Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless Adds Dolby Atmos & Smarter ANC

The new model follows the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, which StereoNET covered at launch in 2022 and later reviewed as a more comfortable, longer-lasting and more balanced successor to the more premium-feeling but less practical MOMENTUM 3. At the time, StereoNET reviewer Matthew Jens described the MOMENTUM 4 as “business class for your ears”, noting that Sennheiser had traded some of the older model’s premium finish and foldability for comfort, weight, balance and exceptional battery life.

A perusal through the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless specifications points to careful evolution rather than a dramatic rethink, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Sennheiser has left the core acoustic platform alone, then gone to work around the edges with stronger ANC, updated app control, spatial audio support and broader codec compatibility.

The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless brings back the same 42mm transducer used in its predecessor, manufactured at Sennheiser’s facility in Tullamore, Ireland. Sennheiser says the driver is inspired by its HD 600-series headphones and tuned for a full-bodied sound with dynamic bass.

Where the new model moves forward is in wireless and processing support, with Hi-Res Audio certification, Snapdragon Sound technology and Bluetooth codec support up to aptX Lossless. It also works with Sennheiser’s new Smart Control Plus app, which adds an 8-band EQ, bespoke presets and the company’s Sound Personalisation engine.

Sreenath ‘Sri’ Unnikrishnan, Product Manager at Sennheiser, said the aim was to refine the experience rather than move too far away from the previous model’s strengths:

With MOMENTUM 5 Wireless, we focused on refining the entire experience without straying from the formula that made its predecessor such a success. These enhancements enrich the overall functionality while capturing the magic you feel every time you press play.

The most obvious upgrade is active noise cancellation, with the company claiming the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless is up to three times more effective at reducing distracting voice chatter. The number of microphones dedicated to ANC and transparency duties has now doubled, with the headphones using four microphones per side, up from two in the previous model. Sennheiser says this improves the reduction of droning aircraft cabin noise while also delivering more natural voice quality during calls.

Spatial audio is also part of the new pitch, although with an important caveat. MOMENTUM 5 Wireless will support Dolby Atmos with head-tracking, but this feature requires a firmware update via the Smart Control Plus app. Playback will also depend on an Atmos-enabled source device and supported spatial audio content, so this is not a universal upgrade across every listening scenario.

The wireless platform ships with Bluetooth 5.4, while Sennheiser says the hardware is engineered to support Bluetooth 6.0 through a future firmware release. That is a sensible nod to longevity, although as always with future firmware promises, the value will depend on how quickly and completely those updates arrive.

Battery life is still one of the MOMENTUM line’s calling cards, even if the number has edged down a little from the MOMENTUM 4’s claimed 60 hours. Sennheiser rates the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless at up to 57 hours with ANC switched on, which remains a very strong result for a premium wireless noise-cancelling headphone.

That slight reduction is likely the result of Sennheiser spending some of the previous model’s battery headroom elsewhere. The new model doubles the number of microphones dedicated to ANC and transparency duties, while also adding a more capable wireless and processing platform covering Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, future Dolby Atmos with head-tracking and Bluetooth 6.0 readiness via firmware.

Sennheiser has also introduced a user-replaceable 700mAh battery, which can be swapped using a small Phillips-head screwdriver. In a category still dominated by sealed designs, that feels like a meaningful long-term upgrade, especially if it allows the battery to be refreshed years down the line.

Lilika Beck, President of Sennheiser Consumer Audio, said the change reflects the company’s attempt to balance performance and responsibility:

With MOMENTUM 5 Wireless, we’re proving that high-performance sound and environmental responsibility can — and must — exist in the same product. With our new, user-swappable battery, adaptable hardware, and shift to compact, plastic-free packaging, our customers will feel proud to choose a headphone meant to last.

Sennheiser has also reduced the storage case’s size by 20%, which should address one of the everyday frustrations of many full-size ANC headphones: they sound great, but can still take up too much space in a travel bag. The package also includes a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm analogue audio cable for use with in-flight entertainment systems, laptops and other wired sources.

The design will be offered in Black, White and Denim finishes. While the overall visual language remains closer to the cleaner, more mainstream MOMENTUM 4 look than the more industrial MOMENTUM 3, the new colour options give the line a slightly broader lifestyle pitch without pushing it too far into fashion headphone territory.

MOMENTUM 5 Wireless pre-orders will open through Sennheiser’s local websites and selected authorised retailers, with pricing set at £329.90 | €399.90 | US$399.99 | A$749 | NZ$799.

For more information visit Sennheiser