JBL Live 670NC Review: Worth The Money?

Looking for headphones that can keep up with your busy lifestyle without breaking the bank? The JBL Live 670NC might just be your perfect companion.

These on-ear wireless headphones pack impressive features like adaptive noise cancelling, massive battery life, and JBL’s signature sound into a portable, foldable design.

But do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into this comprehensive review to find out if the JBL Live 670NC deserves a spot in your audio collection.

Key Takeaways

• True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Technology: These headphones feature smart noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment. The system uses multiple microphones to detect ambient noise and adapts in real time, making your commute or office work more peaceful.
• Highly Portable Design: The foldable on-ear design makes these headphones incredibly travel-friendly. They take up minimal space in your bag and come with a carrying pouch for added protection.
• JBL Signature Sound with Customization: You get powerful bass and clear audio straight out of the box. The companion app offers multiple EQ presets and a 10-band graphic equalizer, so you can fine-tune the sound exactly how you like it.
• Excellent Value for Money: Priced at $129.95, these headphones offer premium features typically found in more expensive models. You get ANC, long battery life, multipoint connectivity, and both wireless and wired connection options.

JBL Live 670NC Headphones

The JBL Live 670NC represents JBL’s latest entry into the competitive wireless headphone market. These on-ear headphones stand out with their combination of advanced features and affordable pricing. The headphones deliver what many users want most: reliable noise cancellation, impressive battery performance, and comfortable wear for extended periods.

JBL designed these headphones for people who need versatile audio gear. The foldable construction makes them ideal for travelers and commuters. You can easily slip them into your backpack without worrying about taking up too much space. The cloth-covered headband adds a premium touch that you don’t often see in this price range.

What makes the Live 670NC special is the True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology. This system doesn’t just block noise at one level. It actively monitors your surroundings and adjusts the cancellation strength automatically. Whether you’re in a quiet library or a noisy subway, the headphones adapt to give you the best listening experience.

The headphones come in a classic black finish that looks professional and modern. JBL includes everything you need in the box: a USB-C charging cable in their iconic orange color, a 3.5mm audio cable for wired connections, and a cloth carrying bag. This attention to detail shows JBL understands what users actually need.

These headphones work great for multiple scenarios. Students can use them for online classes. Office workers benefit from the noise cancellation during busy workdays. Music lovers appreciate the powerful JBL Signature Sound. The 65-hour battery life means you won’t constantly worry about recharging. You can focus on what matters most, whether that’s your work, your music, or your favorite podcast.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Live 670NC features a thoughtful design that balances style with practicality. The cloth-covered headband immediately sets these headphones apart from competitors that use cheaper materials. This textile covering provides excellent comfort and adds a premium aesthetic that makes the headphones look more expensive than they are.

The build quality feels solid without being heavy. JBL used high-quality plastics that feel durable enough to withstand daily use. The swiveling ear cups rotate smoothly and lock into place when you fold the headphones. This folding mechanism feels robust and doesn’t have the wobble you sometimes find in budget headphones.

The ear pads use soft foam covered with protein leather. They provide good cushioning against your ears. The padding strikes a nice balance between firm support and comfortable softness. Many users can wear these headphones for several hours without experiencing pressure pain or excessive heat buildup.

Portability is where these headphones truly shine. When folded, they become remarkably compact. The on-ear design means smaller ear cups compared to over-ear models. This size reduction makes a real difference when you’re packing for a trip or trying to fit headphones into an already full bag.

The color options remain limited to black and blue finishes. The black version has a professional appearance suitable for office environments. The matte finish resists fingerprints and scratches better than glossy alternatives. Small JBL branding appears on the ear cups without being overly flashy.

One design consideration is the lack of IP rating for water resistance. You should avoid using these headphones in the rain or at the gym where sweat might damage them. This limitation makes sense given the price point, but it’s worth noting if you want headphones for all situations.

The included accessories show JBL’s attention to user needs. The cloth carrying bag protects the headphones during travel. The orange USB-C cable is easy to spot in your bag. The 3.5mm cable gives you wired backup when your battery runs low or when you want to use airline entertainment systems.

Top 3 Alternatives for JBL Live 670NC

Comfort and Fit

Comfort plays a huge role in headphone satisfaction, and the JBL Live 670NC delivers a pleasant wearing experience. The on-ear design sits on your ears rather than around them. This style creates a lighter feel compared to bulky over-ear headphones. You’ll notice the difference immediately when you put them on.

The clamping force is moderate and well-balanced. JBL engineered these headphones to stay secure on your head without squeezing too tightly. This balance is important for people who wear headphones for long periods. The headband adjusts smoothly to fit different head sizes. The adjustment mechanism clicks firmly into place at each position.

The cloth-covered headband provides superior comfort compared to leather or plastic alternatives. This material breathes better, reducing heat buildup on top of your head. During extended listening sessions, you won’t experience the sweaty discomfort that some headphones cause. The padding inside the headband distributes weight evenly across your head.

The ear pads feature memory foam that molds to the shape of your ears. This adaptation improves both comfort and sound isolation. The foam maintains its shape well even after hours of use. The covering material feels soft against your skin without feeling cheap or prone to flaking.

One significant advantage of the on-ear design is compatibility with glasses and sunglasses. Over-ear headphones often press glasses frames uncomfortably against your head. The Live 670NC sits on your ears without interfering with eyewear. You can wear your glasses all day without experiencing pressure pain behind your ears.

The headphones work well with hats too. The smaller profile means you can wear a baseball cap or beanie without the headphones pushing it off your head. This versatility makes these headphones practical for outdoor use during cooler weather.

After wearing these headphones for two to three hours, most users report good comfort levels. Some people with larger ears might find the on-ear design less comfortable than over-ear alternatives. The pressure on your ears can become noticeable during very long sessions exceeding four hours. Taking occasional breaks helps maintain comfort.

The lightweight construction contributes significantly to comfort. These headphones don’t weigh down your head during long commutes. You can wear them while walking without feeling unbalanced. The weight distribution feels natural and doesn’t cause neck strain.

Sound Quality and Performance

Sound quality is where the JBL Live 670NC really shows its personality. These headphones deliver the JBL Signature Sound that the brand is famous for. This sound profile emphasizes bass without completely overwhelming the other frequencies. Music sounds exciting and engaging right out of the box.

The bass response is powerful and present. When you listen to hip-hop, electronic music, or rock, the low-end frequencies deliver satisfying punch. The sub-bass extends deep enough to feel physical impact during bass drops. This bass emphasis doesn’t turn muddy or unclear. You can still distinguish individual bass notes and hear the texture in bass guitar playing.

Mid-range frequencies get slightly recessed compared to the lows and highs. Vocals still sound clear and natural, but they sit slightly behind the instrumental elements. This tuning makes sense for casual listening where you want an exciting, fun sound. Singers’ voices come through with good detail. You can hear breathing, subtle inflections, and vocal techniques without straining.

The treble frequencies add sparkle and detail to your music. Cymbals, hi-hats, and acoustic guitar strings sound crisp and defined. The high end doesn’t reach piercing or harsh levels. You can listen at higher volumes without experiencing ear fatigue from sharp treble. This balance makes these headphones suitable for long listening sessions.

The soundstage offers decent width for closed-back on-ear headphones. Instruments have some separation in the stereo field. You can identify where different elements sit in the mix. The imaging is good enough for casual music listening and watching movies. Don’t expect the expansive soundstage you’d get from open-back studio headphones.

Detail retrieval impresses at this price point. You can hear subtle production elements in well-recorded tracks. Background vocals, reverb tails, and quiet instrumental parts come through clearly. These headphones reveal new details in songs you’ve heard many times before.

The frequency response remains consistent whether you use ANC, wired mode, or standard wireless playback. This consistency means your music sounds the same regardless of which mode you choose. Many headphones change their sound signature when you enable ANC, but the Live 670NC maintains its character.

Different music genres perform well on these headphones. Electronic and dance music benefit from the strong bass. Rock music sounds energetic with good drum impact. Classical music works reasonably well, though audiophiles might want more neutral tuning. Jazz sounds pleasant with good instrument separation. Pop music particularly shines with the engaging sound signature.

