News in Short
- The Sennheiser Momentum 5 costs ₹39,990, while the reviewed Momentum 4 80th Anniversary Edition was priced at ₹26,990.
- The Momentum 5 brings Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless support and Dolby Atmos with head tracking.
- Both headphones offer premium sound, active noise cancellation and comfortable over-ear designs.
- The Momentum 4 delivers up to 60 hours of battery life, compared with up to 57 hours on the Momentum 5.
- The Momentum 5 adds a replaceable 700mAh battery and stronger noise cancellation, but the upgrade may not justify the higher price for every buyer.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 established itself as a strong option for listeners who wanted detailed sound, effective noise cancellation and exceptional battery life. The Momentum 5 builds on that foundation with updated connectivity, improved noise cancellation and a few practical design changes.
However, the price difference makes this comparison interesting. The Momentum 5 costs ₹39,990 in India, while the Momentum 4 was earlier priced at ₹26,990.
That creates a ₹13,000 difference between the two. The question is whether the Momentum 5 delivers enough meaningful improvements to justify spending more, particularly for existing Momentum 4 owners.
Design and comfort: What has changed?
The Momentum 4 Anniversary Edition stands out with graffiti-inspired artwork by German artist Bond Truluv. Beneath the special finish, it retains the standard Momentum 4’s minimal design, padded headband and generously cushioned oval earcups.
The Momentum 5 takes a more practical approach. It weighs around 290g and features larger cushioned earcups, a fold-flat design and a more compact carrying case. These changes make it easier to carry and use during daily commutes or travel.
Both headphones prioritise comfort during longer listening sessions. However, the Momentum 5’s updated design offers some everyday convenience, particularly for people who regularly carry their headphones between home, work and travel.
Sound quality: Does the Momentum 5 sound better?
The Momentum 4 delivers rich but controlled bass, clear vocals and balanced mids and highs. Its presentation works well across different genres without making extended listening feel tiring. The Sennheiser Control app also offers equaliser adjustments, sound presets and Sound Zones.
The Momentum 5 retains the series’ sound-focused approach with 42mm transducers and a slightly more engaging presentation. It also supports aptX Lossless, alongside aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive.
Another addition is Dolby Atmos with head tracking, which creates a more immersive listening experience with compatible content. However, spatial audio is a preference rather than an automatic improvement. Listeners who prefer conventional stereo playback may not find it essential.
The Momentum 4 remains a compelling choice for music lovers. The Momentum 5 adds flexibility, but the difference in sound alone may not justify the price increase for everyone.
Noise cancellation and call quality
The Momentum 4 offers effective active noise cancellation for environments such as public transport and busy cafés. Its transparency mode also helps users remain aware of their surroundings. During the review, its dual microphones delivered reliable call quality, while Sidetone helped make conversations feel more natural.
The Momentum 5 improves on this foundation with stronger ANC and an updated microphone system featuring four microphones on each side. It also retains Transparency mode and improves the overall package for everyday calls and listening.
These changes matter most to people who frequently travel, work in noisy spaces or take calls throughout the day. However, the Momentum 4 already performs well, so existing owners should consider how often they would benefit from the improvements.
Battery life and connectivity
Battery life remains one of the Momentum 4’s biggest strengths. Sennheiser rates it for up to 60 hours with ANC enabled, and the reviewed unit delivered around 55 to 58 hours during testing.
The Momentum 5 offers up to 57 hours with ANC enabled. While that remains excellent endurance, it does not represent an improvement over the Momentum 4’s advertised figure. The Momentum 5 does, however, introduce a replaceable 700mAh battery, which could make long-term ownership more practical.
Connectivity is another area where the newer model advances. The Momentum 4 supports Bluetooth 5.2 and codecs including aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC. The Momentum 5 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.4 and adds aptX Lossless support. Both offer USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity.
Verdict: Should you upgrade to Momentum 5?
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 is the more complete headphone, with stronger noise cancellation, newer connectivity, Dolby Atmos with head tracking and a replaceable battery. Its updated design also makes it a more convenient everyday companion.
However, the Momentum 4 still offers excellent sound, reliable ANC and longer advertised battery life. At ₹26,990 for the reviewed Anniversary Edition, it also costs considerably less.
For someone buying premium headphones for the first time, the Momentum 5 offers a strong overall package. But if you already own the Momentum 4, the upgrade is not essential unless better ANC, newer codec support and the replaceable battery matter to you.
Ultimately, the Momentum 5 refines an already capable headphone rather than reinventing it. The Momentum 4 remains the stronger value proposition, while the Momentum 5 is the more feature-rich option.
