Compare Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5

Sound quality is the strongest consensus area, with most reviewers calling the Momentum True Wireless 4 excellent or among the best-sounding earbuds.

Sound quality is the clearest strength: reviewers consistently describe the presentation as detailed, balanced, spacious and among the best in premium true wireless. A few tuning caveats remain, but the overall sonic verdict is exceptionally positive.

Microphone noise reduction is the weakest recurring area, especially in wind, subway, and noisy street conditions.

Background-noise suppression is generally effective, especially against wind and steady environmental noise. The tradeoff is that aggressive processing can occasionally clip or smear the speaker’s voice in difficult conditions.

Spatial audio is a limitation: reviewers note it is missing, though one reviewer personally did not mind the omission.

Dolby Atmos and head-tracked spatial audio range from impressive to unnecessary depending on the reviewer and content. It works best with material actually mixed for Atmos; standard stereo is often preferred for music.

Frequency response measurements are acceptable but not perfect, with one review pointing to a clarity-related upper-range issue.

The default tuning is usually praised as balanced, natural and close to a reference-style presentation rather than aggressively V-shaped. The main exception is uneven upper-treble energy that some listeners find sharp.

Lossless support is a major selling point for compatible Android/Snapdragon users, though some reviewers found the audible gains slight.

aptX Lossless and other high-resolution modes are frequently praised as useful premium options. Their real-world value depends on compatible source hardware, and several reviewers note that the audible difference can be subtle.

Passive isolation is praised when the fit is right, with reviewers noting strong physical blocking and seal benefits.

A proper tip seal provides strong passive isolation before ANC even engages. Reviewers repeatedly stress that tip choice matters because a weak seal quickly reduces both isolation and bass.

Bass is a major strength: reviewers describe it as deep, controlled, punchy, warm, and rarely overpowering.

Bass is generally praised for combining weight, punch and texture without overwhelming vocals or the rest of the mix. It is more controlled than bass-head focused, and the app can add extra low-end when wanted.

Soundstage depth/imaging is repeatedly praised for precision, holography, and immersive placement.

Soundstage depth is a standout, with reviewers describing layered mixes as convincingly three-dimensional and easier to follow. The earbuds can create immersion even without spatial processing.

Reviewers generally find ANC good to very good, strong for commute noise, though several say Sony or Bose can still block more.

ANC is a large improvement over earlier Momentum earbuds and handles commuting, aircraft rumble, offices and low-frequency noise very well. It is usually judged just short of the strongest Apple, Bose and Sony implementations.

Soundstage width is frequently praised as wide, spacious, expansive, or more open than competitors.

The stereo presentation is widely described as open and spacious, with more width than many mainstream ANC earbuds. A few reviewers note that it is not the absolute widest stage, but it rarely feels cramped.

Auracast is viewed as meaningful future-proofing, even if its current usefulness depends on wider adoption.

Auracast is a clear launch-time omission: the hardware is prepared for it, but the feature is unavailable until a promised firmware update. Reviewers consistently treat that as an unfinished part of the feature set.

Multipoint works well for some reviewers and makes device switching convenient, though one review only found it OK in limited testing.

Multipoint is usually useful for two-device workflows and several reviewers found switching easy. Others encountered awkward handoffs or enough instability to disable it, making reliability somewhat device-dependent.

Value is mixed but favorable: reviewers often justify the premium price through sound and features, while others expected more upgrades for the money.

Despite the premium price, reviewers generally see strong value in the combination of sound quality, app features, comfort and especially replaceable batteries. Value falls most when comparing against discounted rivals or older Momentum models.

Codec support is treated as a premium strength, especially on Android, though benefits depend on compatible devices and settings.

Codec support is broad, covering the common SBC/AAC options plus the aptX family. Reviewers generally see the selection as strong even while noting that codec benefits depend heavily on the source device.

Multi-platform compatibility is mixed: Android gets the best feature support, while iPhone use loses codecs and showed some issues.

Cross-platform support is a strength, with iOS compatibility alongside richer codec options on compatible Android devices. Reviewers see the Sennheiser as more platform-flexible than ecosystem-locked alternatives.

USB-C is present, but the only opinionated evidence is mild criticism of the front-facing port placement.

The USB-C port’s revised placement on the case is liked visually, and USB-C remains part of a flexible charging setup.

In-ear detection is praised as highly accurate in one comparative test.

Wear detection and auto-pause are among the rougher software details. Reviewers report unwanted mode changes, false sensor activation and playback resuming when the buds have already been removed.

Volume output is a minor weakness in one test, where the earbuds needed near-max volume for some tracks.

Volume output is plentiful, with one reviewer specifically noting that the earbuds get loud enough without needing to be pushed cautiously.

