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Some over-ear headphones from Sennheiser, JBL, Sony and Nothing have longer cited runtimes than Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra models. Cambridge Audio is another candidate, but the available comparison does not establish a precise, like-for-like result. Battery life is model-specific: the clearest comparisons here favor Sennheiser and JBL, while results vary with ANC, volume and test method.
How the battery comparisons work
These figures come from different reviews and tests, so they are not all direct head-to-head measurements. SoundGuys’ table reports continuous-playback test results for several models; its JBL result specifically used ANC at 75 dB SPL. RTINGS compares the MOMENTUM 4 with the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra, while SoundGuys’ table uses the original QuietComfort Ultra. What Hi-Fi? gives approximate review runtimes for Nothing and the second-generation Bose.
Actual playback time can change with ANC, listening volume, codec, source and other settings. Treat a test result as a comparison under that publication’s conditions, not a guarantee of how long a charge will last for every listener.
Five headphone brands with longer-runtime candidates
1. Sennheiser: MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sennheiser has the strongest model-specific case in the cited comparisons. RTINGS’ August 6, 2026 comparison lists 62 hours for the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless and 37 hours for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). In a separate SoundGuys test table, the MOMENTUM 4 reached 56 hours and 21 minutes, compared with 27 hours and 37 minutes for the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Those are two separate comparisons, involving different Bose generations and test sources.
#1 Best Overall
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Battery life is not the only trade-off: RTINGS says Bose provides better noise isolation and microphone performance, while Sennheiser offers more comprehensive EQ. If your priority is long playback and sound customization, the MOMENTUM 4 is a particularly well-supported alternative; if call quality or isolation matters more, weigh those findings too.
2. JBL: Tour ONE M3
SoundGuys measured the JBL Tour ONE M3 at 55 hours and 37 minutes with ANC enabled at 75 dB SPL. That is a long measured runtime, but the cited table does not give a same-test JBL-versus-Bose comparison. It is therefore evidence that this JBL model can last a long time under the stated test conditions, not proof of a specific margin over every Bose model.
Rank #2
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
3. Sony: WH-1000XM6
SoundGuys measured the Sony WH-1000XM6 at 37 hours and 14 minutes in its standardized battery test. In the same table, the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra measured 27 hours and 37 minutes. This supports a runtime advantage for the Sony over that Bose generation in that test. It does not establish that the Sony outlasts the second-generation Bose model in every use case.
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What Hi-Fi?’s January 23, 2026 review reports around 35 hours for Nothing Headphone (1) with ANC on and around 80 hours with ANC off. The same review cites around 30 hours with ANC on for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). These are approximate review figures rather than a verified common-lab head-to-head, so compare them as useful estimates, not standardized test results.
Rank #3
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
5. Cambridge Audio: Melomania P100
TechRadar names the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 as a long-runtime option, saying it can roughly double the runtime of the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The cited passage does not provide exact hours or a shared test protocol. That makes the P100 a candidate worth checking against your listening settings, but the available evidence does not support a precise numerical comparison with Bose.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
- For the clearest measured advantage: Consider Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless; both RTINGS’ comparison and SoundGuys’ test report substantially longer runtimes than their respective Bose comparators.
- For a long ANC-on test result: JBL Tour ONE M3 has a SoundGuys result of 55 hours and 37 minutes at 75 dB SPL, with ANC enabled.
- For a Sony-versus-Bose comparison: The SoundGuys results favor WH-1000XM6 over the original QuietComfort Ultra in that test.
- For flexible ANC use: Nothing Headphone (1)’s reported runtime rises from around 35 hours with ANC on to around 80 hours with ANC off.
- For a less precisely quantified alternative: Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 is identified by TechRadar as a long-runtime candidate, but the cited comparison does not establish its exact advantage.
Before choosing, decide whether you need the longest runtime with ANC enabled or can often listen with ANC off. Then weigh isolation, call performance, EQ, comfort and controls: a longer-lasting charge is useful only if the headphones suit how you listen.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Rank #4
- A COOL NEW HUE: Listening feels anything but fleeting when you tune in with QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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