The volume levels get impressively loud without distortion. You can easily drown out noisy environments without pushing the headphones to their limits. The drivers handle high volumes cleanly, maintaining sound quality even when you crank up the volume.

JBL Headphones App and Customization

The JBL Headphones app transforms these headphones from good to excellent. This companion app unlocks the full potential of the Live 670NC. You can download it free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app connects quickly to your headphones via Bluetooth and provides an intuitive interface.

The graphic equalizer stands out as the app’s most valuable feature. JBL provides a 10-band EQ that lets you adjust specific frequency ranges. You can boost or cut frequencies between 50Hz and 16kHz. This level of control allows precise sound tuning to match your preferences. The EQ responds in real time, so you hear changes immediately as you adjust sliders.

JBL includes several EQ presets to get you started. The Jazz preset works well for acoustic music. The Club preset enhances bass and treble for dance music. The Studio preset offers a more balanced, neutral sound. The Bass Sound and Extreme Bass presets push the low end even further, though many users find these excessive.

You can modify any preset to create custom profiles. Start with the preset closest to your desired sound, then tweak individual bands to perfect it. The app saves your custom presets for easy switching. This flexibility means you can have different settings for different music genres or activities.

The app also controls the listening modes. You can switch between Active Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware mode, and TalkThru mode directly from your phone. Each mode has adjustable intensity levels. The Ambient Aware mode slider lets you choose how much outside sound to let in.

Touch control customization appears in the app settings. You can reassign the functions of different touch gestures. This customization helps if you find the default controls unintuitive. You can disable touch controls entirely if you prefer using only the physical buttons.

The app displays your current battery level as a percentage. This precise reading helps you plan charging sessions. You also see which devices are connected when using multipoint connectivity. The app makes managing multiple devices straightforward.

Additional settings include auto-play, auto-pause, and auto-power-off timers. Auto-play starts your music when you put the headphones on. Auto-pause stops playback when you remove them. The power-off timer conserves battery by shutting down the headphones after a period of inactivity.

The Spatial Sound feature tries to create a 3D audio experience. This setting works better for movies than music. It widens the soundstage but can make music sound less focused. You might enjoy experimenting with it, though many users prefer the standard sound mode.

Firmware updates deliver through the app. JBL releases updates to fix bugs and occasionally add features. The update process takes a few minutes and requires your headphones to stay connected throughout. Keeping firmware current ensures optimal performance.

Noise Cancelling Performance

The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology is a major selling point for these headphones. This system goes beyond basic ANC by automatically adjusting to your environment. Multiple microphones continuously monitor ambient noise levels and adapt the cancellation strength accordingly.

The noise cancelling works best on low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, train rumble, and air conditioning hum. These constant, droning noises get reduced significantly. You’ll notice the difference immediately when you enable ANC in noisy environments. The background roar of traffic or plane engines fades to a much quieter level.

Mid-frequency noise like conversation and office chatter gets partially blocked. The ANC helps reduce these sounds but doesn’t eliminate them completely. This performance is typical for headphones in this price range. The on-ear design provides some passive isolation that works together with ANC to block outside noise.

High-frequency sounds like keyboard typing, dishes clattering, or children’s voices aren’t blocked as effectively. ANC technology generally struggles with these frequencies. The physical seal created by the ear pads provides most of the isolation for high-pitched sounds.

The adaptive nature of the ANC becomes noticeable when you move between different environments. When you walk from a quiet room into a busy street, the headphones detect the increased noise and strengthen the cancellation. This adjustment happens smoothly without jarring changes that draw your attention.

One impressive aspect is the lack of pressure sensation that some ANC headphones create. Many users report a feeling of cabin pressure when ANC activates. The Live 670NC minimizes this sensation. You can use ANC for extended periods without experiencing discomfort or the feeling of your ears being plugged.

The Ambient Aware mode provides useful transparency when you need to hear your surroundings. This mode uses the external microphones to pipe outside sounds into your headphones. You can adjust the level of pass-through audio using the app. This feature proves helpful in airports when you need to hear boarding announcements or in the office when you want to remain aware of your surroundings.

