Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Sennheiser Momentum 5 review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT. I’ll also be comparing the Sennheiser Momentum 5 vs Momentum 4, HDB 630, Sony WH-1000XM6, AirPods Max 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, and more!
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist.
Let’s dive right in!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sennheiser for providing this early review unit for free. No payment was exchanged or brand input added. Our opinions are our own, as always. Please note that this early review unit may have different hardware and firmware from the official production release.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Headphones review in short
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is a total refinement over the very successful previous-generation Momentum 4. With noticeably improved sound quality and noise cancelling performance, the Momentum 5 carries the torch for being one of the best values in the wireless headphone class. Competes with the previous Sennheiser Momentum 4, Sennheiser HDB 630, Sony WH-1000XM6, AirPods Max 2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3, Focal Bathys, and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2.
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
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Pros and Cons
- Best sound quality for its price
- Improved noise cancelling
- 57 hour battery life
- Strong overall value
- Not in the elite tier of noise cancelling
- Warm, dark sound profile not for everybody
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Sound Quality
Initial listening notes…
First off, the Momentum 5 actually supports a slightly better-quality hi-res codec of aptX Lossless versus the aptX Adaptive found on the Momentum 4 and HDB 630.
To conduct this test, I used my Questyle QCC Dongle Pro to unlock aptX and LDAC support:
![Questyle QCC Dongle Pro [MFi Certified] USB-C Bluetooth Audio Adapter with LDAC,aptX Lossless&aptX-Adaptive,Low Latency Bluetooth 5.4 Dongle for PS5,Wireless Lossless Transmitter for PC/Headphones](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21jT-Cm5ZVL._SL500_.jpg)
If you’re an iPhone user, or if your phone doesn’t support aptX codecs, then I highly recommend you pick up the dongle above which will cover both LDAC and aptX Adaptive high-res codecs. It’s the only one of its kind that supports both, to my knowledge.
In addition to aptX Lossless, the Momentum 5 supports lossless audio via wired connection.
The Momentum 5 also has a custom 8-band EQ, upgraded from the 5-band EQ of the Momentum 4, but not quite as flexible as the Parametric EQ of the more expensive HDB 630.
Sound Profile
I would describe the Sennheiser Momentum 5’s sound profile as neutral dark, smooth treble, bass-forward, and warmer than the Momentum 4 and HDB 630.
I think it’s fair to call the sound profile slightly more “refined” than the relatively more V-shaped Momentum 4.
I also wouldn’t say it’s quite as neutral or clinical as the HDB 630, which has a more detailed and forward treble.
Instead, the Momentum 5 has the smoothest and most “rolled-off” treble to my ears, as they are never in danger of sounding sibilant or harsh. Again, “refined” is one way to put it.
Overall, it’s a noticeably different sound profile from both the Momentum 4 and HDB 630, in a good way.
Full Sound Test
There was a lot of expectations going from the very successful Momentum 4 to the 5, but I’m happy to report, they are noticeably upgraded in sound quality.
Between the Momentum 4 and more audiophile HDB 630, I actually find the sound quality to now be closer to the HDB 630 than the previous Momentum 4.
That is seriously impressive, especially considering the Momentum 5’s price point is lower than the mainstream flagships from Sony, Bose, and Apple.
The first thing that jumped out to me is the massive bass response. It’s simultaneously visceral, impactful, reaches down to the deep sub-bass frequencies, while still being controlled.
My only critique is that the massive bass is less textured and “clean” like the HDB 630, but it makes up for it by having more bass quantity and slam.
In short, if you’re a basshead, get the Momentum 5. Plain and simple.
Now typically a bass-heavy sound would equate to muddiness for the mids, but such is NOT the case with the Momentum 5.
What impresses me the most is that the Momentum 5’s massive bass response never muddies up the very detailed and full vocals. This is a feat that a similar-sound profile headphone like the XM6 doesn’t quite pull off, in my opinion.
