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

Sennheiser has spent many years developing active noise canceling headphones to rival the best from Bose, Sony, and Apple. For example, the MOMENTUM 3 Wireless offered superior sound, premium build quality, 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, and improved microphone quality. However, while they are some of our favorite over-ear headphones in the office, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless suffer the same middling noise canceling 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. While we wait for confirmation, here are all the features I wanted to see in the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless.

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 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones enjoy up to 50dB of attenuation, with an average reduction in loudness of 87%. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are also especially effective at quelling bass and sub-bass frequencies below 250Hz by as much as 30dB.

The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are good at dampening high-frequency content above 1.4kHz, reducing the prominence of these sounds by around 75-95%. This is largely thanks to good passive isolation. However, the headphones’ noise canceling feature also helps to lessen bassy sounds between 60Hz and 340Hz. Unfortunately, sub-bass and midrange frequencies are attenuated much less, meaning low rumbles and passing conversation may permeate your music 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 natural and often 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 often find themselves on important business calls to pick headphones with good in-call noise rejection. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are a shining example and feature superior microphone quality for casual calls and Zoom meetings. This is thanks to their eight-microphone array and noise rejection algorithm that does an excellent job of quietening street sounds, wind, and office chatter.

Sennheiser is one of a small number of headphone manufacturers that deliver pleasing microphone quality. The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are one of its finest and have a decent microphone array that reproduces voices well enough in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, the headphones’ noise rejection algorithm does a poor job of quietening ambient noise. In particular, windy environments make speech almost 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 implement better in-call noise rejection than their predecessor.

More reliable auto on/off feature

Most modern headphones and earbuds come packed with future-proof features. For example, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ will be released in May 2025, bringing real-time AI-powered multi-language translation. Similarly, Shokz unveiled its new work-oriented OpenMeet UC bone conduction headphones at this year’s CES event. These use a top-of-the-range noise canceling microphone that easily cuts through office clatter. 2025 should also see the widespread rollout of LE Audio, the LC3 Bluetooth codec, and more Auracast-capable devices.

Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have an impressive amount of features. For example, the cans support a list of high-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, this feature is unreliable and prone to shutting the headphones off even when they are being worn. This defeats the point, forcing listeners to power down the headphones manually. The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless should own a more reliable auto on/off feature when they materialize.

Foldable ear cups

Comfort and convenience come first for most people. Consequently, the best over-ear headphones own ear cups with plentiful cushioning and smart designs. For example, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC wear pleather-enclosed soft foam ear cups with wider openings at the top to accommodate the anatomy of real ears. The top of each ear cup also hosts a hinged yoke that attaches each assembly to the band. This allows the ear 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 comprises real leather and plush, memory foam ear cups. The matte steel arms extend pleasingly from the headband and feature a sliding mechanism to adjust the fit. Sennheiser reimagined the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless’s form factor and swapped the premium metal frame of their predecessor with an all-plastic build. 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 a tried and trusted alternative to big-dog headphone manufacturers like Sony, Bose, and Apple. The brand is particularly favored for delivering superior sound quality. For example, the Sennheiser HD 800 S are a pair of audiophile-grade headphones with reference-tuned drivers, rendering music with excellent clarity and satisfying spatial depth. Outside the world of studio headphones, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are the company’s best consumer-friendly audio product.

Sennheiser has made no official announcement about the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless so far. 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 for the company’s next-gen over-ear headphones by analyzing its past product launches. For example, the MOMENTUM 3 Wireless came to market 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 the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless are still potentially more than a year away, we recommend you grab 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 Sennheiser headphones you can buy. Their lightweight 290g build and semi-thick padding on the ear cups and headband make them comfortable for long listening sessions. The headphones also enjoy many 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 ahead of the pack and delivers over 56 hours of listening time with ANC enabled. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless also deliver excellent sound quality with a slight bass bump that most people will enjoy. Noise canceling is decent, although it won’t stand tall against the best ANC headphones. Microphone quality also dips when taking calls in windy environments.

Frequent commuters and Zoom callers should purchase the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($387 at Amazon.) The headphones enjoy better noise canceling than the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless to quell 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-1000XM5 are lighter than Sennheiser’s headphones and wear deep vegan leatherette padding to secure a comfortable fit. Like the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, Sony’s controls are intuitively handled by the capacitive touch panel on the right ear cup. The WH-1000XM5 connects via Bluetooth 5.2 and supports the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. Alternatively, those sporting a wired device can hook the headphones with a TRS cable. Battery life lasts over 31 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 sport 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. Battery life lasts over 46 hours, and the headphones enjoy ANC that quells sounds under 1kHz by approximately 75%. The cheaper price tag shows 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.

Noise canceling enthusiasts willing to search 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 awards superior noise canceling that attenuates low and midrange frequencies better than the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Bose’s headphones are more lightweight at 240g and feature collapsable ear cups for smaller 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 with ANC enabled, and a 15-minute top-up yields 180 minutes of playback time.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless FAQs