TalkThru mode takes transparency further by dramatically reducing your music volume. This mode lets you have conversations without removing your headphones. The mode works, but most people prefer just pausing their music and removing the headphones for conversations.

The noise cancelling doesn’t introduce noticeable hiss or distortion into your audio. Some cheaper ANC headphones add audible noise when cancellation is active. The Live 670NC keeps this artifact minimal. Your music sounds clean whether ANC is on or off.

Battery life with ANC enabled remains excellent. The advertised 50 hours with ANC on is realistic for normal listening volumes. This longevity means you can use ANC constantly without worrying about battery drain.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is where the JBL Live 670NC absolutely dominates its competition. JBL advertises 65 hours of playback with ANC off and 50 hours with ANC on. These numbers sound almost too good to be true, but real-world testing confirms them.

Independent testing showed the headphones lasting nearly 55 hours with ANC enabled. This result exceeds the advertised 50-hour claim and demonstrates JBL’s conservative estimates. If you listen to music for two hours daily, these headphones can last nearly a month on a single charge.

With ANC disabled, you can expect even longer battery life. Users report getting close to the full 65 hours in real-world conditions. This exceptional battery performance eliminates the anxiety of running out of charge during long flights, road trips, or busy weeks.

The charging speed impresses as much as the battery capacity. JBL’s Speed Charge technology delivers meaningful playtime from short charging sessions. A quick 5-minute charge provides approximately 4 hours of listening time. This feature saves you when you forget to charge your headphones overnight.

A full charge takes about 2 hours using the included USB-C cable. This charging time is reasonable considering the massive battery capacity. You can charge these headphones overnight or during lunch breaks at work. The USB-C connection means you can use the same cable that charges your phone or tablet.

The headphones display battery status through LED indicators and voice prompts. The app shows precise battery percentage, making it easy to monitor remaining power. Low battery warnings give you plenty of advance notice before the headphones die completely.

Battery performance remains consistent over time. The lithium-ion battery maintains its capacity well even after many charge cycles. Users report minimal battery degradation even after months of regular use. This longevity means your investment stays valuable for years.

The auto-power-off feature helps conserve battery when you forget to turn off your headphones. You can set the timer through the app to shut down automatically after a period of inactivity. This smart feature prevents wasteful battery drain.

Power efficiency extends to standby mode too. When not playing audio, the headphones consume minimal power. They can sit idle for days without completely draining the battery. This efficiency means you don’t need to charge them before every use.

For frequent travelers, this battery life changes the game. You can survive international flights, week-long trips, or multiple cross-country commutes without hunting for charging outlets. The freedom from constant charging makes these headphones genuinely low-maintenance.

Connectivity and Bluetooth Features

The JBL Live 670NC uses Bluetooth 5.3 technology for wireless connectivity. This latest Bluetooth version provides stable connections with improved range and power efficiency. You can walk around your home or office without experiencing dropouts or stuttering audio.

The pairing process is straightforward and quick. For initial pairing, simply slide the power button upwards. The LED indicator flashes blue when the headphones enter pairing mode. Select “JBL Live 670NC” from your device’s Bluetooth menu, and connection establishes within seconds.

One standout feature is multipoint connectivity. These headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously. You might connect to your laptop and smartphone at the same time. When a call comes in on your phone, the headphones automatically switch from laptop audio to phone audio. This seamless switching eliminates the hassle of constantly re-pairing devices.

The headphones support SBC and AAC codecs. AAC provides better audio quality than standard SBC, especially on Apple devices. Android users get good performance with both codecs. The lack of aptX or LDAC codecs might disappoint audiophiles, but most users won’t notice any limitations during casual listening.

Connection range reaches about 30 feet in open spaces. Walls and obstacles reduce this range, but you can generally move between adjacent rooms without losing connection. The signal strength remains robust even at the edge of the effective range.

Reconnection to previously paired devices happens automatically. When you power on the headphones, they immediately connect to the last device used. This convenience eliminates the need to dig through Bluetooth settings every time you want to use your headphones.

