Wireless headphones have become an essential accessory for music lovers, gamers, and professionals working remotely. The freedom of movement, lack of tangled wires, and convenience of controlling audio without touching the device make wireless headphones highly desirable.
When selecting wireless headphones, battery life is a critical factor to consider. Nobody wants the frustration of running out of battery during an important call, workout, or commute. That’s why we have gathered the top-rated wireless headphones with long battery life.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is widely recognized as one of the best wireless headphones with long battery life available. It features advanced noise-cancellation technology, exceptional sound quality, and up to 30 hours of battery life. This impressive battery life will last you through long flights or a week’s worth of commutes. Additionally, it offers quick charging, providing five hours of playback with just a ten-minute charge.
These headphones also have convenient touch controls, support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and the ability to connect with two devices simultaneously. Whether you’re enjoying music, taking calls, or seeking some peace and quiet, the Sony WH-1000XM4 won’t disappoint.
2. Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h is another top-rated wireless headphone with exceptional battery life. It offers up to 36 hours of usage, which is among the longest available. These headphones also feature an automatic power-off function that conserves battery life when not in use.
With excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and a comfortable fit, the Jabra Elite 85h is a great choice. They are also water-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor activities and workouts. Customizable touch controls, voice assistant support, and an intelligent pause feature when removing the headphones add to their appeal.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Despite its 2017 release, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II remains one of the best noise-canceling wireless headphones on the market. It offers up to 20 hours of battery life, which may not be as long as some competitors, but it’s still impressive.
These top-rated wireless headphones have a comfortable and lightweight design, perfect for extended use. Their intuitive touchpad allows easy music control and call handling, and they support Alexa and Google Assistant. With a dedicated app, you can customize noise cancellation levels and other settings to suit your preferences.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless is a premium choice for top-rated wireless headphones with long battery life. It offers excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. With up to 17 hours of battery life, these headphones provide an impressive listening experience. They also feature fast charging, providing three hours of playback with just ten minutes of charging time.
These wireless headphones have a sleek and stylish design, constructed with premium materials for durability. They include a Smart Pause feature that automatically pauses your music when you take them off, resuming playback when you put them back on. Touch controls make navigation effortless, and they support voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
3 Factors Affecting Battery Life
When considering battery life, three significant factors should be addressed: volume level, Bluetooth version, and additional features like active noise canceling.
1. Volume Level
The volume level is the most crucial factor affecting battery life. Advertised playtimes are often measured at 50% volume. Higher volumes consume more power, resulting in significantly less playback time than the claimed hours. Understanding the relationship between loudness and battery life is essential to avoid unrealistic expectations.
2. Bluetooth Version
While not as impactful as volume level, the Bluetooth version plays a role in battery life. Bluetooth 4.0 and subsequent versions drastically reduce power consumption through Low Energy Protocol (BLE). Choosing headphones with the latest Bluetooth version is preferable, as they will provide longer playtime. However, even switching from Bluetooth 5.0 to 4.2 will not significantly affect battery life.
3. Active Noise Canceling (ANC)
Additional features, especially active noise canceling, can reduce battery life. Playtimes with ANC activated will be notably different from playtimes without ANC. Trusted manufacturers promote playtimes with ANC enabled at 50% volume. However, not all brands are equally reliable, so it’s important to choose reputable headphones.
By considering these factors and selecting one of our top-rated wireless headphones with long battery life, you can enjoy your audio experience without interruptions.