The JBL E55BT Wireless are wireless headphones with a fairly versatile sound profile. They have a stylish design with a decent sound and a comfortable design. They're lightweight yet decently well-built, and they're pretty easy to use. They do well for most uses but don't block enough noise for very noisy environments and won't be the best headphones for watching movies or gaming.
Our Verdict
The JBL E55BT are okay for mixed-use. They have good battery life, a comfortable design, and are a bit plasticky, but are decently well-built. They also have a fairly balanced sound that won't be ideal for fans of neutral sound but should satisfy most casual listeners. However, they don't block a lot of noise, and they won't be the best headphones to game or watch movies.
- Audio cable included.
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The JBL E55BT are adequate for neutral listening. They're comfortable and fairly well-balanced. They have a good bass response that doesn't drown instruments and vocals, and tapered high tones that don't sound too sharp. Unfortunately, their soundstage is subpar due to their closed-back design, and they're a bit inconsistent in the bass range, especially if you wear glasses.
The JBL E55BT are acceptable for commuting. They're lightweight, easy to use, and decently portable. However, they don't block a lot of noise, so they won't be ideal if you have a very noisy commute.
The JBL E55BT are decent for sports and fitness. They're relatively lightweight and tight enough to stay on your head when jogging. Their wireless design also makes them less likely to fall because the audio cable got hooked on something. However, they get fairly warm during physical activity, which isn't ideal.
The JBL E55BT are mediocre for office use. They don't block a lot of noise, so you'll hear what's going on around you in a lively office, but on the upside, they don't leak much audio at average volumes.
The JBL E55BT aren't suitable for wireless gaming. They have too much latency, a mediocre mic, and no customization options. They're not the most comfortable headphones to use for long gaming sessions, but at least they come with a versatile audio cable that's compatible with most console controllers and PCs.
Changelog
- Updated Feb 19, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Jun 17, 2019: We've updated the comfort score of this review to better represent how comfortable these headphones are.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The JBL E55BT are decent wireless headphones for everyday casual use. They have the same design as the JBL E45BT Wireless but with over-ear cups and have about the same performance in most aspects. They're a bit more comfortable, though. Your preference between on-ears and over-ears is what will matter most when choosing between them.
See our recommendations for the best wireless headphones and the best over-ear headphones under $100.
The JBL E55BT Wireless and the JBL E45BT Wireless are practically the same headphones, but the E55BT are over-ears while the E45BT are on-ears. They have very similar audio reproduction and are built the same way. However, the over-ear design is more comfortable for most and is steadier on the head for sports. On the other hand, it's not as breathable as the E45BT's on-ear design. There are also more bass delivery inconsistencies with the over-ear E55BT, and they have noticeably shorter battery life and wireless range than the on-ear E45BT.
The JBL Everest Elite 700 Wireless are a better, more customizable headphone overall when compared to the JBL E55BT Wireless. The Everest Elite 700 support the JBL Headphones app, and the E55BT don't. This gives them access to an EQ and more customization options, including noise cancelling settings for each ear cup. Also, since the Everest are noise cancelling headphones, they do much better in noisy conditions. They also have a better build quality and a more durable design overall. The JBL E55BT are more compact and slightly more comfortable, thanks to their lightweight build and the better fit that does not clamp your head as much.
The JBL E55BT Wireless and the Skullcandy Hesh 3 Wireless are pretty similar, but the JBL E55BT might be a slightly better option. They are a bit more comfortable to wear during long listening sessions and don't feel as cheaply made as the Skullcandy. The JBL can connect to two devices simultaneously and have an in-line microphone, which the Skullcandy lacks. On the other hand, the wireless range of the Skullcandy is significantly better, and they take half the time to charge for about the same battery life. However, the mid-range of the Skullcandy is pretty underemphasized, which will push vocals and lead instruments to the back of the mix.
If you prefer a compact on-ear design, then the JBL T450BT Wireless could be a decent choice; however, the JBL E55BT Wireless are much better in most other aspects. The E55BT are more premium and durable than the T450BT. They sound better, have a longer battery life, and can pair with two devices at once. They also have a headphone jack so you can use them wired when their battery dies or with your console's controller. The T450BT, on the other hand, are a bit more lightweight, portable, and stable for sports than the E55BT.
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