The 3.5mm wired connection provides a backup option when Bluetooth isn’t practical. The included cable lets you connect to airplane entertainment systems, older audio equipment, or devices without Bluetooth. Wired mode works even when the battery is completely dead. The audio quality through the wired connection matches the wireless performance.

Some users might miss aptX HD or LDAC support for higher-resolution audio streaming. These advanced codecs can deliver better sound quality with compatible devices. However, for most music streaming services and video content, AAC provides sufficient quality.

The physical Bluetooth button on the ear cup makes pairing new devices easy. Hold the button for two seconds to re-enter pairing mode. This convenience helps when you want to connect a friend’s phone quickly to share music.

Voice assistant integration works through the headphones. You can activate Siri or Google Assistant using the controls. This feature lets you check weather, send messages, or control smart home devices without reaching for your phone.

Latency for video watching is acceptable. Most users don’t notice significant audio delay when watching movies or YouTube videos. Gaming might show more noticeable lag, though the wired connection solves this issue for serious gamers.

Controls and User Interface

The JBL Live 670NC combines physical buttons and touch controls on the right ear cup. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds. Physical buttons provide reliable feedback, while touch controls offer modern convenience.

The physical buttons include a power button, Bluetooth button, listening mode button, and volume controls. The power button slides upward to turn on the headphones. This sliding mechanism feels substantial and prevents accidental activation in your bag.

The listening mode button cycles through ANC, Ambient Aware, and TalkThru modes with single presses. A double tap activates TalkThru mode directly. This dedicated button makes mode switching quick without fumbling through menus.

Volume buttons sit prominently on the ear cup edge. Press them to adjust volume in small increments. Long press the volume up button to skip forward, or long press volume down to skip backward. This secondary function adds useful shortcuts without cluttering the controls.

The play/pause button handles multiple functions based on how you press it. Single press plays or pauses audio. Double press skips to the next track. Triple press goes back to the previous track. Long press mutes the microphone during calls. These gestures become intuitive after a short learning period.

The touch-sensitive panel covers a portion of the right ear cup. Single tap plays or pauses music. Double tap skips forward. Triple tap goes back. Long press activates your voice assistant. Using two fingers helps register touches more reliably than single-finger taps.

Touch control reliability varies between users. Some people find the panel responsive and accurate. Others report occasional missed taps or accidental activations. The customization options in the app let you reassign functions or disable touch controls if you prefer using only physical buttons.

Auto-pause functionality detects when you remove the headphones. Music stops automatically when you take them off your ears. Put them back on, and playback resumes. This smart feature eliminates the need to manually pause when stepping away.

The controls work well while wearing gloves in cold weather. Physical buttons press easily through thin gloves. Touch controls become less reliable with gloves, but you can rely on the physical buttons during winter.

Learning the complete control scheme takes a few days of regular use. The combination of buttons and touch controls offers many functions, which can feel overwhelming initially. After the learning curve, the controls become second nature.

Voice prompts announce power status, battery level, and connection events. These prompts provide helpful feedback without requiring you to look at your phone. The voice is clear and easy to understand. You can adjust the volume of these prompts or disable them completely through the app.

Microphone and Call Quality

The microphone system on the JBL Live 670NC performs adequately for phone calls and video meetings. The headphones use multiple microphones for voice pickup and noise suppression. In quiet environments, call quality is clear and natural sounding.

Your voice comes through with good clarity during calls in ideal conditions. People on the other end can understand you without asking you to repeat yourself. The microphone picks up your voice with decent frequency balance without sounding tinny or muffled.

Office environment performance shows the limitations of the microphone system. Background noise like keyboard typing, conversations, and air conditioning becomes audible to the other person. The noise suppression helps but doesn’t completely eliminate these sounds. Your voice remains the primary focus, but ambient noise is noticeable.

Call quality degrades significantly in outdoor environments. Wind noise overwhelms the microphones easily. Street traffic, sirens, and other urban sounds interfere with your voice. You might need to speak louder or find quieter locations for important calls when outdoors.

