Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 Review: Truly Durable Hi-Fi Sound

Back in force for Sennheiser? For the German manufacturer, one of the few true audio specialists still around in premium true wireless, the task is not simple. A kind of demonstration of its know‑how, the new Momentum True Wireless 5 places a strong emphasis on audio and connectivity, and are among the first of their kind (after Fairphone) to come with removable batteries.

What our measurements say

Contrary to what Sennheiser’s audiophile aura might lead us to believe, the brand has never pursued an unequivocally balanced audio signature. Historically, Momentum earbuds lean slightly on the dark side: the bass is emphasized, and the central high-frequency region (around 4 kHz) is somewhat recessed. This yields a sound that is powerful yet quite mellow, effective yet not universal.

With the Momentum True Wireless 5, the brand tames these tuning choices, which we do not mind. The bass is very intelligently boosted, enough to provide body to the listening without overflowing into the mids. Meanwhile, the highs do not shed their little dips and fluctuations; these frequencies are more convincing than on the previous earbuds.

The level of isolation follows a similar trend. Not flawless in the earlier generation, the brand slightly raises its game, at least in terms of active processing. The tips, more breathable, give the impression of attenuating slightly less of the higher frequencies. Conversely, the mids, especially voices, show that Sennheiser did not rest on its laurels.

Starting from a weak base for call quality, Sennheiser manages to salvage things here, with microphones capturing a reasonably clear signal in calm environments. While noise is fairly well suppressed, there is a noticeable and sometimes rapid decline in voice clarity as noise increases.

Battery life sits in a mid-zone. Officially quoted at 7 hours with ANC, and 12 hours without, our measurements come in at about 7 hours 15 minutes with ANC and 11 hours 50 minutes without. Add the roughly two-and-a-half charges provided by the case, and the overall result remains solid. The removable batteries do stand in the way of achieving higher figures to some extent.

Listening test: a big yes, with a small caveat

The Momentum True Wireless 5 are the brand’s latest premium earphones and feature a self-developed 7 mm TrueResponse driver, crafted at the brand’s Irish factory. A product that thus shares a lineage with stellar wired models like the IE900, which sell for around 1,200 euros.

While not flawless, Sennheiser is, technically at least, among the few that can genuinely challenge the WF-1000XM6. These Bluetooth earbuds deliver an exceptionally dynamic range and outstanding detail separation. The stage may not be as expansive as Sony’s, but it is at least as deep, with a lovely forward projection. In this regard, there is nothing wrong—except that the earbuds do not forgive bad mixes: if the sound is compressed, don’t expect them to round off the edges.

Paradoxically, the signature is anything but aggressive. The slightly downward tilt from bass to mid-treble (with a small peak in the upper midrange) gives the sound a fairly neutral personality, less sharp than Sony.

We basically follow two approaches when adjusting settings, and it would be hard to declare a clear winner. The Japanese earphones stand out slightly, at least in the treble, being a touch more linear. The Sennheiser would benefit from simplifying this range. The presence of a pronounced peak in the very high frequencies adds a bit too much sparkle to certain sounds. The built-in equalizer in the app can reduce this specific excess, but it isn’t fine enough (a graphic rather than a parametric EQ) to smooth out the rest.

Noise reduction/transparency and calls: good things, but not elite

Excellent without being in the same league as top-tier products (Sony, Apple, Bose to a degree), the Momentum True Wireless 5’s isolation still lacks some intensity across certain frequencies. Sounds, especially voices (quite noticeable compared to the best), still slip through the mesh when noise rises.

EDIT 09/03: due to a minor issue with the phonetic measurement, we will publish it a bit later.

If we had to award a small bonus point: the Momentum True Wireless 5 come in five colors. A sight to embarrass the gray-haired Sony and Apple earbuds.

Ergonomics and user experience: some controls are improvable, and an reassuring app

Like Sony, Sennheiser sticks with a somewhat dated ergonomic approach. The touch area on each earbud recognizes only presses, not swipes, which limits the duo’s capabilities. Indeed, while the full set of classic controls can be handled, you must adhere to an asymmetric scheme: some commands on the left, some on the right. So you can’t use a single earbud 100%. In practice, everything feels smooth and intuitive; we would simply have preferred a touch more modernity.

The dedicated app, Smart Control Plus, adds enough value to the experience, particularly on the audio front: a 10-band graphic equalizer (unfortunately not parametric), adjustments for ANC and call transparency (enabled by default), a Dolby Atmos mode with head-tracking. A few handy practical options are available as well, but we’re clearly far from a Sony‑like dashboard with its pros and cons.

In the call domain, the microphones manage a reasonable signal in calm settings, though the overall performance started from a weak point. If noise is fairly well damped, there is a gradual (and sometimes rapid) degradation of voice pick-up in more demanding environments.

The battery life sits in a mid-ground. Officially advertised as 7 hours with ANC and 12 hours without, our tests clock in at roughly 7h15 and 11h50 respectively, with the case adding two-and-a-half full charges. All told, the result remains broadly positive. The user-replaceable batteries, though, do cap the potential ceiling somewhat.

Instruments and comfort: redesigned intra-ear pieces, and more besides

Unchanged since Momentum 3 in 2022, the flagship Bluetooth earpieces’ design finally gets refined with this new version. The near-spherical form gives way to a sleeker body, which, without delivering extraordinary comfort, reaches a level of refinement worthy of 2026. This new format, paired with slightly softer eartips, makes the Sennheiser more breathable and less claustrophobic. Slightly better than the Sony WF-1000XM6, they still trail behind the many semi-in-ear Buds4 Pro-style options.

What about build quality? Two answers. First, Sennheiser seems to settle into the mainstream. The construction is solid, yes, but less original than before. This is even more noticeable with the charging case, which abandons its premium denim-like coating for a textured plastic—still well-made but less aristocratic. Everything is well assembled and sturdy, but not as premium as other models in this price range. Notably, IP54 certification is a bit disappointing.

The second reason is simply that Sennheiser has become more pragmatic. The earbuds are more compact, the case remains sizable but thinner, and, most importantly, the three elements (earpieces and case) now feature user-replaceable batteries. These operations require only a small screwdriver and, if possible, a small flat plastic tool supplied by the brand.

In fact, Sennheiser finally crosses the threshold of reparability, a first among major players. Of course, its European roots help in complying early with 2027 standards.

If we must give a little bonus point: the Momentum True Wireless 5 are available in five colorways. Enough to outshine Sony’s and Apple’s gray options.

Ergonomics and user experience: imperfect controls, and a reassuring app

As with a certain Sony approach, Sennheiser sticks to a somewhat retro ergonomic solution. The touch zone on each earbud recognizes only taps, not swipes, which limits the range of gestures. Indeed, all the standard controls can be implemented, but you must accept an asymmetrical scheme: some commands on the left, some on the right. It’s impossible to use a single earbud at 100%. In practice, everything is fairly smooth and intuitive; we would simply have preferred a touch more modernity.