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Looking for a pair of Bluetooth headphones with a long-lasting battery? You’ve come to the right place. Our article on 12 best Bluetooth headphones with long battery life in 2023 will help you find the right headphones and save you some time (and maybe money) in the process. Even if you don’t find the headphones you like or can afford, you will learn a few things about headphone batteries, different factors affecting battery life, and you will learn what to pay attention to when searching for Bluetooth headphones with long battery life.
Before we present our selection to you, let’s discuss the most important factors that affect battery life and see what’s the average and max battery life you can get from a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Table of Contents
- Factors Affecting the Battery Life
- Best Bluetooth Headphones with Long Battery Life – Comparison Table
- What’s the Average/Max Playtime for a pair of Bluetooth Headphones?
- Best Bluetooth Headphones with Long Battery Life In [Year]
- How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Headphones With Long Battery Life
- Conclusion
Factors Affecting the Battery Life
There are a few important factors that need to be mentioned when it comes to battery life. Three things are crucial – volume level, Bluetooth version, and some additional features (primarily ANC).
Volume Level
Volume level is, probably, the most important thing. Those advertised playtimes you can find in specs lists are usually measured at 50% (unless the manufacturer says otherwise). To be accurate, there’s no industry standard that defines the conditions under which the playtime is measured, but most manufacturers do the measuring at 50% volume.
Related : Best Wireless Earbuds with Long Battery Life
The advertised playtime varies with the volume level. For example, if the advertised battery life (at 50% volume) is, let’s say, 20 hours, you will get significantly less at full volume (sometimes, less than 4 hours). So, the volume has a great influence on battery life and you have to be aware of that. Sometimes, people complain about the battery life because they don’t understand the correlation between the volume and battery life and they simply expect to get the advertised playtime at all volume levels (which is absolutely impossible).
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth version does not affect the playtime as much as the volume level but it’s still quite important.
Bluetooth 4.0 and later versions (4.1, 4.2, and 5.0) support Low Energy Protocol (Bluetooth LE or BLE) which significantly reduces the power consumption and, consequently, prolongs the playtime.
If you can choose, it’s better to go for the latest Bluetooth version but going for Bluetooth 4.2 instead of Bluetooth 5.0 is not a big issue. However, the difference in battery life between headphones featuring Bluetooth 2.1 or Bluetooth 3.0 and headphones featuring Bluetooth 4.2 can be quite significant (even if both headphone models have the same battery capacity). So, the easiest and safest way is to choose the headphones with the latest Bluetooth version.
Additional Features (ANC)
Active Noise Canceling can have a big effect on playtime. The difference between playtimes with the ANC engaged and without the ANC, measured at the same volume levels, can be pretty big. The majority of manufacturers (at least those reputable and honest ones) will advertise the playtimes at 50% volume and with the ANC engaged. However, not all the manufacturers are honest and some generic brands will put anything on their boxes, just to sell their headphones.
Best Bluetooth Headphones with Long Battery Life – Comparison Table
| Bluetooth Headphones with Long Battery Life | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| DALI IO-4 | 5.0 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Beats Solo3 | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Soundcore Anker Life Q20 | 4.5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX7 | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Sony WH-XB900N | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| JBL Live 500BT | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Bluedio T2s | 3.9 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT | 4.4 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | 4.2 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
| Marshall Major IV | 4.7 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Technics EAH-A800 | 4.3 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
| JBL Live 460NC | 4.5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
What’s the Average/Max Playtime for a pair of Bluetooth Headphones?
Practically all the over-ear and on-ear Bluetooth headphones can deliver at least 10 hours of playtime per one charge (50% vol). The majority of Bluetooth headphones will deliver 15-20 hours but that’s not the maximum. In some cases, you will get more than 20 or 30 hours, or even more than 40 hours per one charge. The most capable headphones can deliver up to 60 hours. The batteries are getting smaller but more capable every day and, soon, we will have headphones with much longer playtimes.
Now that we’ve covered all the basic topics, we can move onto the more interesting part.
Here’s our selection of 12 best Bluetooth headphones with long battery life in 2023.
Best Bluetooth Headphones with Long Battery Life In [Year]
1. DALI IO-4
Continuous playtime: up to 60h
Recharge time: 2-3h
IO-4 is, along with IO-6, the first pair of headphones made by this famous Danish speaker manufacturer. DALI IO-4 headphones are our absolute favorite when it comes to battery life. Besides the battery life, there are many other things to like about them including the design, comfort, versatility, ease of use, and sound quality. The biggest downside is their price.
What’s in the box?
Inside a simple but nice-looking box, you will find your DALI IO-4 headphones, USB-C charging/audio cable, 3.5mm audio cable, carrying pouch, user manual, and 1-year warranty. Surprisingly, IO-4 headphones don’t come with a hard-shell case.