The microphones struggle with echo and reverberation in large empty rooms. Your voice might sound hollow or distant in these environments. Smaller rooms with furniture and soft furnishings provide better acoustic conditions for calls.

During video meetings, the microphone performs acceptably for casual use. Professional broadcasters or content creators should use dedicated microphones. For Zoom calls, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams meetings, these headphones get the job done without embarrassing you.

The mute function works through long-pressing the play/pause button or touching and holding the touch panel. This feature provides quick privacy when needed during calls. A voice prompt confirms when you mute or unmute.

Multipoint connectivity shines during calls. When connected to both your computer and phone, calls come through clearly on either device. The automatic switching between devices works smoothly without dropping calls.

Battery life doesn’t suffer noticeably during calls. You can participate in hours of video meetings without worrying about the battery dying. The exceptional battery capacity supports all-day communication needs.

Comparing JBL Live 670NC to Competitors

The JBL Live 670NC competes in the crowded $100-$150 headphone market. Understanding how it stacks up against alternatives helps you make an informed decision.

JBL Tune 670NC is the Live 670NC’s cousin with subtle differences. The Tune model costs about $70, making it more budget-friendly. It offers similar battery life and noise cancelling but uses slightly different drivers and tuning. The Live 670NC provides better sound quality and more premium materials.

The Sony WH-CH520 represents another budget option around $40-50. These lightweight on-ear headphones offer good battery life and Sony’s signature sound. However, they lack active noise cancelling, which is a significant disadvantage if you need isolation from noisy environments.

Anker Soundcore Space One provides an over-ear alternative at similar or lower prices. These headphones offer comfortable fit, decent ANC, and good battery life. The over-ear design provides better passive isolation but less portability. Choose the Space One if you prioritize comfort over portability.

Soundcore Life Q20 delivers impressive value around $45-60. These over-ear headphones include ANC and deliver punchy bass. The battery life reaches 60 hours, comparable to the JBL. Build quality feels less premium, and the sound signature is more V-shaped with emphasized bass and treble.

The Marshall Major IV costs slightly less and offers vintage aesthetics with excellent battery life. These on-ear headphones lack ANC but provide fun, rock-oriented sound. Choose Marshall if you love the vintage look and don’t need noise cancelling.

JBL Live 770NC steps up to over-ear design with similar features. These cost more but provide better sound isolation and comfort for long sessions. The 770NC makes sense if you rarely need portable headphones and prioritize comfort.

In terms of value proposition, the Live 670NC hits a sweet spot. You get premium features like adaptive ANC, exceptional battery life, and solid build quality at a mid-range price. Few competitors match the battery life without sacrificing other features.

Sound quality varies between competitors. The Sony WH-CH520 offers more balanced tuning. The Soundcore models emphasize bass heavily. Marshall delivers rock-focused sound. The JBL provides versatile, exciting sound that works across genres.

Portability is where the Live 670NC excels over most competitors. The foldable on-ear design beats bulky over-ear alternatives. Only the Marshall Major IV matches this portability advantage.

Who Should Buy the JBL Live 670NC

The JBL Live 670NC serves specific user groups exceptionally well. Understanding whether you fit these profiles helps determine if these headphones match your needs.

Frequent travelers benefit enormously from these headphones. The combination of long battery life, portable design, and effective ANC makes them ideal for planes, trains, and buses. The 3.5mm cable lets you use airline entertainment systems. The folding design saves precious luggage space.

Commuters find great value in the Live 670NC. The noise cancelling blocks subway rumble and traffic noise. The long battery means you won’t stress about charging daily. The comfortable fit works for hour-long commutes without causing discomfort.

Students appreciate the affordable price and versatile performance. These headphones work well for studying in noisy dorm rooms or libraries. They’re suitable for online classes and video lectures. The long battery life means less interruption from charging.

Office workers using open-plan offices benefit from the ANC. The headphones help you focus during busy workdays. Multipoint connectivity lets you stay connected to your work computer and personal phone. The professional appearance fits corporate environments.

Casual music listeners who want fun, engaging sound will enjoy these headphones. The bass-forward tuning makes pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music exciting. The EQ customization lets you adjust the sound to your preferences.

Budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features at mid-range prices should consider these headphones. You get ANC, long battery life, solid build quality, and a companion app for about $130. This combination represents excellent value.

Podcast and audiobook fans benefit from the long battery life and comfortable fit. You can binge entire podcast series or finish long audiobooks without charging. The clear midrange makes spoken word content easy to understand.

These headphones might not suit certain users. Audiophiles seeking neutral, reference-quality sound should look elsewhere. The bass-forward tuning doesn’t provide accurate sound reproduction. Professional audio work requires more neutral headphones.

Gym enthusiasts should avoid these headphones. The lack of water resistance makes them unsuitable for sweaty workouts. Over-ear sports headphones or true wireless earbuds work better for fitness activities.

Gamers might find the latency noticeable during competitive gaming. The wired connection solves this issue, but dedicated gaming headsets offer better performance and features like boom microphones.

People who prefer over-ear comfort for all-day wearing might find the on-ear design less comfortable. After several hours, the pressure on your ears becomes noticeable. Over-ear alternatives like the JBL Live 770NC provide better long-session comfort.

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

The exceptional battery life stands as the most impressive feature. Getting 50-65 hours between charges eliminates battery anxiety. You can travel internationally or go weeks between charges with moderate use.

Adaptive noise cancelling works well for the price range. The automatic adjustment to different environments provides practical benefits during daily use. The Smart Ambient mode offers useful transparency when needed.

The foldable, portable design makes these headphones practical for travel. They pack small and fit easily in bags. The included carrying pouch provides basic protection during transport.

Excellent value for money at around $130. You get premium features typically found in more expensive headphones. The combination of ANC, long battery, and solid build quality justifies the price.

The JBL Headphones app provides extensive customization. The 10-band EQ and multiple presets let you tune the sound precisely. Additional controls for ANC, auto-pause, and other features enhance usability.

Comfortable fit for most users during moderate wearing sessions. The cloth headband and memory foam ear pads provide decent comfort. The design works well with glasses and hats.

Multipoint connectivity enables seamless switching between devices. Stay connected to your laptop and phone simultaneously without constant re-pairing.

Disadvantages:

The on-ear design becomes uncomfortable during very long sessions. Pressure on your ears builds up after several hours. Over-ear alternatives provide better all-day comfort.

No water resistance rating limits usage scenarios. You can’t use these headphones at the gym or in rain. This limitation makes them less versatile than weather-resistant alternatives.

Limited codec support with only SBC and AAC. Audiophiles might miss aptX HD or LDAC for higher-quality wireless audio. This limitation mainly affects Android users with high-resolution audio files.

The bass-forward sound won’t appeal to everyone. People who prefer neutral or analytical sound signatures should look elsewhere. The elevated bass can overwhelm other frequencies.

Microphone quality struggles in challenging environments. Wind and street noise significantly impact call quality. The microphones work fine indoors but disappoint outdoors.

Touch controls can be finicky and sometimes miss inputs or register false touches. The reliability varies between users and situations.

The lack of premium features like 3D audio or head tracking might disappoint some users. Competitors at similar prices sometimes offer these extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the JBL Live 670NC headphones have good bass?

Yes, the JBL Live 670NC delivers powerful, punchy bass that emphasizes low-end frequencies. The bass response is one of the signature features of these headphones. You’ll notice strong impact in genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock music. The bass doesn’t turn muddy or unclear even at higher volumes. If you prefer neutral sound, you can reduce the bass using the app’s EQ settings. The Studio preset provides a more balanced sound profile with less bass emphasis.

Can you use JBL Live 670NC while charging?

Yes, you can use the JBL Live 670NC headphones while they charge. Simply connect the USB-C cable and continue listening to your music. This feature proves helpful when you need to use the headphones but forgot to charge them previously. The charging process doesn’t interfere with audio quality or create unwanted noise. You can also use the included 3.5mm cable for wired listening even when the battery is completely dead.

How do I reset my JBL Live 670NC headphones?

