Sennheiser’s replaceable-battery earbuds launch September 3

A small screwdriver, an opened earbud, and the device’s lifespan no longer necessarily depends on its first battery. Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 5 are due to launch on September 3; their batteries can be replaced both in the two earbuds and in the charging case. Instead of working through several layers of adhesive, users should be able to gain access in just a few steps.

That is the technical core of the new design. In small earbuds, glued construction makes battery replacement difficult because it is intended to keep the housings compact and lightweight. Sennheiser cites greater comfort, a more secure fit and improved everyday usability as additional goals. The EU Battery Regulation provides the regulatory backdrop: from 2027, headphones are to be equipped with replaceable batteries, among other requirements.

For everyday use, Sennheiser promises up to 12 hours of playback per charge. With the slimmer case, which can be charged wirelessly via Qi, that should reach up to 40 hours in total; eight minutes of fast charging in the case are supposed to provide up to one additional hour of playback. The price is €300, according to heise online; The Verge cites $299.95. Five metallic colors will be available.

The model also gains ground in sound and connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0 supports the aptX-Adaptive codec, provided the playback device is compatible. A four-microphone array, together with new ear adapters, is intended to improve noise cancellation; six microphones and two bone-conduction sensors are used for voice recordings. Dolby Atmos and spatial audio with interactive head tracking are also included.

So what does this change in practice? Anyone who buys the Momentum True Wireless 5 might only need to replace the power cells when battery performance declines, rather than throwing away the entire earbuds. That makes the construction more repairable and potentially extends its useful life. However, the battery-life, sound and connectivity figures are manufacturer claims; independent tests under real-world conditions are not yet available.