Things we like
IO-4 headphones, like any other DALI product, look very attractive and premium. There are two available versions – iron black and caramel white.
The headphones feel solid and tough. The manufacturer designed them with real everyday use in mind and made them quite durable. The earpads are easily replaceable and, if they get worn out, you can buy the spare pads from the manufacturer.
The comfort is above average. They are maybe a bit heavier (320g) but the weight is perfectly distributed and there’re no obvious pressure points. The cups can rotate 90°. The earpads are nice and thick. The headband padding is not very rich but it’s satisfying and doesn’t cause any discomfort.
The control/input scheme is simple and intuitive. All the controls and inputs, except for the AUX input, are located on the right cup. On the faceplate of the right cup, there’s a DALI logo that doubles as a play/pause/call button. Above and below the logo, there are volume buttons. Along the rim of the right cup, you will see the power button, USB-C charging/connection port, and battery status indicators.
One of the biggest highlights is the battery life. IO-4 headphones have a huge 1,100mAh battery and can deliver up to 60 hours of continuous playback. Thanks to the USB-C connection, the battery can be fully recharged in 2-3 hours.
Connection versatility is also amazing. First of all, there’s Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC, aptX, and aptX HD support. The range extends beyond 50ft (in real-life conditions) and the connection is perfectly stable. Besides the Bluetooth, you can use 2 types of wired connection – AUX and USB-C.
IO-4 headphones have a very good built-in mic. Mic performance is above-average and it’s very good for everyday use.
DALI IO-4 headphones deliver balanced sound. If you’re are into bass-heavy music, you may not be amazed. If you, on the other hand, prefer the type of sound that’s closer to audiophile standards, with nice and punchy bass, clear treble, and detailed midrange, you are going to love them.
Things we don’t like
The biggest downside is the price. At $400 price tag, the expectations are pretty high and, in many ways, IO-4 headphones meet or exceed those expectations (battery, sound quality, versatility).
However, there are a few things we didn’t like. First of all, the packaging doesn’t include a hard-shell case, only a carrying pouch. Also, the headphones don’t support multi-point pairing and don’t come with a smartphone app.
2. Beats Solo3
Continuous playtime: up to 42h
Recharge time: 1.5h
Beats Solo3 is, currently, one of the most popular headphone models on the market, mostly because of a huge hype but also because of its audio performance, battery life, excellent Bluetooth range and overall Bluetooth connection quality. The biggest downside, aside from the price, is partial compatibility with Android devices. Solo3 headphones are made for Apple devices.
What’s in the box?
The headphones come along with a zippered soft pouch, AUX cable with in-line controls, USB-A to micro USB charging cable, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
In terms of design, Solo3 is the exact copy of the Solo2. The headphones are compact with smallish earcups. They are somewhat ordinary but what makes them special is the ”b” logo on the faceplates and the number of available color schemes/finishes. The headphones are also foldable which makes transportation easier.
The build quality is not impressive. They are mostly made of plastic but still look solid and durable. Comfort is satisfying but there’s room for improvement, especially when it comes to clamping force. The headphones are a bit tighter, which can be a problem if you have sensitive ears. On the other hand, this also means that they are very stable and can be used for workouts and jogging.
The controls are fairly simple. The right cup houses the power/pairing button and micro USB charging port. The b button is used to control the playback (play/pause/forward/backward/call management). Two volume buttons and an AUX port are also located on the left cup. The AUX cable that comes with the headphones also has inline controls.
Solo3 headphones feature Bluetooth 4.2 with a 150ft of unobstructed range and very stable wireless connection. Pairing and Bluetooth connection work flawlessly.
The battery life is amazing. You will get a little bit more than the advertised 40 hours (up to 42h) and the recharge takes less than 1.5 hours. When you run out of juice, you can use the included audio cable (aka RemoteTalk cable) and keep listening to music in wired mode. The headphones also support fast charge – five minutes of charging will give you 2.5h of playback.
Thanks to the built-in mic, you can use the headphones to talk to Siri or to answer calls. The mic performance is not flawless but it’s better than average. Noise isolation in loud environments is not the best.
For a pair of Beats headphones, Solo3 delivers quite a balanced sound. The emphasis is on the bass but it’s just slightly elevated. The midrange reproduction is fairly consistent and balanced but slightly recessed and the vocals are pushed to the back. The treble reproduction is amazing – there are no noticeable peaks or dips and no signs of brightness or harshness. It’s very neutral and consistent.
Things we don’t like
Aside from the price, there are a few minor downsides we would like to mention. First of all, there’s a tight fit. Some people might like it but some will find it uncomfortable and fatiguing. Also, the cups are relatively small (they are rather on-ear than over-ear headphones) and, if you have large ears, you may feel some additional discomfort.
