Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless review: Worth the wait

Sennheiser has released the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones, marking the first major update to the Momentum line since the Momentum 4 in 2022. The new model features significant improvements in sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC), aiming to close the performance gap with competitors Bose and Sony. Key hardware updates include a user-replaceable battery, a redesigned aesthetic with more premium materials, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, with a planned firmware upgrade to Bluetooth 6.0.

The device supports Dolby Atmos audio, although full spatial features including head tracking are pending a future update. The Momentum 5 is priced $50 higher than the Momentum 4 at launch, with a battery life of 57 hours, a slight decrease from the 60 hours offered by the Momentum 4. The headphones feature an 8-band EQ and Sound Personalisation tools via the Smart Control Plus app, alongside location-based Sound Zones.

Sennheiser claims the Momentum 5’s ANC is up to three times more effective at blocking human voices, utilising four microphones on each side. Testing indicates the headphones have narrowed the performance gap with competitors Bose and Sony, although battery life has slightly decreased to 57 hours and the price has increased by $50. The company also highlights improved voice call quality through automatic Sidetone and Own Voice Detection features.

The Momentum 5’s design addresses previous criticisms with textured silver discs for logos and a seamless ear cup construction. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.4, with a planned upgrade to Bluetooth 6.0 for reduced latency and better sound quality. The headphones support AAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless codecs, and are compatible with the BTD 700 high-res Bluetooth transmitter.

While the stock tuning is praised for instrument separation and bass detail, Dolby Atmos performance is currently limited without the pending head tracking update. The gap has significantly narrowed between the best flagship headphones currently on the market, with Sennheiser and Bose catching up to Sony in ANC performance. The Momentum 5 offers a strong alternative for those prioritising sound quality, though the HD 630 remains a more powerful sonic option at a higher price point.