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It's Not Just You – Your Headphone Batteries Really Have Gotten Worse

It's Not Just You – Your Headphone Batteries Really Have Gotten Worse

Yahoo05-02-2025
We've written before at HuffPost UK about the fact that lyrics really do seem to have declined in quality over the past few decades.
But if you think that the devices you use to hear them with have also become worse since you bought them, science says you might be correct on that front, too.
In a recent paper published in the journal Advanced Materials, researchers looked at how wireless headphone battery life declines after leaving the box, by using imaging technology, infrared scanners and even X-rays.
They wanted to find out whether headphones which last for eight hours when they were new can only run for, say, six hours after a couple of years without needing a charging break.
Our suspicions aren't unfounded, it seems ― the longer we own our battery-powered earphones, the shorter the battery life seems to get.
The scientists found that little structures in earphones like Bluetooth antennae, microphones and circuit boards can make the battery's environment a little taxing (for instance, it can warm up one side of the battery but not the other).
Even temperature changes in our own lives, like going for a walk in the cold with our earphones in, risk slightly damaging the battery, the researchers add.
For that reason, the study says: 'Conventional battery failure analysis in controlled lab settings may not capture the complex interactions and environmental factors encountered in real-world, in-device operating conditions.'
In other words, the batteries in your earphones weren't tested for real-life conditions as they actually play out.
It's a big ask, which is why the University of Texas at Austin team used some of the world's most advanced X-rays for the job.
They worked with groups from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Brookhaven National Laboratory's National Synchrotron Light Source II, Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source, and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) to get their data, Science Direct reports.
Physicist Xiaojing Huang, who worked in the Brookhaven lab that collaborated with these researchers, told the publication: 'Most of the time, in the lab, we're looking at either pristine and stable conditions or extremes.'
'As we discover and develop new types of batteries, we must understand the differences between lab conditions and the unpredictability of the real world and react accordingly. X-ray imaging can offer valuable insights for this.'
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I tested Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for a month — here's the winner
I tested Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for a month — here's the winner

Tom's Guide

time13 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

I tested Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for a month — here's the winner