Also, Solo3 headphones don’t offer great noise isolation and the sound leakage is quite noticeable at higher volumes.
3. Soundcore Anker Life Q20
Continuous playtime: up to 40h
Recharge time: 4h
In talks of its excellent isolation and mind-blowing bass, Soundcore Anker Life Q20 comes out as an affordable headset that offers Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation as well. A five-minute fast charge leaves one with 4hrs of playback time. The Q20s are clean and minimalistic without giving away its low price.
What’s in the box?
Within the box, you’ll discover a travel pocket for your Life Q20 headphones, a 3.5mm AUX cable to keep the music playing when out of battery, and a Micro USB cable.
Things we like
Without a doubt, Anker has come further, quicker than a lot of peripheral competitors. The attention to detail is extraordinary and downright alluring. Life Q20 dynamic noise-canceling headphones deliver comfort without compromising aesthetics. Compared to the previous models, large headbands are now replaced with more adjustable ones.
If used on and off, then the battery wouldn’t run dry for days. Anker deserves recognition for marketing these as lasting 40 hours, as this is more accurate when noise-canceling is turned on. These can easily last 60+ hours without ANC. Meanwhile, In terms of tonal quality, the voices sound crystal clear because the mids aren’t drowned out by the lows or highs, as they are on higher-priced headphones.
Things we don’t like
When plugged in, these headsets are perfect. But in comparison with brands like Sony and Bose, the ANC isn’t up to the mark. Along with that, despite modifications in its built design, the headphones are still humongous. Life Q20 is a headgear suitable for use when traveling and everything else except for any activity that involves a lot of movement. Due to its build, it tends to be highly uncomfortable and falls off when the user engages in any aerobic activity.
4. Bowers & Wilkins PX7
Continuous playtime: up to 38h
Recharge time: 2h
PX7 is another premium and pricey headphone model. They are feature-rich headphones with very long battery life but aren’t the best-sounding headphones in their price range. Their adaptive noise canceling and battery life are the biggest upsides while the biggest downside is their mic performance.
What’s in the box?
The box contains your PX7 headphones, a large hard-shell case, audio cable, USB-C charging cable, manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
Just like every piece of audio equipment that comes from Bowers & Wilkins, PX7 headphones are quite unique and stylish. There are a few very distinguishable details including oval racetrack-inspired earcups, one-sided yokes, and nice fabric finish.
The construction quality is very premium. PX7 headphones look and feel solid and are able to withstand long-term use without any issues. The comfort is more than satisfying. The earpads are plushy and pleasant, the clamping force is optimal, and we haven’t experienced any excessive pressure or discomfort. No complaints there.
PX7 feature Bluetooth 5.0 with an extended range that goes well beyond 150ft (unobstructed range). The headphones also support AAC and aptX Adaptive and are compatible with both Apple and Android devices. They support multipoint pairing, too.
The headphones can also be used in wired mode but need power to work, even in this mode.
The battery is one of the greatest highlights. The advertised playtime, with the ANC engaged, is 30h. Without ANC, you will get up to 38h. Thanks to the USB-C connection, the recharge takes less than 2 hours. Fast charge is also supported (15min charge will give you 5h of playback. In the end, the headphones feature some smart features like wear sensors – the headphones will go to standby when you take them off.
PX7 headphones come with Bowers & Wilkins app (Android and iOS). The app allows you to adjust the amount of noise-canceling, reset the headphones, or to adjust (or turn off) the wear sensors.
The ANC works flawlessly. You can adjust the amount of ambient noise you want to hear (there are a few different levels of noise-canceling).
Depending on your preferences, you will either love or hate the sound. It’s quite bass-heavy. The bass response is relatively flat but quite emphasized. The midrange response is also very accurate but, due to the bass emphasis, it’s recessed and the vocals are pushed back. Treble reproduction is quite inconsistent. Lower treble is recessed and sounds a bit dull. Also, there’s a peak around 10kHz which could cause some sibilance (especially with treble-heavy songs).
Things we don’t like
At this price point, we have expected NFC pairing and better app with more settings. The app is too basic and doesn’t allow you to adjust the EQ settings.
The included audio cable doesn’t have inline controls or microphone so you can’t answer calls or control the playback in wired mode without taking out your phone
In the end, if you run out of juice, you won’t be able to use them in wired mode – they need power to work, even in wired mode.
