Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless wishlist: All the features I want to see

Sennheiser has spent many years developing ANC headphones to rival the best from Bose, Sony, and Apple. For example, the older MOMENTUM 3 Wireless still offer decent sound, a pleasing design, and high-res Bluetooth codecs. The subsequent and most up-to-date Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless retail for less than their predecessor while delivering many handy improvements. These include industry-leading battery life, USB-C audio capabilities, and enhanced microphone quality. However, while they are some of our favorite over-ear headphones in the office, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless suffer from the same middling ANC capabilities as previous iterations. With fans wanting a list of upgrades, the door is open for a new and improved Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless.

Sennheiser remains tight-lipped about its next-gen over-ear headphones. Here are all the features I wanted to see in the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless while we wait for confirmation.

Improved active noise canceling

To be clear, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless’s noise canceling feature isn’t bad. However, compared to the competition, the cans quell ambient noise by an average amount. For example, the new Sony WH-1000XM6 reduce the prevalence of outside sounds by 87%. Likewise, the JBL Tour One M3 consistently quell low rumbles from planes and trains below 1kHz by over 30dB.

The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are good at dampening high-frequency content above 1.4kHz by roughly 75-95%. This is largely thanks to the headphones’ plush padding and tight seal. Sennheiser’s ANC feature also helps to lessen bassy sounds between 60Hz and 340Hz. Unfortunately, sub-bass and midrange sounds are attenuated much less, meaning transport rumbles and passing conversations may permeate your mix.  The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless could rival the best ANC headphones with improved active noise canceling.

Better in-call noise rejection

Nowadays, taking hands-free calls is a necessary part of most people’s working day. This is true whether commuting to work or sitting at an office desk. Consequently, it is vital for those who find themselves on important business calls to pick headphones with good in-call noise rejection. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a shining example, featuring an industry-leading microphone array and AI noise-rejection algorithm. This effectively quietens street sounds, wind, and office chatter.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are one of the company’s best headphones for reproducing voices in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, the headphones’ noise rejection algorithm does a poor job of attenuating ambient noise. In particular, windy environments make speech unintelligible. The headphones cope better with street noise, but for $350, you’d be within your rights to expect better call quality here. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless must feature better in-call noise rejection.

More reliable auto on/off feature

Most modern headphones and earbuds come packed with future-proof features. For example, the recently announced EarFun Air Pro 4+ bring real-time AI-powered multi-language translation. Similarly, the new work-oriented Shokz OpenMeet UC feature a top-of-the-range ANC microphone for cutting through office chatter. LE Audio, LC3, and Auracast are also being rolled out en masse among flagship headphones.

Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have an impressive amount of features. For example, the cans support many Hi-Res Bluetooth codecs, enjoy industry-leading battery life, and support the company’s “Smart Pause” function. They also have an “Auto On/Off” feature that automatically turns the headphones on or off based on their position. Unfortunately, the feature is unreliable and often turns off the headphones even when they are being worn. Consequently, listeners must manually switch off the headphones. The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless should have a more reliable auto-on/off feature.

Foldable ear cups

Most people prioritize comfort and convenience above all else. Consequently, people often choose headphones with plentiful ear cup cushioning and pleasing designs. For example, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC feature pleather-enclosed soft foam ear cups with wider openings at the top to accommodate real ear shapes. The top of each ear cup also hosts a hinged yoke that attaches each assembly to the band. This allows the cups to fold inwards for stowing in smaller bags.

Sennheiser makes exceptionally comfortable headphones, and the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are no different. The headphones’ soft headband and reasonably thick leatherette ear cups make it easy to achieve a good fit. However, unlike their predecessor and the JLab JBuds Lux ANC, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless ear cups cannot collapse into a smaller form. Instead, listeners must place the headphones in the plastic-infused fabric case to transport them safely. The company should reintroduce foldable ear cups with the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless.

A revamped aesthetic

Appearances are an important purchasing factor for many. Some manufacturers, such as Beats, are famous for treading the line between fashion and consumer audio. The Beats Solo3 Wireless have remained popular for years thanks to their sleek color options, trendy on-ear aesthetic, and recognizable branding. The updated Beats Solo 4 are a more questionable purchase, adorning a pedestrian matte plastic build and minimal features.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 Wireless feature grade-A build quality and style. For example, the headband is made of real leather, and the ear cups use plush memory foam padding. The matte steel arms extend pleasingly from the headband and feature a sliding mechanism to adjust the fit. Sennheiser reimagined the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, substituting their predecessor’s premium metal frame for an all-plastic one. There are also minimal monochrome color options to choose from. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless would benefit from a revamped aesthetic to stand out from the crowd.

