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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless has hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce ambient noise, and Transparency Mode to let more of the surroundings reach your ears. Sennheiser specifies eight microphones—four per earcup—and lets you switch modes with a double-tap or through the app.
How ANC works on the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless
Active noise cancellation uses microphones to monitor sound and audio processing to create a signal that reduces some unwanted sound at the ear. This opposing-sound explanation describes the general principle, not the MOMENTUM 5’s exact signal chain. Hybrid ANC commonly draws on microphones positioned both outside and inside the earcup, but Sennheiser’s published product information does not specify the placement or role of each of this model’s microphones. The headphone maker describes its system as hybrid adaptive ANC and lists eight microphones, four per side. Sennheiser’s product page does not provide further detail about the model’s ANC processing.
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ANC reduces noise; it does not make the headphones silent or eliminate every sound. Its effect depends on the sound and how it reaches the ear. For a general overview of hybrid ANC, see Philips’ explanation of noise-cancelling headphones.
What Transparency Mode does
Transparency Mode has the opposite aim: it allows ambient sound through so you can hear announcements or speak briefly with someone without taking off the headphones. Its intensity is adjustable. The MOMENTUM 5 manual notes that even at maximum intensity, the headphones still suppress some disturbing low-frequency noise. So it is not necessarily the same as hearing the environment with no headphones on. Sennheiser also says this mode cannot be used to hear ambient sound during phone calls. See the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless manual.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
ANC and Transparency Mode compared
| Mode | Purpose | What it does | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC | Reduce ambient noise | Uses microphone input and processing to reduce unwanted sound reaching the ear. | Switch between ANC and Transparency Mode using the earcup or app. |
| Transparency Mode | Hear more of your surroundings | Lets ambient sound through; some low-frequency noise remains suppressed even at maximum intensity. | Intensity is adjustable in the app. |
How to switch modes
- Double-tap the flat side of an earcup with one finger to switch between ANC and Transparency Mode. Sennheiser documents this control in its MOMENTUM 5 Wireless During Use support page.
- Or use the app to toggle between the modes and adjust Transparency Mode intensity.
Sennheiser’s manual says mode switching is unavailable during an active phone call.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Sennheiser’s ANC comparison claim means
Sennheiser says the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless achieves “up to 3 times better noise cancellation across midrange frequencies” than the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. That is a manufacturer comparison claim: the cited product page does not state its test method, so it should not be read as an independently verified result or as a promise of three-times-better cancellation for every sound or frequency. Sennheiser’s product page also lists up to 57 hours of music playback with ANC enabled, measured with an iPhone at medium volume; that is a battery-life specification, not a measure of cancellation strength.
Quick Recap
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.
Rank #3
- Audiophile tuning: Sennheiser’s in-house 42 mm transducer and refined acoustic design deliver a neutral audiophile sound with lifelike mids, stunning detail, and a wide, natural soundstage. With minimal digital processing ensuring pure fidelity true to the original recording.
- Wireless or wired: Enjoy high-resolution wireless sound with support for aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, especially when paired with the included BTD 700 Bluetooth adapter. For maximum purity, connect via USB-C for lossless listening up to 24-bit/96 kHz.
- Parametric EQ: Expert-level equalization lets you define frequency bands, widths, and filters to precisely shape your sound. Tailor bass, enhance vocals, or fine-tune for any genre, just like a mastering engineer.
- Adaptive ANC & Transparency Mode: Powerful noise cancellation blocks distractions without degrading clarity, dynamics, or balance. Transparency Mode instantly lets in surrounding sounds when you need to stay aware.
- Listen for days, not hours: A class-leading 60-hour battery keeps you going through long trips or work weeks. Just 10 minutes of fast charging adds up to 7 hours of playtime, ideal for when you’re on the move.
Rank #2
- Seamless Firmware & App Updates: Enjoy a smoother, more reliable experience with the latest firmware and Smart Control Plus app features for your over the ear Bluetooth headphones, including ANC toggle and touchpad off switch for premium music quality
- Audiophile-Inspired Sound : Sennheiser wireless over-ear headphones over with signature sound, 42mm transducers and aptX Adaptive deliver crystal-clear audio and deep, immersive music. Ideal for music lovers and travelers
- Personalized Listening Experience: Tailor your sound on these wireless over ear headphones via the Smart Control Plus app with integrated equalizer, presets, and sound modes for a unique custom audio profile, whether used for music, podcasts, or gaming
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode: Block distractions or stay aware of your surroundings with these Bluetooth headphones for uninterrupted music enjoyment anywhere, ideal for commuters, students, and professionals
- Exceptional Comfort & Long Battery Life: These Sennheiser wireless noise cancelling headphones are lightweight, foldable and designed with a cushioned headband and ear pads; enjoy up to 60 hours of long-lasting comfort playback with fast charging capability
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