennheiser’s flagship earbuds receive support for a couple of years; for example, the Momentum TW3 got updates that improved their multipoint after launch. We can expect the MTW4 to similarly get refinements or any bug fixes needed. There haven’t been any major new features added post-launch (because they launched with most of them), but Sennheiser could potentially activate things like EQ improvements or minor features via updates. As for upcoming models, since the MTW4 is fairly recent, Sennheiser likely won’t release a Momentum TW5 until late 2025 or 2026, if following past cadence (~2 years between generations). We haven’t heard any rumors of a new Momentum True Wireless model as of August 2025, so MTW4 will remain the flagship for a while. Sennheiser’s focus in late 2025 might be elsewhere (they launched some over-ear headphones in 2025, for instance), but nothing publicly known about a new true wireless flagship. So buyers of the MTW4 can be confident it’s not being immediately replaced. Sennheiser is also good at keeping their app and ecosystem updated to support new phone OS versions, etc., so the future support outlook is positive.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Updates: Google has a strong track record of enhancing Pixel accessories with software updates. The Pixel Buds Pro 2, since their launch in late 2024, have already seen significant updates. One big update in October 2024 delivered Auracast (Bluetooth broadcast) support which was missing at launch soundguys.com. In mid-2025, Google also rolled out a firmware (2.1117) that improved sound (they updated the tuning and fixed some issues like the phase mismatch to an extent) soundguys.com. The SoundGuys review was updated in June 2025 to reflect these improvements. Google also enabled the head-tracking spatial audio feature early on, which works with supported Pixel phones and content (this was likely available at launch, inherited from Pixel Buds Pro, but refined). With the Tensor A1 chip in the Buds Pro 2, Google has room to introduce new AI-driven features. For instance, the branding of “Gemini integration” suggests they might add more on-device Assistant capabilities or even some form of chat AI responses in the future. While the Gizmodo review felt the Gemini (AI) features at launch were underwhelming gizmodo.com, there’s potential for Google to expand them via updates. Pixel Buds Pro 2 will likely get firmware support for at least a couple of years; the original Pixel Buds Pro (2022) received major updates well into 2023 and 2024 (adding spatial audio, etc.), so we can expect the Pro 2 to get similar love through 2025 and maybe 2026. On the upcoming models front, Google tends to do earbuds on a roughly two-year cycle for the Pro line. Since these are late-2024, a Pixel Buds Pro 3 might not appear until late 2026. However, Google does have a budget line which was dormant after Pixel Buds A-series (2021). There are strong rumors of Pixel Buds 2a (a sequel to the A-series) launching in late 2025 thegadgetflow.com phonearena.com. In fact, leaks suggest Pixel Buds 2a (a more affordable set) will be unveiled alongside the Pixel 10 phones and Pixel Watch 4 around August 2025, though possibly released in October 2025 phonearena.com phonearena.com. Those would be priced lower and have fewer features (think no ANC, etc.), so not direct competitors to the Pro 2, but something to note if you’re eyeing the Pixel family. Google inadvertently also leaked new color options for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 (like an Iris blue) androidpolice.com, indicating they plan to keep the Pro 2 on the market and fresh through new colors rather than replacing them soon. In summary, Pixel Buds Pro 2 are well-supported and still quite new, with Google likely to continue improving them via firmware (we might see features like improved call clarity, new Assistant tricks, etc. in future updates). And if you want cheaper Pixel buds, the Pixel Buds 2a seem to be on the way later in 2025 phonearena.com.

Technics EAH-AZ100 Updates: Being released in early 2025, the AZ100 is also quite new, and Technics has shown commitment to supporting their audio products. The Technics Audio Connect app allows for firmware updates, and although we haven’t yet seen a major update announcement, SoundGuys hinted that one might be expected: they explicitly mentioned it’s “bizarre” the AZ100 lacks Auracast support and mused “maybe that will come with a firmware update” soundguys.com. Given the hardware supports Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3), it’s plausible Technics could enable Auracast broadcast audio in a future update, aligning with what Sennheiser and Google have done. Also, Technics might issue updates to refine that Voice Focus AI call feature (to address the robotic sound issue) whathifi.com. They could also fine-tune the sound profile if enough user feedback suggests a tweak. Technics/Panasonic are not as fast with updates as Google, but they do provide them. For example, the previous AZ80 received an update to add functions like control options, etc. So AZ100 owners should keep an eye out for app notifications. On the upcoming models for Technics: the AZ100 is the successor to 2023’s AZ80, and since they jumped from 80 to 100, there’s no indication of an immediate next model. Technics likely will stick with the AZ100 as their flagship through at least 2025. Perhaps in 2026 they might consider an AZ100 Mk2 or AZ120 if they follow some sequence, but nothing is publicly hinted. Technics did quietly refresh the AZ60 last year (AZ60M2), but having just launched the 100, they won’t usurp it so soon. Instead, they might expand color options or issue firmware to keep it competitive. It’s also worth noting that Technics, being an audio specialist, might not churn models yearly like some consumer electronics companies, focusing instead on solid incremental leaps (which the AZ100 was). So, expect continuing support for the AZ100 via updates and no new Technics flagship earbuds until at least late 2026 or beyond.

