The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 represent a significant departure from the previous generation, offering a comprehensive overhaul in design, comfort, and performance. Priced at $300, these flagship earbuds enter a competitive market alongside rivals like the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6. A standout feature of this new model is the inclusion of user-replaceable batteries for both the earbuds and the charging case, a first for Sennheiser's wireless lineup designed to extend the product's lifespan.
The physical design has been completely reimagined. The charging case is now taller and thinner, replacing the previous fabric exterior with a speckled matte plastic that resists stains but may attract smudges. The earbuds themselves have shifted from a squared-off shape with fins to a compact "jellybean" design that sits more shallowly in the ear, enhancing comfort for extended wear. Available in Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim, and Lavender, the earbuds feature an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, though the case lacks this protection and exhibits some creaking around the hinge.
Software functionality is managed through the Smart Control Plus app, which offers extensive customization including an 8-band EQ, Sound Personalization, and adjustable ANC levels. Users can toggle codec options to prioritize stability or quality, with support for SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless. However, the software experience is not without flaws; reviewers noted instability in ANC activation, a jarring start to transparency mode, and occasional audio glitches requiring reboots. Additionally, the earbuds lack a physical pairing button on the case, requiring users to hold the touch surface on the buds themselves.
Audio quality is driven by 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, delivering a neutral-leaning sound with a wide-band bass boost and accentuated upper treble. While detailed, the tuning features a dip in the lower treble that can make vocals sound slightly hazy, an issue often corrected via EQ. Enabling ANC alters the sound profile, thinning out the mid-range and emphasizing high frequencies, leading some users to prefer listening with noise cancellation disabled indoors. The Dolby Atmos feature effectively spatializes stereo sources but is incompatible with Hi-Res audio toggles.
Microphone performance is strong in quiet environments, rivaling top-tier competitors, but struggles in noisy settings where aggressive background noise reduction stifles voice clarity. Noise cancellation is effective across the frequency range once it stabilizes, though it does not quite match the speed or sophistication of the AirPods Pro 3. Transparency mode allows for level adjustment but prioritizes ambient sounds over voices, making conversation difficult compared to other market leaders.
Battery life is rated at 12 hours with ANC off and 6 hours with it enabled; testing confirmed approximately 6 hours and 23 minutes with active noise cancellation. The replaceable battery system requires a PH000 screwdriver and a spudger to access the proprietary BA 501 (earbuds) and BA 502 (case) cells. While this process can cause minor cosmetic wear on the plastic grooves, it offers a unique advantage for long-term ownership, provided Sennheiser continues to supply replacement units in the EU and select other countries.
Sources: GSMArena.