Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless review

Sound Quality

If you like a generous helping of bass, the MOMENTUM 5 starts in a promising place. TechRadar found its upper frequencies too subdued at first, but obtained a clearer, more lively balance after adjusting the sound. ² That makes the app worth exploring before deciding whether the default tuning suits you.

You can move the equalizer sliders yourself or let Sound Personalization guide you through listening choices. They are alternative ways of creating a sound profile, rather than adjustments you stack together. The extra EQ bands give you finer control than the MOMENTUM 4’s five-band equalizer, without requiring much knowledge of audio terminology.

The 42mm drivers themselves carry over from the MOMENTUM 4. This is a useful refinement of how you can enjoy and tailor their sound, not evidence that existing owners need new headphones for better drivers.

Noise Cancellation

SoundGuys measured roughly 3–5dB more attenuation than the MOMENTUM 4 across the lower and middle frequencies it discussed. ¹ That is a worthwhile improvement for a busy commute, but it does not mean every sound becomes dramatically quieter.

Conversation can still get through, so these are easier to recommend for their overall mix of features than for maximum isolation alone. Transparency mode brings outside sound back in when you need to hear an announcement or speak to someone. You can adjust the balance in the app rather than treating listening and awareness as an all-or-nothing choice.

Connectivity

Multipoint lets a phone and laptop stay connected together, which is handy when music and calls come from different places. USB-C provides another straightforward option at a desk: it carries audio and charges the headphones through the same cable. Playback supports up to 24-bit/96kHz with a compatible source and settings.

The included analog cable connects the headphones’ 2.5mm socket to a conventional 3.5mm source, including many seatback entertainment systems. It is worth packing even if you normally listen wirelessly.

Bluetooth support includes SBC, AAC and the aptX family, including aptX Lossless. The source device must support the matching codec; an iPhone does not gain lossless Bluetooth playback just because the headphones offer it. Sennheiser also advertises a future Bluetooth 6 update, but the current published specification is Bluetooth 5.4.

Battery Life

Sennheiser rates the MOMENTUM 5 for up to 57 hours of Bluetooth listening with ANC, using an iPhone at a middle volume level. That should leave plenty of room between charges for ordinary commuting and work, although volume and features affect the result. It is a manufacturer rating, not a full battery rundown we have independently verified.

The more lasting improvement is the replaceable battery. You can reach it through the left earcup with a small Phillips screwdriver and follow Sennheiser’s replacement instructions. A worn battery therefore need not be the reason to retire otherwise satisfactory headphones. Check that the correct replacement battery is available in the US before relying on that long-term benefit.

The previous model’s rating was slightly longer at 60 hours. That small change is unlikely to outweigh the convenience of battery replacement for a new buyer, but longer playback is not a reason to upgrade from the MOMENTUM 4.

Design & Comfort

The earcups rotate flat for the case, but do not fold inward into a small bundle. The case is smaller than before, which should help when fitting it beside a laptop or travel pouch. You still need a reasonably broad space in the bag.

Fit remains personal. TechRadar liked the padding but reported pressure from a ridge inside the cup during longer sessions. ² If your ears tend to touch the inside of headphones, a longer try-on is more useful than judging the fit after a minute.

The US range includes Black, White, Denim, Bronze and Lavender. These are finishes of the same headphones, with no verified functional differences. None has an IP rating, so they are better suited to travel and everyday listening than wet weather or sweaty workouts.

Controls & Features

Touch gestures handle playback, volume and switching between ANC and transparency, while the physical button manages power and pairing. The companion app works on iOS and Android and puts sound adjustments and connection settings together.

Dolby Atmos with head tracking adds a sense of space to compatible entertainment. It requires the appropriate headphone firmware, an Atmos-enabled source and supported content. It is an optional way to enjoy a movie or album, rather than something that makes every stereo recording automatically better.

Alternatives

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is worth considering when a lighter, folding design and effective noise isolation take priority; RTINGS found its noise suppression outstanding. ³ The Sennheiser is more attractive for its longer rated listening time and USB-C audio; the Sony does not support wired USB-C audio.

If you already own a comfortable, reliable MOMENTUM 4, keeping it is quite reasonable. Better ANC, more flexible EQ and a replaceable battery make the new model more appealing to a first-time buyer, but they do not make the older headphones obsolete.

Verdict

The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless is a good fit for someone who wants to charge less often, tailor the sound and keep using the same headphones as their battery ages. Its noise cancellation and default tuning leave room for improvement, but the practical combination of endurance, connections and repairability is easy to appreciate.