5. Sony WH-XB900N
Continuous playtime: up to 38h
Recharge time: 6h
The next headphones come from a famous WH line of Sony’s noise-canceling headphones. These have XB prefix which means they are made for bass heads (XB – Extra Bass). WH-XB900N can also be considered a cheaper alternative for Sony’s flagship ANC headphones WH-1000M3. WH-1000XM3 headphones may offer better overall performance (better ANC and more balanced sound), but the XB900N headphones offer longer battery life and that was the decisive factor to include them in this list. If you don’t mind shorter playtime and you want the best possible noise canceling and balanced sound, you should go for the WH-1000XM3.
What’s in the box?
Along with the headphones, you will get a black carrying pouch, AUX cable, USB-C charging cable, manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
Like all the headphones from the WH series, WH-XB900N are sleek and very attractive headphones. They may look a bit cheaper and the plastic they are made of is a bit thinner than the plastic used for the flagship WH-1000XM3, but their durability is satisfying and their build quality is pretty good.
The comfort is above-average. The only thing that could cause some discomfort is their closed-back design but that’s a common issue with all closed-back headphones. In all the other ways, these are great for long listening sessions.
The control scheme is quite intuitive and the control buttons are responsive. The right cup has a touch-sensitive panel and can be used to control the playback, answer calls, and adjust the volume. Along the rim of the right cup, there are also some physical buttons, including the power/pairing button and CUSTOM button (you can shift between ANC/Ambient mode/OFF by pressing this button). Also, the right cup houses USB-C charging port and AUX input.
XB900N headphones feature Bluetooth 4.2 with more than 100ft of unobstructed range. The headphones support NFC quick pairing and multipoint pairing.
The battery lasts up to 30h per one charge, with the ANC engaged. You will get 38 hours without the ANC. The recharge takes 6h. The headphones also support fast charge – you will get 1h of playback after 10mins of charging.
XB900N headphones also come with the Sony | Headphones Connect App (Android/iOS). The app allows you to play with the EQ settings (manual adjustments and EQ presets). The app also has a built-in media player, adjustable auto-off timer, and it enables you to control the amount of noise you want to let in (ANC adjustments).
ANC offers decent performance but it’s not on par with Sony’s flagship model. The headphones struggle with the low-frequency noise. There’s a very useful feature called Quick Attention Mode which allows you to hear outside noise by covering the right cup with your hand.
The mic offers decent performance. You can use it to answer calls, activate voice assistant, or talk to Alexa. XB900N is one of the rare headphone models with Alexa support.
As the XB prefix implies, XB900N headphones are bassy. Their bass response is elevated and strongly emphasized. So, if you are into EDM, you’re going to love them. The mids are balanced but recessed and pushed back. The treble response is not very consistent. The lower treble is slightly recessed and may sound lifeless or unnatural.
Things we don’t like
We have expected a hard-shell carrying case at this price point but, unfortunately, the headphones come only with a soft pouch.
Charging the battery takes quite some time (approx. 6h), even though they feature USB-C connection.
6. JBL Live 500BT
Continuous playtime: up to 37h
Recharge time: 2h
JBL is better known for its Bluetooth speakers but their headphones are pretty good, too. JBL Live 500BT is the upgraded version of the previous JBL E55BT model. Just like the JBL speakers, JBL headphones have very large and long-lasting batteries and that’s their biggest trademark. They also have quite a recognizable design and enjoyable sound signature. The headphones are priced under $150.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find you JBL Live 500BT headphones, micro USB charging cable, braided AUX cable with inline controls and mic, manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
Live 500BT headphones look quite attractive and recognizable, mostly due to the comfort-fit fabric wrapped around the headband. It’s similar to the waterproof fabric on JBL speakers, but not the same. The earcups can rotate and the headphones are foldable. They are available in 5 colors – black, blue, white, green, and red.
JBL Live 500BT are mostly made of plastic but the most sensitive parts like the joints and headband frame are reinforced with metal. The cups are dense and study and the overall build quality is pretty good.
Comfort is satisfying but not perfect. The biggest issue is the clamping force. If you have a larger head, these headphones might feel a bit too tight. On the other hand, the headphones are light and the weight is nicely distributed across the headband.
The control scheme is fairly easy to use. You can control the playback, volume, and take calls with the buttons located on the right cup. The left cup houses a micro USB charging port and the right one houses the AUX input. Another useful thing is the JBL Headphones app (Android/iOS). The app allows you to adjust the EQ settings and activate some advanced features like TalkThru or Ambient Aware. The headphones are also compatible with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa.
Bluetooth connection works flawlessly. The headphones feature Bluetooth 4.2 and have a very long unobstructed range (more than 200ft). They also support multipoint pairing. When you run out of battery, you can use them as wired and you can also control the music, playback, and answer calls.
The battery is the greatest highlight. The headphones exceeded the advertised 33 hours and delivered almost 37 hours of continuous playtime. Recharge is very fast – it takes less than 2h to fully charge them. The headphones also support the auto-off feature (they will turn off after 10mins of inactivity). Fast charge is also supported – 10mins of charging will provide you with 2h of playtime.
