Sennheiser has announced the Momentum 5 Wireless, an updated version of the wireless over-ear Momentum 4. The successor features improved active noise cancellation (ANC), support for spatial audio, and a replaceable battery that the user can swap out themselves.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless
The new model follows the Momentum 4 Wireless, which is the more durable and balanced successor to the Momentum 3. A look at the specifications of the Momentum 5 Wireless points to a careful evolution rather than a drastic overhaul, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Sennheiser has left the basic acoustic platform unchanged and subsequently focused on improvements such as stronger active noise cancellation (ANC), improved app control, support for spatial audio, and broader codec compatibility.
The Momentum 5 Wireless uses the same 42 mm transducer as its predecessor, which is produced at the Sennheiser factory in Tullamore, Ireland. Sennheiser says the driver is inspired by the HD 600 series headphones and is tuned for a full sound with dynamic bass.
The new model primarily offers advancements in wireless connectivity and processing, with Hi-Res Audio certification, Snapdragon Sound technology, and Bluetooth codec support up to aptX Lossless. It also works with Sennheiser's new Smart Control Plus app, which adds an 8-band equalizer, custom presets, and the company's Sound Personalisation engine.
Sreenath ‘Sri' Unnikrishnan, Product Manager at Sennheiser, said that the goal was to refine the user experience rather than deviate too much from the strengths of the previous model: “With the Momentum 5 Wireless, we focused on refining the overall experience, without deviating from the formula that made its predecessor so successful. These improvements enrich the functionality while simultaneously retaining that magic you feel every time you press play.”
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless: improved ANC
The most notable improvement is the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). Sennheiser claims that the Momentum 5 Wireless is up to three times more effective at reducing distracting ambient noise. The number of microphones specifically used for ANC and transparency has doubled: the headphones now use four microphones per side, compared to two in the previous model. According to Sennheiser, this results in better reduction of monotonous sound in the aircraft cabin and more natural speech during calls.
Spatial audio is also part of the new package, albeit with an important caveat. The Momentum 5 Wireless supports Dolby Atmos with head-tracking, but this requires a firmware update via the Smart Control Plus app. Furthermore, playback depends on an Atmos-compatible source device and supported spatial audio content, so this is not a universal upgrade that will be significant in every listening situation.
The wireless platform comes with Bluetooth 5.4, while Sennheiser indicates that the hardware is designed to support Bluetooth 6.0 via a future firmware update. That is a sensible step towards a longer lifespan, although, as always with promises regarding future firmware updates, their value depends on how quickly and completely those updates are released.
Battery life remains one of the strong points of the Momentum line, even though it is slightly lower than the 60 hours claimed by the Momentum 4. Sennheiser specifies a battery life of up to 57 hours for the Momentum 5 Wireless with ANC enabled, which is still a very good result for a premium wireless noise-cancelling headphone.
That slight reduction is likely due to Sennheiser utilizing part of the previous model's battery capacity elsewhere. The new model doubles the number of microphones dedicated to ANC and transparency, and adds a more powerful wireless and processing platform that supports Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, future Dolby Atmos with head-tracking, and Bluetooth 6.0 support via firmware.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless: replaceable battery
Sennheiser has also introduced a user-replaceable 700mAh battery that can be swapped using a small Phillips screwdriver. In a category still dominated by sealed designs, this feels like a sensible long-term improvement, especially if it allows the battery to be replaced even after years.
Lilika Beck, President of Sennheiser Consumer Audio, said that the change reflects the company’s attempt to balance performance and responsibility: “With the Momentum 5 Wireless, we prove that high-quality sound and environmental friendliness can, and even must, go hand in hand. Thanks to our new user-replaceable battery, customizable hardware, and the switch to compact, plastic-free packaging, our customers will be proud of their choice of headphones that last.”
Sennheiser has also reduced the dimensions of the storage case by 20%, which should remedy one of the daily frustrations of many large ANC headphones: they sound great, but still take up too much space in a travel bag. The package also includes a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5 mm analog audio cable for use with in-flight entertainment systems, laptops, and other wired sources.
Price: $399