The mids are beautiful on the Momentum 5, noticeably fuller than the Momentum 4 with very good timbre for vocals and most instruments.
Lastly, I think the treble is the one area where I would like the Momentum 5 to be more forward out of the box, as I’m more impressed by the HDB 630 and even Momentum 4’s treble detail that translates into more airiness and energy.
The positive side to this smooth treble is that these never sound sibilant, harsh, or strident.
This also lends itself to the timbre of vocals and instruments sounding warmer and arguably more realistic than if the treble were to be artificially pushed forward.
When it comes to the audiophile technicalities, this is where I think the Momentum 5 is more related to the HDB 630’s level of dynamics, separation, and layering.
When you listen to a “maxed out” previous-gen Momentum 4 with aptX Adaptive and EQ, it’s hard to imagine what could be improved.
But then you hear the Momentum 5 and HDB 630, and realize there’s levels to audio.
vs Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Momentum 4 is relatively more V-shaped, especially in the treble, over the smoother and more “refined” Momentum 5.
This is all relative, as the Momentum 4 is fairly neutral compared to most mainstream wireless headphones, with a slight bass bump.
The Momentum 5 isn’t as treble-forward or energetic, but is warmer with fuller mids and a smoother treble response.
The Momentum 5’s mids are more detailed leading to vocals sounding fuller and more realistic in timbre, something I very much appreciate head-to-head with the Momentum 4.
The bass is still incredible on the Momentum 4, but the Momentum 5 makes it even better, with both more quantity but more control and authority.
Overall, I still do think a maxed out Momentum 4 with aptX Adaptive + EQ is about 90% of the sound quality of the Momentum 5, but that last 10% is worth it if you can swing it.
vs Sennheiser HDB 630
This is the comparison that I was most curious about, and listening to them back-to-back was surprising.
The Momentum 5 is closer in sound quality to the highly-praised HDB 630 than the Momentum 4, but they are noticeably different when you really listen closely.
First off, these have different sound profiles.
I was surprised that the HDB 630 actually had the more “energetic” sound profile, due to a much more forward treble.
The Momentum 5 is noticeably more “relaxed”, due to focusing on the bass and mids with a relatively more rolled-off treble.
Personally, I prefer the tonality of the HDB 630, which has the bass, mids, and treble in a harmonious balance.
I will say I personally prefer a neutral bright sound profile and a sucker for details, so the HDB 630 scratches that itch for me a bit better.
Also, the HDB 630 sounds more open in its soundstage with airiness in the treble. The Momentum 5 sounds more narrow and intimate.
Overall, I am seriously impressed by the Momentum 5, but after listening back-to-back, the HDB 630 is still even better.
vs Sony WH-1000XM6
This may surprise people, but the sound profile of the Momentum 5 first reminded me of the Sony WH-1000XM6.
But the big difference is in the execution.
The Momentum 5 pulls off that warmer, bassy, neutral dark sound profile much better than the muddier Sony XM6, and I think it boils down to the hardware and superior driver quality and tuning.
With the XM6, I personally think it needs both LDAC and full use of its 10-band custom EQ to be enjoyable for music, at least as an audiophile.
The Momentum 5 sounds fantastic out of the box, needing noticeably less EQ.
I put the Momentum 5 in a level above the XM6 for sound quality, and to be honest, I even prefer the Momentum 4 to the XM6 as well.
vs AirPods Max 2
While the Momentum 5 is “neutral dark”, the AirPods Max 2 is almost a perfect “neutral bright” foil.
Personally, I actually prefer the stock sound profile of the AirPods Max 2 that is noticeably brighter, more treble-forward, and open-sounding.
That said, the Momentum 5 is in a level above in overall fidelity and tonality.
While the AirPods Max 2 is incredibly detailed, even being limited to AAC with no hi-res codec support, the Momentum 5 is more complete when factoring in the bass, mids, and treble.
