Sennheiser needs little introduction in the audiophile world. Open-back headphones such as the legendary HD 600 and HD 800 S have dominated hi-fi discussions for decades, serving as reference points against which countless competitors are measured. The true wireless earbud market, however, is a very different battleground. Here, established audiophile manufacturers must compete with consumer technology giants, ambitious newcomers, and one another for a share of a fiercely competitive mainstream market.
With the new Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 (MTW5), the German audio specialist is making its latest attempt to challenge heavyweights such as Apple, Bose, and Sony. Promising greater technological sophistication and improved repairability, the MTW5 aims to combine Sennheiser’s audiophile heritage with the features and everyday convenience consumers have come to expect. But are these improvements enough to put Sennheiser ahead of the competition, or is the company still playing catch-up? Let’s get into it.
About My Preferences: This review is a subjective assessment and inevitably reflects my personal listening preferences. While I do my best to account for these biases throughout the review process, I’d be lying if I claimed I could eliminate them entirely. With that in mind, here are two things readers should know:
- My ideal sound signature features capable sub-bass extension, textured mid-bass, a slightly warm midrange, and extended treble.
- I have mild sensitivity to treble, particularly when the upper frequencies become overly emphasized or harsh.
Testing equipment and standards can be found here.
MOMENTUM True Wireless 5: Key Specifications
- Type: True wireless in-ear headphones
- Drivers: 7mm Sennheiser TrueResponse dynamic drivers
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 21kHz
- Bluetooth: Version 6.0
- Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
- High-Resolution Audio: Up to 24-bit/96kHz with compatible devices
- Noise Cancellation: Hybrid Adaptive ANC
- Microphones: Six MEMS microphones and two bone-conduction voice sensors (total across both earbuds)
- Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos support with head tracking
- Battery Life (ANC Off): Up to 12 hours per charge
- Battery Life (ANC On): Up to 6 hours per charge
- Total Battery Life: Up to 40 hours with charging case (ANC off)
- Charging: USB-C and Qi wireless charging
- Fast Charging: 8 minutes for up to 1 hour of playback
- Battery Replacement: User-replaceable batteries in both earbuds and charging case
- Water and Dust Resistance: IP54 (earbuds only)
- Weight: 7g per earbud; 62g including charging case
- Charging Case Dimensions: 67.2 x 48.4 x 25mm (2.65 x 1.91 x 0.98 inches)
- Companion App: Sennheiser Smart Control Plus for iOS and Android, featuring an 8-band EQ
Related Reading:
- Noble Audio Osprey Review: $199 Audiophile Earbuds Put Sound Quality First
- Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds Review: Best Buds?
Unboxing
Build
The most intriguing aspect of the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is its fully user-replaceable batteries, a feature that extends to both the earbuds and the charging case. To my knowledge, this is one of the first flagship wireless earbuds to place such a strong emphasis on serviceability, and it’s a welcome development in a product category where battery degradation often means replacing the entire device.
The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is constructed primarily from plastic, but the earbuds don’t feel hollow or cheap in the hand. Each features a large grille and several cutouts that accommodate ventilation and the four-microphone array. Despite these openings, the earbuds carry an IP54 rating, providing protection against limited dust ingress and splashes of water. That makes them suitable for everyday exposure to sweat, light rain, and dust, although I wouldn’t recommend using them during a heavy downpour or submerging them in water. Leave the underwater listening to dedicated swimming earbuds.
Charging is facilitated through a standard pin-to-pad mechanism, secured with magnets within the charging case. The charging case also feels sturdy and well-built, and the hinge for its lid is snappy and secure.
Comfort
Comfort is highly subjective and depends largely on individual ear anatomy. Your experience may vary.
Despite featuring user-replaceable batteries, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 earbuds are surprisingly compact. They sit comfortably and securely in my ears, remaining virtually unobtrusive even during extended listening sessions. Their low weight also helps maintain a stable fit while walking, and even a light jog across an intersection wasn’t enough to dislodge them.
Accessories
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- 1 x USB-C charging cable
- 4 pairs of silicone ear tips
- 1 x plastic battery replacement tool
Sennheiser has developed custom silicone ear tips for the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, each featuring a built-in debris filter designed to prevent earwax and other particles from reaching the sound nozzle. The tips can also be removed for cleaning, making routine maintenance straightforward. Beyond that, Sennheiser includes a basic USB-C charging cable and a plastic tool for replacing the batteries when the time comes.
Listening
The MTW5 has a bassy, warm, and broadly V-shaped sound signature. Its sub-bass sits slightly below the elevated mid-bass, which slopes gently into a moderately forward lower midrange. The upper mids remain largely in line with the lower mids, apart from a noticeable lift in the 2-3kHz region. Moving higher, the lower treble is forward and energetic, transitioning into a bright upper treble. Extension is fine, delivering a pleasing amount of sparkle and air without being particularly exceptional.
For most tracks, the MTW5’s treble is expressive and nicely balanced, although it can struggle with resolution during busier passages. It did an excellent job capturing the upper-frequency detail of the string and brass instrumentation in “Daten” by Creepy Nuts, but had a harder time maintaining clarity and separation between the background hi-hats and cymbals. Recordings that place metallic percussion more prominently in the mix tend to work better with the MTW5’s tuning, and I was impressed by the texture it reproduced while listening to “New Low” by Middle Class Rut.