Portability is limited mostly by the chunky case, even when reviewers still like the case quality.

The slimmer charging case makes the earbuds much easier to pocket than earlier Momentum models, a practical improvement for everyday carry.

aptX support is valued for Android users, but one reviewer found the aptX lineup confusing and hard to distinguish in practice.

aptX support is a strong Android-oriented feature, including Adaptive and Lossless on compatible hardware. The practical benefit varies because many phones, including some major Android models, do not support the full aptX stack.

Physical stability is strong for many reviewers, with multiple reports that the buds stay put during movement or flights.

Stability is good for everyday use and light exercise, but the finless redesign is less locked-in than some sport-focused rivals. A few users also report seal-related crackling or movement noise while walking.

Treble is usually praised as crisp, refined, and non-harsh, though some reviewers found the default highs too restrained.

Treble divides opinion more than any other part of the sound. Some hear crisp, controlled highs, while others find a 6–7kHz region sharp, etched or sibilant enough to benefit from EQ.

Hi-res capability is discussed through lossless/high-resolution Bluetooth playback rather than a separate DAC, with enthusiasm tempered by device requirements.

High-resolution 24-bit/96kHz playback is presented as a premium strength, with reviewers describing compatible high-res playback as exceptionally good.

Preset EQ quality is mixed; one reviewer preferred sound personalization over simple presets because presets reduced clarity.

The default Neutral profile works well for many listeners, while Sound Personalization is more divisive. Some love the guided tuning, while others find it overprocessed or less consistent across different music.

Midrange is usually praised for clarity, vocals, realism, and texture, though one review found upper mids lacking.

The midrange is a major strength, with vocals and instruments repeatedly described as clear, natural, textured and well placed. Even reviewers who found other parts of the tuning imperfect tended to praise the mids.

Transparency mode is often praised as natural and lifelike, but a few reviewers mention hiss or that AirPods/Bose still perform better.

Transparency mode is one of the stronger ambient modes in the class, often described as clear and natural enough for quick conversations. A few reviewers still prefer AirPods for the most lifelike passthrough.

Touch controls are mostly praised as responsive and customizable, but one reviewer found accidental triggers very annoying.

Touch controls are generally responsive and highly customizable, but the smaller touch target causes missed taps for some reviewers. The ability to remap or disable touch input helps mitigate the frustration.

The fabric-wrapped case is widely liked for feel and build, despite repeated complaints that it is bulky.

The redesigned case is one of the most consistently praised physical changes: slimmer, easier to pocket and generally more premium in feel. Reviewers also like details such as the finish, sturdy hinge and wireless charging.

Water/sweat resistance is treated as useful and adequate for workouts, rain, sweat, and light moisture.

IP54 protection is viewed as useful for workouts, sweat, dust and light rain. It is not full waterproofing, but it gives the earbuds more environmental protection than several premium rivals.

Integrated microphones are good enough for calls in favorable conditions, with stronger praise from some reviewers than others.

The integrated microphone array itself is regarded as strong hardware, with one reviewer directly praising the microphones even though call processing varies by environment.

Android compatibility is praised where Snapdragon/lossless support and Android EQ options matter, with no Android issues in one test.

Android support is strong thanks to Fast Pair and access to aptX features on compatible phones. The experience varies by handset because not every Android brand licenses the same codecs.

Instrument separation and imaging are repeatedly praised as clean, precise, and unusually spacious for true wireless earbuds.

Dense arrangements stay organized, with instruments and effects retaining clear identities instead of smearing together. Separation is repeatedly praised as one of the reasons the earbuds suit detailed listening.

Maximum volume clarity receives strong praise in one review for remaining distortion-free at max volume.

Clarity holds up very well at higher output levels. Reviewers who tested louder playback reported little to no meaningful distortion, even with bass-heavy material.

Setup is usually described as simple and hassle-free, helped by the app and quick Bluetooth pairing.

Basic setup is often easy, but early software produced several pairing quirks and stuck-pairing incidents. Reviewers who avoided those bugs found the app onboarding and day-to-day setup straightforward.

Call microphone quality is mixed: quiet-room calls can be clear, but noisy or windy conditions reduce reliability.

Call quality is inconsistent across testers: several report clear, natural speech, while others find voices muffled or badly degraded in loud environments. Quiet-room calls fare much better than the hardest street and crowd tests.

EQ and sound personalization are considered useful and often effective, but one reviewer found the built-in five-band EQ limiting.

The eight-band EQ is a major upgrade and gives useful control over bass, mids and treble. It can tame the most common treble complaints, although several enthusiasts still wish Sennheiser offered a full parametric EQ.

Bluetooth and wireless connectivity receive strong praise from most reviewers, with a few caveats around iPhone issues or high-codec stability.

