Everyone knows that wireless headphones come with batteries that give the headset power and allow it to function. But do manufacturers go the extra mile and sell them precharged? Do wireless headphones come charged right out of the box?
Mostly this will depend on the battery type used in the device. If the device uses lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, as most Bluetooth devices do, the chances are that they will come with a decent amount of power in them.
However, if the batteries are non-lithium-ion, they will most likely require a first-time full charge.
Charging
Since wired headsets have access to their power source, they don’t need to have batteries. On the other hand, wireless headphones contain lithium cells within their batteries. And these need to be charged.
Most wireless electronics contain lithium cells, and wireless Bluetooth headphones are no different. Since a wireless headphone set needs working batteries to function, they will need charging from time to time. However, it is not smart to charge the headset while it is being used.
This is often detrimental to the batteries. So, manufacturers usually design headsets in such a way that it’s impossible to use them while they are being charged.
When to Charge
Most headsets make use of an LED indicator. It lets you know whether the headset is being charged or is fully charged.
Some headsets will have a blinking function to indicate that the battery power is low. Meaning the headset will have to be charged soon. When the charger is connected, the indicator becomes permanently lit.
For most headphones…
A different signal will be sent to the indicator once the batteries are fully charged. This is sometimes as simple as a message turning off the indicator when the batteries are full. Or perhaps changing the color from red to white.
Your best bet is to read the manual that came with your headset. You can use it to find out specifically how headphones indicate charging and full charge.
It is usually a good idea to disconnect the charger as soon as the device is fully charged. That way, you can save power and not damage the batteries.
Charging Times
Again, this is something that will vary greatly depending on your brand and model of the headset. Once more, consult the user manual of your headset to determine the optimum recommended charge times. Charging times probably be determined by the battery capacity and the charging technology.
As a general average…
Over-ear headphones charging times vary between two and five hours. Whereas in-ear headphones might take one to three hours to fully charge. The battery life that you can get out of a headset on a full charge can vary from 10 to 20 hours.
However, much faster charge times can be achieved these days. Thanks to fast charging and super-fast charging technologies. If your device is equipped with this technology, it can be fully charged in as little as half an hour to 45 minutes.
Furthermore, fast charging technology is somewhat of a standard in the electronics world. So, it is considered almost a waste of money to get a pair that doesn’t support this feature.
Wireless Earbuds
For ones that use a charging case, the charging time can vary greatly depending on the brand and model. On average, manufacturers claim about one to two hours of playtime from 10 – 15 minutes in the charging case.
If you’re very fortunate, you will have a pair of headphones that can use a 3.5m jack. This means that even after battery life runs out, you will be able to continue using the headset.
Charging for the First Time
Each headset will have a different battery capacity and power capabilities. Therefore, the battery size and charging technology will determine how long it takes to charge headphones for the first time.
Again, you must check the specifications for your specific device in the user’s manual before you do anything. Charging the device for too long or not long enough when first turning it on can cause permanent damage to the batteries.
Of course, if the batteries have a larger capacity, it will take them longer to charge than smaller batteries. However, it can charge faster despite being larger. That is, if it possesses fast charging and the other device does not.
Do Wireless Headphones Come Charged?
There are some headphones that come with a full charge. You will be advised to use it until empty, and only then to plug it in and charge it until full.
We did some reading on this subject. Most users noted that they received the device with a small amount of battery life.
Most manufacturers recommend an average charging time of 30 minutes before using their devices for the first time.
How Do Wireless Headphones Charge?
There are as many variations in headphones as there are species in nature, it seems. And their use can vary as well. Some are as simple as using a toothpick. Others are so complex to the point of being impossible to use without reading the manual twice.
Luckily, when it comes to charging wireless headphones, manufacturers have made it as fast, seamless, and simple a process as possible. Therefore, no matter what brand or model you’ve got, it should be fairly simple to get them charged and ready for use.
Charging Connections
Most headphones will be charged via a USB cable or some kind of wireless charging station. If your headset uses the latter, it is smart to check the manual. Check to see how to connect the headphones to the charging station correctly and for how long.
If your headset is charged via USB, the process could not be more simple. First, the charging will most likely happen via a USB-A or USB-C port. Simply plug one end of the USB cable into the socket on the headphones, then plug the other end of the cable into the wall adapter or a computer.
Allow for up to three hours of charge time. Although, this may again vary greatly depending on your make and model. An average charge should provide up to 15 hours of use.
Overcharging Wireless Headphones
There used to be a great risk with overcharging devices in earlier years. Luckily, most devices these days are designed so that you won’t encounter any serious problems should you accidentally leave it on charge for too long.
Most of them don’t rely on the user to disconnect headphones when the battery is full. Nowadays, modern devices have an auto power cut feature.
This turns off the charging port when the batteries reach full capacity. Headphones with this feature can remain on charge indefinitely and not incur any serious damage.
Over-charging can still happen…
So, one must still refrain from leaving the device on the charger for too long. These circuits are designed to cut the flow of current when fully charged. But, you cannot rely solely on these circuits to protect the headphones.
There are reasons we warn against overcharging. One is because there is no sure-fire way to tell if such a circuit is faulty or not. This is why it is recommended not to leave them on the charger for too long.
Looking for Some Wireless Headphones?
We have you covered. Check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, the Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100, the Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $200, the Best JBL Wireless Headphones, and the Best Headphones for Music you can buy in 2024.
Also, take a look at our detailed reviews of the Best Headphones with Microphone, the Most Comfortable Headphones, the Best Headphones Under $200, the Best Wireless Headphones for TV, and the Best Bluetooth Headphones for Commuting currently on the market.
Do Wireless Headphones Come Charged – Conclusion
Most modern devices, including wireless headphones, make use of Lithium-ion batteries. These can be charged at a slow or fast pace depending on the capacity of the batteries and the charging technology.
It may be that your device comes with a full or partial charge. Other models may have to be charged for a long period when you first unbox them. Whatever the case may be, the best bet is to read the manual to make sure you know what makes your headset tick.
Until next time, happy listening!
