Sennheiser Momentum 5 brings replaceable battery and improved ANC

The Momentum 5 retains the familiar silhouette of its predecessor, but internal refinements mark a clear shift toward durability. By incorporating a user-replaceable battery, Sennheiser addresses the common issue of planned obsolescence in premium audio gear. While the 57-hour battery life sees a marginal three-hour dip compared to the Momentum 4, it remains significantly higher than the 30-hour standard offered by competitors like Sony’s WH-1000XM6.

Audio performance receives a boost through expanded codec support, specifically the inclusion of AptX Lossless for CD-quality streaming. This feature requires a device powered by a Qualcomm processor, leaving users of Apple, Google, and Samsung hardware unable to access the highest fidelity tier. The hardware package is rounded out by eight total microphones, which Sennheiser claims will triple the effectiveness of noise cancellation against ambient chatter and airplane engine drone. Additionally, the headphones introduce support for spatial audio with head tracking and a more compact carrying case, with future-proofing provided by an eventual firmware update intended to enable Bluetooth 6.0 compatibility.