Compare ยท Updated 18 Oct 2026
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Apple AirPods Max 2
Get the Momentum 5. Unless you're all-in on Apple and want the most premium build โ then the AirPods Max 2.

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless
Rich, detailed sound, about 57 hours of battery and great calls. Noise cancelling is a step behind.
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The short answer
The Momentum 5 sound rich and detailed and last nearly three times as long, for less. The AirPods Max 2 cancel more noise and are seamless with an iPhone, iPad and Mac, but they're heavy and their battery is the shortest here.
Get the Momentum 5 if
- โSound quality comes first.
- โYou hate charging.
- โYou use Android, or a mix of devices.
Get the AirPods Max 2 if
- โYou use an iPhone and other Apple devices.
- โQuiet matters more than battery.
- โYou want the most premium build.
Key differences
Noise cancelling
Good, a step behind
Momentum 5
Among the best
AirPods Max 2
Sound
Rich and detailed
Momentum 5
Smooth and full
AirPods Max 2
Battery
About 57 hours, replaceable
Momentum 5
About 20 hours
AirPods Max 2
Folding
Cups fold flat
Momentum 5
Don't fold
AirPods Max 2
Pros and cons
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless
- +About 57 hours of battery
- +Rich, detailed sound
- +Replaceable battery
- โThe ear cups fold flat but the headband doesn't fold up.
- โBass is on the rich side, and the treble can change with your fit or glasses.
- โNo water resistance.
Apple AirPods Max 2
- +Seamless with iPhone, iPad and Mac
- +Superb build and transparency mode
- +Strong noise cancelling
- โAt 386g they get heavy and press on the ears over a long session.
- โThey don't fold, and the case covers only part of them.
- โOnly SBC and AAC over Bluetooth; lossless needs the USB-C cable.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Momentum 5 worth it?
- Is the AirPods Max 2 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide
