No matter which model you buy, the best wireless headphones have the same limitation: sooner or later they will run out of charge, leaving you running to find an outlet or searching in your backpack for a battery. But Philips' new A6219 GO headphones don't have that problem, because they are solar-powered and rechargeable both indoors and outdoors.
The headphones feature a Powerfoyle solar cell, which it claims can provide up to 80 hours of playback on a single charge. I know, it's not unlimited battery life, but it's an exceptionally long period of time for a top pair of wireless earbuds. The cell can be recharged through both interior and exterior light, so recharging it should be something that just happens without you having to think about it.
Cargo brigade light.
The A6219 have been designed to keep weight to a minimum for long-term comfort. The earcups are even gel-filled to keep your ears cool during extended listening, and the covers are washable and breathable, which is helpful if you want headphones that you can sweat while wearing them. They are also IP55 rated for water, sweat and dust resistance, making them extremely durable.
Of course, no amount of battery life will make up for bad sound, but these new headphones sound promising. Inside are newly developed 40mm drivers and they have the same Philips sound profile as the Fidelio range. In our detailed review of the Fidelio L4, we praised the rich, clear audio, which we felt was on par with the Sony WH-1000XM5. In fact, that's high praise, so if these new headphones offer a similar sonic equivalent, Philips could be a winner in wearables.
In addition to the new A6219 GO over-ear headphones, Philips also launched a new pair of open-back sports headphones called A6709, which could rival the best running headphones, and new over-ear headphones called H6509. What we don't know yet is how much these headphones will cost or when they will be available. We will stay informed.
