The long-awaited new wireless headphones from Sennheiser do not disappoint.
Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM line has long been a benchmark for stylish, premium wireless headphones. With the fifth-generation MOMENTUM 5, the German audio giant delivers a thoughtful refresh that balances technical upgrades with practical usability—without losing the brand’s signature sound identity.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 design is largely similar to the predecessors. Some elements provide some visual differentiation, like the blacker headband fabric, the round logo on the headband ends, the metal accents with the model imprints where the mics are located, and the earcups flush without the indented linings. This new earcup design makes sticker customisation easier.
The most notable upgrades lie in its active noise cancellation and transparency features. Dual‑mic arrays on each side deliver stronger ANC performance, while the transparency mode now feels more natural, with fine‑tuning available in 1% increments. Codec support has also expanded to include aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and Dolby Atmos, ensuring compatibility with high‑resolution streaming.
Subtle head‑tracking effects add spatial immersion, while the Smart Control Plus app introduces an 8‑band EQ, multipoint connectivity, and personalised sound zones. Practical refinements such as a slimmer travel case, refreshed earcup finish, and a replaceable battery round off the package. Battery life is exceptional, reaching up to 57 hours with ANC enabled—among the longest in its class.
Sound quality has been tuned for greater balance compared to the Momentum 4. Bass is fuller and more impactful, treble is slightly softened to avoid fatigue, and the midrange gains warmth and musicality. This makes the MOMENTUM 5 versatile across genres, adapting well whether you’re boosting EQ for pop tracks or keeping things neutral for jazz and classical listening. The result is a more natural, less V‑shaped sound signature that appeals to both casual listeners and discerning audiophiles.
Usability remains intuitive thanks to touch gestures for playback, volume, and ANC control. A welcome change is the removal of auto‑power when removing the headphones from the case—now replaced by a simple button press, reducing accidental battery drain during travel. Connectivity options are flexible, with Bluetooth 5.4 supporting aptX Lossless, USB audio with simultaneous app control, and an analogue cable (though limited to powered mode).
On the MOMENTUM 5, the treble brightness has been toned down compared to the Momentum 4, but the sparkle remains prominent to keep the highs engaged. The bass is also fuller than the predecessors, more meaty, and as a result, less forced yet delivers the kick and impact. The midrange is also more musical and better balanced. On the whole, it presents as less V-shaped, yet still good-sounding enough for discerning audiophiles to kind of like it better than the Momentum 4.
Against its rivals, the MOMENTUM 5 strikes a confident balance. Compared to its own HDB 630, the MOMENTUM 5 offers more engaging bass though less midrange detail. Versus JBL’s Tour One M3, it feels more dynamic despite lacking LDAC.
And while Bowers & Wilkins’ PX8 S2 delivers treble sparkle, the MOMENTUM 5’s warmer mids make it more versatile for everyday listening. For purists chasing ultimate detail, the HDB 630 may still be the better bet, but for most users, the MOMENTUM 5 is the premium everyday companion worth owning.
The MOMENTUM 5 is less about radical reinvention and more about refinement. Stronger ANC, longer battery life, and a more balanced sound profile make it a compelling upgrade.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 retails at S$599 inclusive of tax; click here to find out more.
