Fender Expands Into Wireless Audio with a Bold CES 2026 Reveal
The iconic guitar brand Fender is stepping into the bustling world of wireless headphones with a product that aims to redefine endurance. At CES 2026, Fender Audio announced its first ever wireless headphones, marketed under the name Mix. While the headphone landscape is crowded with premium options, Fender is leaning into a distinguishing feature that travelers, commuters, and long-form listeners will notice: exceptional battery life.
Battery Life That Says It’s Here to Stay
According to Fender, the Mix headphones can deliver up to 100 hours of playback when active noise cancellation (ANC) is turned off. That figure positions the Mix as a standout choice for anyone who spends long days away from power sources—think road trips, multi-day flights, or extended studio sessions. In real-world scenarios, listeners can expect a practical blend of duration and performance, with the promise of days between charges for routine use. The long-life battery is paired with USB-C charging and a conservative charging profile designed to minimize heat and maximize efficiency, factors that matter to listeners who rely on a dependable everyday companion.
ANC and Sound Quality: Where Battery Life Meets Performance
Fender’s Mix headphones offer an adjustable ANC mode for those who want to cut external noise without draining the battery. In ANC-off mode, the headphones dedicate more of their energy reserves to playback fidelity and comfort, enabling the impressive 100-hour benchmark. When ANC is turned on, listeners should anticipate a natural trade-off, with the battery life reducing to a level that remains respectable for everyday use. Fender positions Mix as a flexible option for both focused listening and casual listening experiences, whether at home, in transit, or in a shared office space.
Design and Comfort for All-Day Wearing
From first glance, the Mix headphones carry Fender’s signature design language—clean lines, a robust build, and a focus on comfort. The ear cushions are designed for extended wearing, with soft, breathable materials that reduce fatigue during long sessions. The adjustment mechanism is smooth, enabling a secure fit for various head shapes and sizes. The overall weight is balanced to minimize pressure while still delivering a stable, studio-grade listening experience. While heavy listening sessions are within reach thanks to the long battery life, day-long comfort remains a priority in Fender’s design approach.
Connectivity and Use Cases
Fender’s Mix supports Bluetooth pairing with multiple devices, making it easy to switch between a phone, tablet, laptop, or music player. The inclusion of a straightforward control scheme—on-ear controls and a physical mute/hold option—helps users manage playback and calls without constantly reaching for their devices. The real-world use cases include traveling professionals who need reliable wireless performance, creators who require stable headphone hardware for editing or mixing on the go, and casual listeners who simply want hours of uninterrupted music without recharging. Battery longevity, combined with dependable connectivity, makes these headphones a practical choice for multitaskers and enthusiasts alike.
What CES 2026 Means for Fender Audio
Launching its first wireless headphones at a premier tech show signals Fender’s intent to diversify beyond instruments and gear. CES provides a platform to prove that the brand can translate its audio heritage into consumer headphones that appeal to a broad audience. While the 100-hour battery claim is the headline feature, the overall package—sound quality, comfort, build quality, and intuitive controls—will determine how well the Mix headphones perform in a crowded market. Early impressions suggest Fender is betting on a combination of durability and practical, real-world performance to win over listeners who demand both longevity and a satisfying listening experience.
Conclusion: A Worthy Companion for Long Listening Sessions
Fender’s Mix wireless headphones arrive with a compelling proposition: the promise of up to 100 hours of playback, especially appealing to those who value endurance alongside quality sound. As CES 2026 unfolds, the Mix will face intense competition from established audio brands, but its distinctive emphasis on battery life could carve out a niche for listeners who want a dependable partner for long sessions—whether in transit, at a studio, or during extended workdays. For fans of Fender’s music heritage and new listeners seeking a rugged, long-lasting wireless solution, the Mix headphones offer a thoughtful blend of endurance, comfort, and practical features.
