Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds are the latest addition to Sennheiser’s premium audio lineup, offering significant upgrades over their predecessors. Launched at a price of $300, these flagship true wireless earbuds aim to compete against established players like the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Sony WF-1000XM6. With improvements claimed in design, comfort, audio quality, noise cancellation, and microphone performance, let’s delve into their features and performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Momentum True Wireless 5 features a revised design that enhances both portability and aesthetics. The new case has a tall, slim profile, making it much easier to carry compared to the bulkier case of the Momentum True Wireless 4. The exterior now boasts a matte plastic finish instead of fabric, which reduces staining but may attract smudges. The earbuds themselves are noticeably smaller and have transitioned to a jellybean shape, replacing the earlier squared-off design.

The earbuds are available in five color options: Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim, and Lavender. While the earbuds themselves carry an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, the case does not share this feature and tends to produce some creaking sounds during use, particularly around the hinge area.

Comfort and Fit

User experiences indicate that the Momentum True Wireless 5 sit comfortably in the ears, thanks in part to their shallower fit compared to the previous version. This makes them suitable for extended listening sessions without discomfort. However, the absence of stems can sometimes make it challenging to grasp them, which might lead to accidental drops.

Software and Features

These earbuds are compatible with the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app available on both iOS and Android. The app offers extensive customization options, including:

• Adjustable ANC modes and transparency levels
• 8-band equalizer with multiple presets
• Sound Personalization feature for tailored audio experiences
• Dolby Atmos option for enhanced spatial audio

Despite its capabilities, the app has experienced some performance inconsistencies. For instance, there are reports of uneven ANC activation between the two earbuds and abrupt volume changes in transparency mode.

Audio Performance

The Momentum True Wireless 5 are equipped with 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers that deliver high-quality sound. While the audio quality is generally excellent, there are a few notes regarding the tuning: the bass is wide but not targeted, which can lead to muddiness in some tracks. Additionally, the upper frequencies are bright, which can enhance clarity but also lead to some vocals sounding quieter than would be ideal.

Enabling ANC alters the sound profile slightly, reducing the fullness of midrange frequencies, while disabling it allows for a more natural sound experience. The Dolby Atmos feature was noted as being effective in spatializing standard stereo content, although it only functions with specific codec settings.

Microphone and Noise Cancellation

Microphone performance on the Momentum True Wireless 5 is commendable in quieter settings, rivaling that of premium models like the latest Apple AirPods. However, in noisy environments, while background noise is effectively suppressed, voice clarity can suffer. Users have suggested that tuning adjustments favoring voice quality over noise cancellation would enhance the overall experience.

Noise cancellation performance is solid yet does not quite reach the levels of the Apple AirPods Pro 3. In testing, after initialization, the ANC effectively reduced ambient sound sufficiently but could benefit from faster processing speeds. The transparency mode is adjustable and intended to enhance situational awareness but has been critiqued for not effectively prioritizing voices.

Battery Life and Replacement

Sennheiser claims a battery life of 12 hours with ANC disabled, or approximately 6 hours with ANC active. In real-world testing, the latter figure was slightly exceeded, clocking in at 6 hours and 23 minutes under typical usage conditions with ANC enabled.

A standout feature of the Momentum True Wireless 5 is their user-replaceable batteries. Users can access the batteries by loosening screws on the earbuds and using a spudger to open them up, a process that allows for future longevity as battery degradation occurs. However, caution must be exercised during this process to avoid cosmetic damage. The case also features a replaceable battery, further extending the overall life of the product.

Audio Specifications

Conclusion

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds represent a notable improvement over previous models, featuring enhanced audio quality, improved comfort, effective noise cancellation, and a robust microphone suitable for quieter environments. Importantly, the user-replaceable battery feature allows for extended usability, which differentiates them in a competitive market where many rival models do not offer such convenience. While the software could benefit from enhanced stability and the microphone performance may not excel in all conditions, the overall package positions these earbuds as a strong contender in the true wireless segment, especially considering their durable build and audio excellence.

Key Takeaways

• The Momentum True Wireless 5 are priced at $300.
• The earbuds offer 12 hours of battery life with ANC disabled.
• They feature user-replaceable batteries, a unique aspect among competitors.
• Audio quality is strong but may require some EQ adjustments for optimal performance.
• Noise cancellation and microphone performance are good but not top-tier compared to some rivals.