The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds were recently unveiled during a Gamescom press conference we attended. They aim to offer a high-end audio experience, but their distinctiveness comes from their feature-rich design, attempting to blend premium sound quality with modern conveniences like noise cancelling and a touchscreen case with tons of features. Here’s a closer look.
Starting with the sound, these earbuds deliver impressive audio performance, particularly in the mid and high ranges. The clarity is striking, making them a solid choice for listening to a variety of genres. Bass lovers might notice that while the low-end is deep, it doesn’t overpower the rest of the sound, making for a more balanced audio profile. However, compared to some of the competition, the bass could feel a bit restrained if you prefer punchier, more bass-heavy tones – which surprised us considering JBL’s speakers that always perform well in this area. The accompanying JBL app allows you to customize the EQ settings though, which is a nice addition for audiophiles looking to fine-tune their listening experience and can remedy things a bit if you want more bass.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on the Tour Pro 3 works pretty well, depending on the circumstances. It performs well enough in blocking out general ambient noise, like the hum of an office or the sounds of public transport, but the ANC struggles slightly with more sudden or sharp sounds – which can also be a gust of wind when walking outside. For those used to top-tier noise cancelling, especially of the over-ear variety, this may feel like a small step down, even though for most everyday scenarios, the ANC on the Tour Pro 3 gets the job done.
One of the most unique aspects of the Tour Pro 3 is the fantastic case, which sports a built-in touchscreen. It’s an innovative idea, allowing you to control the earbuds without taking out your phone. The screen lets you adjust volume, check battery life, and toggle noise cancellation, among other functions. While it feels futuristic, it’s not always as responsive or intuitive as one might hope, which could lead to some frustration when trying to make quick adjustments – but firmware updates could improve this. We already think it’s a fantastic feature though, letting you tweak the sounds you’re listening to without all the distractions of your phone and its notifications.
Comfort and build quality are another area where the Tour Pro 3 stands out. The earbuds feel light and secure, even during extended listening sessions. They come with a variety of ear tips to ensure a good fit, which helps enhance both comfort and sound isolation. The sleek design gives them a premium feel, though some may find the touch-sensitive controls on the earbuds themselves a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental taps if your touch isn’t delicate enough.
When it comes to call quality, the built-in microphone performs admirably in quiet environments. However, in noisier settings, the microphone can struggle to isolate your voice from the surrounding sounds, which might cause issues for those frequently making calls on the go.
Battery life is another strong point for the Tour Pro 3, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 30 hours. Even with ANC turned on, the battery life remains impressive, making these earbuds a good companion for long trips or extended commutes. And because the case can act as a transmitter on a long flight when connected to the in-flight entertainment, you can remain wireless while watching a few films or shows.
In the end, the JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds bring a lot to the table, with solid sound quality, comfortable fit, and innovative features like the touchscreen case. However, some aspects, like the noise cancelling and call performance, may fall short for those seeking top-tier performance in all circumstance. At their price point, they face stiff competition, but for users looking for a versatile set of earbuds with a unique twist, the Tour Pro 3 offers a compelling package, and the included case is truly innovative.
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