Sennheiser has announced the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless, the fifth generation of its premium over-ear headphone line. Announced on 26 May 2026, the new model builds on its predecessor with a series of targeted updates spanning noise cancellation, codec support, battery design, and spatial audio, while retaining the same 42mm driver unit that featured in the previous generation.
Driver and sound tuning
The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless carries over the 42mm dynamic transducer from its predecessor, which is manufactured at Sennheiser’s facility in Tullamore, Ireland. Sennheiser says the driver was originally inspired by the HD 600-series open-back headphones and is tuned for what it describes as full-bodied sound with dynamic bass.
The headphones carry Hi-Res Audio certification and support an extended frequency range of 6 Hz to 40 kHz when connected via Bluetooth or USB. Via a wired analogue connection, the range is 6 Hz to 22 kHz. Total harmonic distortion is rated at less than 0.2% at 1 kHz and 100 dB SPL, and sensitivity is quoted at 108 dB SPL.
Codec support and wireless connectivity
One of the headline additions in this generation is support for Snapdragon Sound technology, bringing aptX Lossless codec compatibility. The full codec list includes SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive. This makes the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless one of the few consumer headphones to support aptX Lossless, which is capable of delivering CD-quality audio over Bluetooth when the source device also supports it.
Bluetooth 5.4 is fitted as standard. Sennheiser has also stated the hardware is engineered for Bluetooth 6.0, which it says will be enabled via a future firmware update. The headphones support A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, and GATT profiles.
Active noise cancellation
The ANC system has been substantially upgraded. The microphone count has doubled compared to the previous generation, with eight microphones in total – four per side – used for both noise cancellation and transparency mode duties. Sennheiser claims the system is up to three times more effective at reducing midrange noise, particularly voice chatter, compared to the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless.
The implementation is described as Hybrid Adaptive ANC, using MEMS microphones with a pickup frequency range of 20 Hz to 15 kHz. Beamforming technology is employed for call noise reduction. Sennheiser also highlights improvements to transparency mode, citing more natural voice quality during calls as a specific benefit of the increased microphone count.
Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos
The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless supports spatial audio with head-tracking. Dolby Atmos compatibility is included, with head-tracking support for Atmos-encoded content. Sennheiser notes this will be enabled via a day-one firmware update for early adopters, rather than being active straight out of the box.
The platform is described as being designed to improve over time through firmware updates to both the DSP and wireless engines, meaning capabilities can be added or refined post-launch.
Battery life and user-replaceable cell
Battery life is rated at up to 57 hours with ANC active, tested using an iPhone at mid volume. A full charge takes approximately two hours, and a ten-minute charge is said to provide up to seven hours of playback.
A notable addition for this generation is a user-replaceable battery. The 700 mAh lithium-ion cell can be swapped using a standard Phillips-head screwdriver, with no specialist tools required. The battery measures 51 x 38.5 x 5.1 mm and weighs 21.8 g. Sennheiser says the design has no impact on acoustic performance and is intended to extend the usable lifespan of the headphones.
This is a meaningful differentiator in a market where most headphones have sealed, non-replaceable batteries. As battery capacity degrades over years of use, the ability to fit a fresh cell should help the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless remain in regular use for longer than most competitors.
App and equaliser
The headphones are supported by the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app, available for iOS and Android. The app includes an 8-band equaliser, custom presets, and what Sennheiser calls an intelligent Sound Personalisation engine, which adjusts the sound signature to the listener’s preference.
The app also provides access to firmware updates, which Sennheiser has indicated will be used to deliver new features over the product’s lifetime.
Design, build, and accessories
The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless uses an around-ear, circum-aural design with a headband. It weighs approximately 290 g and folds flat to dimensions of 180 x 197 x 47 mm. Three colour options are available: Black, White, and Denim.
Charging is via USB-C at 5V and 800mA maximum. The carry case is described as 20% smaller than the previous generation. In the box, buyers will find the headphones, carry case, USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm analogue audio cable for wired use with devices such as in-flight entertainment systems.
Packaging uses no plastic in either the single-unit box or outer master carton, with both using paper and cardboard construction.
Key specifications at a glance
- Driver: 42mm dynamic, manufactured in Tullamore, Ireland
- Frequency range: 6 Hz to 40 kHz (Bluetooth/USB), 6 Hz to 22 kHz (analogue)
- Sensitivity: 108 dB SPL (1 kHz / 0 dB FS)
- THD: less than 0.2% at 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL
- Bluetooth: 5.4 (Bluetooth 6.0 via future firmware update)
- Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, Snapdragon Sound
- ANC: Hybrid Adaptive, 8 microphones total (4 per side), MEMS
- Battery: 700 mAh, user-replaceable, up to 57 hours with ANC
- Quick charge: 10 minutes for up to 7 hours playback
- Weight: approximately 290 g
- Colours: Black, White, Denim
- App: Sennheiser Smart Control Plus (iOS and Android)
Availability
Sennheiser has not confirmed pricing or a specific release date in the materials published alongside the announcement. The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless was announced on 26 May 2026. Further availability details are expected to follow.
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