Will there be a Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless?

Sennheiser is trusted for manufacturing excellent headphones that rival the three major industry players. For example, the brand is renowned for delivering superior sound quality. The Sennheiser HD 800 S stand tallest, offering audiophile-grade sound quality with reference-tuned drivers. This renders music with excellent clarity and satisfying immersiveness. Outside the world of studio headphones, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are the company’s best consumer-friendly audio product.

Sennheiser has not officially announced the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless yet. Rumors are also strikingly absent at the time of writing.

• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0 Wireless — ‎January 23, 2015
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 Wireless — September 6, 2019
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless — August 8, 2022

Nevertheless, we can predict a reasonable release window by analyzing the company’s past product launches. For example, the MOMENTUM 3 Wireless launched four years and seven months after their predecessor. The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless followed two years and 11 months after the third-generation headphones. Taking the average time between each release, we should expect the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless to launch around spring 2026.

Should you wait for the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless?

Given that the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless are still potentially a year away, we recommend grabbing the current Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. The headphones come packed with many desirable features and are available from most major retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy.

At a reasonably competitive ($289.23 at Amazon) price point, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are some of the best consumer headphones you can buy. Their lightweight 290g build, semi-thick ear cup padding, and comfortable headband are ideal for long listening sessions. The headphones also offer comprehensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.2 with support for the SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, or aptX Adaptive codecs. Those who prefer wires can use the included 3.5mm jack or USB cable. Battery life is industry-leading, delivering over 56 hours of listening time. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless also deliver excellent sound quality with a slight bass bump that most people will enjoy. ANC is decent, although it won’t stand up to the best ANC headphones. Microphone quality also dips when taking calls in windy environments.

Frequent commuters and Zoom callers should consider the Sony WH-1000XM6 ($387 at Amazon). The headphones have significantly better ANC than the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless for quelling drones from trains and cars. Their superior microphone array and noise-rejection algorithm also make them the top choice for taking calls on the go. The WH-1000XM6 are lighter than Sennheiser’s headphones. Like the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, Sony’s controls are intuitively handled by the capacitive touch panel on the right ear cup. The WH-1000XM6 connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and support the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. Alternatively, those with a wired device can hook the headphones with a TRS cable. Battery life lasts over 37 hours on a single charge, and downloading the Sony Sound Connect app unlocks valuable high-end features like 360 Reality Audio and a comprehensive custom equalizer.

Price-conscious Sennheiser fans should consider purchasing the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless ($179.95 at Amazon) instead. For roughly half the price of top-end competitors, these headphones deliver a comfortable fit and many connectivity options. For example, the cans have a 222g lightweight frame that lets you wear them for hours without discomfort. They also run Bluetooth 5.2 and connect wirelessly via the SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs. While there is no TRS jack, you can achieve lossless audio via USB-C. The battery life lasts over 46 hours, and the headphones’ ANC quietens sounds under 1kHz by approximately 75%. The cheaper price tag is evident in the sound department, where the headphones’ frequency response deviates from our target preference curve in the sub-bass. Thankfully, this can be remedied using the five-band custom EQ in the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Downloading this utility allows you to adjust sidetone, download firmware updates, and more.

ANC enthusiasts willing to scout the market may appreciate the Bose QuietComfort 45 ($279 at Amazon). While the headphones are no longer available from the company’s website, you can still find them on Amazon. Snatching a pair provides superior noise canceling that attenuates low and midrange frequencies better than the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Bose’s headphones weigh 240g and feature collapsible ear cups for easier storage. Those who appreciate tactile buttons will also enjoy the Bose QC 45, with most controls handled by the right ear cup. Sound quality is similar, although Bose’s headphones have an accentuated high-end that could become grating. Thankfully, a limited EQ in the Bose Music app can temper these frequencies. Battery life lasts over 24 hours, and a 15-minute top-up yields 180 minutes of playback time.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless FAQs