The mic performance is not on par with the price. Your voice will sound thin and muffled on the other end but it will still be intelligible in quiet and moderately loud environments.
The sound signature is exciting and enjoyable. The bass extension is very good and some low and mid-bass frequencies are slightly elevated. The mids are quite accurate, balanced, and detailed. The vocals are perfectly clear. The treble is not consistent and it lacks a little bit of detail and sparkle. On the other hand, it’s not too bright or harsh.
Things we don’t like
The first thing you’re going to notice is that the carrying case is not included in the package.
Also, the fit is a little bit tight, which is good for stability, but it also makes them uncomfortable for long listening sessions.
Check out our article on ‘15 Best Cat Ear Headphones‘.
7. Bluedio T2s
Continuous playtime: up to 37h
Recharge time: 3h
Bluedio is, just like TaoTronics, a cheap generic brand and it’s a viable choice if you’re on a budget. Due to their price/performance ratio, these are one of the bestselling headphones on the market. They are super-cheap (priced under $30) and they are tuned for a mainstream audience (they are bass-heavy). Their greatest quality is the battery life – they will deliver up to 37 hours of playtime on one charge. Naturally, you can’t expect them to be perfect – they look cheap (because they are cheap), they leak a lot of sound and don’t isolate much.
What’s in the box?
The box contains your T2S headphones, AUX cable (without inline controls), micro USB charging cable, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
The design of T2S is definitely unique. It’s also unusual and somewhat awkward. These headphones are not for everyone. They are available in two colors – black and white (both with silver details).
The comfort is satisfying but you must have in mind that these are rather on-ear (not over-ear) headphones. So, unless you have really small ears, the pads will put some pressure on your ears. The headphones are not too heavy or bulky and the weight distribution is good (no pressure points or any additional discomfort).
The controls are simple but somewhat flimsy. You have all the buttons on the right cup. The track dial looks really cheap but it’s responsive. The AUX port is on the bottom of the left cup. The charging port is on the right one.
T2S headphones feature Bluetooth 4.1 with more than 100ft of unobstructed range. The connection is stable within the 30ft range – anything further than that causes the signal to cut out. As expected, advanced Bluetooth features (NFC, multipoint pairing, etc.) are not supported.
The battery is one of the biggest highlights. It can deliver almost 37h of continuous playback (at moderate volumes). The recharge is relatively fast – it takes approx. 3 hours. When you run out of juice, you can use the T2S in wired mode but you can’t use the controls and you can’t answer calls.
The mic performance exceeds the price tag. It’s not perfectly clear and it will muffle your voice and make it thin but it’s usable.
The sound is very bass-heavy and, if you are a bass head, you are going to love it. If you are not, you’re probably going to hate it. The bass emphasis is really huge and it extends, partially, onto the low mids. The rest of the midrange is recessed and not very clear. The treble reproduction is very bad. It lacks detail and dynamic, and it’s kind of lifeless.
Things we don’t like
At this price point, it would be unreasonable to expect a perfect device. Some downsides are completely expected. Build quality, for example. It’s perfectly on par with the price. T2S headphones look cheap and are almost entirely made of plastic. The cups are kind of flimsy, too.
There are two more things we want to warn you about – on-ear design and sound isolation/leakage. Due to on-ear design, they are not the best choice for long sessions.
Also, they are not the best choice if you want great noise isolation and low leakage. They leak a lot of sound at higher volumes.
Also Read: What is Soundstage in Headphones?
8. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Continuous playtime: up to 37.5h
Recharge time: 5-5.5h
ATH-M50xBT is a wireless version of the highly praised wired ATH-M50x model. The Bluetooth version sounds fairly similar to the wired one and it looks exactly the same. The biggest highlight is, expectedly, battery life. Considering the price tag, the feature set is not impressive and there are a few things that these headphones lack (NFC support, multipoint pairing, ANC). Also, the charging time is quite long.
What’s in the box?
The packaging contains your ATH-M50xBT headphones, AUX cable with inline remote and mic, micro USB charging cable, manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
In terms of design, these are the same as their wired predecessor. They look kind of like a toy. The cups can swivel and rotate and the headphones are foldable.
The build is not extremely rugged. They are mostly plastic but the plastic is quite dense. The headband frame is reinforced with a thick metal frame. The weakest points are probably the joints connecting the headband and the cups.
The comfort is above-average. The manufacturer did everything right and made a very comfy pair of headphones. The only problem could be their loose fit. They are stable enough for casual listening but won’t stay in place if you want to use them for workouts.
