Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 Earbuds Offer Replaceable Batteries
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Sennheiser's new MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 earbuds introduce user-replaceable batteries, a significant feature in the premium true wireless market. These earbuds offer a refined ergonomic design, high-quality audio with support for advanced Bluetooth codecs and spatial audio, and improved microphone performance. While active noise cancellation is effective, it's noted as less aggressive than some competitors. The earbuds are priced around 1,250 shekels in Israel, offering a unique value proposition focused on longevity and sound fidelity.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Sennheiser's MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 earbuds are the first in their class with user-replaceable batteries.
- The earbuds feature an ergonomic redesign and IP54 water and sweat resistance.
- Audio quality is described as rich, detailed, and balanced, suitable for various music genres.
- Improved microphones offer clearer calls, though some connection issues were noted.
- Active noise cancellation is effective but less aggressive than top competitors.
- Battery life is up to 12 hours per charge, with the case providing 40 hours total.
Sennheiser has launched its latest true wireless earbuds, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, positioning them as a premium option in a market dominated by Sony, Bose, and Apple. A standout feature is the ability to independently replace the batteries in both the earbuds and the charging case, a first for this product category. This innovation, partly driven by EU regulations requiring user-replaceable batteries, aims to combat the common issue of declining battery life rendering expensive earbuds obsolete after a few years. While the European packaging includes a small screwdriver, users outside Europe can use any standard electronics screwdriver. However, the availability and cost of proprietary Sennheiser replacement batteries for non-European markets remain a concern.
Beyond the battery innovation, the earbuds feature an ergonomic redesign, moving away from silicone wings to a more aerodynamic shape based on extensive anatomical measurements. This aims for a more natural fit and reduced earlobe pressure, though the reviewer found them prone to slipping out occasionally despite their durability. The charging case has been slimmed down for easier pocketability. The earbuds are rated IP54 for resistance to sweat and light water splashes.
In terms of audio quality, Sennheiser emphasizes its audio expertise with a 7mm dynamic driver delivering a rich, detailed, and balanced sound profile. The bass is described as tight and deep without overpowering other frequencies, mids are precise, and highs are clear. The sound signature is noted as particularly suitable for genres like heavy rock, classical music, opera, and jazz. The earbuds support Bluetooth 6.0, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive, along with spatial audio with head tracking for Dolby Atmos content. The companion app offers an eight-channel equalizer and a personal sound calibration test.
Microphone performance has been improved with four microphones per earbud, utilizing bone conduction and AI-powered noise cancellation for clearer calls, even in noisy environments. However, some call clarity issues persisted in certain situations, and occasional connection instability was noted with Samsung smartphones. Active noise cancellation is effective against monotonous sounds but less aggressive than competitors like Bose or Apple in blocking sudden sharp noises. The transparency mode, however, is praised for its natural sound. Battery life is rated up to 12 hours without ANC and about 6 hours with ANC, with the case providing an additional 40 hours. A quick charge feature offers one hour of playback after eight minutes in the case.
The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are positioned as a strong competitor to top-tier earbuds from Sony, Bose, and Apple. While Sony's WF-1000XM6 may offer stronger noise cancellation and LDAC support, and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra excel in noise isolation, Sennheiser's offering appeals to users prioritizing sound quality and hardware longevity through its unique user-replaceable battery feature. The earbuds are priced at approximately 1,250 shekels in Israel.