Sennheiser Momentum 5 Delivers Replaceable Battery and 57-Hour Battery Life

Sennheiser has announced the “Momentum 5 Wireless” over-ear headphones. This is the first product refresh since the “Momentum 4 Wireless” model about four years ago. The price is $400 (approximately 60,000 yen).

Background of the Product Refresh

Sennheiser’s consumer business was sold to hearing aid manufacturer Sonova. It is currently reported that Sonova is considering reselling this business. Launched amid such significant changes in the business environment, the Momentum 5 received an 8 out of 10 rating in a review by Chris Haslam of Wired.

Sennheiser had maintained a four-year silence while Sony, Apple, and Bowers & Wilkins sequentially released new models like the “WH-1000XM6,” “AirPods Max 2,” and “Px7 S3.” The Momentum 5 enters this intensifying competitive landscape.

Design and Structure

The Momentum 5’s exterior features denim material on the top of the headband. The headphone market includes high-end models like the AirPods Max 2 and Px7 S3, and lightweight-oriented models like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones and WH-1000XM5. The Momentum 5 is positioned between these two categories.

It weighs 10.3 ounces (approximately 292 grams) and is primarily constructed from plastic. The ear cups have a simple design, lacking the eye-catching style of other products like the Nothing Headphone (1). It will be available in three colors: blue denim, black, and white.

The Wired review noted the build quality as having “more of a plastic feel than a premium feel.” Visually, the impression is of a casual and approachable design.

Comfort of Wear

Comfort is a critical evaluation point for wireless models intended for extended use. The Momentum 5’s ear pads offer a moderate softness and are reported to be comfortable even for larger ears without feeling cramped.

The pressure from the headband is also appropriate, minimizing discomfort even during long periods of wear. Compatibility with eyeglasses is reportedly good, with no issues felt during several hours of continuous use.

However, at ambient temperatures exceeding 95°F (about 35°C), breathability inside the ear pads becomes an issue. This is also a common problem for products in this class.

Battery Life and Replaceability

The Momentum 5’s standout feature is achieving a 57-hour battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on. This is nearly twice the length of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. It is three hours shorter than the previous Momentum 4 and 13 hours shorter than the similarly priced Marshall Monitor III ANC.

The Wired review confirmed that the official 57-hour specification is largely accurate in real-world use. It was reported that after a month of daily use, the battery level remained at approximately 50%.

More noteworthy is the ease of battery replacement. By removing the left ear pad and loosening four screws with a Phillips-head driver, the cover can be removed to swap out the battery. While iFixit has published battery replacement methods for electronics for years, this marks the first time a headphone manufacturer has officially recommended user battery replacement.

Sound Quality and Codec Support

Codec support is comprehensive, compatible with high-resolution audio sources. It also supports wired connections via USB-C and a 3.5mm cable, allowing use even in environments where wireless connectivity is difficult.

The sound tuning leans towards a bass-heavy setting. It is pointed out that this low-end emphasis may not be preferable for all music genres. As personal preferences for sound quality vary, a listening test is recommended.

ANC Performance

The Active Noise Cancellation performance is considered standard when compared to competing products in the same price range. While it does not receive the designation of “most advanced ANC,” it is deemed sufficient for noise reduction in everyday use environments.

Compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max 2, its ANC performance may be inferior. However, the long battery life is an element that offsets this difference.

Comparison with Competitors

The wireless headphone market in 2026 is primarily dominated by four brands competing: Sony, Apple, Bowers & Wilkins, and Sennheiser. Each company seeks differentiation in sound quality, battery life, ANC performance, and design.

The Momentum 5 holds a clear advantage in battery life and replaceability. It may lag behind the top models from other companies in sound quality and ANC. The price of $400 places it in the standard price segment for this category.

The Marshall Monitor III ANC achieves a 70-hour battery life, offering even longer playback than the Momentum 5. However, the replaceable battery feature remains unique to the Momentum 5.

Assessment and Future Outlook

The Momentum 5 cannot be unequivocally described as a “major upgrade.” While it represents an evolution from the Momentum 4, it is not a revolutionary change. The replaceable battery feature is significant from an environmental impact perspective.

In the headphone market, products with depleted batteries tend to be discarded early. The Momentum 5’s replaceable battery design could contribute to extending product lifespan. From the perspective of reducing electronic waste, this design philosophy may influence other manufacturers.

Editorial Opinion

Short-term Impact The launch of the Momentum 5 introduces “battery replacement” as a new competitive axis in the wireless headphone market. Within the next 3 to 6 months, it is possible that other manufacturers will consider similar designs. For consumers, this extends headphone lifespan and is expected to yield long-term cost savings. As demand for environmentally conscious products rises, this design philosophy is likely to become a standard practice.

Long-term Perspective Over a 1 to 3-year span, headphones with replaceable batteries could change the conventional wisdom of product lifecycle management. Linked to the rising repair movement, efforts to promote the long-term use of electronics will accelerate. Sennheiser’s decision holds strategic significance in establishing a first-mover advantage in the European market, where environmental regulations are tightening. Simultaneously, securing the long-term supply of batteries emerges as a new challenge.

Question from the Editorial Team To what extent does the Momentum 5’s replaceable battery design ensure product durability? If long-term battery supply becomes difficult, how should the overall value of the product be assessed?

References

• “Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless Headphones Review (2026)”, by Chris Haslam — Wired, 2026-09-01T11:00:00.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.wired.com/review/sennheiser-momentum-5/