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For most MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 owners, upgrading to the True Wireless 5 is optional—not an automatic improvement worth buying at any price. The case is strongest if you want Dolby Atmos with head tracking, the redesigned fit, more outdoor wind and call processing features, or batteries you can replace yourself. If your MTW4 fits well and does what you need, keeping it is reasonable.
For a new purchase, compare the MTW5 with the MTW4’s current local price and the features you’ll actually use. Prices, firmware and replacement-part availability can vary by region and change over time.
What changed from the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 to the 5?
Sennheiser announced the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 on August 20, 2026; the True Wireless 4 launched on March 1, 2024. The new model keeps the series’ core sound character, according to Sennheiser, while refining the tuning toward a less forward midrange, more controlled bass and more upper-treble air. Its biggest distinctions are new features and hardware rather than a wholly different listening proposition.
- Immersive audio: MTW5 adds Dolby Atmos spatial audio with head tracking.
- Fit: Its redesigned, lower-seated housing has no stability fins and uses redesigned ear tips. MTW4 has the earlier fin-equipped design.
- Wind and calls: MTW5 adds adaptive anti-wind and expands its microphone system with bone-conduction voice accelerometers and AI speech processing. Sennheiser describes MTW4 as having a six-microphone array and adaptive ANC.
- Battery service: MTW5 batteries in both the earbuds and case are user-replaceable.
- Connectivity and controls: MTW5 moves to Bluetooth 6.0 and an eight-band EQ. MTW4 uses Bluetooth 5.4.
Sennheiser says 73% of testers rated the MTW5’s fin-less shape more comfortable than the prior generation. That is a manufacturer-reported result; the cited launch announcement does not describe the sample or methodology. Fit remains individual, and reviewers have described the difference as subtle for some wearers. Sennheiser’s MTW5 announcement and MTW4 launch information outline the generation changes.
#1 Best Overall
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
Which model makes more sense for your priorities?
| Priority | MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 | MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spatial audio | Dolby Atmos with head tracking | No Atmos head-tracking addition is documented in the compared sources | MTW5’s advantage matters most if your apps, source and content support the playback feature. |
| Fit | Redesigned, fin-less housing and tips | Earlier housing with stability fins | Try the MTW5 if possible; the new shape is not guaranteed to suit your ears better. |
| Calls and wind | Adaptive anti-wind, expanded microphones, voice accelerometers and AI speech processing | Six-microphone array and adaptive ANC in launch materials | MTW5 has the richer feature set for calls and variable outdoor conditions. Treat improvement claims as manufacturer claims unless a specific independent test supports them. |
| Wireless audio | Bluetooth 6.0; aptX Adaptive with selectable high-resolution or aptX Lossless modes; LC3 and Auracast promised by future firmware | Bluetooth 5.4; aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive; LC3 and Auracast were also announced as future firmware additions | Check your source device and the current firmware status of any codec or broadcast feature you rely on. |
Does the MTW5 have better battery life?
Sennheiser claims up to 12 hours per MTW5 earbud charge and up to 40 hours with the case. For MTW4, its launch claim was up to 7.5 hours continuous and up to 30 hours with the case. These are manufacturer figures, not directly comparable independent measurements.
In RTINGS’ comparison, continuous playback with ANC enabled measured 6.5 hours for MTW5 and 7.5 hours for MTW4. Actual runtime depends on settings and use, so the headline figures should not be treated as a guarantee of longer listening with ANC on. RTINGS’ comparison reports its test results.
Rank #2
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
Replaceable batteries are a separate advantage
MTW5’s earbuds and charging case have user-replaceable batteries, a practical longevity feature even if your daily runtime is already sufficient. Sennheiser identifies BA 501 as the earbud battery set and BA 502 as the charging-case battery, and says the parts will be available in the EU and further selected countries. Confirm availability and exact part fit for your country before planning a replacement. The MTW5 package listing includes a battery replacement tool, USB-C cable, case, earbuds, XS/S/M/L ear tips and documentation. Sennheiser’s product information lists the package and service parts.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat should you know about codecs and compatibility?
Sennheiser says MTW5 supports SBC and AAC broadly, with aptX Adaptive on compatible devices. Within aptX Adaptive, users can select 24-bit/96-kHz or aptX Lossless options. Those modes depend on a compatible playback chain; support on the earbuds alone does not mean every phone, app, source or track will use them.
Rank #3
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
Sennheiser says LC3 and Auracast are planned for MTW5 through a future firmware upgrade. RTINGS reports an LC3 compatibility trade-off that favors MTW4 in its comparison. Because firmware status can change, verify the current support information before choosing based on LC3 or Auracast. Sennheiser support describes codec support and the firmware-dependent features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you upgrade, keep MTW4, or buy MTW5 new?
Upgrade if the new features solve a real need
- You expect to use supported Dolby Atmos content with head tracking.
- The new fit suits you better after trying it, or the MTW4’s fins have been a problem.
- You often take calls or listen outdoors and want MTW5’s additional call and wind-processing features.
- You value replaceable batteries and can obtain the correct parts in your region.
Keep MTW4 if it already works for you
- It fits securely and comfortably, and its sound and connectivity meet your needs.
- You do not expect to use MTW5’s spatial-audio, wind, call or serviceability additions.
- LC3 is important to you; check both models’ current firmware support before making it decisive.
For first-time buyers, compare today’s prices
What Hi-Fi? reported an MTW5 standard RRP of £250 / $300 / AU$480 in its review; this is a reported standard price, not a live offer. The MTW4’s current price is not established here. Compare actual local offers rather than assuming the newer model is better value. What Hi-Fi?’s MTW5 review gives the reported RRP.
Rank #4
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
Whichever model you choose, confirm that the phone, app and content support the audio features you want. For spatial audio in particular, compatibility across the playback chain matters; a feature name on the earbuds does not guarantee identical behavior with every source.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity 42mm HD 600 inspired driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Reference Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Best Ever Sennheiser Noise Cancellation: Hybrid adaptive ANC is up to 3× stronger in the midrange than MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, powered by 8 digital microphones for deeper quiet and fewer distractions wherever you listen.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 57 hours of playtime with ANC on. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Immerse or Stay Aware: Block out the world completely or engage Natural Transparency to hear your surroundings naturally, without breaking immersion. Enhanced Anti Wind Mode keeps outdoor listening clear.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
