Do You Know? The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is rated for up to 57 hours of playback, and its battery can be replaced by the user when it degrades.
In a review published on September 27, 2026, TechCrunch assessed Sennheiser’s premium over-ear headphones across sound quality, active noise cancellation, comfort, battery life and everyday usability.
What the review found
Priced at $399.99, the Momentum 5 sits in the premium headphone market. TechCrunch compared it with the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max 2, noting that Sennheiser’s model costs less than both alternatives mentioned in the review.
- Sound: Vocals were described as natural, while the bass was strong without overwhelming other elements. The overall presentation was characterized as balanced.
- Spatial audio: The headphones support Dolby Atmos for compatible music and movie content.
- Noise cancellation: The review found voices and nearby conversation noticeably quieter. Sennheiser claims the Momentum 5 is up to three times more effective than the previous generation at blocking this type of sound.
- Battery: The headphones are rated for up to 57 hours, a figure the reviewer said held up during testing.
- Charging: A 10-minute charge is reported to provide up to seven hours of playback, while a full charge takes about two hours.
- Battery replacement: The cell is user-replaceable, allowing owners to swap the battery rather than replace the entire pair when it degrades.
Where the Momentum 5 stands out
The battery life is the clearest differentiator. TechCrunch said the 57-hour rating is roughly twice that of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and nearly three times that of the AirPods Max 2. Those comparisons are based on the figures cited in the review.
The headphones also come with a notably thin carrying case. The reviewer said the case fit inside a medium-sized purse and takes up relatively little space in luggage.
App controls and personalization
Sennheiser’s Smart Control Plus companion app includes an eight-band equalizer, preset sound profiles and adjustable noise-cancellation levels. It also offers an anti-wind mode.
A “Sound Personalization” feature guides users through a listening test and creates a sound profile tailored to their hearing preferences. The review described the app as straightforward to navigate and said it provides substantial control over the headphones.
Trade-offs to consider
The Momentum 5 is not without compromises. TechCrunch found the headphones heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM6 and said they did not feel as premium or comfortable as some Sony and Apple alternatives. The review also noted that noise cancellation does not block every sound, such as an airplane engine, to the same extent as the strongest competing models.
| Feature | Momentum 5 review finding |
|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 |
| Battery rating | Up to 57 hours |
| Quick charge | Up to seven hours from 10 minutes |
| Full charge | About two hours |
| Equalizer | Eight-band EQ through the companion app |
| Battery design | User-replaceable cell |
Why it matters
The Momentum 5’s combination of balanced sound, long endurance and a replaceable battery may appeal to listeners who want premium wireless headphones without paying more for the competing models discussed in the review. The main compromises are weight, comfort and noise cancellation that falls short of completely eliminating some loud sounds.
Frequently asked questions
How much do the Sennheiser Momentum 5 headphones cost?
The review lists the price at $399.99.
How long does the battery last?
The headphones are rated for up to 57 hours, and the reviewer said that figure held up during testing.
Can the battery be replaced?
Yes. The review says the Momentum 5 uses a user-replaceable battery cell.
What app works with the headphones?
Sennheiser’s Smart Control Plus app provides equalizer, noise-cancellation, anti-wind and sound-personalization controls.
Bottom Line
TechCrunch’s assessment presents the Sennheiser Momentum 5 as a strong premium headphone option: balanced sound, useful app controls and exceptional battery life outweigh its greater weight, less premium feel and merely very good—not absolute—noise cancellation.
Source
This report is based on information published by TechCrunch.
