Today we’re going to take another look at inear headphones from JBL. But not just any Headphones, but the top model from JBL, the JBL Live Pro + TWS. With an MSRP of 180 euros, the headphones are much cheaper than the top models of other types.
Design processing of the JBL headphones
First, let’s look at the design of the Inear headphones. The headphones remind us visually, but the Air Pods Pro still have their own look. We were particularly pleased with the design of the charging case, which is even smaller than that of Apple’s Air PodsPro and with a better battery life. The workmanship of the headphones is really good. The charging case is also well made, but the hinge could be a bit more stable. Overall, we are really pleasantly surprised by the workmanship.
The setup and control of the JBL Live Pro + TW
Thanks to Fast Pair, the headphones can be paired with newer Android devices in a few seconds. With all other devices you have to do this via the Bluetooth settings. The rest of the setup process takes place via the JBL app. The control of the headphones is also explained in detail here.
JBL has implemented the control of the headphones really well, the assignment of the touch control can be adapted to your own needs in the app, although there are a few restrictions, since the assignment is not free, but has predetermined settings. By default, a single tap on the left earpiece toggles between basic sound, ANC and transparent mode, while the Talkthru function is switched on and off with a double tap. The media playback can be controlled via the right side, whereby double tapping means jumping forward and three times tapping backward. Answering and ending calls is possible on both sides by tapping twice. The respective voice assistant is activated with a hold.
The JBL Headphones App
The battery life of the headphones and the case can be viewed in JBL’s own app. However, these values are also transferred to the operating system for both IOS and Android. The app also offers the option to switch between transparent mode and active noise suppression. And by far the most important function in the app is the EQ. There are some preset profiles, but you can also create your own. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the controls can be adapted.
How well did JBL manage the ANC
JBL has really struggled with the ANC issue in recent years. Especially when you compare it to competitors like Bose, Sony and Apple, JBL was miles away. And what about the JBL Live Pro + TWS now? Well, let’s start from the beginning, JBL has taken their ANC technology to a whole new level. The headphones filter out continuous background noises such as driving an S-Bahn or road traffic very well, even if the Air Pods Pro, for example, are still a bit better here. Unfortunately, JBL did not manage to do well in the king’s discipline, the headphones filter out conversations and high frequencies rather mediocre, but you have to say that even the Bose QC45 sometimes reaches its limits here. The transparent mode is practical, but there is still room for improvement. It is better to take the headphones out during a conversation. In contrast, the mode is very useful for a better perception of, for example, road traffic.
How good do the headphones sound
Let’s come back to the most important topic when it comes to listening to sound. JBL has really done a great job here. The JBL Live Pro + TWS sound both balanced and powerful. The highs are really pleasant, even if they could be a bit more detailed, but that’s criticism on a high level. The mids and bass are unrivaled, especially with the low notes it is impressive what kind of power is transmitted here. In addition, there is an EQ in the JBL Headphones App with which you can adapt the sound to your own taste. That works really well and is also important, because for people who do not like to have a lot of “bass” in their sound, you have to readjust something here. In the end we can only say that JBL really exceeded our expectations in terms of sound.
Battery life
According to the manufacturer, the headphones themselves last 7 hours and can then be charged three more times. We can partially confirm that, typically such values are measured at approx. 50% volume and activated ANC. We did not measure this scenario as most people will not be using their headphones that way. With a volume of 70% and the ANC switched on, we got a little more than 5 hours of running time. This gives the headphones a really good value. In addition, they can be charged enough in 10 minutes to be able to hear again for 1 hour.
The conclusion to the JBL Live Pro + TWS
With most of the headphones from JBL, we had the feeling that in some places something would not have been thought through to the end or that one did not really believe in one’s own product during development. It is all the better that the company is slowly making it to the top of the headphone manufacturers. The JBL Live Pro + TWS prove that the company can build headphones. And we can only give a buy recommendation. However, as always, keep your eyes open. You can currently get the Air Pods Pro for less than 200 euros and so they are only slightly more expensive than our test product from JBL. At Apple you get the better ANC for the money and a somewhat detailed sound, which we would not call better, however. In return, a poorer battery life.
