what’s new in the latest generation

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what's new in the latest generation

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 including noise cancellation, codec support, battery design, and surround sound, while retaining the same 42mm driver unit that appeared in the previous generation.

Driver and audio editing

The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless carries over the powerful 42mm transducer from its predecessor, manufactured at Sennheiser’s facility in Tullamore, Ireland. Sennheiser says the driver was originally inspired by the HD 600-series open-back headphones and tuned for what he describes as full-bodied sound with dynamic bass.

The headphones carry Hi-Res Audio certification and support a frequency range of 6 Hz to 40 kHz when connected via Bluetooth or USB. For wired analog connections, the range is 6 Hz to 22 kHz. Total harmonic distortion is measured at less than 0.2% at 1 kHz and 100 dB SPL, and sensitivity is quoted at 108 dB SPL.

Codec support and wireless communication

One of the headline additions in this generation is the support for Snapdragon Sound technology, which brings 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 can deliver CD-quality audio via Bluetooth if the source device also supports it.

Bluetooth 5.4 is included as standard. Sennheiser also said the hardware is built for Bluetooth 6.0, which it says will be enabled with a future firmware update. The headphones support A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, and GATT profiles.

Active noise cancellation

The ANC program has been greatly improved. The number of microphones has doubled compared to the previous generation, with a total of eight microphones – four on each side – used for both noise cancellation and display mode functions. Sennheiser claims the system is three times more effective at reducing ambient noise, especially voice chat, 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 used to reduce the noise of calls. Sennheiser also highlights the improvement in transparency mode, citing more natural voice quality during calls as a specific benefit of the additional microphone count.

Surround sound and Dolby Atmos

MOMENTUM 5 Wireless supports spatial audio tracking. Dolby Atmos compatibility is included, with head-tracking support for Atmos-encoded content. Sennheiser notes that this will be enabled via a day-one firmware update for starters, rather than working out of the box.

The platform is described as being designed to upgrade over time with firmware updates to both the DSP and wireless engines, meaning capabilities can be added or refined after launch.

Battery life and easy-to-use cell

Battery life is rated at up to 57 hours and ANC is active, tested using an iPhone with medium volume. A full charge takes about two hours, and a ten-minute charge is said to provide seven hours of playtime.

A notable addition of this generation is the user-replaceable battery. The 700 mAh lithium-ion cell can be replaced using a standard Phillips head screwdriver, with no special 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 life of the headphones.

This is a noticeable difference in a market where most headphones have closed, replaceable batteries. As battery capacity degrades over years of use, the ability to install a new cell should help the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless last longer than many of its competitors.

App and measurer

The headphones are supported by the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app, available on iOS and Android. The app includes an 8-band equalizer, custom presets, and what Sennheiser calls an intelligent Sound Personalization engine, which adjusts the sound signature to the listener’s preferences.

The app also provides access to firmware updates, which Sennheiser revealed will be used to deliver new features during the product’s lifetime.

Design, build, and services

The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless uses an around-the-ear design, with a comfortable headband. It weighs about 290 g and folds flat to dimensions of 180 x 197 x 47 mm. Three colors are available: Black, White, and Denim.

Charging via USB-C at 5V and 800mA maximum. The carrying case is described as being 20% ​​smaller than the previous generation. In the box, buyers will find headphones, a carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm analog audio cable for use with devices such as in-flight entertainment systems.

The packaging does not use plastic in the single unit box or the main outer box, both using paper and cardboard construction.

Important clarification 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 with future firmware update)
  • Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, Snapdragon Sound
  • ANC: Hybrid Adaptive, 8 microphones in total (4 on each side), MEMS
  • Battery: 700 mAh, user replaceable, up to 57 hours with ANC
  • Fast charging: 10 minutes up to 7 hours of play
  • Weight: about 290 g
  • Colors: Black, White, Denim
  • App: Sennheiser Smart Control Plus (iOS and Android)

Availability

Sennheiser did not confirm pricing or a specific release date in material published alongside the announcement. The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless was announced on 26 May 2026. More availability details are expected to follow.