Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless Headphones: A Comprehensive Review

Sennheiser has taken its time with the release of the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones. The previous model, the Momentum 4 Wireless, was launched back in 2022, which is quite a long gap compared to the usual refresh cycle of flagship headphones. The Momentum 5 Wireless keeps many of the features that made its predecessor successful, such as the 42 mm driver, long battery life, and warm sound signature. However, there are some notable changes and improvements in the new model.

One of the standout changes is the introduction of a user-replaceable battery, which is a rare feature in headphones at this level. This addition is significant as it helps justify the price of the headphones and enhances their longevity.

In terms of specifications, the Momentum 5 Wireless offers several upgrades over the Momentum 4 Wireless. These include a doubled microphone count, an 8-band EQ, Dolby Atmos support, and the ability to swap out the battery. While there is a slight decrease in quoted battery life from the previous model, the overall improvements make up for it.

The design of the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones is sleek and modern, with a denim colorway that adds a unique touch. The headphones are comfortable to wear, although some users may find the clamping force to be strong initially. The earcups provide good isolation and the overall fit is stable.

Pairing the headphones with devices like Windows laptops and Android phones is straightforward, and multipoint connectivity allows you to switch between two devices seamlessly. The touch controls on the earcup are responsive and intuitive to use.

The Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app allows you to customize various settings, including noise cancelling levels, EQ presets, and Dolby Atmos support. The app also offers features like slow charging and battery protection to extend the lifespan of the battery.

In terms of audio quality, the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones deliver a warm and detailed sound signature with rich bass, clear vocals, and smooth treble. The 8-band EQ allows you to tailor the sound to your preferences, and the headphones offer support for a range of codecs for wireless connectivity.

The active noise cancelling on the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones has been significantly improved, with up to a 3x reduction in background chatter compared to the previous model. The headphones also feature wind noise reduction and a reworked transparency mode for better call quality and awareness.

Overall, the Momentum 5 Wireless headphones offer a compelling mix of refined sound quality, long battery life, and user-friendly features like the replaceable battery. While they may not have the strongest noise cancelling compared to competitors like Sony and Bose, they provide a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. At a price of £330, they represent a solid premium option for users looking for longevity and performance in their headphones.