Long-Term Considerations: By choosing any of these in 2025, you’re getting very up-to-date technology (LE Audio, etc.), so they should remain relevant for the next few years. All three companies seem invested in the platform: Sennheiser for the audiophile audience, Google for the Pixel ecosystem, and Technics for hi-fi enthusiasts. If anything, the wireless earbud market’s future might see more AI integration and perhaps even health sensors (Google’s buds already have inertial sensors for head tracking; others might add fitness tracking, etc. eventually). But those are speculative – none of these have that (the Sony Linkbuds 2 tried fitness sensors, but it’s not common yet).

In terms of warranty, each brand typically gives around 1-year warranty (Google sometimes 1 year, Sennheiser often 2 years in some regions, Technics likely 1 year). Keep firmware updated as that can also iron out early hardware bugs. For example, if any of these had early connectivity quirks, updates likely fixed them (Pixel Buds Pro 2 had some early reports of connection hiccups that the first firmware addressed).

Firmware & Future Verdict: Google has been very proactive with updates, already adding big features and likely to continue fine-tuning the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with new capabilities (especially leveraging their AI chip) soundguys.com. Sennheiser built the MTW4 with future standards in mind (Auracast) and will ensure they remain top performers through any needed updates rtings.com. Technics will address any shortcomings (like call voice processing) via firmware and possibly unlock Auracast, given the hardware is LE Audio ready soundguys.com. None of these models are at risk of obsolescence anytime soon; you can invest with confidence that they’ll stay current for years. In terms of new models: Pixel Buds 2a (late 2025) will be a budget option but not a Pro replacement phonearena.com; no immediate new Sennheiser or Technics flagships are known, so Momentum TW4 and AZ100 will remain their brands’ flagships through 2025. So, if you’re deciding now, it’s a great time – these three represent the cutting edge as of August 2025, and each will only get better with updates in the coming months.

Smart Assistant Integration

With wireless earbuds, how well they integrate with voice assistants can be a key part of the user experience – especially if you like hands-free control or information on the go.

