Sennheiser Momentum Wireless

These over-ear headphones, available in black or white, have a timeless, elegant design and incredible workmanship. Enjoy leather upholstery, a stainless steel handle and a decorative carrying case. Although the auricles do not rotate, they are retractable so the headphones can be compactly stowed.

On the technical side, the Momentum Wireless works with Bluetooth 4.0, supports the high-resolution aptX codec and can be conveniently paired via NFC. A powerful rechargeable battery with up to 22 hours of running time ensures long-lasting use. Additionally, active noise cancelling is also achieved in wireless mode. Nevertheless, Momentum Wireless can also be operated passively and without noise cancelling via the supplied single-sided, flat-plug connection cable.

Device Controls

The high-quality workmanship and the leather upholstery ensure a comfortable fit that never rubs, even during long listening sessions. At the same time, the headphones are less durable than many competitors. The Momentum Wireless is not suitable for athletes, but then it was never designed for them. The active cancelling of outside noise is rather low, although the physical protection from intrusive sound is sufficient.

The device controls themselves are simple, with the right auricle offering a recessed power switch, which also initiates the pairing. Once this is stored in the signal generator, the connection is rapidly restored.

In addition, there is a rocker switch which serves as the volume control. Via an integrated print function you can switch the music on and off, coordinate calls, or access a voice assistant in a smartphone. Multiple presses also allow you to jump back and forth between songs.

As mentioned above, noise cancelling is automatically switched on and (except in cable mode) cannot be deactivated and adjusted. The system called “Noise Guard” works quite discreetly. Nevertheless, in public spaces an improved noise to noise ratio and a moderate decoupling of low-frequency external noise can be achieved. At the same time, the reduction of the ambient noise level is less effective than with specialised products from Sony, Bose or the in-house PX550. Anyone whose purchase decision is influenced by this, or who may attach importance to adaptive functions, will have to look for a different headphone. With the Momentum Wireless, you’ll have to expect noise from your surrounding environment; for example, when there are high winds.

Sound Quality

Across genres, the medium-sounding Momentum Wireless gets top marks for completely successful sound coordination. Whether discreet singer-songwriter ballads, powerful thrash metal, soundtracks, intimate jazz or dynamic classical music, it always delivers a sound experience that may as well be called audiophile in this price range.

In quiet moments, the headphones are detail-loving and close, while in rock, pop and electronic music, they deliver on the beats. The bass range is also impressive and reaches deep, while at the same time contoured and comprehensible in pitch and dynamics. At maximum levels with a lot of sub-bass, however, it runs out of steam.

Equally impressive is the mapping of the middle and high frequencies. The Momentum Wireless works precisely, delivering lots of detail, giving voices and acoustic instruments a realistic timbre, providing the necessary transparency and delivering a precise stereo panorama and a beautiful space. With its neutrality and a rather warm altitude range, there is no danger that marginal productions run the risk of sounding hard.

The fact that Sennheiser relies on a high-quality design instead of compensating with electronics proves that the Momentum Wireless can also deliver without compromise via a cable. Purists might even prefer cable operation when switched off. After all, neither a lossy Bluetooth transfer nor noise cancelling is involved here. Therefore, the Momentum Wireless is recommended as a high-quality solution for the home, even though it was designed explicitly for wireless operation and therefore also for outdoor use. Incidentally, the review sample also scores points for phone calls with good voice quality.