The bass is much more satisfying while being more detailed and controlled.
The mids are fuller and more realistic in timbre.
I do prefer the treble energy on the AirPods Max 2, but this isn’t for everyone and can sound a bit too sharp and fatiguing.
Factor in the 8-band EQ adding flexibility to the Momentum 5, and I find it to be the more “audiophile” of the two.
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
One of the surprises for me has been the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, which sounds surprisingly excellent with aptX Adaptive and its simpler 3-band EQ.
Out of the box, the Bose QC Ultra 2 is more consumer-friendly and energetic compared to the Momentum 5, but not as smooth or refined-sounding.
Both have big bass responses, but the Momentum 5’s is more impressive of the two.
The mids are also fuller and better timbre on the Momentum 5.
Similar to the AirPods Max 2, I think I prefer the detailed treble on the Bose QC Ultra 2, but at the cost of being more fatiguing and not as smooth as the Momentum 5.
Overall, I think the Momentum 5 is in a slight level above the Bose QC Ultra 2, especially right out of the box with no EQ.
Sound Quality Score: 9.2 out of 10
Comfort
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is average in weight of the headphones we’ve tested:
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) – 236.1 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen) – 254.4 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) – 262.2 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 288.8 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – 312.0 grams
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 313.4 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Focal Bathys MG – 365.5 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H100 – 375.6 grams
- Dali IO-12 – 379.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 384.4 grams
Comfort is one area where I wanted to see improvement over the Momentum 4, and I do think the new Momentum 5 is slightly improved.
It’s only 4 grams lighter than the Momentum 4, but a more noticeable 24 grams lighter than HDB 630.
First, the clamping force is less than my Momentum 4 from the factory, but it is still firm from the factory.
The slight improvement comes from an improved headband with less top-of-head pressure.
The earpad cushions are a nice plush protein leather that feels similar to the HDB 630.
The earcup diameter is pretty good, but I just wish they had a little more depth inside as the tips of my ears do touch the fabric, unlike the more spacious Bose QC Ultra 2 or AirPods Max 2.
Overall, the Momentum 5 is pretty comfy, but not “elite” like the Bose.
For now, it’s still on par with the HDB 630 and a broken-in 3-year-old Momentum 4, but could slightly improve once the clamping force loosens up.
Comfort Score: 8.5 out of 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality
Features
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 was released in May 2026 and has the typical modern wireless ANC headphone features:
- Bluetooth 5.4 (ready for Bluetooth 6.0 via firmware update)
- aptX Lossless
- Lossless Audio via Wired
- NEW User-Replaceable battery
- Multi-point connectivity
- Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and Head-Tracking
- Multiple built-in microphones for taking calls
- Active Noise Cancelling
- “Adaptive” mode
- Transparency Mode
- Includes compact premium hardshell case
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Battery Life
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 has 57 hours of battery life on a single charge.
- Marshall Monitor III – 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE – 60 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Audeze Maxwell – 80 hours (no ANC included)
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 57 hours
- Dali IO-12 – 35 hours (ANC on)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 – 34 hours (ANC on)
- Focal Bathys MG – “Over 30 hours” (ANC on)
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – 30 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 – 30 hours
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Px8 – 30 hours
- Sonos Ace – 30 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) – 24 hours
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 20 hours
- Apple AirPods Max – 20 hours
In my testing, I found this figure to be accurate.
The most important update here is a NEW User-Replaceable battery. This is an awesome consumer-friendly move by Sennheiser.
Although 3 hours shorter than the previous Momentum 4 and HDB 630, 57 hours with ANC on is still nearly best-in-class and almost double the battery life of similar flagships like the Sony XM6, Bose QC Ultra 2.
And almost triple the battery life of the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Build Quality
The materials and build quality seems to be pretty similar to the Momentum 4, which is largely plastic in the headband, hinges, and earcups.
I think the protein leather seems slightly more premium/durable than the Momentum 4, but only time will tell.