Bluetooth 6.0 is broadly welcomed for modern connectivity, and many reviewers report stable everyday use. A smaller group encountered dropouts or pairing quirks, so reliability is not completely uniform.

The Smart Control app is widely praised for useful features, fit tests, EQ, battery options, and customization, though one review found it somewhat overwhelming.

Smart Control Plus is consistently praised as a deep, well-organized companion app. It puts EQ, sound personalization, ANC, connection management and control customization in one place without feeling overly difficult to navigate.

Weight comfort is mixed: some find the weight distributed well, while others feel heaviness after long sessions.

The earbuds are slightly heavier than the previous generation, but the added weight did not emerge as a meaningful comfort problem in extended use.

Comfort is mostly positive for long sessions, but some reviewers found size, wings, or weight limiting after hours.

Long-session comfort is one of the redesign’s biggest wins, with many reviewers wearing the buds for hours without pressure or fatigue. Small ears remain the main exception, as the housings or nozzles can feel too large for some users.

Design is seen as stylish and premium, although several reviewers note it changes little from the previous generation.

The rounder redesign is widely seen as sleeker, more ergonomic and more premium than the older square Momentum shape. A few reviewers find the styling unusual or shiny, but the overall reaction is strongly positive.

Fit evidence is mixed: many reviewers get a secure seal, while small ears or thin tips caused problems for others.

Fit is very good for many ears after choosing the right tip, with a secure seal that supports sound and ANC. Small ears and walking-related seal changes are the recurring exceptions.

Ear-tip and fin options are praised because they help users find a better seal.

The included XS-to-L tip range gives most users a good chance of finding a seal, and the revised tips are generally well received. A few reviewers wished for an extra-large option or preferred the older tip shape.

Build quality is consistently considered premium, durable, and well finished.

Build quality is solid and premium overall, especially the case hinge and physical finish. One reviewer notes the materials are not a dramatic step up, but there is little concern about day-to-day sturdiness.

Battery life is generally competitive and often praised, but some reviewers note it is not class-leading or may be short for some listeners.

Battery life is strong with ANC off and the case can stretch total playback to around 40 hours, but ANC-on runtime around six to seven hours is merely average for the class. Reviewers therefore split between praising total endurance and criticizing single-charge ANC use.

Charging is praised for wireless charging, fast top-ups, and battery-protection options.

Charging flexibility is strong, with USB-C, Qi wireless charging and a quick-charge feature that adds about an hour of listening in roughly eight to ten minutes. Some rivals recharge faster, but the overall setup is convenient.

Automatic conversation awareness is a notable omission. Reviewers specifically miss a feature that can detect speech and automatically lower or pause audio while switching to transparency.

Latency is usually acceptable for video, calls, and casual gaming, though one review warns competitive shooters may still be less ideal.

Head tracking is generally convincing, keeping the sound anchored as the listener turns their head. Some reviewers see it as genuinely immersive, while others consider it optional rather than essential.

Sound leakage is praised in one long-term review because the seal produced no leakage.

Optional or promotional Sennheiser dongles are seen as useful for unlocking aptX on sources that lack native support. Their value is greatest for listeners who specifically want the higher-quality codec modes.

The find-earbuds feature is basic rather than precision-based. It can show the last known location, but reviewers found it less accurate and capable than Apple’s more advanced finding tools.

The rounded, low-profile fit works especially well around glasses and caps because less hardware protrudes outside the ear to be snagged.

The replacement process requires a tiny screwdriver that is not supplied, which one reviewer considered an avoidable accessory omission despite the included pry tool.

Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the Momentum True Wireless 5 repeatedly described as a top premium contender or excellent all-rounder. The main caveats are ANC just below the leaders, uneven call performance and a few software/fit quirks.

Sidetone is useful in principle and adjustable, but results are mixed. One reviewer liked being able to hear their own voice, while another found the automatic level too low and still felt the need to speak loudly.

The case finish handles fingerprints well, but resistance to visible wear is mixed: one tester saw no scuffs while another reported denim color transfer.

Replaceable batteries in both the earbuds and charging case are the standout ownership feature, repeatedly praised for extending usable life and reducing the usual e-waste problem of sealed true-wireless batteries.

The circular nozzle gives owners useful flexibility to try third-party ear tips, although alternate tips do not necessarily solve every seal issue.

Sennheiser’s continued official support for the original 2018 Momentum True Wireless was cited as a reassuring sign for long-term ownership.

The charging case’s metal hinge feels unusually sturdy and premium, with one reviewer calling it among the best they had tried.

One reviewer values the ability to use either earbud solo without issue.

Voice-control integration is a weak spot because the earbuds lack the built-in voice controls found on some competing flagships, a missing feature one reviewer specifically wanted.