To reset your JBL Live 670NC headphones, follow these steps: Turn off the headphones completely. Press and hold both the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. The LED indicator will flash to confirm the reset. After resetting, you’ll need to pair the headphones again with your devices. This reset solves most connectivity issues or strange behavior. Your customized settings in the app will need to be reconfigured after the reset.

Are JBL Live 670NC suitable for gym workouts?

The JBL Live 670NC headphones are not ideal for gym workouts. They lack an IP rating for water or sweat resistance, which means moisture could damage the internal components. The on-ear design and over-head form factor also make them less secure during intense movements. Sweat can damage the ear pad materials over time. For gym use, consider waterproof wireless earbuds or sports-specific headphones. Save the Live 670NC for commuting, office use, and casual listening.

What’s the difference between JBL Live 670NC and Tune 670NC?

The JBL Live 670NC and Tune 670NC are related models with key differences. The Live 670NC offers True Adaptive Noise Cancelling that automatically adjusts to your environment, while the Tune 670NC has standard adaptive noise cancelling. The Live 670NC features more premium materials like a cloth-covered headband and better-quality ear pads. Sound quality is more refined on the Live model with better driver tuning. The Tune 670NC costs significantly less, around $70 compared to $130 for the Live model. The Tune version actually offers slightly longer battery life at 70 hours.

Can JBL Live 670NC connect to two devices at once?

Yes, the JBL Live 670NC supports multipoint connectivity and can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. This feature lets you connect to your laptop and smartphone at the same time. When a call comes in on your phone, the headphones automatically switch from laptop audio to phone audio. You can manage connected devices through the JBL Headphones app. This functionality eliminates the hassle of constantly disconnecting and reconnecting when switching between devices throughout your day.

Do JBL Live 670NC work with iPhone?

Yes, the JBL Live 670NC headphones work perfectly with iPhones and all iOS devices. They support AAC codec, which Apple devices prioritize for Bluetooth audio. You can pair them easily through your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. The JBL Headphones app is available on the Apple App Store for full customization control. All features including noise cancelling, Ambient Aware mode, and multipoint connectivity work seamlessly with iPhones. Siri integration lets you use voice commands through the headphones.

How long does it take to fully charge JBL Live 670NC?

The JBL Live 670NC headphones take approximately 2 hours to fully charge from empty to 100%. This charging time is reasonable considering the massive battery capacity that provides 50-65 hours of playback. JBL includes Speed Charge technology that delivers quick top-ups when you’re in a hurry. A 5-minute charge provides about 4 hours of listening time. You can monitor the charging progress through the LED indicator on the headphones or check the precise battery percentage in the JBL Headphones app.

Are JBL Live 670NC good for phone calls?

The JBL Live 670NC headphones provide acceptable call quality in quiet environments. Your voice comes through clearly during indoor calls, and people can understand you without difficulty. The microphone system includes noise suppression that helps reduce background sounds. However, call quality drops significantly in noisy outdoor environments. Wind noise and street sounds interfere with your voice. For professional calls or podcasting, consider using dedicated microphones. The headphones work fine for casual phone conversations, video meetings, and everyday communication needs.

Can you replace the ear pads on JBL Live 670NC?

The ear pads on the JBL Live 670NC are not officially designed as user-replaceable parts. JBL doesn’t sell replacement ear pads directly. However, third-party ear pad replacements compatible with similar JBL models might fit. Replacing ear pads requires careful removal of the old pads and attachment of new ones. The process can be tricky without proper instructions. If your ear pads wear out significantly, contact JBL customer support for repair options. With proper care, the original ear pads should last for years of regular use.

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The JBL Live 670NC delivers impressive value for anyone seeking reliable wireless headphones with excellent battery life and effective noise cancelling. These headphones excel at portability, comfort, and versatility across different listening scenarios. While the on-ear design and bass-forward sound won’t suit everyone, the combination of features at this price point makes them a smart choice for travelers, commuters, and casual listeners. The exceptional 65-hour battery life alone justifies considering these headphones. If you need affordable wireless headphones with ANC that won’t let you down during long trips or busy weeks, the JBL Live 670NC deserves serious consideration.

Last update on 2026-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API