Sennheiser Momentum 5 review: Great sound, incredible battery life, and few compromises

Sennheiser's Momentum 5 arrive at $399.99, positioned against higher-priced models such as Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and Apple’s AirPods Max 2. In listening tests the headphones produced a balanced presentation: natural-sounding vocals, strong but controlled bass, and clearer detail in background elements that can be obscured on less capable sets. The Momentum 5 also support Dolby Atmos for a more enveloping spatial experience with compatible music and movies.

Sennheiser increased the device's active noise cancellation hardware to eight microphones, and the reviewer found this update notably reduced nearby chatter and voices that often penetrate weaker ANC systems. The company claims the new ANC is up to three times more effective at blocking such sounds versus the previous generation. While not entirely eliminative of loud, continuous sources like airplane engines, the ANC was effective without creating a marked feeling of ear pressure.

Battery life emerged as a standout: the Momentum 5 are rated for up to 57 hours and that figure held up in the reviewer's testing. Fast charging is substantial—ten minutes provides up to seven hours of playback—and a full charge takes about two hours. Unusually for this class, the Momentum 5 include a user-replaceable battery cell, allowing owners to swap the battery when it degrades rather than replace the entire headphone.

On fit and extras, the Momentum 5 are not as luxuriously finished or as comfortable as some Sony and Apple models, and they are heavier than the WH-1000XM6, but the reviewer considered those trade-offs reasonable given the lower price. The included carrying case is notably thin, making it easier to fit into medium-sized purses or luggage. Sennheiser's Smart Control Plus app provides an 8-band EQ, presets, adjustable ANC levels, an anti-wind mode, and a Sound Personalization listening test that generates a tailored profile, and the reviewer found the app straightforward to navigate.

Overall, the reviewer called the Momentum 5 a solid value in their price tier, citing strong sound, excellent battery life, and few significant drawbacks. The most prominent compromises were weight and comfort relative to some premium competitors, but at $399.99 the headphones deliver many high-end features while undercutting more expensive alternatives.