The MOMENTUM series has a strong following over the years. The first-generation model was wired only, then in 2015, Sennheiser branched out Gen-2 with a wireless version (M2 AEBT). Then in late 2019, they released a refreshed version (M3 AEBT) which I reviewed in 2020. In 2022, MOMENTUM 4 was a complete makeover.
The sound of MOMENTUM appeals to many. Deep throbbing bass, sparkling treble, airy sound staging, layered instrumentation. It is Sennheiser’s “house sound”. But competitors have evolved cyclically with new models over the same period while Sennheiser milked the MOMENTUM 4 with new colourways and most recently, an 80th anniversary edition. After the HDB 630 was announced in Oct 2025, there was still no sight of a new MOMENTUM.
Finally, Sennheiser announced the MOMENTUM 5 in May 2026, and looking back, it is a well-calculated move. Sennheiser wants to package the improved ANC technology for the MOMENTUM 5, so the HDB 630 must be launched first to showcase its audiophile sound tuning. Once that’s over and done with, Sennheiser can set the stage for a next-generation wireless headphone product.
Here are the improved features on the new MOMENTUM 5:
- Improved ANC with 4 microphones per side
- Improved Transparency
- Supports aptX Lossless
- Supports Dolby Atmos encoded content
- Supports head-tracking
- Bluetooth 5.4 with firmware update to 6.0 (might support LE Audio)
- 8-band EQ
- Slimmer Travel Case
- Replaceable Battery
Design
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 design is largely similar to the predecessors. Some elements provide some visual differentiation, like the blacker headband fabric, the round logo on the headband ends, the metal accents with the model imprints where the mics are located, and the earcups flushed without the indented linings. This new earcup design makes sticker customisation easier.
Operations
The operations are largely similar to the previous versions. The right earpad surface is touch-enabled and supports finger gesture. Swipe up-down for volume, swipe front-back for track changes. Pinch inwards to increase ANC, spread outwards to increase transparency. Tap once to play-pause, double tap to switch transparency-ANC modes. Swipe forward-and-hold to fast forward, swipe back-and-hold to rewind.
One thing I like is that the headphones no longer auto-powers on when you remove from the case. This is one feature I dislike on the Momentum 4 because often times the headphones will auto power-on during transport. To power on, just click the multi-function button (no need to press-hold). To turn off, press-hold for 2 seconds. To enable Bluetooth pairing, press-hold for 5 seconds. During operations, clicking the button will also trigger smartphone assistant (like Gemini).
Connection Modes
There are 3 ways to connect to the MOMENTUM 5: Bluetooth, USB, or 2.5 to 3.5mm cable. The headphones need to be powered up to listen to music. When the analog cable is connected, the Bluetooth is disconnected and you can only adjust volume and ANC. Through USB connection, the Bluetooth connection remains active and you can use the app to adjust EQ and other functions while listening via USB. When Bluetooth audio is detect, the headphone will switch to Bluetooth audio.
Smart Control Plus App
Sennheiser has not changed the app in the UI for the past years, only reflecting new features applicable to the headphone product. For instance, the HDB 630 features advanced parametric EQ, while the MOMENTUM 5 shows an 8-band EQ. On the app, I can choose to enable Multipoint, see all the previously paired devices, adjust ANC levels at 1% step, enable anti-wind, enable Dolby Atmos, enable bass boost, perform sound personalisation, enable sound zones, on-head detection, smart pause, auto-answer calls, adjust auto power off duration, enable battery protection, and of course, firmware updates. I also found out that I can customise the app icon, which is rather cool.
My Listening Preference
I have reviewed over 400 audio products for 20 years. I started when the Internet was in its infancy, driven by a passion for audio and writing. Time is the best teacher, and I learned that audio is subjective. So when YOU read my reviews, you read about how I experience the product.
I am a listener who goes for “neutrality” and “balance” in music. I understand the fun-ness of bass and the revealing clarity of the treble, as well as how everything mixes and reaches into my ears. There is a limit to the sound waves existing in an air space, so if one frequency is stronger than the other, it would drown out. With improving technology and science, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries to deliver “everything everywhere all at once”.
So my evaluation will be based on how the bass, midrange and treble are balanced and sound as one. I listen more instrumental genres and well-mixed tracks with mastering that do not get over-compressed or limited. My criticisms on the technicalities may not translate to how I listen in real life, because there is a time and place for everything, and I do not need my headphones to sound technically perfect all the time, especially when I am on the move.
Audio Quality
Over the generations, the signature Sennheiser MOMENTUM sound is refining to be less V-shaped, and it is a direction that I prefer as I grow older. I believe it is a rite of passage for any audio enthusiasts to be initially wowed by the sonic impact of strong deep powerful bass and brilliant sparkly treble.
On the MOMENTUM 5, the treble brightness has been toned down compared to the Momentum 4, but the sparkle remains prominent to keep the highs engaged. The bass is also fuller than the predecessors, more meaty, and as a result, less forced yet delivers the kick and impact. The midrange is also more musical and better balanced. On the whole, it presents as less V-shaped, yet still good sounding enough for discerning audiophiles to kind of like it better than the Momentum 4.