The midrange is where the MTW5 really shines. Its default tuning is lush and expressive, reproducing instruments and vocals with an appealingly natural timbre. The piano introduction to “Do You Feel It?” by Chaos Chaos echoes across the track’s lonely soundscape with impressive precision and nuance, highlighting the MTW5’s excellent ability to resolve texture. I was equally impressed by its handling of vocal intonation, moving effortlessly from the high-strung delivery of “Freakin’ Out” by Dexter and The Moonrocks to the somber storytelling of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” The MTW5 absolutely nails vocal presentation, even when the arrangements become demanding.
Bass is a common weakness among mainstream wireless earbuds, but Sennheiser demonstrates a surprising degree of restraint here. The MTW5’s default tuning offers reasonable sub-bass extension and a clean, punchy, and relatively polite mid-bass response. However, enabling Bass Boost adds some much-needed substance and weight without compromising control.
Most bass-boost settings are little more than gimmicks that butcher sound quality, but the MTW5’s implementation is genuinely excellent. Drum hits gain weight and a more convincing sense of decay, while basslines become fuller and more tactile. I was mesmerized by how tightly and convincingly the MTW5 reproduced the phat as hell bass guitar and kick drums in “CoDA” by Dead Poet Society. The additional emphasis doesn’t come at the expense of definition, which is a welcome surprise.
Electronic music sounds reasonably deep and engaging with the default tuning, but really comes alive with Bass Boost enabled. “Motion” by Uppermost produced an impressive combination of punch and rumble, although it’s clear that the MTW5 still favors mid-bass weight over the deepest sub-bass frequencies. For listeners who enjoy a warmer, more physical presentation without sacrificing too much precision, that’s a rather appealing compromise.
Comparisons
Comparisons are selected solely based on what I think is interesting. If you would like me to add more comparisons, feel free to make a request in the comments below.
Sony WF-1000XM6
Sony takes a more restrained approach to design, with a largely monochromatic aesthetic and minimal visual embellishment. I appreciate the simplicity, but I also enjoy the additional personality offered by the MTW5’s various colorways. The WF-1000XM6’s charging case is slightly slimmer, although it lacks the Sennheiser’s user-replaceable battery system. That gives the MTW5 a meaningful advantage in long-term serviceability, allowing owners to replace worn batteries rather than potentially facing an expensive repair or premature replacement of the earbuds.
Sonically, the WF-1000XM6 offers a more linear, audiophile-oriented presentation, without the MTW5’s additional warmth and bass emphasis. Sony’s upper treble is slightly more relaxed but offers better extension and articulation. I prefer the XM6’s more dynamic and resolving sound out of the box, although I found that both models respond well to EQ and can be adjusted to achieve similarly satisfying tonal balance.
Both manufacturers have clearly invested considerable effort in their feature sets, with well-designed companion apps and capable active noise cancellation. However, I found Sony’s ANC more consistent in everyday use, with less noticeable impact on the music’s tonal balance.
Noble Audio Osprey
Noble Audio’s Osprey is a more affordable alternative to the MTW5, coming in at a substantial $100 less. It offers many of the same quality-of-life features, including multiple microphones and adjustable ANC modes, but lacks the Sennheiser’s user-replaceable batteries, adaptive noise cancellation, and aptX support.
Sonically, however, the Osprey is highly competitive, delivering a more energetic and engaging presentation than the warmer-sounding MTW5. Its hybrid driver architecture offers impressive extension and articulation across the frequency range, making it a compelling option for listeners who prioritize audio performance. The MTW5 is arguably the more well-rounded and serviceable product, but the Osprey represents better value for budget-conscious buyers or those who, like me, place sound quality ahead of technological bells and whistles.
The Bottom Line
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is a capable and thoroughly convincing flagship wireless earbud, delivering meaningful improvements in sound quality, features, and design over its predecessor. Sennheiser has ensured that the MTW5 is more than another incremental refresh, combining appealingly warm tuning, excellent vocal reproduction, and a comprehensive feature set with something far more important: user-replaceable batteries in both the earbuds and charging case.
While the MTW5 doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of sonic performance in the premium true wireless category, it strikes an impressive balance between sound quality, everyday usability, and long-term serviceability. Its treble resolution and ANC performance leave some room for improvement, but the ability to replace worn batteries without sacrificing comfort, aesthetics, or portability gives Sennheiser a meaningful advantage over many competitors.
What impresses me most is that Sennheiser has addressed one of the biggest weaknesses of true wireless earbuds without compromising the fundamentals. Battery replacement doesn’t make the MTW5 entirely user-repairable, but it could significantly extend its useful lifespan and prevent otherwise functional earbuds from becoming unnecessary electronic waste. This is the kind of practical innovation the industry desperately needs, and I hope other manufacturers follow Sennheiser’s lead. Great job, Sennheiser!
Pros:
- User replaceable batteries
- Polished companion app
- Useful hybrid ANC modes
- Effective wind-noise reduction
- Ergonomic and secure fit
- Excellent battery life
- Customizable EQ and hearing compensation
Cons:
- Warm sound signature may require EQ
- ANC subtly alters sound
- Upper treble rolls of a bit early
Our Ratings:
★★★★★★★★★★ Sound Quality
★★★★★★★★★★ Build Quality
★★★★★★★★★★ Comfort
★★★★★★★★★★ ANC
★★★★★★★★★★ Value
Where to Buy:
Related Reading:
- Noble Audio Osprey Review: $199 Audiophile Earbuds Put Sound Quality First
- Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds Review: Best Buds?
- Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 SE Wireless Earbuds Add Dolby Audio And Refined Tuning
- Bose Doubles Down On Open-Ear Audio With Ultra Open 2nd Gen And Sport Open Earbuds
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 Earbuds Add Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 6.0 And Replaceable Batteries
