The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 are the company’s latest flagship true wireless earbuds. They are a major overhaul of the previous generation Momentum True Wireless 4 in nearly every way, with the company claiming improved design, comfort, audio quality, noise cancellation, and microphone performance. And they also happen to be Sennheiser’s first wireless earbuds with user-replaceable batteries.
The Momentum True Wireless 5 are priced at $300 and go up against fierce competition in the form of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Sony WF-1000XM6. How do they perform? Let’s find out.
Design and Comfort
The Momentum True Wireless 5 feature a redesigned shape that is more compact and ergonomic than their predecessors. Sennheiser has refined the housing to sit more securely in the ear, and the result is a noticeable improvement in comfort during extended listening sessions. The earbuds are available in black, white, and a new graphite color, and they come with four sizes of silicone ear tips to help you achieve a proper seal.
The charging case has also been updated. It’s now slimmer and lighter, making it easier to slip into a pocket. The case supports USB-C charging and Qi wireless charging, and it has a built-in LED indicator for battery status. The earbuds themselves are IPX4 rated for water resistance, which means they can handle sweat and light rain but shouldn’t be submerged.
One of the most notable design changes is the user-replaceable battery. Sennheiser has engineered the earbuds so that the batteries can be swapped out by the user, extending the lifespan of the product. This is a significant step forward for sustainability and long-term value, as most true wireless earbuds have sealed batteries that degrade over time and cannot be replaced.
Features and Controls
The Momentum True Wireless 5 are packed with features. They support Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs, ensuring high-quality audio transmission from compatible devices. Multipoint connectivity is available, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, such as a smartphone and a laptop.
Touch controls are customizable through the Sennheiser Smart Control app. You can assign single tap, double tap, triple tap, and long press actions to each earbud. The controls are responsive and reliable, though you may need to fine-tune the sensitivity to avoid accidental touches.
The Smart Control app also offers a five-band equalizer, presets, and a hearing test that creates a personalized sound profile. Additionally, the app includes a “Find My Earbuds” feature, firmware updates, and the ability to adjust the level of noise cancellation and transparency.
Sound Quality
Sennheiser has equipped the Momentum True Wireless 5 with new 7mm TrueResponse transducers, which are designed to deliver a balanced and detailed sound signature. In practice, the earbuds produce a rich, engaging sound with deep, controlled bass, clear mids, and smooth highs. The default tuning is slightly warm, which makes them enjoyable for a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to jazz and classical.
The custom EQ in the app allows you to tailor the sound to your preference. Whether you want to boost the bass or add some sparkle to the treble, the EQ responds well without introducing distortion. The earbuds also support Sennheiser’s signature sound profile, which aims to reproduce audio as the artist intended.
Instrument separation is excellent, and the soundstage feels open for a true wireless design. Vocals are rendered with clarity and emotion, and the earbuds handle complex tracks with ease. The aptX Adaptive codec ensures low latency and high-resolution audio when paired with a compatible source, making these earbuds a great choice for both music and video.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
The Momentum True Wireless 5 feature adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) that automatically adjusts to your environment. Sennheiser claims the ANC is significantly improved over the previous generation, and our testing confirms that it effectively reduces low-frequency noises like engine rumble, air conditioning hum, and traffic. It also does a decent job with mid-frequency sounds such as office chatter, though it won’t eliminate them entirely.
The transparency mode is natural-sounding and allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. It’s useful for quick conversations or when you need to be aware of your environment, such as crossing a street. You can toggle between ANC and transparency modes with a touch gesture or through the app.
Microphone Quality
Sennheiser has upgraded the microphone system on the Momentum True Wireless 5 with six microphones and beamforming technology. Call quality is impressive: voices come through clearly, and background noise is suppressed effectively. In our tests, callers reported that our voice sounded natural and didn’t have the robotic or muffled quality that plagues many true wireless earbuds. The earbuds also perform well for video calls and voice assistants.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is rated at 7 hours per charge with ANC enabled, and the charging case provides an additional 21 hours, for a total of 28 hours. Without ANC, you can expect around 9 hours per charge. These figures are competitive with other flagship earbuds, though not class-leading. The replaceable battery design means you can extend the life of the earbuds beyond the typical two-to-three-year lifespan of sealed batteries.
Charging is via USB-C or Qi wireless, and a quick charge feature gives you one hour of playback from a 10-minute charge. The case also supports wireless charging, which is convenient if you have a charging pad.
Competition
At $300, the Momentum True Wireless 5 face tough competition. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 offer seamless integration with Apple devices, excellent ANC, and a comfortable fit, but they lack the customizable sound and replaceable batteries of the Sennheiser. The Sony WF-1000XM6 are known for their class-leading noise cancellation and extensive features, but they are often priced higher and don’t have user-replaceable batteries.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 stand out with their balanced sound, comfortable design, and the unique advantage of replaceable batteries. They are a compelling option for anyone who values longevity and audio quality.
Verdict
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 are a worthy flagship addition to the company’s lineup. They improve on their predecessor in almost every way: better comfort, improved sound, enhanced noise cancellation, and clearer microphones. The user-replaceable batteries are a game-changer for sustainability and long-term ownership. While they are priced at a premium, they deliver performance that justifies the cost. If you’re in the market for high-end true wireless earbuds and want a product that will last, the Momentum True Wireless 5 should be on your shortlist.