Sony's latest ANC headphones are a good pair of headphones, with some key improvements over the previous model under the hood. But how do they square up against their noise-canceling nemesis? The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best way to block out noise, period. But how do they fare when you stack them up against Sony's newest set of cans? Let's find out. The Sony WH-1000XM6 launched with a bang in 2025 and we reviewed them favorably, highlighting their new sound signature and improved noise canceling. They have a new, if un-innovative, look, and a brand-new hard case to protect them in your bag. Yet, they still have to fend off their long-standing Bose rivals: The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones come with a super comfortable fit and better noise canceling, and are ready for the fight. But is that enough to sink Sony's flagship? To find out, I've organized a sunset duel. I've been using both headphones for the last month to work out which ones you should spend your hard-earned dollars on. The fight this time around is tricky for both of our entrants, so let's put them out of their misery. Sony WH-1000XM6 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Price $449 / £399 / AU$699 $429 / £449 / AU$645 Colors Black; Silver; Midnight Blue Lunar Blue; Deep Plum; White Smoke; Black Size Not specified Not specified Weight 8.9 ounces 8.8 ounces Battery life (rated) Up to 40 hours Up to 24 hours Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC and LDAC support Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC and LDAC, aptX HD support support Special features Adaptive ANC, Ambient Sound Mode, DSEE Extreme Audio, Bluetooth multipoint, customizable sound, quick charge, passive mode, 360 Reality Audio ANC, Immersive Audio, Bluetooth multipoint, customizable EQ, quick charge We don't need to spend much time on this point. Both headphones will set you back between $428 and $449, depending on which sales you're looking at. That's not a small price for a pair of headphones, and marks what looks to be the new launch price point of flagship headphones from now. At $449, both models $150 cheaper than the Apple AirPods Max, and the same price as our pick for the best wireless headphones, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. Although the 1000XM6 are currently cheaper, the Bose headphones have a lower price floor. They've been on the market for a longer time, and we've seen their price drop significantly during deal events. You can save $20 on the Sony by buying them today, or you can wait for Black Friday or Prime Day and pick up the Bose headphones at two-thirds the price. The XM6 are a well-built pair of headphones, with compact earcups and a folding hinge so that they can fold up and fit into a case. The headband has also been widened for comfort reasons (we'll get to that), rounding out the key physical differences between the old and new models. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The case is vastly improved, however. I really like the magnetic clasp, and I've only come to like it more during my comparison period. I'm not sure about the longevity of the mechanism as of yet, but for now it's a winner. Comfort is also better, but still not perfect. I've found that the headband, while wider, still presses on pressure points across the top of my head. There are also bits inside the earcups that interfere with my piercings. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are not wholly uncomfortable — far from it — but they're less comfortable than their Bose rivals. Bose's headphones are not only more padded in all the right places, but also uses better foam inside to make sure that they remain comfortable for long periods of time. They're light, which can make them feel slightly cheap, but that does add to their overall comfort in the end. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are not wholly uncomfortable — far from it — but they're less comfortable than their Bose rivals. The case is much the same as the XM6 in terms of sturdiness, but it's slightly more compact. That makes it easier to pack into a bag when you're going on a trip or getting ready to go to work. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a more handsome pair of headphones as well. There's more variety to the kinds of materials used here, with metal in the folding armatures making them feel better built than the flimsy feeling XM6. Overall, thanks to a more comfortable fit, better case and more interesting style, the QuietComfort Ultra take home the points for design. After a strong start for Bose in the design and price sections, the controls section is the place where Sony is going to start clawing back some crucial points. The controls you'll find in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones aren't really all that good. I don't like the inaccurate touch volume slider, and the multifunction button that does almost everything else is a pain to use. The two buttons on headphones are the same shape, only differentiated with a little bump on the Bluetooth pairing button. I've found skipping accidentally and initiating pairing mode unintentionally is far too easy. I don't like touch controls, but the gesture based controls on the XM6 are better than those found on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The touch pads on either earcup can be swiped for volume and skip, and then tapped for play/pause. I still don't like how moving my hair can be mistaken for a command, or how I can accidentally pause when I want to turn the volume up, but there are some redeeming factors. For example, the power button and ANC button are very easy to tell apart — the power button is round, and the ANC button is long. Simple and easy to use. The Sony WH-1000XM6 take the round when it comes to controls. The Sony WH-1000XM6 have an updated sound profile, and while it's not my favorite, I do prefer to the way that to the Bose sound. Sony has focused more on the vocals of your music this time around, and we've ended up with a pair of headphones with some top-notch vocal clarity. Unfortunately, I've found that means that soundstage has taken a hit. The XM5 had a very wide soundstage, and that's taken a back seat with the XM6. The new model is slightly more restricted, and spatial imaging (where everything is on the soundstage) isn't as well defined. Sony's bass-heavy sound isn't horrible, but I wish it were a little bit less in-your-face. I've found dialing it back in Sony's very solid EQ helps a bunch, but it's a shame that I have to. To be clear: The Sony WH-1000XM6 sound very good, but the likes of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 have shown what wireless over-ears are really capable of. The Bose straight-up sound worse than the Sony WH-1000XM6. They're bassier and warmer, and you lose some top-end detail and presence. There are going to be some people who are fans of their looser attention to detail and sloppier low-end, but the Sony sound noticeably better. You can EQ the Bose slightly with a three-band adjuster, but they never quite manage to sound as good as Sony's headphones — let alone other headphones you can pick up for the price. Both sets of headphones have good apps and well-rounded feature sets that have their fans and detractors. Both sets of headphones have good apps and well-rounded feature sets that have their fans and detractors. We'll start with the XM6. The Sony Sound app has been recently re-done, and it works very well. It can be slightly confusing for first-time users with some of the features hidden away in separate sub-menus, but once you know where everything is you'll be navigating the headphones' multiple features with aplomb. It's in the app that you'll find the noise-canceling modes. I don't really get these — I just leave my ANC on max level when I want it. Transparency is the one mode I do use frequently, however, as well as the 'off' setting, so that I can save a little battery. Inside the app there's also the EQ, and it's very good. Plenty of bands for adjustment make it very easy to dial the sound in exactly as you want it. Spatial audio is here as well, and it's much better than Bose's option. It's similar to Apple's headtracked Dolby Atmos, only it's built for Amazon Music Unlimited as opposed to Apple Music. Bose's app is also very easy to use, I find. Everything is better laid out than Sony's app, but there are fewer options for customizing your headphones. I don't miss the multi-step ANC adjustment, and I like how you can turn the ANC to transparency and back. Not off, however, for Bose does not believe in turning ANC off. To each their own, but it would be nice to have the option to save some battery life. EQ is good, although not as in-depth as Sony. It gives you ample opportunity to change the sound of your headphones in the long run, however. Giving you ample opportunity to make use of the 'off' slider is Bose's version of spatial audio. It's an in-house 'enhancement' of whatever music the headphones are playing, but I find it just makes music sound anemic. It's the best of these in-house systems, also found in the likes of the Marshall Monitor III and the Nothing Headphone (1), but it's still better left in the 'off' position. Perhaps the most important part of the whole competition here — has Sony finally caught up to the might of the Bose noise-canceling machine? Short answer: No. The longer answer is that Sony's noise canceling is better than that found on the older XM5. Thanks to a new chip and some more clever algorithm changes, the ANC handles some annoying noises better than before. But Sony where promising the best ANC, and the best ANC we have not received. They still struggle slightly with really loud noises that the Bose manage to block out, and they're less of a step up over their predecessor than I was hoping for. Perhaps that's unfair, but the Bose headphones prove that better noise canceling is possible. The Bose headphones prove that better noise canceling is possible. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have sat at the top of the list of the best noise-canceling headphones for a long time for a reason. They're really, really good at it. They block out more noise than just about anything else, making your commute and office time more comfortable. Transparency modes across both are good and sound natural. However, the Bose win thanks to superior ANC overall. If only it could be turned off for some extra battery life. Another quick and easy one to decide here: The Bose lose out on battery life thanks to their limited 24 hours of staying power. That's not great, and the Sony handily beat them out with 35 hours of battery. During my testing, I found that the battery life claims of both pretty much matched the expected life on the specs sheet. Remember that you can extend the XM6 to 40 hours when you turn off the ANC as well, something you can't do with the Bose headphones. Fast charging is a helpful bonus for both headphones: 3 minutes of charging the XM6 gets you 3 hours, while the Bose get 2.5 hours after a 15-minute charge. Both aren't the best around, but there is a clear winner overall. I put these two headphones head-to-head when the XM6 launched, but I didn't have both in hand at that point. Now that I've had ample testing time with both sets of headphones, I can find a clear winner — and it's Sony with the XM6. They might not look quite as pretty as the Bose or have better ANC performance, but their sound, features, and battery life ultimately win them the competition. If you're looking for the best ANC you can buy, I've found you're still better off with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. For just about everything else, the Sony are the headphones of choice. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Sony WH-1000XM6 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Price and value (5) 3 3 Design (15) 13 14 Controls (10) 7 5 Sound quality (25) 22 20 Active noise cancelation (20) 15 20 Call quality (10) 9 9 Connectivity (5) 5 5 Battery life (10) 8 5 Total Score (100) 84 80