The controls are fairly easy to use. You have all the buttons and inputs on the right cup. There are three physical buttons for playback/volume/call control, a simple on/off switch, AUX input, and a micro USB charging port. The controls are responsive and easy to use. The Audio-Technica logo on the right cup also doubles as a touch-sensitive button. You can touch it to activate voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant).
The headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0. Their unobstructed range extends over 100ft. Indoors, you’ll get 30-50ft. The connection is stable and the pairing starts when you turn them on – there’s no separate pairing button. The headphones feature support for aptX (no aptX LL or aptX HD).
The battery life is excellent. The headphones will deliver up to 37h of playtime per one charge. The recharge, however, is not equally impressive and it takes up to 5.5h. When you run out of battery, you can connect the included cable and keep using the headphones. You can also control the playback and answer calls in wired mode thanks to the inline remote with mic.
M50xBT headphones come with the Audio-Technica Connect app (Android/iOS). The app will help you to find your headphones if you lose them. It also shows the battery status and allows you to select the Bluetooth codec. However, it doesn’t allow you to play with EQ settings and you will have to use some third-party app if you want to adjust the sound signature.
The microphone offers average performance. This is not a noise-canceling mic and it won’t deliver the best performance in loud environments. On the other hand, your voice will be somewhat muffled but perfectly intelligible in quiet and moderately loud environments.
Compared to its wired predecessor, M50xBT headphones deliver similar sonic performance. Their bass response is extended. It’s quite flat but slightly elevated. The bass heads will enjoy this extra thump. The mids are also fairly accurate but low mids are slightly recessed and pushed back. This could be a problem when listening to bass-heavy songs, especially if you prefer a more balanced sound. The treble is consistent and nicely balanced with the mids.
Things we don’t like
The first thing we didn’t like is their long charging time. It took almost 5.5 hours to fully charge the battery. Compared to some other similarly priced models (and cheaper), especially to those with USB-C charging port, their charging time is quite long.
Also, at this price point, we have expected a few more features. M50xBT don’t support NFC and multipoint pairing. They don’t feature ANC and don’t come with a hard-shell case (only carrying pouch).
9. Sennheiser Momentum 4
Continuous playtime: up to 60h
Recharge time: 5-5.5h
There are some big brands that never fail to deliver; Sennheiser continues to prove that with their Momentum 4. It is a stylish wireless headphone with excellent sound quality, has active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.0, touch controls, and smart assistant compatibility. But, out of all the features, only a few stand out to segregate Momentum 4 from other headsets out there.
What’s in the box?
In the packaging, you’ll find a Charging Case, Ear Gels, a USB-C Charging Cable, an Audio cable with 3.5mm and 2.5mm jacks, an Airplane adapter, and a User manual that’ll help you make the most out of the gear.
Things we like
With a single charge, Momentum 4 can go on for a week. With ANC on, you can use Momentum 4 for approximately 56 hours. To further conserve the battery, there’s the Auto On/Off feature that turns them on and off based on how they have been placed. The headsets are best suited for commuters, students, and office workers who will benefit the most from the ANC feature.
Momentum 4 is shockingly comfortable for its size, and the headband design is by far the best. On top of that, these headsets are a sweet treat for bass lovers. Plus, they deliver a crisp sound irrespective of what audio you’re listening to. For the price range, they produce a cleaner sound that allows the midrange to be heard more clearly. As a result, you can hear more details in the mix that were previously masked by the boomy high bass. Momentum 4 produces a perfectly balanced sound. The experience improves tenfold once you figure out how to use their app. It’s simple to use, and the online manual is thorough and well-written.
Things we don’t like
What could have been its most astonishing feature turned out to be a flaw. Momentum 4 has a pretty responsive Touch Control feature. The slightest touch is registered as a command, and this becomes a problem when one adjusts them or takes them off for a while. And when plugged in, there’s a significant decline in its performance. Although one has access to turn off the touch controls, it makes it useless altogether. Momentum 4 also fails to stand out as a decent ANC gear. Still, their ANC is effective but not on the level of Sony or Apple, which isn’t what you expect from a brand like Sennheiser.
10. Marshall Major IV
Continuous playtime: up to 80h
Recharge time: 5-5.5h
The Marshall Major IV is a high-quality wireless Bluetooth on-ear headphone that promises the ultimate listening experience. The headphones have a lightweight and comfortable design with durable ear cushions to ensure maximum comfort during extended use. For a reasonable price, the headphones deliver deep bass and bright highs in a user-friendly design. Although, those who desire a critically perfect headset might be disappointed with its sound signature accuracy.
What’s in the box?
The included components are Major IV Headphones, a 3.5mm audio cord, a well-written User Manual, and legal and safety information, along with a USB-C type charging cable.
