Nearly four years after the last version of Sennheiser’s Momentum headphones debuted with a redesign that traded a retro aesthetic for a more contemporary and comfortable design, the company has announced its Momentum 5 Wireless headphones. They look very similar to their predecessors, the Momentum 4, with large ear cups and a design that doesn’t quite stand out from the competition. But under the hood there are welcome upgrades, including improved ANC and, for the first time, a user-replaceable battery to extend their life.
The Momentum 5 Wireless will be available starting on June 30th for $399.99, a $50 price bump over the Momentum 4. The headphones feature the same 42mm drivers as the Momentum 3 and 4 models, but Sennheiser is introducing “Hi-Res Audio certification” and expanding the Momentum 5’s Bluetooth codec support to include AptX Lossless. That allows the headphones to stream 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality sound, but only from devices with a Qualcomm processor supporting that codec through the Snapdragon Sound platform. Smartphones from Sony and Motorola should be compatible, however Samsung, Google, and Apple devices won’t be.
Sennheiser has also doubled the number of microphones on the Momentum 5, which now feature four on each side to improve noise cancellation. The company claims its latest headphones are up to three times more effective at reducing the sound of voice chatter and the drone experienced in airplane cabins. The upgraded ANC and added mics also help improve call quality, both when it comes to picking up your voice and ensuring you can hear the person you’re talking to.
The Momentum 5’s battery life lasts up to 57 hours. It’s a small hit from the Momentum 4’s 60 hours, but still nearly double what you’ll get from the Sony WH-1000XM6, which can only muster up to 30 hours with ANC turned on. Other Momentum 5 upgrades include a new carrying case that’s 20 percent smaller, support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio with head tracking, and the ability to upgrade from Bluetooth 5.4 to Bluetooth 6.0 with a future firmware update, although Sennheiser didn’t share a timeline for that.
Background on the Momentum Series
The Momentum lineup has been Sennheiser’s flagship over-ear headphone line since the original model launched in 2013. The series built a reputation for combining premium materials—like genuine leather and metal accents—with a refined sound signature that appealed to audiophiles. The Momentum 3, released in 2019, introduced active noise cancellation and a more portable design. The Momentum 4, which arrived in 2022, marked a dramatic shift: Sennheiser abandoned the vintage-inspired look in favor of a minimalist, rounded silhouette that prioritized comfort and long-term wear. That same design language carries over to the Momentum 5, albeit with subtle refinements like slightly thicker ear cushions and a lighter overall weight.
ANC Technology Evolution
Active noise cancellation has become a critical battleground for premium headphones. Sony, Bose, Apple, and now Sennheiser compete fiercely to deliver the quietest listening experience. The Momentum 4 used a hybrid ANC system with four microphones total (two feedforward, two feedback). The Momentum 5 doubles that count to eight microphones, with four on each earcup. This extra hardware allows the headphones to sample ambient noise more precisely and generate opposing sound waves that cancel out a wider range of frequencies. Sennheiser’s claim of “three times more effective” reduction in human speech and airplane drone is significant, as these are the most common annoyances for travelers and office workers.
The new ANC system also integrates with Sennheiser’s Smart Control app, which offers manual adjustment of noise cancellation levels as well as an adaptive mode that automatically tweaks the intensity based on your environment. Users can also activate Transparency mode to hear surrounding sounds without removing the headphones. The additional microphones benefit voice pickup during calls, using beamforming algorithms to isolate the speaker’s voice while suppressing background noise. This makes the Momentum 5 a strong candidate for remote work, where clear communication is paramount.
Audio Performance and Codec Support
The 42mm dynamic drivers inside the Momentum 5 are unchanged from previous generations, but Sennheiser has refined the tuning via digital signal processing. The headphones now support Hi-Res Audio certification and, crucially, aptX Lossless over Bluetooth. This codec, developed by Qualcomm, delivers CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz audio without compression—something that Bluetooth has traditionally struggled to achieve. However, aptX Lossless requires a smartphone or source device with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound platform, limiting compatibility to handsets like Sony Xperia, Motorola Edge, and certain Xiaomi models. Apple users are limited to AAC, while Samsung and Google devices use standard aptX or LDAC, depending on the model. Sennheiser also includes support for SBC and AAC, ensuring broad compatibility.
