- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Headphones
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We have currently tested 38 JBL headphones. They're a well-known brand that packs their headphones full of active features like music sharing or auto-off timers.
Updates
- 03/18/2021 JBL Live 650 BTNC Wireless updated
- 01/20/2021 JBL Tune 225TWS True Wireless reviewed
- 12/24/2020 JBL CLUB PRO+ TWS True Wireless reviewed
- 12/21/2020 JBL Endurance Peak II True Wireless reviewed
- 11/19/2020 JBL Tune 125TWS Truly Wireless reviewed
Best JBL Headphones
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Best Truly Wireless JBL Headphones
Type In-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless Truly WirelessNoise Cancelling YesMic YesTransducer DynamicThe JBL CLUB PRO+ TWS True Wireless are the best truly wireless JBL headphones that we've tested. These comfortable, well-built in-ears have a very stable fit, so they shouldn't fall out of your ears if you wear them while jogging. Out-of-the-box, they have a very neutral, balanced sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content. If you prefer a different sound, there's even a parametric EQ and presets available in the JBL Headphones app. Thanks to their ANC feature, they have good noise isolation, which is handy if you want to listen to music without distractions while working in a noisy office.
Unfortunately, they only do a fair job blocking out bass-heavy background noises like bus and plane engines, so you may still hear some ambient noise during your commute. Also, they don't support multi-device pairing, which can be inconvenient if you like to switch your audio source frequently. They only last for a little over seven hours off of a single charge, which may not be enough to last you through your 9-5 workday. That said, their portable charging case offers around three extra charges, which can help you power up while on the go.
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Best Over-Ear JBL Headphones
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling YesMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best JBL headphones with an over-ear design that we've tested are the JBL CLUB 950NC. These well-built Bluetooth over-ears have a comfortable, stable fit and a decently versatile overall performance. Their neutral, well-balanced sound profile makes them suitable for listening to a wide range of audio content, though they lack low-bass. If you prefer a different sound, you can use the parametric EQ and presets in the JBL Headphones app to customize their performance. They don't leak a lot of noise, and their 25-hour continuous battery life makes them suitable for long days on the go. Thanks to their ANC feature, they can block out background noise typically found in an office setting, like chatter from other coworkers.
Unfortunately, their ANC feature struggles to block out bass-heavy background noises like bus and plane engines, so they may not be ideal for your commute. Their integrated microphone has a disappointing recording quality, and they're mediocre for making phone calls. Their bulky over-ear design isn't as portable as truly wireless in-ears like the JBL LIVE 300TWS Truly Wireless, either. That said, they're still a solid choice, and they're the best JBL headphones for mixed usage that we've tested.
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Best On-Ear JBL Headphones
Type On-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best JBL headphones with an on-ear design that we've tested are the JBL Live 400BT. Their well-balanced sound profile is great for many music genres, and if you want to tweak it, the JBL Headphones app offers a full parametric EQ with presets. Their battery life is outstanding as they have 30 hours of continuous playtime and an auto-off timer, so you won't have to worry about running out of power if you forget to turn them off. They can pair with up to two devices at once, which is great when you want to switch between your computer and phone.
However, they feel more cheaply made than the JBL Everest 310 Wireless, and they don't come with a case to help protect them when you're on the go. Also, some users may find their on-ear fit uncomfortable, especially for long listening sessions. Still, if you prefer on-ear headphones, these have a decent overall performance and are a solid choice from this brand.
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Best Budget JBL Headphones
Type In-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best JBL headphones in the budget category that we tested are the JBL Endurance Sprint. These colorful wireless earbuds have an ear-hook design that feels fairly well-built for their price point. If you enjoy sports, these are a very good option as they have a stable fit and an IPX7 rating for water resistance, although we don't currently test for it. They're also among the best-sounding wireless earbuds that we’ve tested, and their well-balanced sound profile is easily suited for a variety of audio genres.
Unfortunately, their in-ear fit may not be the most comfortable for all users, and their touch controls are sensitive, so registering an accurate command can be difficult. Still, they have a nine-hour battery life that should be enough to get you through your workday, and they can even reduce a good amount of background noise around you. At their price point, these are a pair of wireless in-ears with a decent performance.
Compared to other brands
- Well-balanced sound. Although we haven't tested the JBL's full range of headphones, this brand noticeably focuses on well-balanced sound reproduction. As they're a subsidiary branch of Harman, their headphones typically follow the Harman curve, which creates a balanced sound profile suitable for most audio genres.
- Feature-packed. JBL's wide variety of wireless headphones come jam-packed with active features like music sharing or auto-off timers. They also have a mobile app that allows you to customize more of your audio experience, like controlling noise isolation or tweaking sound with their fully parametric equalizer.
- Easy-to-use. The JBL headphones we've tested tend to have simple and intuitive controls. Most also have a dedicated sync button for Bluetooth pairing, which makes the process easier.
- Mediocre comfort. Although we haven't tested all of JBL's headphone lineup, some of their headphones have comfort issues like too tight a fit or slightly small ear cups that don't fit well around the user's ears.
- Plasticky designs. Most of JBL's headphones have decent build quality, but the ones we've tested feel plasticky, especially given their price range.
- No open-back models. While it may not be an issue for more casual listeners, JBL lacks an open-back model that can create more spacious soundstages suited for audiophiles.
Overall, JBL makes feature-packed headphones that usually have a well-balanced sound as they tend to closely follow the Harman curve. However, their design and fit may not always be the most comfortable, and despite their price, they have a plasticky build that can feel a bit cheap.
Recent Updates
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Apr 19, 2021: Added the JBL CLUB PRO+ TWS True Wireless as 'Best Truly Wireless' pick.
Conclusion
JBL offers a variety of headphones for different uses. They generally have a well-balanced sound, but you can EQ most of them with their companion app if you want it to sound slightly differently. While they don't produce headphones as comfortable as other popular brands like Bose and Sennheiser, and they don't offer any models that are specifically catered for audiophiles, their colorful designs are packed with unique features like music sharing that make JBL a great brand for casual, everyday headphones.
If you're still looking around, check out recommendations for the best over-ear headphones.