Things we like
Major IV is another retro-rock-designed headset by Marshall that appears vintage by looks. Their durability is as good as their looks, and they are lighter than other headsets. Major IV headphones also have a unique joystick-style volume, ffd/rew, and on/off control. Everything is controlled by a single joystick button. Initially, it appears skeptical, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll adore it too.
Major IV will not disappoint metalheads; the delivery is clear and detailed, albeit overly emphasizing the bass and brightness at the top of the frequency range. Just like its sound quality, Major IV has an impressive battery life. On a full charge, they can last up to 80 hrs. Not to mention, its wireless charging feature acts like a cherry on top.
Things we don’t like
Despite producing a crisp sound, the headset has failed to find a balance between treble and bass. This becomes an issue as Major IV is at its best only when bound by a genre or style of audio. On top of that, for the price one’s paying, the absence of ANC makes their use ineffective in public. As a result, other than what the headphones block out from being over your ears, noise cancellation is non-existent, and it’s mediocre.
Apart from that, their SBC Bluetooth may lead to connectivity issues at times. This codec is sufficient, and the connection is stable, but it is not ideal.
11. Technics EAH-A800
Continuous playtime: up to 48h
Recharge time: quick charge of 15 minutes for 10 hours of playback
Panasonic’s high-end brand recently entered the wireless headphones market with a few products, the most expensive of which was the Technics EAH-A800. But the question is, does it live up to its price? Available in two colors, Silver and Black, these over-ear headsets have a unique design with dual Hybrid feedforward & feedback for immersive listening. But, its biggest downside remains its high price.
What’s in the box?
Technics EAH-A800 comes with a Cable, a Protective Case, and USB Dongle.
Things we like
In a single charge, EAH-A800 runs for over 48 hours, that too with ANC on. The headphones provide predominantly premium noise cancellation. Technics EAH-A800 also lets you calibrate your headphones to the level of noise in the environment.
Their memory foam headband and earpads are cushioned and made of protein leather. They fit snugly and comfortably, even after extended listening sessions. There is no creaking, and the materials appear to be of excellent quality. Furthermore, the high-quality codecs make it super easy for the headsets to pair and ensure stability.
We are entering an era where headphones are nothing without an application, and by far, the app was the most user-friendly, easy to use and responsive, and had a great UI. Their app features like toggling voice prompts, naming your headphones, configuring auto-power-off settings, and customizing the on-ear controls, etc. It not only enriches user experience but also puts them in control of their device.
Things we don’t like
Just like Sennheiser’s Momentum 4, EAH-A800 is almost all about sound and less about aesthetics. But, for a price like this, a better design is a must. Despite using premium ear cushions, the ear cups have a cheap appearance and lack universal fit. One has to try them on in order to be assured that the gear is fit and comfortable for them. Even though the overall sound signature quality justifies the price, the bass doesn’t. All these minor concerns could have been fixed for the price that is charged.
12. JBL Live 460NC
Continuous playtime: up to 50h
Recharge time: quick 10-minute charge to get extra 4-hour fun
The JBL Live 460NC is a pair of over-ear noise-canceling headphones that claim to deliver a truly immersive audio experience by utilizing highly responsive noise-canceling technology. This JBL model is intended to meet the requirements of music enthusiasts by providing feature-packaged headphones. Like all the other JBL headgear, one gets multiple colors to choose from.
What’s in the box?
JBL Live 460NC comes along with Type-C charging cable, an audio cable, a Warranty/Warning card, Quick Start Guide/Safety Sheet, and ear cushions.
Things we like
The JBL Live 460NC produces high-quality sound with well-defined bass, clear mids, and highs. The audio quality is superb, and you can listen to your favorite music in powerful and immersive surround sound. Along with that, its noise cancellation technology is highly responsive, restricting even some of the most pervasive sounds.
The battery life of Live 460NC lives up to JBL’s legacy, as it lasts up to 50 hours on a single charge. With this feature, you can listen to music nonstop for an extended period of time.
In terms of comfort, the headsets are intended for long-term use, with soft cushioned earcups that provide comfort over long periods of time.
You can also use voice commands to manage your music, activate and use your phone’s assistant, and perform other functions with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Things we don’t like
The JBL Live 460NC’s biggest disadvantage in comparison to other models in its class is that it is larger and heavier, which could prove unattractive to some users looking for a more compact pair of headphones.
The touch controls on the JBL Live 460NC are not always responsive, and a double tap may be missed at times. The auto-play/pause feature is far too sensitive and can prove to be extremely irritating! A slight tilt or turn of the head can activate it and randomly stop your music.