• Sennheiser MTW4: Sennheiser takes a neutral approach, supporting whichever assistant your device uses. There’s a “Voice Assistant” control option on the earbuds soundguys.com – typically, a long press (or a customizable gesture) can trigger your phone’s default assistant (Google Assistant on Android, Siri on iOS). This means you can ask questions, control music, or send messages via voice through the MTW4. The earbuds don’t have their own wake-word detection, so you cannot just say “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google” to the buds when your phone is locked, unless your phone itself is listening for that. Essentially, the MTW4 acts as a conduit to whichever assistant (including Alexa, if your phone has the Alexa app active and set to respond to a button). In the Smart Control app, you can specify which assistant you want the earbuds to trigger if needed. The microphone quality plays a role here: since the MTW4’s mic is not the very best for calls (it’s okay but not stellar in noise), when using it for voice assistant commands, it’s generally fine in quiet environments but might struggle to pick up “Hey Google” in a noisy street (again, no always-listening feature on the buds themselves, so not as relevant). The key is that Sennheiser didn’t build in any proprietary assistant, so you rely on your smartphone’s capabilities. Integration level: Basic but effective – you press and hold to speak to your assistant, and responses come through the earbuds. No readouts of notifications by default or such, unless you configure that on your phone (Android can read notifications via Assistant if set up). So, Sennheiser’s earbuds integrate as well as any standard Bluetooth headset with Siri/Google, which for most is sufficient. They focus more on sound than on assistant bells and whistles.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: As expected, Google’s offering has the deepest smart assistant integration, specifically with Google Assistant. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 support hands-free “Hey Google” voice activation soundguys.com. This means even if your phone is in your pocket, you can just say the hotword and ask Assistant anything (provided the feature is enabled in settings). The Tensor A1 chip in the buds helps process these requests efficiently. In practice, you can send texts, control music (“Hey Google, skip this song”), ask for navigation (“how far to work?”), etc., all without touching the buds or phone. Moreover, Google leverages this integration for things like real-time translation via Google Translate. With the Pixel Buds, you can say “Hey Google, help me speak Spanish” and then have conversation mode translations with someone – your question is translated and played out loud on the phone, and their answer can be heard translated in your earbuds. These translation features were present in the first Pixel Buds Pro and continue here, likely improved by the new chip. Pixel Buds Pro 2 also can read out notifications to you automatically and let you respond by voice, which is a very handy feature for true hands-free use (this can be customized in settings as to which app notifications to read). A new aspect is “Gemini” integration – Gemini refers to Google’s next-gen AI (the one succeeding Google’s Assistant’s typical model). At launch, the Buds Pro 2 were marketed with “hands-free Gemini integration” gizmodo.com. Right now, that effectively means Google Assistant with some smarter on-device processing. Gizmodo found it underwhelming initially gizmodo.com, possibly because any advanced features weren’t fully live yet. But it hints that Google may add more advanced AI tasks (perhaps summarizing emails or contextual Q&A beyond standard assistant) in the future. Already the Assistant can do things like Adaptive Volume, where it can raise/lower volume based on ambient noise (a feature available on Pixel Buds). Also, conversation detection in the Buds Pro 2 interacts with Assistant – for instance, after conversation mode triggers (pausing music), you might be able to have it read notifications after. For non-Android users, on an iPhone, you unfortunately cannot use Google Assistant on the Pixel Buds (there’s no iOS app, and Siri is not integrated). The Buds would just work like any headphone – you could long-press and maybe it triggers Siri as a generic headset (if it follows Bluetooth standards). But the whole “Hey Google” thing wouldn’t apply when connected to iPhone. So, the Assistant integration is a huge plus for Android/Pixel folks, giving a very seamless voice-controlled experience soundguys.com, arguably the best among these three.
• Technics AZ100: Technics doesn’t have its own voice assistant, but it supports invocation of the usual suspects. In the app, you can configure whether a long tap on the earbuds triggers Google Assistant, Siri, or Amazon Alexa (Alexa support is interesting – some earbuds like Jabra allow Alexa integration if you install the Alexa app on your phone, and Technics appears to do similarly). So, the AZ100 basically lets you use whichever ecosystem you prefer. No hands-free wake-word is built into the buds – you’ll need to tap to talk. This is typical for non-Google, non-Apple earbuds. The performance of voice commands will depend on the mic clarity; in ideal conditions, the AZ100’s mics are fine, but as noted earlier, in noisy conditions the voice might be a bit processed due to their Voice Focus AI attempts whathifi.com. If you’re issuing commands in a quiet room or car, no issue. If you try in a windy street, it might struggle a tad (like any earbud, though Sennheiser’s poor wind handling might do worse). The integration itself is straightforward – talk to Siri on iPhone or Google on Android by touch. The Technics app doesn’t read notifications to you or anything fancy. One extra: If you’re using the AZ100 with an Android phone, you can of course use Google’s phone-based “Hey Google” detection (the phone’s mic picking it up) if your phone is listening, but the buds aren’t doing it themselves. So essentially, Technics offers standard voice assistant support – it’s there if you want it, but it’s not a headline feature.

Smart Assistant Verdict: If using voice commands and having your earbuds act as a true assistant in your ear is important, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the clear leader soundguys.com. They have always-on Google Assistant (hands-free “Hey Google”), integration with real-time translation, notification reading, and likely more AI features on the way. It’s a very natural experience for Android users to the point you can control nearly everything with just your voice and hear responses in real time. Sennheiser and Technics take a more neutral stance – they’ll happily activate Siri, Google, or Alexa with a button press, but they don’t have the always-listening function or any proprietary voice features. They rely on your phone’s assistant entirely. This is perfectly fine for many users; you press and ask a question and get your answer. But they won’t, for example, automatically read your messages unless you ask the assistant to, whereas Pixel Buds might do that by default because of Assistant’s deeper integration. For iPhone users, none of these have direct integration with Siri beyond the standard (AirPods would, but that’s outside this comparison). Sennheiser and Technics will work similarly to any Bluetooth buds with Siri (press and talk). Pixel Buds Pro 2 on iPhone would lose their Google perks, though you could still use Siri with a button press (and some features wouldn’t work at all). So, if you’re an iOS user specifically, consider that Pixel’s extra cost partly goes to Assistant features you can’t use; Sennheiser or Technics might be a better fit in that case. For Android, especially Pixel phone owners, the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s integration is a joy – “an excellent Pixel phone companion” as SoundGuys put it soundguys.com. Meanwhile, Sennheiser and Technics give you the basics reliably, which is likely sufficient if you only occasionally talk to your assistant. None of them integrate with smart assistants like Amazon Alexa built into the device itself (except via phone), but since Alexa mobile isn’t as common, that’s probably not a big drawback.

