Sennheiser updates Momentum line with replaceable battery and lossless audio support
The Momentum 5 Wireless headphones, priced at $399.99, introduce a user-swappable battery and AptX Lossless codec support, though compatibility remains restricted to specific Qualcomm-based devices.
Sennheiser has announced the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones, marking the first significant update to its flagship audio line in nearly four years. The new device introduces a user-replaceable battery, a feature designed to extend the product’s operational lifespan, alongside upgraded active noise cancellation (ANC) and support for lossless Bluetooth audio via the AptX Lossless codec. The headphones are scheduled for release on 30 June 2026, priced at $399.99, representing a $50 increase over the previous Momentum 4 model.
The Momentum 5 retains the 42mm drivers found in earlier iterations but adds Hi-Res Audio certification. A key technical addition is the support for 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality sound streaming through AptX Lossless. However, this capability is contingent on the source device; it is restricted to smartphones equipped with Qualcomm processors that support the Snapdragon Sound platform. Consequently, devices from Sony and Motorola are expected to be compatible, while hardware from Samsung, Google, and Apple will not support the lossless audio feature.
Audio performance has been bolstered by doubling the microphone count to four per side. Sennheiser claims this configuration makes the ANC up to three times more effective at mitigating voice chatter and low-frequency cabin drone compared to previous models. The additional microphones also aim to enhance call quality by improving voice pickup and clarity for the listener.
Battery life is rated at up to 57 hours, a marginal decrease from the Momentum 4’s 60 hours but significantly outperforming key competitors. For context, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers approximately 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled. Other hardware updates include a carrying case that is 20 per cent smaller than its predecessor, support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio with head tracking, and Bluetooth 5.4 hardware with a planned firmware update to support Bluetooth 6.0.
The Momentum line has historically undergone a redesign cycle every four years, with the previous iteration shifting away from a retro aesthetic towards a more contemporary design. The Momentum 5 maintains a similar visual profile to its predecessor but focuses on internal component upgrades and sustainability through the new replaceable battery architecture.