Spatial audio is another area of focus. The Momentum 5 supports Dolby Atmos with head tracking, creating an immersive soundstage that moves with your head movements. This feature works with any content encoded in Dolby Atmos, including music from Tidal or Apple Music, and movies from streaming services. Sennheiser’s head tracking is implemented via built-in gyroscopes and accelerometers, similar to Apple’s spatial audio on AirPods Pro. The company also offers a virtual soundstage that simulates a live concert hall, with customizable reverb and width settings.
Design, Comfort, and Battery Life
Visually, the Momentum 5 is almost identical to the Momentum 4. The headband is padded with memory foam and covered in leatherette, while the ear cups use soft synthetic leather that promotes breathability. The overall weight is 257 grams, on par with competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 (254 grams) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (252 grams). The folding mechanism is unchanged, but the carrying case is now 20 percent smaller, making it easier to slip into a backpack. The headphones are available in black, white, and a new denim blue finish that adds subtle texture.
The most notable design change is the user-replaceable battery. Sennheiser has designed the right earcup’s outer cover to pop off, revealing a standard lithium-ion cell that can be swapped by the owner using a simple tool (included). This addresses a common complaint about wireless headphones: built-in batteries that degrade after a few years and force users to replace the entire device. The replacement batteries will be sold separately through Sennheiser’s website and authorized repair centers. The battery life is rated at 57 hours with ANC on, which is a slight reduction from the Momentum 4’s 60 hours due to the additional microphone processing, but still excellent compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6’s 30 hours.
Connectivity and Future-Proofing
The Momentum 5 uses Bluetooth 5.4, the latest standard at launch, with support for multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously. Sennheiser promises a future firmware update that will enable Bluetooth 6.0, which offers lower latency and improved power efficiency. The headphones also include a 3.5mm analog input for wired listening via the included cable, and USB-C for charging and digital audio input (the headphones can act as a USB DAC for lossless playback from a computer).
Touch controls on the right earcup handle playback, volume, ANC mode, and voice assistant access. The left earcup has a physical button for power and Bluetooth pairing. The Sennheiser Smart Control app provides an equalizer with presets, sound personalization via a hearing test, and firmware updates. The app also includes a “Sound Check” feature that guides users through a series of examples to fine-tune the sound signature to their preference.
Competitive Landscape
The premium over-ear headphone market is fiercely contested. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 (released earlier in 2026) offers industry-leading ANC, a sleek design, and up to 30 hours of battery life for $349.99. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones ($349.99) are renowned for their comfort and immersive audio, with 24 hours of battery. Apple’s AirPods Max ($549) remain a niche option with excellent integration but a dated design and poor battery life. Sennheiser is positioning the Momentum 5 as a battery champion and an audiophile choice, thanks to aptX Lossless and the replaceable battery. The $399.99 price sits above Sony and Bose but below Apple, and the added longevity from a swappable battery could justify the premium for buyers who plan to keep their headphones for many years.
The Momentum 5’s ANC improvements bring it closer to class-leading performance, though independent reviews will be needed to verify Sennheiser’s claims. The doubled microphone array also enhances voice pick-up for calls, a area where previous Momentum models lagged behind competitors. Sennheiser has also partnered with several airlines to test the headphones in cabin environments, resulting in the specific tuning for airplane noise reduction.
Availability and Accessories
Pre-orders for the Momentum 5 begin on May 26, 2026, through Sennheiser’s official store and select retailers. The headphones come with a hard case, USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable (with inline remote), and a tool for battery replacement. Sennheiser will sell replacement batteries for $29.99 each, with a three-pack option for $79.99. A premium carrying case with a leather finish is available separately for $49.99. The headphones are compatible with the Sennheiser Smart Control app for iOS and Android.
In the box, users will also find a quick-start guide and warranty information. Sennheiser offers a two-year warranty on the headphones and one year on the battery. The company has also introduced a trade-in program for previous Momentum models, offering up to $100 discount toward the Momentum 5 depending on condition.
The Momentum 5 represents a thoughtful evolution of Sennheiser’s flagship line, addressing key pain points like battery degradation and ANC performance while maintaining the sound quality and comfort that fans expect. The replaceable battery feature, in particular, signals a shift toward sustainability in consumer electronics, aligning with growing consumer demand for repairable products. Whether the design language is too conservative remains a matter of taste, but the core upgrades are substantive enough to warrant a close look from anyone in the market for high-end wireless headphones.
Source: The Verge News