Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless

The new headphones use the 42-mm driver known from the previous generation, manufactured at Sennheiser's factory in Tullamore, Ireland. According to the company, the design, inspired by the HD 600 series, has been tuned to deliver a full, dynamic sound with strong bass, which suggests a continuation of the established Momentum character rather than a radical departure from it. A more significant change concerns the digital and wireless platform. The Momentum 5 Wireless is Hi-Res Audio certified and supports Snapdragon Sound, including Bluetooth codecs up to aptX Lossless. For the user, this means broader possibilities for high-quality wireless transmission, provided that the source device is compatible. Sennheiser has also expanded the tools for adjusting the sound to personal preferences. The Smart Control Plus app will offer an 8-band equalizer, custom presets and an intelligent sound personalization system.

Active noise cancellation has also received considerable attention. Sennheiser says the improved ANC system is up to three times more effective at reducing conversations and ambient sounds. The microphone configuration responsible for noise cancellation and transparency mode has also been changed. In the Momentum 5 Wireless, the number of these microphones has been doubled, with four microphones on each side. This should improve both the suppression of steady background noise, such as in an aircraft cabin, and voice quality during calls. That matters because, in modern wireless headphones, music playback quality alone is less often enough. It is becoming just as important how well the headphones perform during phone calls, video meetings, office work, train journeys and quick transitions between music and outside sounds.

The Momentum 5 Wireless has also been designed with future development through software updates in mind. Sennheiser says that shortly after launch, users will receive an update unlocking Dolby Atmos support with head tracking. This feature is intended to make compatible Atmos content more immersive, moving the new Momentum closer to a headphone designed not only for traditional music listening, but also for films, series and spatial content. The headphones ship with Bluetooth 5.4, but their hardware is also prepared for Bluetooth 6.0, which is expected to be enabled through a future firmware update. "With Momentum 5 Wireless, we prove that premium sound and environmental responsibility can - and should - coexist in one product. Thanks to the replaceable battery, hardware ready for future updates and the move to compact, plastic-free packaging, our customers can be confident that they are choosing headphones designed for years of use." - added Lilika Beck, President of Sennheiser Consumer Audio.

Battery life remains one of the key strengths of the new model. The Momentum 5 Wireless is rated for up to 57 hours with ANC enabled, which keeps it among the longest-running headphones in its class. Sennheiser has also included quick charging, but the more interesting change is the use of a replaceable 700-mAh battery. The user should be able to replace it in a few minutes using a small Phillips-head screwdriver. This is a rare feature in modern wireless headphones, where the battery is often one of the main factors limiting the real lifespan of the product. Here, Sennheiser is trying to shift the focus from a single-use product lifecycle toward long-term use, even after natural battery wear. The sustainability angle also extends to the accessories and packaging. The carrying case is now 20% smaller, while the packaging itself is more compact and plastic-free, reducing the environmental footprint associated with transport. The box includes a USB-C charging cable and an analog 3.5-mm audio cable. The Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless will be available in Black, White and Denim, priced at €399/£329/$399. Info and photos by Sennheiser.