Sennheiser Momentum Wireless headphones offers incredible sound without all the plastic

by Bryan M. Wolfe

February 19, 2015

Cord cutters and die-hard music lovers, take note: the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless headphones have arrived. Like the rest of the Momentum lineup, these headphones have been designed to impress. But, how is the sound? It’s time to take a look.

Company: Sennheiser
Product: Momentum Wireless headphones
Price: $499.95
Compatibility: Bluetooth 4.0 is required for a wireless connection
Website: Sennheiser.com
Date of review: Feb. 19, 2015

What is it?

Like the wired Momentum before it, Momentum Wireless headphones feature leather on each ear pad, which is soft, yet flexible. They also come with metal-constructed ear cup sliders, unlike other headphones on the market. The headband is covered with tough, yet beautiful, breathable leather. Better still, the Momentum Wireless is extremely light and comfortable to wear.

Look and feel

Most Apple Beats headphones are draped in one bright color with a matching or harmonious accent. This combination is one of the reasons Beats headphones have become so popular with many consumers. Conversely, the design is also a big turnoff for those looking for something a little bit more refined.

In developing the Momentum line, Sennheiser has clearly looked at what Beats has done, and ran in the other direction. But don’t let the line’s toned-down design fool you. The absence of bright colors isn’t to be confused with being boring.

Instead of grabbing you with glaring hues, each Momentum pulls you in with luxurious leather with faultlessly placed seams, and controls, that though functional, blend mostly into the background.

The stainless steel sidearms, or “collapsible sliders,” as Sennheiser calls them, are durable and flexible, making for the best possible fit. They are also rich looking, but in a more industrialized, minimalistic way.

The Momentum Wireless comes in two color choices: Black and Ivory.

Our black review unit features ear cups brushed with matte, gunmetal gray paint. The leather-covered cushions inside the ear cups are solid black. The headband is made of steel, wrapped in different textures of leather. On the backside, you’ll find leather that is soft and coated; on the top, Sennheiser went in a different direction, using rugged leather.

Headphone controls

The left cup contains microphones for active noise cancellation. On the right cup, you’ll find a micro USB jack for charging, 3.5mm input for wired listening, volume rocker, and power/Bluetooth discovery button.

Other components

Each set of headphones come with a leather carrying case, and a thin, silky bag. Also included: a charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, and in-flight converter.

Battery life

Sennheiser promises 22 hours of performance with a three hour charge on the Momentum Wireless. During our tests, we found this to be the case. Incredible, really.

Sound

Music sounds incredible with the Momentum Wireless, with bass that is dynamic, but not oppressive. The headphone’s active noise canceling feature is adequate, but not overpowering. This is fine, unless you’re buying headphones primarily to drown out the sounds around you, and not to listen to music. (At $500 a pop, we surmise that most won’t be buying the Momentum Wireless for this.)

On a positive note: active noise cancelation is available even when wired to a non-Bluetooth enabled device.

Conclusion

If you’re willing to pay $500 for a pair of headphones, you should definitely consider the Momentum Wireless, which provides beautiful sounds within a refined package.

Do you want to save some cash, but still own an Momentum? Consider the $399 Momentum On-Ear Wireless.

What’s hot

Incredible sound

Awesome battery life

Comfortable, even after long periods of time

Refined look

What’s not

The controls on the ear cup are very small, especially for those with big fingers.

You can’t twist the caps for added comfort

Some might not be able to get past the price