When I passed the MOMENTUM 5 to my 19-year-old daughter, she listened BTS “Arirang” and instantly commented that the headphones is “not there”, but after I selected the “Hip Hop” EQ preset, she gave the thumbs-up. Indeed when I used that preset, the sub-bass hits me better, but even when I switched back to Neutral EQ, I’m quite fine with the balance. Nevertheless, albums like “Arirang” is designed for sonic impact as the tracks are mostly electronic samples, so all my altruistic talk about instrumental separation is meaningless to the generation of listeners.
On the flipside, it demonstrates the versatility of the MOMEMTUM 5. With its strong technical foundation, all it requires is EQ to give the listener what it wants. The Sennheiser EQ does not really alter the foundational sound, nor does it change the quality of the sound, merely the quantity of the frequency band. Note though, when you boost the frequencies, the app rebalances the sound where it will reduce the volume of the other frequencies instead of increaing the specific frequency. This approach prevents distortion.
Bluetooth vs. USB vs. Analog
Between the Bluetooth aptX Lossless mode and USB audio, I do not hear any difference. The aptX Adaptive mode has offered improved audio quality that exhibits hardly any audible compression or artifacts under ideal situations. With the analog connection, the sound is slightly flatter, where the bass is not as intense and the treble air is not as apparent while the midrange is more expressive. The sound could changte depending on the headphone amplifier you use.
ANC and Transparency
With double the mics, the ANC has improved to effectively eliminate mid and low frequency noises, leaving bits of upper frequency ambiance that would be hardly noticeable when listening to music. The Transparency level is also improved to amplify a bit more ambient hiss. I can also finetune the noise control in 1% increments. While it is still not as good as Sony, the ANC is good enough to let me listen to quiet music at noisy places.
Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio and Head Tracking
The MOMENTUM 5 has the Immersive Audio mode that can be enabled for all audio content, not just for Atmos-encoded content. It subtly improves the spatial stereo to be more frontal and wide and does not over-process the sound. The head tracking mode is also rather subtle but you can hear the HTRF effects where the audio source stays forward even when you turn your head. The app will also reflect the actual head turning direction as you move your head while wearing the headphones.
Battery Life
Even though the ANC may not beat the leaders, the battery life sure can. The MOMENTUM 5 can last up to 57 hours with ANC enabled. The 5-level LED indicator is also very helpful to show the remaining battery during operation.
Comparing Sennheiser HDB 630
Even with the release of a new Sennheiser model, the existing HDB 630 produces noticeably better sound that audiophiles will immediately notice. To my ears, the MOMENTUM 5 continues to present stronger treble presentation in line with the Momentum sound, as well as more fun bass lines. Yet the HDB 630 provides more audible layered details especially the midrange. Take Billie Eilish “Bad Guy”, The MOMENTUM 5 bass is more impactful, but the HDB 630 makes the song sound more well-mastered. I can hear the vocal timbre better even though the MOMENTUM 5 presents the vocals louder. On the Hiromi “Alive” album, MOMENTUM 5 showcases the drums too forward, the bass guitar strong and boomy, while the piano lines are subdued. The HDB 630 brings the piano more, drums are supporting with precision and rhythm, and the bass balanced with depth but not excessive.
Comparing JBL Tour One M3
The JBL Tour One M3 is a well-balanced headphones with better stereo imaging, providing more comfort in listening. It does not provide immense excitement in the mix but you can always EQ it to your liking. The MOMEMTUM 5 delivers better bass and more treble brilliance. Audio-aside, what I like with the JBL is the foldable headphone design and the app features. And if you are a fan of LDAC, this is the only headphones in my comparison that supports.
Comparing Sennheiser B&W PX8 S2
Finally, the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 may not be a fair comparison as it is of a different price point. I also find many reviewers rating this pair of headphones very highly, even better than the HDB 630, and I can understand why. The PX8 S2 offers the most engaging treble among the headphones here. The tuning comes at an expense of the midrange which sounds relatively thin and too lean. Using Michael Jackson “Dangerous” album, the snares hit with clarity but there was no mids to add weight. Similarly, the organ bears little weight in the mix, while MJ’s backing vocals come out tinny and sharp. Comparatively, the MOMENTUM 5 retains the warm mids while keeping them uncluttered from the busy instrumentations. Ultimately, you either like one or the other, and there is no right or wrong, just preference.
Among the headphones, the JBL’s ANC remains the top, followed by MOMENTUM 5. The HDB 630 is third as it could not attenuate the upper frequencies as good as the new Momentum, but the Transparency mode is more accurately open.
Verdict
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 is a departure from the elevated treble that makes the predecessor model well-loved by many. It delivers enhanced bass performance and midrange details that are likely to win new fans. The expanded 8-band EQ will come in handy to fine-tweak the sound profile that you like. With the improved ANC and Transparency, consumers can listen to their favourite music with greater isolation in noisy spaces. If you need an even more detailed and accurate sound presentation, then I would recommend HDB 630.
The MOMENTUM 5 is available now in Singapore from the website and on Shopee.