Conclusion and Recommendations

All three of these true wireless earbuds are exceptional in their own right, but each model shines in different areas. Here’s a breakdown of their key strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which might be the best fit:

• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 – “Serious contender” in sound quality whathifi.com. Strengths: Audiophile-grade sound with rich, refined audio and great detail; very effective adaptive ANC; solid transparency mode; premium build (IP54 ruggedness) whathifi.com soundguys.com; support for high-end codecs (aptX Adaptive/Lossless) and future-proof features like Auracast soundguys.com rtings.com; customizable controls and EQ; wireless charging. Weaknesses: High price ($299) soundguys.com; earbuds are a bit large – can cause slight discomfort in small ears over long periods rtings.com; mic/call quality is underwhelming especially in noise (wind noise is a challenge) soundguys.com soundguys.com; ANC, while excellent, isn’t the absolute best (Bose/Sony edge it by a tiny margin in some conditions) whathifi.com. Ideal for: Sound enthusiasts who want top-notch music quality in a wireless package, and those who have modern devices to take advantage of aptX Lossless. Also great for Android or iOS users equally (platform-agnostic feature set). If you value luxurious audio and don’t mind paying for it, the MTW4 is a fantastic choice that “ticks all the boxes” for a flagship earbud rtings.com.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 – “Ace every single category” (with caveats) gizmodo.com. Strengths: Extremely comfortable, lightweight design that many can wear all day gizmodo.com; powerful ANC that significantly reduces noise tomsguide.com; very natural transparency mode and handy Conversation Detection soundguys.com tomsguide.com; seamless Google Assistant integration for hands-free use and smart features (real-time translation, notifications) soundguys.com; good balanced sound with strong bass and user EQ presets soundguys.com; reliable 8-hour battery life with ANC (30h with case) soundguys.com rtings.com; multipoint Bluetooth that works across platforms rtings.com; IP54 durability for sweat, dust, water rtings.com. And at $229, they’re more affordable than the others soundguys.com. Weaknesses: Some features (spatial audio, certain Assistant functions) only work fully on newer Pixel/Android devices – limited feature set on iPhone rtings.com. No support for hi-fi codecs like LDAC/aptX (just SBC/AAC), so not the top choice for audiophile bitrate, though most users won’t notice soundguys.com. At launch, the AI “Gemini” features haven’t proven very useful yet gizmodo.com, but that could improve. Also, while sound is very good, hardcore audiophiles might find it slightly less crisp than Sennheiser/Technics (there were some technical quirks like phase issues, largely fixed by updates) rtings.com rtings.com. Ideal for: Android users (especially Pixel phone owners) who want a well-rounded, feature-packed earbud. If you prioritize comfort, smart assistant capabilities, and great ANC in a slightly more budget-friendly flagship, Pixel Buds Pro 2 are an excellent pick. They’re the “no-brainer” for someone deep in the Google ecosystem or anyone who finds the combo of very good sound + top-tier ANC + long battery at this price compelling. For iPhone users, they’re less attractive due to feature limitations – an AirPods Pro 2 or one of the other two might make more sense.
• Technics EAH-AZ100 – “Impressive and likeable performance… Sony and Bose should be worried” whathifi.com. Strengths: Superb sound clarity and spaciousness, with engaging, dynamic audio that can be tailored via EQ whathifi.com; industry-leading ANC performance on par with the best, squashing ambient noise effectively whathifi.com; outstanding battery life – around 10-12 hours on one charge with ANC (28+ hours with case) whathifi.com rtings.com – outlasting most competitors; LDAC codec support for hi-res audio fans soundguys.com; ability to connect to three devices at once with advanced multipoint, great for power users juggling work devices rtings.com; comfortable fit (if you don’t mind a deeper in-ear) with secure hold and IPX4 sweat resistance whathifi.com rtings.com; lots of app features: customizable controls, spatial audio with Dolby Atmos content, and options like Attention Mode for voices soundguys.com rtings.com. Weaknesses: Premium price ($299) like Sennheiser soundguys.com; default sound tuning can be bass-heavy or “odd” to purist ears – may require EQ adjustment to get perfect sound soundguys.com. The Voice Focus AI for calls, while a nice idea, can make your voice sound unnatural (robotic) – call quality in noisy places is only average after that whathifi.com soundguys.com. The buds are a bit bulkier; not everyone loves the deeper fit (some pressure discomfort can occur for sensitive ears) rtings.com. Lacks a dust-resistant rating (IPX4 vs IP54 of others), so a bit less robust against dust/debris soundguys.com. No always-on assistant – voice control requires touch activation. Ideal for: Those who want a feature-rich powerhouse – the AZ100 is perfect for someone who values all the extras: highest-end ANC, long battery for travel, hi-res audio options, and multi-device convenience. If you’re an audiophile who also needs to be on Zoom calls on your laptop and take phone calls, and hates charging frequently, Technics has you covered. It’s a great choice for Android audiophiles (LDAC) and even for iPhone users if pure sound and ANC are more important than having Siri read texts (Technics works fine with Siri via tap). In short, for a premium do-it-all earbud with a hi-fi slant, AZ100 is a top contender. Just be ready to tweak the EQ and possibly disable the funky call AI for best results.

