Sennheiser has released the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones, nearly four years after the Momentum 4. The new model shares the same chassis as its predecessor, but Sennheiser has significantly boosted noise canceling performance, added spatial audio with head tracking, a user replaceable battery and a slimmer carrying case. The headphones have up to 57 hours of battery life, USB-C audio, eight microphones (four in each earcup) for improved ANC, and Bluetooth 5.4 (upgradable to 6.0 via firmware). They weigh 290 grams and are priced at 400 USD. The Momentum 5 ships on June 16 in white, black or denim. CNET gave the headphones a score of 8.6 out of 10 and a CNET Editors‘ Choice award. This review covers the design, noise canceling, sound quality, features, battery life and how it compares to the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Design And Comfort

The Momentum 5 looks nearly identical to the Momentum 4. The weight is 290 grams (10 ounces), slightly heavier than the Sony XM6 (254 grams). The headphones are comfortable with nicely cushioned earpads that are replaceable. The earpieces are clearly labeled left and right. The touch controls remain the same: swipe up and down on the earcup for volume, swipe forward and back to skip or return to a previous track.

Case improvements

• Slimmer carrying case than the Momentum 4.
• Carved out backside creates a sort of handle.
• Much more portable than the previous case.

Power controls

• Automatic power off: can be set to 15, 30 or 60 minutes (via app).
• Manual power off: you must hit the power button to turn them on (unlike Momentum 4 which turned on when removed from the case).

Upgraded Noise Canceling

The biggest upgrade is the noise canceling. Sennheiser equipped the headphones with eight microphones (four in each earcup), up from four microphones in the Momentum 4.

• ANC is not quite at the level of Sony XM6, Bose QC Ultra or AirPods Max 2, but it has gone from middling to good.
• Some high and mid frequencies still poke through (people‘s voices).
• The reviewer gave the ANC an A minus grade.
• Transparency mode is improved and sounds noticeably more natural than the Momentum 4.

Sound Quality

The Momentum 5 has the same 42mm drivers as the Momentum 4. The sound is described as slightly warm and immersive. Sennheiser headphones are known for well balanced audio that is detailed and natural.

• Bass is well defined and punchy.
• Treble has no edge.
• Midrange (where voices live) is accurate and intimate.
• No listening fatigue over longer sessions.
• Spatial audio with head tracking (to be enabled via firmware update at launch).

When compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Momentum 5 has a little more clarity, while the Sony has more bass energy and a slightly bigger soundstage. Both are excellent.

Equalizer options

• Eight band EQ in the Smart Control Plus app.
• Sound Personalization option: move a target around a field of dots while a song plays to dial in your preferred sound profile.

Battery Life And Charging

The Momentum 5 has up to 57 hours of battery life. This is significantly longer than most competitors (Sony XM6 has around 30 hours). The battery is user replaceable (accessed by removing the right ear pad and removing a few screws).

Features

• Bluetooth 5.4 (future ready for Bluetooth 6.0 with firmware update).
• USB-C audio (gives a slight sound boost).
• Wear detection sensors (pause when removed, resume when put back on).
• Spatial audio with head tracking (Sennheiser calls it immersive audio).
• Basic find headphones feature.
• Sound zones: create specific settings for certain locations.
• Multipoint Bluetooth (pair two devices simultaneously).
• Compatible with BTD 700 wireless USB-C dongle for lossless streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz via aptX Adaptive.
• Analog cable with 3.5mm plug for wired listening and in flight entertainment systems.

Missing features

• No Speak to Chat or Conversation Awareness (Sony and Apple have this).
• No built in voice controls.
• No mention of Auracast broadcast audio support.

Voice Calling Performance

Voice calling performance is good but not top tier. The microphones are wideband mics. A sidetone feature allows you to hear your voice in the headphones so you don‘t end up shouting. In tests on noisy streets, callers said there was solid background noise reduction, but the reviewer‘s voice sounded slightly muffled with a faint whooshing sound.

Momentum 5 Vs Momentum 4

Aspect	Momentum 5	Momentum 4
Noise Canceling	Much improved (8 microphones)	Mediocre (4 microphones)
Carrying Case	Slimmer with handle	Bulkier
Spatial Audio	Yes (with head tracking)	No
Battery	User replaceable	Not replaceable
Price	400 USD	350 USD (launch)
Design	Same chassis	Same chassis

Pros And Cons Of The Sennheiser Momentum 5

Pros

• Much improved noise canceling (A minus grade).
• Up to 57 hours of battery life.
• User replaceable battery.
• USB-C audio support.
• Spatial audio with head tracking.
• Slimmer carrying case with handle.
• Comfortable cushioned earpads.
• Well balanced, detailed, natural sound.
• Eight band EQ and Sound Personalization in app.
• Bluetooth 5.4 (upgradable to 6.0).
• Multipoint Bluetooth.
• Analog cable included for wired listening.
• Ships June 16 in white, black or denim.
• CNET Editors‘ Choice award.

Cons

• 50 USD price bump from Momentum 4 launch price (400 USD vs 350 USD).
• No design changes from Momentum 4.
• Voice calling performance could be better (slightly muffled).
• ANC not as good as Sony, Bose or Apple flagships.
• Missing Speak to Chat and built in voice controls.
• Heavier than Sony XM6 (290g vs 254g).
• Spatial audio head tracking not enabled at launch (coming via firmware update).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless headphones ship?
June 16, 2026. Available in white, black and denim.

How much do the Momentum 5 headphones cost?
400 USD.

What is the battery life of the Momentum 5?
Up to 57 hours on a single charge. The battery is user replaceable.