While attempting to offload its consumer division and its licensing agreement with Sennheiser, Sonova is keeping up with its product roadmap and updates schedule. The Swiss group just announced the launch of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5, an update to the flagship reference from the brand. The new version introduces Dolby Atmos optimized head tracking, more high-resolution codec options, and the dreaded user-replaceable batteries, which for some reason companies now think are a good idea (!).
While attempting to offload its consumer division and its licensing agreement with Sennheiser, Sonova is keeping up with its product roadmap and updates schedule. The Swiss group just announced the launch of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5, an update to the flagship reference from the brand. The new version introduces Dolby Atmos optimized head tracking, more high-resolution codec options, and the dreaded user-replaceable batteries, which for some reason companies now think are a good idea (!).
Sonova says that the new Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds are its most advanced yet, “engineered for an uncompromising listening experience” and “reimagined from the inside out.” The new Momentum 5 earbuds take engineering ideas from the full-size Momentum 5 Wireless headphones launched in May 2026.
“We set out to bring the larger-than-life sound and connected technology of the Momentum series into a remarkably compact format,” says Frank Foppe, Product Manager. “From its exquisite audio reproduction to the advanced hardware powering it all, Momentum True Wireless 5 represents our most advanced integration of audio technology in an earbud.”
Heading the updates for the Momentum 5 TWS earbuds is the all-new design, aiming for improved comfort, stability, and portability. The earbuds’ shape is now rounder, with smooth lines and closer to the Accentum earbuds previously introduced by the brand. Still, the Momentum 5 earbuds are distinct and original. The company says that the new earbud housing shape was achieved using data derived from thousands of unique ear models and that the fin-less shape was rated more comfortable than the prior generation by 73% of testers. The earbuds are also rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and splash resistance. The companion charging case has also been re-engineered with a narrower, pocket-friendly aspect ratio and a low-friction finish for seamless ingress and egress from tight pockets.
Following the lead from the Momentum 5 headphones, these earbuds are optimized for Dolby Atmos with improved head-tracking for improved immersive experiences. Also new are improved voice calls and ANC thanks to a new voice accelerometer, expanded microphone array, and AI speech enhancement, benefiting from an updated Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. And of course, these TWS earbuds are now Bluetooth 6.0 and will naturally support LE Audio and Auracast from launch (not that Sonova even bothers to mention it). In the promotion, Sonova also highlights the aptX Adaptive codec support as a pathway for hi-res audio up to 24-bit and 96kHz, including aptX Lossless on supported audio sources.
The acoustic performance was raised by the revised adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) system and automatic anti-wind mode. A redesigned ear tip works in tandem with a dedicated four-microphone array to maximize noise-cancelling performance while delivering a more natural-sounding, real-time transparency mode. For voice capture, the earbuds engage all eight system sensors — combining six microphones and two bone-conduction voice accelerometers with an AI speech-extraction algorithm to isolate the voice in chaotic environments.
Sonova also adds that “the heart of the earbuds is the same sound-first DNA that powers the recently released fifth-gen Momentum headphones”. Starting with the brand’s signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducers developed at the brand’s production facility in Tullamore, Ireland. These transducers will be further enhanced by the new Smart Control Plus features, enabling a new 8-band EQ and an assortment of customizable features in the free app.
Probably the most undesirable aspect of the design will be completely indifferent for most users, but is very relevant for the bad prospects of more batteries being dumped in the garbage. For some reason, Sonova embarked on the idea of “user-replaceable batteries”, which are supposed to allow users to “easily refresh your run-time even years from now”. The batteries are “replaceable” in both the earbuds and wireless charging case. The company doesn’t announce what it proposes that users should do with the replaced batteries, what dangers these represent when carried and lost during flights, and how to return and recycle the old depleted batteries – which is what authorized repair centers would do instead. A disaster in the making due to misinformation.
Sonova wraps up this unfortunate battery aspect with more claims that these products are built to last, and expand “longevity far beyond standard battery degradation using only a compact screwdriver.“ As for the actual battery performance, the new Momentum 5 earbuds improve the endurance slightly over the prior generation with 12 hours of continuous playback per charge, and over two additional replenishments stored in the Qi-enabled wireless charging case. The quick charge capability extends listening up to 1 hour from just an 8-minute top-up.
Thanks to the updated Snapdragon Sound platform and Bluetooth 6, the Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds now add native support for Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and multipoint switching, with a new RF Antenna adding a selectable “robust mode” designed to maintain signal integrity even in crowded RF environments.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 are also available in more metallic color schemes, including Copper and Lavender. The earbuds will begin shipping September 3, 2026, at an MSRP of $299.95 USD.
www.sennheiser-hearing.com