Upcoming Models Note: As of August 2025, none of these models are about to be immediately eclipsed by a successor. Google’s next likely earbuds (Pixel Buds 2a – a budget model) are on the way late 2025, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will remain Google’s flagship likely into 2026 phonearena.com. Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 just came out in 2024 and no Momentum TW5 is announced yet – so it will stay current for a while. Technics’ AZ100 is brand new in 2025, also set to be the flagship for the foreseeable future. This means your investment in any of these is safe for now, and each will continue receiving firmware support.

Finally, which one to choose? It depends on your priorities:

• If sound quality and audio refinement is your #1, Sennheiser Momentum TW4 arguably offers the most luxurious listening experience whathifi.com, with Technics AZ100 a close second with a more spacious but bassy profile whathifi.com. Sennheiser also gives you that aptX Lossless edge if you have the gear for it soundguys.com.
• If ANC and battery are critical (like for frequent flyers or commuters), Technics AZ100 will literally give you the quietest, longest ride – its noise canceling is top-tier and the battery goes the distance soundguys.com rtings.com.
• If comfort, smart features, and price matter most, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 hit the sweet spot – they’re extremely comfortable, packed with convenient features like hands-free Assistant, and come at a lower cost without sacrificing the core experience gizmodo.com soundguys.com.
• If you need to pair with multiple devices often (work laptop, personal phone, etc.), Technics’ 3-device multipoint is a unique advantage rtings.com. Sennheiser and Google do 2 devices, which is still good, but heavy multitaskers might lean Technics.
• For iPhone users specifically: Sennheiser or Technics might be better choices since you’ll get full functionality cross-platform (and you might prefer Sennheiser’s app over Google’s lack of one on iOS). Pixel Buds Pro 2 will work for basic listening on iPhone but you lose many features.

Each of these earbuds has earned its place among 2025’s best. In a way, it’s hard to go wrong: they all offer excellent sound, effective noise cancellation, long battery life, and quality builds, as evidenced by expert tests and reviews whathifi.com soundguys.com soundguys.com. The decision comes down to the nuances of your use-case. We hope this deep dive has illuminated those differences so you can make the choice that harmonizes with your needs.

In summary: Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 is the go-to for audiophiles seeking polished sound and premium feel whathifi.com; Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the all-rounder that’s especially compelling for Android users wanting smart features in a comfy package gizmodo.com soundguys.com; and Technics EAH-AZ100 is the tech-packed powerhouse for those who refuse to compromise on ANC, battery, or connectivity options soundguys.com rtings.com. Evaluate what matters most to you, and you’ll find one of these will clearly stand out as the perfect match in this flagship earbuds showdown. Happy listening!

Sources:

• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 reviews – SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi, Rtings soundguys.com whathifi.com rtings.com
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 reviews and news – SoundGuys, Gizmodo, Tom’s Guide, Rtings soundguys.com gizmodo.com tomsguide.com rtings.com
• Technics EAH-AZ100 reviews – SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi, Rtings soundguys.com whathifi.com rtings.com
• Expert commentary on strengths: What Hi-Fi verdicts, Gizmodo review, etc. whathifi.com gizmodo.com whathifi.com
• Latest firmware update info and upcoming model rumors – SoundGuys updates, PhoneArena (Pixel Buds 2a) soundguys.com phonearena.com.