I do think the design of the Momentum 5 is slightly improved and streamlined over the Momentum 4 and bulkier HDB 630, as they look more premium and stylish.
Overall, this build quality is on par for its price, but it would have been nice to see a metal headband and hinges like the Bose QC Ultra 2 and AirPods Max 2.
One reassuring thing is that my 3-year-old Momentum 4 is still going strong today, and only showing wear in the earpad cushions, which can be replaced.
Practicality
The Momentum 5 makes for the best daily driver yet from Sennheiser, due to a much improved travel hardshell case that is significantly smaller than the Momentum 4 and HDB 630’s case.
Then factor in the more stylish design, improved noise cancelling performance, 57 hours of battery life, and this is my pick for the best travel headphone in the Sennheiser family.
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality Score: 9.5 out of 10
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Noise Cancelling Performance
Probably the biggest critique of the Momentum 4 wasn’t its sound quality, but its noise cancelling performance.
This is one area that Sennheiser clearly sought to improve, looking at the marketing material for the Momentum 5.
From both a hardware and software perspective, I’m happy to report the Momentum 5’s noise cancelling is noticeably improved over the Momentum 4.
For me, the Momentum 4 was actually slightly above average in ANC, especially after its major 2025 firmware update.
That said, I still don’t put it in the “elite” tier of noise cancelling, as the AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 are seriously the ones to beat in this arena.
I am hopeful that a future firmware update can take advantage of the updated microphones and processing in the Momentum 5 to improve the noise cancelling even further.
Noise Cancelling Score: 8.5 out of 10
Value
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 retails at $399 USD, which is about $50 cheaper than the full retail price of Sony XM6 and Bose QC Ultra 2.
When on sale, the Sony and Bose can get down to $399-ish as well.
The AirPods Max 2 retails at $549, but is typically found around $519-$529 currently.
Since the Momentum 5 is still brand new, we haven’t seen any sales yet, but it’s possible that it may drop down to $349 or even $299 in the distant future, if it follows in the Momentum 4’s footsteps.
Bottomline, I think the Momentum 5 punches well above its pricepoint for sound quality, with improved noise cancelling and superior battery life to its competition.
Ironically, one of the only better values would be the Momentum 4 that is now down to $229 and as low as $199.
The HDB 630 at $499 is absolutely worth it for audiophiles, but the Momentum 5 at $100 cheaper and with better noise cancelling potential is a more appealing daily driver for most consumers.
Value Score: 9.0 out of 10
Is the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Worth it?
I’m genuinely relieved that the Momentum 5 delivers.
If you’ve seen our review and comparisons of the Momentum 4, you’d know we’re a big fan, and still are to this day. Especially for the money.
But the Momentum 5 is a welcome refinement and improves upon almost every aspect of the Momentum 4: better sound quality, improved noise cancelling performance, more compact travel case, more features (Dolby Atmos with head-tracking), and a more stylish design.
If you can afford it, I’d go for either the Momentum 5 or HDB 630 if you’re more of an audiophile.
Also, if you’d like to support 100% independent unbiased reviews, consider using my affiliate links to shop and even save money! Thank you.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sennheiser HDB 630
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- AirPods Max 2
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
- Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Apple AirPods Max
- Sonos Ace
- Focal Bathys MG
- Dali IO-12
- Focal Bathys
- Audeze Maxwell
Some Relevant Comparisons in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality (50% of score): 9.2 / 10
Comfort (10% of score): 8.5 / 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality (10% of score): 9.5 / 10
Noise Cancelling (20% of score): 8.5 / 10
Value (10% of score): 9.0 / 10
Overall: 9.0 / 10
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase almost all of the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment. Noise cancelling performance is tested in the real-world, primarily on airplane flights, coffee shops, and walking around large metropolitan city environments.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
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Focal Bathys MG vs Dali IO-12 vs Bang & Olufsen H100