This is the end of our list of 12 best Bluetooth headphones with long battery life in 2023. We’ve tried to gather some nice options for every budget but there are quite a few headphone models out there that can deliver at least 20 hours of continuous playtime per one charge. In case you didn’t find something that suits your taste and budget, and you want to keep searching, here’s a shortlist of things to pay attention to when buying Bluetooth headphones, especially Bluetooth headphones with a long-lasting battery.
How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Headphones With Long Battery Life
Here are a few factors for choosing an ideal Bluetooth headset, including comfort, good sound quality, long battery life, compatibility with devices, necessary features, and budget.
Battery life
It depends on the model. The standard runtime is 20-30 hours, but some models can last up to 60 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off. The playtime decreases when ANC is enabled. Bluetooth is a module that, when activated, requires power to connect to other devices and send/receive data, resulting in a power drain. The greater the usage, the greater the power drain. It is important to note that the amperage of Bluetooth 4.0 and later chips is 15 milliampere.
Recommended Reading :
- 17 Best Bluetooth Headphone Adapters.
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Charging time
Look for headsets that support fast charging, such as USB Type-C or Quick Charge. This allows you to quickly charge your headset, usually within 1-2 hours. At the same time, consider how frequently and for how long you will need to use the headset. If you use it frequently or for extended periods of time, a shorter charging time may be preferable. Some headsets support different charging methods, such as wireless charging or dock charging. Consider which method best meets your requirements.
Bluetooth quality
Recognize that Bluetooth codecs control how Bluetooth media gets transmitted via your device to your headphones. The ideal Bluetooth codec for your setup is one that provides the best audio quality as well as the most stable connection with your operating system. Wireless headphones that support AAC, the only high-quality Bluetooth codec supported by iOS, are the best option for iPhone owners. An Android encodes AAC with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on your hardware, so aptX or even a pair of LDAC headphones may be preferable. Some Android smartphone manufacturers use proprietary codecs.
Another important factor to consider is the connectivity range. Check that the Bluetooth connectivity range is adequate for your requirements. For example, if you intend to use the headset in a small room, a range of 10 meters will suffice.
Comfort and fit
The headset’s ear cups should fit comfortably around your ears without being too tight. Over time, ear cups that are too small can cause discomfort or even pain. To avoid discomfort or pressure on your ears, the padding on the ear cups should be soft and plush. Memory foam and other soft materials are excellent choices.
The padding on the headband should be sufficient to distribute the weight of the headphones evenly across your head. This will keep any particular area from becoming sore or uncomfortable over time. The headband should be adjustable so that it fits comfortably and securely around your head. This keeps the headphones from falling off or causing discomfort.
Sound quality
When selecting headsets based on sound quality, it is essential to examine a number of criteria. The larger the driver size, in general, the better the sound quality. Look for headsets that have at least 40mm drivers. A wider frequency range indicates that the headset can reproduce a broader range of sounds. Look for headsets with at least a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. All in all, for reliable sound quality, choose famous brands like Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony.
Design
If you prefer a more studio-quality sound, larger over-ear headphones have larger drivers, even though headphones with personalized audio are less common than earbuds. Choose your preferred overall aesthetic. Over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and truly wireless headsets are all available. Some people like a sleek and simple style, while others want a bold or gaming-inspired appearance.
One should also consider other factors such as portability, consider size, and foldability of the device if one intends to use the headset on the go or during travel. Compact and lightweight headphones are easier to transport.
Accessories
Depending on the manufacturer and model, the accessories that come with a Bluetooth headset may differ. However, most Bluetooth headsets typically include a USB cable for charging the headset, a user manual to help you understand how to use the headset and its features, and some brands also include a travel case to protect the headset.
Some headsets come with custom-fit casings that include pockets for wires and other accessories. Check to see if the headset comes with extra ear cups. Ear cups might wear out or become uncomfortable over time.
Pricing considerations
Basic models can be found for as little as $10 to $20, while premium models with advanced features can cost up to $200 or more. The cost of a product is frequently determined by factors such as brand, functionality, battery life, noise cancellation, connectivity, and design. It is ultimately up to the individual to determine which features they require and what price range they are comfortable with.
Conclusion
All of the above-mentioned headphones are very much capable of delivering high-quality music and a very good battery backup for daily use. That said, every piece has its ups and downs and this makes it very crucial for you to pick a headphone that matches your preference completely.
But, yes, if it were for the long-lasting battery life, all of these headphones beat the other models available in the market quite fairly. So, you can be relaxed that any of these pieces that you pick will be there for you in need without any power backup.
Lastly, navigating the buying guide before buying your next headphones can be a great idea considering the vital factors that highly influence your experience. From the super important charging time to the design and Bluetooth specs, our buying guide can rightly explain to you how to pick your ideal device. And, that’s it from our end. Do share this with your friends and family members who might be looking forward to gifting themselves a new pair of headphones.
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.