Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $400.

Over-Ear

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless

82Great

$400

Full review data

Over-Ear

Sony WH-1000XM6

86Outstanding

$400

Full review data

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 3 of 7 measures.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

8.0

Noise cancelling

8.0

8.5

Battery

9.5

7.5

Calls

6.5

7.0

Value

7.5

Price (USD)

$400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Mixed generations

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless (2026) against Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless brings Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3 and Top codec aptX Lossless against LC3, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 answers with LE Audio (LC3).

MOMENTUM 5 Wireless20261 yr newer
WH-1000XM62025

What differsMOMENTUM 5 WirelessWH-1000XM6

Bluetooth: 5.4; 5.3
Top codec: aptX Lossless; LC3
LE Audio (LC3): No; Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

MOMENTUM 5 WirelessWH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $400; $400
HearWiki score: 82; 86
Released: 2026; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 42 mm dynamic; 30 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 42 mm; 30 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 6 Hz - 40 kHz; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 520 Ω; 48 Ω
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW; 103 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.4; 5.3
Codecs: aptX Lossless; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: -; 10 m
Battery life: 57 h; 40 h
Battery life (ANC on): 57 h; 30 h
Full charge time: 120 min; 210 min
Quick charge: 10 min → 7 h; 3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging: No; No
Active noise cancelling: Yes; Yes
ANC type: -; adaptive
Transparency mode: Yes; Yes
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: Yes; Yes
Wear detection: Yes; Yes
Controls: touch; buttons
Voice assistant: Yes; Yes
Weight: 290 g; 254 g
Water resistance: none; none
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm
Microphones: 8; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$400	$400
HearWiki score	82 / 100 Great	86 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2025
Audio
Driver	42 mm dynamic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	42 mm	30 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	6 Hz - 40 kHz	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	520 Ω	48 Ω
Sensitivity	108 dB/mW	103 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.4	5.3
Codecs	aptX Lossless	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	57 h	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	57 h	30 h
Full charge time	120 min	210 min
Quick charge	10 min → 7 h	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
ANC type	-	adaptive
Transparency mode	Yes	Yes
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	Yes	Yes
Wear detection	Yes	Yes
Controls	touch	buttons
Voice assistant	Yes	Yes
Design
Weight	290 g	254 g
Water resistance	none	none
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm
Calls
Microphones	8	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless is a refined premium over-ear headphone that builds on its predecessor with modern Bluetooth connectivity and adaptive hybrid noise cancellation. It delivers a detailed, well-tuned sound signature, exceptional battery life, and a comfortable, sturdy build, though it lacks water resistance and its design remains largely familiar. While the update is more evolutionary than revolutionary, it stands out as a top-tier option for wireless listening, especially for those prioritizing long playtime and versatile codec support.

Pro:Excellent 57-hour battery life with ANC on
Pro:Detailed and well-balanced sound with wide frequency response
Pro:Comfortable and premium build quality

Con:No water or dust resistance rating
Con:Design is largely unchanged from previous generation
Con:Call quality and price may not justify the upgrade for some

Sony WH-1000XM6

This premium over-ear headphone delivers class-leading adaptive noise cancellation and a well-balanced sound profile, with support for high-resolution LDAC streaming. Its 30-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and intuitive button controls make it a versatile choice for both travel and daily listening. The lightweight build and 12-microphone array also ensure clear calls and effective transparency mode.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio
Pro:Comfortable and light at 254g

Con:No water resistance rating
Con:Battery drops to 24 hours with ANC on
Con:No touch controls—buttons only

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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