Grab a budget keyboard for even less for back to school at Amazon right now - these are my top 3 picks under $50
Grab a budget keyboard for even less for back to school at Amazon right now - these are my top 3 picks under $50

Tom's Guide

time17 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

Grab a budget keyboard for even less for back to school at Amazon right now - these are my top 3 picks under $50

After getting two degrees, I know how important it is to be comfortable while you are working. All that typing and note taking takes a toll on you pretty quickly, but with one of the best keyboards, you can type all day with ease. Choosing the right keyboard to go with your PC or laptop is going to take the strain off your hands and wrist when you are working long hours, meaning you can work harder for longer (sorry). With back to school just around the corner, there's no better time to pick one up, as many of our favorite models are on sale. To make sure you know what you are looking for, I put together a list of three deals on Amazon right now for keyboards that we love here at Tom's Guide. Keychron is known for its affordable keyboards and the Keychron B6 Pro is no exception. This budget board is a productivity dream, with bouncy scissor switch keys, like you'll find on your laptop, that are perfect for speedy typing and note taking. This board can be connect via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle, or used wired, so you can work however you want to. It looks pretty basic, but I think this makes it looks leek and understated when placed in a study setup. It is hard to find anything wrong with the Keychron B6 Pro. This full-sized wireless keyboard is extremely light, making it perfect for moving around on your desk or taking with you to study. The bouncy scissor switch keys make it a dream to type on, too. The Logitech Signature K650 is a lightweight wireless keyboard that's perfect for students who study from their room. It's not one that can be moved around easily but its bouncy keys do make tying pretty fun. It can only be connected via Bluetooth or USB. It is also spill resistant, making it perfect for those late night study sessions when you need coffee right next to your keyboard. This is an easygoing wireless keyboard that will perfectly complement your study set up. This is a keyboard best kept fixed in place, but when you're in your room studying you'll be grateful for the low-profile keys and the wrist rest supporting your arms. The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s is the perfect board for anyone looking for something a little bit different. It is highly portable since it has a 75% layout and is lightweight. The real selling point of this board is its incredibly long battery life. It could quite literally last you the whole way through college on a single charge. That's because it has a rated battery life of three years, but this is dependent on how much you use the board. The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s has an impressive three-year battery life and is fantastically easy to use. If you are already a lover of the pebble key style this is a must, and it is small enough to throw in your school bag with easy. It is also a great one to use with your iPad as well as your computer. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

