Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 pairs replaceable batteries with a more comfortable fit

Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 5 makes longevity a central part of its flagship earbuds pitch: the batteries in both the earbuds and charging case can be replaced by the user. GSMArena’s review also found a more comfortable fit and capable sound, although software glitches and transparency performance leave room for improvement.

The redesigned case is taller and slimmer than the Momentum True Wireless 4’s, while the earbuds have a smaller, fin-free shape and a shallower fit. GSMArena found them more comfortable over longer listening sessions, but noted that the stemless design can make the buds harder to pick up.

Repairability is the most unusual change. The publication opened the hardware using the supplied tool and a PH000 screwdriver. It cautioned that the earbud shells contain a ribbon cable and that the soft plastic around the pry points can be marked. Replacement cells are proprietary, so the long-term benefit will depend on Sennheiser continuing to supply them.

Sennheiser rates the earbuds for up to 12 hours with active noise cancellation disabled, or six hours with ANC or transparency enabled. GSMArena measured 6 hours and 23 minutes in its ANC-on test. The manufacturer says the case extends total playtime to up to 40 hours and supports wired and wireless charging. The earbuds have an IP54 rating, but the case does not share that protection.

Sound is one of the stronger parts of the package. GSMArena describes a balanced, neutral-leaning presentation with warmth in the bass and extra energy in the upper treble. It found reasonable detail, imaging and soundstage, while noting that a dip through parts of the mid and lower treble can make some vocals and instruments less prominent. Dolby Atmos with head tracking can broaden stereo sources, but the app disables it when Hi-Res audio modes are selected.

The Smart Control Plus app provides an eight-band equalizer, presets, Sound Personalization, codec controls, multipoint management, a fit test and a battery-protection mode. Those options do not eliminate the rough edges: the reviewer encountered uneven ANC activation, an initially abrupt transparency mode, occasional popping and audio glitches that required a reboot.

Noise cancellation was effective once it settled, according to the review, but did not match the AirPods Pro 3. Transparency was less convincing, with voices and the wearer’s own speech harder to hear than through some rivals. Calls sounded strong in a quiet room; noisy settings produced well-suppressed background sound at the expense of a more muffled voice and occasional dropouts.

At $299.95, the Momentum True Wireless 5 remains a premium purchase. Its comfort, sound controls and replaceable cells give it a distinctive argument for buyers interested in keeping earbuds for longer, provided Sennheiser can support that repairability over time.

Sources

https://www.gsmarena.com/sennheiser_momentum_true_wireless_5_review-news-75302.php
https://us.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/momentum-true-wireless-5
https://newsroom.sennheiser.com/introducing-sennheiser-momentum-true-wireless-5-the-flagship-momentum-experience-in-your-pocket