Momentum 5 vs. 4 vs. HDB 630: Sennheisers Flagship Face-Off
Design, Build, and Comfort
Starting with the oldest, the Sennheiser Momentum 4, introduced in 2022, marked a significant design shift for Sennheiser. While the aesthetic was fresh, the comfort was a notable concern for us, primarily due to a somewhat tight clamp and a tendency for heat buildup during extended use.
The new Sennheiser Momentum 5 retains the matte plastic and fabric accents on the headband, but crucially, it addresses some of the comfort issues. While they still don’t fold at the hinges like their predecessors or the HDB 630, they offer improved weight distribution, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. The case has also shrunk considerably, becoming noticeably smaller and thinner, and now includes a convenient built-in handle or grip.
The Sennheiser HDB 630, released in 2025, leans into a more muted, almost clinical aesthetic, combining matte finishes with leather or leatherette materials in black and silver. This design choice signals its focus on audio performance over lifestyle. Compared to both Momentum models, the HDB 630’s ear cushions are significantly more plush.
Connectivity and Controls
All three headphones feature multipoint connectivity, allowing seamless switching between devices managed within the companion app. Touch controls are present on the right ear cup of all models, alongside a single power button. While generally responsive, we sometimes found the touch controls to be overly sensitive. Their inherent limitations, such as issues with wet fingers or gloves, apply across the board. A unique feature shared by all is the nifty pinch gesture for adjusting transparency levels, a function we rarely used but appreciate for its presence.
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 arrives with Bluetooth 5.4 out of the box, with a promise of Bluetooth 6.0 via future updates. It also supports aptX Lossless, Dolby Atmos, and spatial audio. A standout feature is its user-replaceable batteries, a significant step towards longevity and sustainability. We even dared to replace one ourselves with just a simple Phillips head screwdriver.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 utilizes the older Bluetooth 5.2 standard and, unlike the Momentum 5, does not offer user-replaceable batteries. It did, however, come with an airplane adapter, a small but useful accessory that has been omitted from the Momentum 5 package.
The Sennheiser HDB 630 also features Bluetooth 5.2 but distinguishes itself with two major additions: a fully functional five-band parametric EQ for precise sound customization and an included BTD700 USB-C dongle. This dongle ensures high-resolution, low-latency audio performance, independent of the source device’s codec stack, making it excellent for PC gaming or use with iPhones, which typically don’t support aptX Lossless wirelessly.
Tech Specs
- Sennheiser Momentum 5:
- Bluetooth: 5.4 (6.0 promised)
- Audio Codecs: aptX Lossless, Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio
- Battery Life: 57 hours
- Battery: User-replaceable
- EQ: 8-band
- Connectivity: USB-C audio, 3.5mm headphone connection
- Sennheiser Momentum 4:
- Bluetooth: 5.2
- Battery Life: 60 hours
- EQ: 5-band
- Connectivity: USB-C audio, 3.5mm headphone connection, Airplane adapter
- Sennheiser HDB 630:
- Bluetooth: 5.2
- Battery Life: 60 hours
- EQ: 5-band parametric
- Connectivity: USB-C audio, 3.5mm headphone connection, BTD700 USB-C dongle
Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency
All three headphones incorporate active noise cancelling (ANC) and transparency modes. A common feature across all models is an anti-wind toggle in the app, which performs well but is only active in noise-cancelling mode.
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 boasts a claimed three-fold improvement in mid-range noise cancelling compared to the Momentum 4. While we can’t definitively confirm the “three times” claim, the suppression of voices in the mid-range is noticeably better, placing the Momentum 5 in Tier A for ANC. Its transparency mode is also excellent for situational awareness. However, a significant drawback we both noted is the “body bone noises” – the audible thud of footsteps resonating through the headphones when walking.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4’s noise cancelling is the weakest of the three, ranking at Tier B, which is surprising for a premium headphone. Its transparency mode, however, is very similar to the Momentum 5, earning a Tier S rating.
The Sennheiser HDB 630 offers good ANC, but it’s not class-leading, earning a Tier A. The thick ear pads contribute significantly to passive isolation, doing much of the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, its transparency mode is the worst of the trio, rated Tier C, with an unnatural amplification of low-end noise like engine rumble and muffled, suppressed voices.
Microphone Performance
All three headphones can be used for phone calls. We conducted quiet, noisy, and windy environment tests to assess their performance.
To hear the raw microphone samples, check out the video embedded at the top of this post!
Sound Quality
All three models support USB-C audio and feature a 3.5mm headphone connection, a testament to Sennheiser’s audio heritage. However, their sound signatures diverge.
The Sennheiser HDB 630 is unequivocally built for sound, catering to audiophiles who prefer a less V-shaped, more neutral, and less consumer-oriented sound. Its true audiophile-grade tuning, combined with the fully functional five-band parametric EQ, allows for precise sound tailoring. Vocals are intimate, and the ability to use the included BTD700 dongle ensures consistent high-res audio quality regardless of the source device. We’d place its sound quality at Tier S+.
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 delivers a meticulously tuned consumer sound, earning a Tier S rating, very close to the HDB 630. It offers great detail, impressive spatial audio imaging, and a versatile eight-band EQ. The bass response is well-balanced, present without being overpowering, striking a nice balance for everyday listening.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4, while still a fun listen, leans towards a warm, consumer-friendly, and very punchy sound, often described as bass-heavy. This can sometimes be a bit much, but its five-band EQ allows users to dial down the bass. We’d rate its sound quality at Tier A. Personally, we don’t believe the difference in sound quality between these three is drastically huge, especially after tuning, though the HDB 630 might edge out due to its drivers.
Deal Makers and Deal Breakers
Sennheiser Momentum 5
- ✅ User-replaceable battery
- ✅ Excellent ANC (mid-range)
- ✅ Compact, portable case
- ✅ Future-proof connectivity
- ❌ Lacks true parametric EQ
- ❌ Noticeable body bone noises
Sennheiser Momentum 4
- ✅ Excellent transparency mode
- ✅ Often available at competitive prices
- ✅ Long battery life (60 hours)
- ❌ Lagging ANC performance
- ❌ Less comfortable clamp
- ❌ Non-replaceable battery
Sennheiser HDB 630
- ✅ Audiophile-grade sound tuning
- ✅ Fully functional 5-band parametric EQ
- ✅ Included low-latency USB-C dongle
- ✅ Plush ear cushions for passive isolation
- ❌ High price point
- ❌ Bulky, less portable case
- ❌ Poor transparency mode
- ❌ Shallow ear cups (comfort issue for some)
Final Verdict
After extensive testing, our pick, if we were to buy one with our own money, would be the Sennheiser Momentum 5. Its blend of improved comfort, excellent ANC, and future-proof features like aptX Lossless and user-replaceable batteries offers exceptional value, not just for today but for years to come. While the HDB 630 undeniably delivers superior audiophile-grade sound, its hefty price, cumbersome case, and poor transparency make it less practical for on-the-go use. The Momentum 4, while still a solid option, falls short on ANC and lacks the forward-looking features of its successor.
===DISCLOSURES===
✅ Sennheiser sent these headphones to us for free for review purposes.
✅ No one got input at any stage in the creation of this content. All opinions and bad jokes are strictly our own.
✅ Affiliate shopping and merchandise links above earn us commission.