Amazon is selling $200 earbuds for $16 that buyers call 'better than AirPods'
Amazon is selling $200 earbuds for $16 that buyers call 'better than AirPods'

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

Amazon is selling $200 earbuds for $16 that buyers call 'better than AirPods'

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Amazon is selling $200 earbuds for $16 that buyers call 'better than AirPods' originally appeared on TheStreet. Why we love this deal From working out and running errands to taking an evening stroll, countless experiences can be improved by adding background music. One of the most popular ways to enjoy audio is with wireless Bluetooth earbuds, and right now, Amazon has a deal on a top-rated pair you won't want to miss. The Bakb Wireless Earbuds, which normally retail for $200, have been discounted by a whopping 92%. As a result, shoppers can score the quality audio accessory for just $16. With these massive savings, you could get 12 pairs for less than the price of one at the regular price. Bakb Wireless Earbuds, $16 (was $200) at Amazon Why do shoppers love it? Equipped with 3D stereo drivers, these earbuds deliver deep bass and crisp treble for an immersive sound experience. Along with the quality audio, you'll get seamless pairing to Apple and Android devices with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology. On top of that, these headphones come with all the features you'd get from high-end brands, like a convenient charging case, smart touch controls, and noise isolation. One shopper wrote, "Better than AirPods! I lost my AirPods, and I didn't want to pay over $100 for wireless headphones, so I got these ones. I will say, I'm shocked at the quality! I can hear beats in songs I've heard hundreds of times that I couldn't hear with my AirPods." "I am beyond impressed with these earphones!" said a second reviewer. "The sound quality is outstanding — crisp highs, rich mids, and surprisingly deep bass for such a compact design. They fit comfortably in my ears and stay secure even during workouts, which is a huge plus. The noise isolation is also excellent. The build quality feels premium, and the battery life easily lasts me all day." Details to know Color options: The earbuds come in black, light blue, and rose gold, but only the black pair is on sale for $16. Battery power and playtime: The earbuds can play for 9 hours per charge, and by using the charging case, you can get a full 48 hours of audio playtime. With the help of the handy LED display on the case, you'll be able to see real-time battery levels. Are they waterproof?: While they shouldn't be submerged in water, the headphones have an IPX7 water resistance rating, which means they're sweatproof. The exceptional sound quality and long-lasting battery that provides up to 48 hours of playtime make these earbuds a perfect choice for everyday use. Since they're sweatproof and have a secure fit, they're also ideal for gym sessions, hikes, and 85% of reviewers have given this device a perfect five-star rating, including one shopper who said, "I bought these earbuds as a backup pair and for exercising. As it turns out, they sound better than my much more expensive earbuds. They have excellent sound quality, are easy to pair, and look great. I highly recommend these earbuds and could not be happier with my purchase." Shop more deals Jgug Wireless Bluetooth Earbud Headphones, $22 (was $170) at Amazon Btootos Wireless Bluetooth 5.4 Earbuds, $24 (was $130) at Amazon Tagry Bluetooth True Wireless Earbuds, $26 (was $50) at Amazon Do yourself and your bank account a favor by adding the Bakb Wireless Earbuds to your cart while they're still just $16. These serious savings are only available for a limited time, so don't wait before it's too late. Amazon is selling $200 earbuds for $16 that buyers call 'better than AirPods' first appeared on TheStreet on Aug 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.

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