JBL Live 680NC Review: 50-Hour Battery & ANC Worth $159.95?
The JBL Live 680NC headphones offer a compelling package of features and battery life for their $160 price point, making them a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers seeking effective noise cancellation and robust app control.
Key Facts:
- Price: $159.95
- Battery Life: Up to 80 hours (ANC off), 50 hours (ANC on)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth with LE Audio, Auracast, Multipoint
- Features: Adaptive ANC, Ambient Aware, EQ customization, Spatial Audio, Wear Detection
- Weight: 231 grams
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 10Hz to 40kHz
Table of Contents
Sound Quality and Features
The JBL Live 680NC deliver good sound quality for their price, though they lean towards a bass-heavy profile. They are equipped with a substantial array of features designed to enhance the listening experience. These include well-implemented active noise cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Aware modes, offering significant reductions in ambient sound at moderate volume levels.
Further customization is available through the companion app, which provides extensive EQ options. Users can select from presets or utilize a parametric EQ to adjust frequencies between 32Hz and 16kHz with up to 6dB boost or cut.
JBL’s Personi-Fi 3.0 feature allows for personalized EQ tuning based on individual hearing tests, simplifying the process of achieving an optimal sound profile.
The headphones also support spatial audio, offering a virtual upmix of stereo content that adds a subtle sense of space. While not fully immersive, it is an interesting inclusion.
Call-related features and relaxation soundscapes are also accessible via the app, adding to the overall feature set without significantly impacting the core audio performance or ANC effectiveness.
Comfort and Design
The JBL Live 680NC sport a sharp, fairly premium look for their approximate $160 price. They utilize a blend of plastic, metal hinges, and leatherette-covered foam. Ample padding is present on both the headband and earcups. However, as on-ear headphones rather than over-ear, their fit differs from models like the JBL Live 780NC.
These headphones weigh approximately 231 grams. Due to their on-ear design, more of this weight rests on the top of the head.
While the cushioning helps, some users might feel a lingering pressure on their skull after extended listening sessions, a point of distinction from their more expensive counterparts. The ear pads are not removable, and the overall design mirrors the JBL Live 780NC.
Available in five colors, including black, blue, green, white, and champagne, they feature round earcups with one and a half inches of height adjustment per side.
Controls are located on the earcups, with volume buttons on the left and power/Bluetooth controls on the right, alongside a button to cycle through ANC modes. The USB-C charging port is also situated on the right earcup.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The battery performance of the JBL Live 680NC is a standout aspect, offering an impressive 80 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC deactivated. When active noise cancellation is engaged, the battery life extends to a still substantial 50 hours. A quick five-minute charge provides an additional four hours of listening time.
Connectivity options are robust. The headphones support Multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, and Auracast for sharing audio with multiple headphones.
Bluetooth with LE Audio is included, though it is not available for Apple users. Users can also customize on-ear controls and benefit from on-ear wear detection, which automatically pauses playback when the headphones are removed.
The JBL Live 680NC include a USB-C to Aux cable for wired listening. However, a USB-C charging cable is not provided in the box, requiring users to supply their own, which is a minor inconvenience given the $160 price point and the inclusion of other accessories like a soft carrying case.
Value and Alternatives
The JBL Live 680NC presents a strong value proposition within the mid-range headphone market, priced at $159.95. They offer a comprehensive feature set and exceptional battery life that rivals more expensive models, making them a compelling option for those on a budget.
However, these headphones come with certain compromises to achieve their accessible price. The sound profile is bass-heavy with a slightly rolled-off high end, and the spatial audio implementation is subtle.
The fit can also be a point of concern for some users due to pressure on the top of the head. These factors differentiate them from higher-end alternatives.
While the JBL Live 680NC are a good choice for budget-conscious buyers, they do not compete with premium offerings like the Sony WH-1000XM6.
For an additional $100, the JBL Live 780NC offer improved sound quality and a more balanced fit. Nevertheless, for individuals seeking a feature-rich and long-lasting pair of headphones without a significant financial outlay, the Live 680NC are a solid consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sound quality like on the JBL Live 680NC?
The JBL Live 680NC offers good sound quality for the price, characterized by a strong bass presence and a slightly warmer tone. The high-end may sound a bit rolled off to some listeners, and the soundstage has less separation than in more expensive models.
How long does the battery last on the JBL Live 680NC?
Battery life is a significant strength, with up to 80 hours of playback without active noise cancellation and 50 hours with ANC enabled. A five-minute fast charge can provide an additional four hours of use.
Are the JBL Live 680NC comfortable to wear?
The headphones have ample padding on the headband and earcups. However, because they are on-ear, their weight rests more on the top of the head, which might cause some pressure during extended listening sessions for certain users.
What connectivity options do the JBL Live 680NC support?
They support Multipoint connectivity for two devices, Auracast for audio sharing, and Bluetooth with LE Audio. The companion app allows for customization of controls, and wear detection can automatically pause playback.
Worth it if: You prioritize exceptional battery life and a robust feature set, including effective ANC and app customization, within a $160 budget.
Skip if: You require a neutral sound profile, a more comfortable over-ear fit for long durations, or the absolute best noise cancellation available on the market.
