Sennheiser has announced the Momentum 5 Wireless Headphones in May 2026, breaking a four-year hiatus since its predecessor launched in late 2022. The new flagship features an upgraded eight-microphone noise cancellation array, a user-replaceable battery, and lossless audio support.
German audio giant Sennheiser took a broad-focused approach to its fifth-generation flagship headphones, redesigning sound and active noise isolation to handle an ecosystem that has changed significantly since the Momentum 4 debut. The new model retains the same 42-millimeter driver footprint as its predecessor, but borrows a significantly different tuning approach taking cues from the legendary open-back audiophile-grade headphones, the HD 630. Under the hood lie the same 42-millimeter drivers as the Momentum 4, which were already great and are claimed to deliver a slightly warm and immersive
sound.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Hardware Design and Repairability Upgrades
Weighing 290 grams, the headphones are built from plastic, cloth, and leather. While the earcups do not fold inward, they turn flat to slide into a slimmer and more premium carrying case.
The biggest structural upgrade centers on device longevity. The fifth-generation model features a user-replaceable battery that owners can swap out by removing the left ear cushion and using a small screwdriver.
Eight Microphones Improve Noise Cancellation Performance
Active noise cancellation gets a substantial structural leap through an 8-microphone array, doubling the four microphones found on the Momentum 4. Testing shows the hardware successfully dampens cabin noise and engine hum during long-haul flights, closing the isolation gap against longtime market leaders from Sony and Bose.
Managing the hardware requires the companion Smart Control Plus app, which handles connection settings, EQ tweaks, and noise cancellation depth. While the adaptive ANC setting delivers elite ambient isolation, reviewers noted it can introduce perceptible pressure on the ears during extended use, which can be mitigated by dialing down the settings in custom mode. This is also where the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app comes in very handy, though users must download carefully as the company maintains different applications on the Apple App Store for various audio products.
Battery Life and Wireless Lossless Audio Support
Fast charging support allows quick power replenishment when paired with a 20-watt or 30-watt USB-C adapter.
For wireless listening, the headphones support lossless streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz via an in-box dongle. Achieving wireless lossless audio natively requires an Android phone running a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip that supports the Snapdragon Sound architecture, while devices like the iPhone use standard codecs. On the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, users get 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality lossless audio over wireless on Apple Music streaming, while the tuned Dolby Atmos bit adds to the experience when watching a movie. The headphones are also Bluetooth 6.0-ready through a pending firmware update, though they ship configured with Bluetooth 5.4 and omit Auracast multi-user audio sharing.