Nearly four years after the last version of Sennheiser’s Momentum headphones debuted with a redesign that traded a retro aesthetic for a more contemporary and comfortable design, the company has announced its Momentum 5 Wireless headphones. They look very similar to their predecessors, the Momentum 4, with large ear cups and a design that doesn’t quite stand out from the competition. But under the hood there are welcome upgrades, including improved ANC and, for the first time, a user-replaceable battery to extend their life.
The Momentum 5 Wireless will be available starting on June 30th for $399.99, a $50 price bump over the Momentum 4. The headphones feature the same 42mm drivers as the Momentum 3 and 4 models, but Sennheiser is introducing “Hi-Res Audio certification” and expanding the Momentum 5’s Bluetooth codec support to include AptX Lossless. That allows the headphones to stream 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality sound, but only from devices with a Qualcomm processor supporting that codec through the Snapdragon Sound platform. Smartphones from Sony and Motorola should be compatible, however Samsung, Google, and Apple devices won’t be.
Upgraded ANC and Microphone Array
Sennheiser has doubled the number of microphones on the Momentum 5, which now feature four on each side to improve noise cancellation. The company claims its latest headphones are up to three times more effective at reducing the sound of voice chatter and the drone experienced in airplane cabins. The upgraded ANC and added mics also help improve call quality, both when it comes to picking up your voice and ensuring you can hear the person you’re talking to. This places the Momentum 5 in a strong position against competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which also pride themselves on industry-leading noise cancellation.
The additional microphones not only capture ambient noise for cancellation but also enhance voice pickup during calls. With more mics, beamforming algorithms can focus on the user’s voice while suppressing background sounds. This is particularly useful for remote work and taking calls in noisy environments. Sennheiser has tuned the ANC to adapt to different environments, such as quiet offices or loud transit hubs, without requiring manual adjustments. The company also improved the transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings clearly when needed.
Long Battery Life and Replaceable Battery
The Momentum 5’s battery life lasts up to 57 hours. It’s a small hit from the Momentum 4’s 60 hours, but still nearly double what you’ll get from the Sony WH-1000XM6, which can only muster up to 30 hours with ANC turned on. Other Momentum 5 upgrades include a new carrying case that’s 20 percent smaller, support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio with head tracking, and the ability to upgrade from Bluetooth 5.4 to Bluetooth 6.0 with a future firmware update, although Sennheiser didn’t share a timeline for that.
The standout feature, however, is the user-replaceable battery. In an era where many premium headphones seal the battery inside, making it impossible to replace without breaking the device, Sennheiser has chosen to offer longevity. The battery can be swapped out by the user, extending the lifespan of the headphones beyond the typical two to three years. This is likely to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and those who want to invest in a product that can last many years. Replacement batteries will be sold separately, and Sennheiser has designed the mechanism so that it can be done without tools, similar to how some wireless earbuds allow battery replacement.
Design and Build Quality
Visually, the Momentum 5 remains true to the design language introduced with the Momentum 4. The headband is padded with memory foam and covered in a soft leatherette, while the ear cups use plush cushions for long-wearing comfort. The outer shell is matte plastic with a metallic accent on the hinges. The headphones fold flat into the included carrying case, which is now 20% smaller, making them more portable. Color options include black, white, and denim blue – a nod to the brand’s heritage of blending classic style with modern tech.
The controls remain intuitive: touch-sensitive panels on the right ear cup manage playback, volume, and answering calls, while physical buttons handle power and ANC mode toggling. The Sennheiser Smart Control app provides further customization, including an adjustable EQ, sound personalization via a hearing test, and firmware updates. The app also allows users to manage multipoint Bluetooth connections, connecting to two devices simultaneously.
Sound Quality and Codec Support
Inside the Momentum 5, Sennheiser uses the same 42mm dynamic drivers found in the Momentum 3 and 4. The sound signature is tuned for a balanced, natural presentation with a slight warmth in the lower frequencies. The addition of aptX Lossless support means that Android users with compatible Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound devices can enjoy true CD-quality wireless audio. However, iPhone users will be limited to AAC, which is still very capable but not lossless. For those who prefer wired connections, the headphones come with a USB-C cable for charging and a 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable for analog use. The USB-C cable supports digital audio input from computers and smartphones.
Dolby Atmos and spatial audio with head tracking are also on board. When playing compatible content from services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Tidal, the headphones can simulate a multi-speaker surround experience. Head tracking uses the built-in gyroscope and accelerometer to keep the soundstage anchored as you turn your head, creating a more immersive experience for movies and games. This feature can be toggled on or off via the app.
Wireless Connectivity and Future-Proofing
The Momentum 5 uses Bluetooth 5.4 out of the box, which offers improved stability and energy efficiency. Sennheiser has promised a future firmware update to upgrade to Bluetooth 6.0, which would bring even better performance and lower latency. This forward-looking approach ensures that the headphones remain relevant as wireless standards evolve. The headphones also support Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, making them easy to set up with Android and Windows devices.
When it comes to latency, aptX Lossless typically adds minimal delay, making these headphones suitable for gaming and watching videos. However, Apple users may notice a slight delay unless using a wired connection. For the best experience, Sennheiser recommends pairing with a Snapdragon Sound certified device.
Sennheiser has also improved the multipoint connection stability. Users can connect to a phone and a laptop simultaneously, and the headphones will intelligently switch between audio sources. The range of the Bluetooth connection is standard for premium headphones, easily covering a large apartment or office space.
Comparison with Competitors
In the crowded premium headphone market, the Momentum 5 faces strong competition from Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple’s AirPods Max. Sony’s flagship offers excellent ANC and a more compact design, but its battery life is significantly shorter at 30 hours. Bose’s model has remarkable comfort and vocal clarity, but lacks aptX Lossless and a replaceable battery. The AirPods Max integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem but are heavier, more expensive, and have no replaceable battery. The Momentum 5’s main advantages are its long battery life, user-replaceable battery, and high-quality codec support for Android users. However, its design may not appeal to those who prefer the minimalist looks of Sony or Bose.
The $399.99 price point positions the Momentum 5 slightly above the $349.99 Sony WH-1000XM6 and the $379 Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but below the $549 AirPods Max. Given the added longevity from the replaceable battery, the extra upfront cost could be justified over time. Sennheiser also backs the headphones with a two-year warranty.
Early impressions from tech analysts suggest that the ANC performance is genuinely improved over the Momentum 4, with the doubled microphone array making a noticeable difference in noisy environments. The call quality has also seen a significant boost, putting it on par with dedicated office headsets. For music lovers, the aptX Lossless support will be a compelling reason to choose these over competitors, provided they own a compatible phone.
In summary, the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless headphones are a refined update to an already strong lineup. With upgraded ANC, a user-replaceable battery, and new audio codecs, they address many of the criticisms of previous models while retaining the comfortable design and long battery life that fans appreciate. The addition of Dolby Atmos and future Bluetooth 6.0 support ensures they remain competitive for years to come. Launching on June 30, they are a solid choice for anyone seeking premium wireless headphones with sustainable longevity.
Source: The Verge News