Top JBL Headphones of 2025: Best Models Reviewed

Explore the best JBL headphones of 2025, offering excellent sound quality and value for money. Find your perfect model today!

Introduction to JBL Headphones

JBL may not be as renowned as brands like Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser when it comes to headphones, but this American brand offers some of the best models in terms of price-to-quality ratio. The challenge lies in the sheer variety of models available, making it tricky to pinpoint which ones are truly suitable for you. That’s where we come in!

Our team of experts has meticulously tested each product on this list, evaluating their sound quality, design, and features before assigning an overall rating. We ensure that only the best models make the cut, worthy of your investment.

Whether you're searching for a budget-friendly pair of headphones or looking to splurge on something more premium without breaking the bank, JBL has something for everyone. If it's on this list, rest assured it's a product worth your hard-earned money!

1. JBL Live Pro 2 TWS – Best Budget JBL Headphones

Technical Specifications:

• Operating System Support: Android / iOS
• Bluetooth Version: 5.2
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Battery Life: 8 hours (30 hours with charging case)
• Water Resistance Rating: IPX5
• Weight: 4.8 g per bud

Pros:

• Crisp, lively sound
• Strong bass response
• User-friendly app and setup

Cons:

• Lacks aptX HD or LDAC support
• Control settings could be improved
• Limited to three ear tip options

In today's market, you can snag a pair of true wireless earbuds for the price of a (small) order at a London pub. However, entry-level models often provide only the bare minimum in terms of features. The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS is slightly more expensive but comes equipped with additional capabilities compared to the cheapest alternatives.

They look stylish for their price, with a shiny finish that sets them apart from similarly priced competitors. They fit comfortably, though not as snugly as some pairs, and boast extra features expected from headphones at this level. These include wireless charging, IPX5 water resistance (most budget pairs have IPX4), and multipoint Bluetooth, allowing quick switching between devices without the hassle of reconnecting.

With 30 hours of battery life (including the case), their endurance is on par with pricier models. Noise cancellation is impressive, automatically adjusting to optimize the level based on your surroundings. The sound is robust and clear, even without aptX HD or LDAC support. While they might not be the quietest, for the price, they absolutely deserve the five-star rating we awarded them in our review.

2. JBL Live Beam 3 – Best Mid-Range JBL Headphones

Technical Specifications:

• Operating System Support: iOS / Android
• Bluetooth: 5.3
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Battery Life: 9-10 hours (with ANC on), total of 48 hours (with charging case)
• Water Resistance Rating: IP55
• Weight: 5 g per bud

Pros:

• Friendly sound and design
• Detailed, rich presentation
• Effective ANC for the price
• Smart case is innovative and fun
• Packed with features

Cons:

• Could use more refinement and dynamic expression
• Some fit issues reported
• Smart case may not appeal to everyone
• Too many features for some

If you like the idea of a charging case with a screen but don’t want to spend flagship money on the Tour Pro 3, the JBL Live Beam 3 could be your go-to. The touch screen on the Live Beam 3 case allows you to control volume and playback, adjust noise cancellation, and more, all without pulling your phone from your pocket. However, unlike the Tour Pro 3, it doesn’t function as a wireless transmitter.

Its compact size makes it convenient for pocket storage. How useful you find the screen depends on personal preference. JBL has included various sliders for sound customization, including options for voice calls and noise cancellation. The ANC feature works well, provided you’re not expecting flagship-level performance.

At this price point, solid sound is a given, and that's exactly what you get. Ideally, they could deliver more detail and dynamic sound, but they offer a lively listening experience that's more enjoyable than many competitors at a similar price, striking a good frequency balance.

Some may find the abundance of features overwhelming, and one team member struggled to find ear tips that fit snugly, but you won’t find many mid-tier headphones offering this much value for the money.

3. JBL Tour Pro 3 – Best Premium JBL Headphones

Technical Specifications:

• Operating System Support: iOS / Android
• Bluetooth: 5.3
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Battery Life: 7 hours with ANC on, 11 hours with ANC off (+33 hours from charging case with ANC off)
• Water Resistance Rating: IP55
• Weight: 5.6 g per bud

Pros:

• Solid, precise sound
• Spacious presentation
• Multiple ear tip options
• Smart features

Cons:

• Class leaders have more dynamic sound
• Lacks some rhythmic drive

The Tour Pro 3 likely stands as the most expensive JBL headphones that What Hi-Fi? has ever tested, but the price is somewhat justified given the virtually endless list of features.

Among its standout features is the small touch screen on the front of the charging case, which serves as an alternative to the JBL Headphones app when you need to change settings or use the "Find JBL headphones" feature. The case also doubles as a wireless transmitter if connected to a 3.5mm or USB port.

This last option is less flashy than the first, and while it may not be as eye-catching, the extensive codec support could be even more useful. It supports SBC, AAC, and Sony’s LDAC (given a compatible source, of course); there’s even a dedicated mode to eliminate lip-sync issues while watching videos, and the Smart Talk feature lets you converse without removing the earbuds.

Of course, all of this wouldn’t matter if the sound quality were lacking. While the Tour Pro 3 may not have the sonic refinement of the finest earbuds, they still deliver a very clear, engaging, and mature sound. Noise cancellation doesn’t compare to the best from competitors, but it effectively reduces noise on public transport.

Add to this a comfortable fit with various ear tips included, and you’ll see why the price is entirely justified.

Our review of JBL Tour Pro 3 highlights its impressive features and performance.

How to Choose the Best JBL Headphones?

Finding the perfect pair of headphones can be a daunting task, but there are a few key questions that can help narrow down your options significantly.

First, determine your budget and decide what type of headphones you need: in-ear or over-ear. If you’re likely to be listening on the go, in-ear models may be more suitable as they can be easily stowed away in your pocket when not in use. Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, tend to be more comfortable for prolonged listening sessions. If you primarily listen at home, you might consider wired headphones, but Bluetooth is surely the king of convenience.

If you plan to use them outside, consider choosing a pair with noise cancellation. This feature used to be limited to premium models, but in recent years it has become available in more budget-friendly options, although you’ll still need to spend more for the most effective models.

Many headphones now come with an IP rating indicating their resistance to water or dirt. If you intend to use your headphones during workouts, check this to ensure they can withstand sweat or unexpected downpours. For rigorous training, additional securing may be required to keep them from falling out of your ears.

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• What is the best budget JBL headphone?
  • The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS offers great value for its price, providing excellent sound quality and features.
• Are JBL headphones good for workouts?
  • Yes, many JBL headphones, especially those with an IP rating, are designed for active use and can withstand sweat.
• How long do JBL headphones typically last?
  • Battery life varies by model, but many JBL headphones offer several hours of playback time, often with additional support from charging cases.
• Is noise cancellation effective in JBL headphones?
  • Yes, JBL headphones with ANC technology, like the Live Beam 3 and Tour Pro 3, provide a substantial reduction in ambient noise.
• What features should I look for in JBL headphones?
  • Consider sound quality, battery life, comfort, and whether you need features like noise cancellation or water resistance.