JBL Tour One Review: A Worthy Contender in the Premium Headphones Market?
JBL, renowned for its high-quality audio devices, has entered the competitive premium headphones market with the Tour One, aiming to challenge established giants like Sony and Bose. Priced at Rs. 24,999, the Tour One boasts a sleek design, powerful active noise cancellation, and a host of features. But does it offer enough to truly stand out in this crowded space? This in-depth review dives into the JBL Tour One’s performance, features, and comfort, to determine if it’s a worthy investment.
Design and Comfort: Sleek and Ergonomic
The JBL Tour One embodies a sophisticated aesthetic, with its predominantly matte black finish accented by reflective black strips. The ear cups and headband are contoured for comfort, and the leatherette headband padding ensures a snug fit. While the headphones are large, their sleek form factor prevents them from feeling bulky, making them comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions. The lightweight construction further enhances their comfort, although I found myself adjusting my glasses occasionally to maintain the noise-isolating seal.
Features and Functionality: A Blend of Physical and Touch Controls
JBL has opted for a combination of physical buttons and touch controls on the Tour One. The right earcup houses a sliding switch for power and pairing, dedicated volume buttons, and a customizable button. The touch-sensitive outer surface of the right earcup allows for playback control, answering calls, and even wear detection, which automatically pauses/resumes music when the headphones are removed or donned.
While the touch controls proved somewhat fiddly at times, triggering accidentally or failing to register multi-taps, the wear detection feature proved to be reliable. Additionally, the JBL Tour One seamlessly integrates with the JBL Headphones app, available on both iOS and Android, allowing for further customization and control.
A Versatile App for Tailored Performance
The JBL Headphones app offers a comprehensive range of settings, allowing you to fine-tune the Tour One’s functionality to your liking. From adjusting active noise cancellation and transparency modes, to customizing touch controls, voice assistant settings, and even tweaking the equalizer for specific genres, the app is a powerhouse of customization options. An added benefit is the ability to update the headphones’ firmware through the app.
Audio Performance: A Balanced Sound Signature
The JBL Tour One utilizes 40mm dynamic drivers and connects via Bluetooth 5, supporting the SBC and AAC codecs. While the lack of support for advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC might be a disappointment at this price point, the headphones deliver a surprisingly balanced and neutral sound signature.
A Balanced Approach to Audio
My initial impressions of the Tour One’s sound were characterized by neutrality, but as I explored a wider range of genres, I realized the inherent versatility and adaptability of its sonic profile. Whether it was the gradual build-up of "Wherever You Go" by The Avalanches, or the fast-paced rhythms of "Yeke Yeke" by Stylo and Space Motion, the Tour One seamlessly transitioned between different tempos and styles.
The bass is well-defined and controlled, offering a relaxed yet impactful presence that never overshadows the mid-range and highs. The mid-range is crisp and detailed, allowing vocals to shine through with clarity and richness. The highs are bright and airy, adding a sense of sparkle and openness to the overall sound.
While the Tour One delivers a pleasant and balanced listening experience, its lack of the detail and driving energy of similarly priced competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4 leaves a slight sense of "something missing" at the top end.
Active Noise Cancellation: Effective Outdoors, Less So Indoors
The JBL Tour One’s active noise cancellation is effective at reducing noise levels, particularly outdoors. It efficiently muffles the typical sounds of a bustling city, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music or podcasts. The active noise cancellation is less effective at silencing indoor noises, such as the hum of a ceiling fan or the sounds of household activity. While it noticeably reduces these noises, it doesn’t eliminate them with the same effectiveness as some competing products.
While the ambient sound and talk-through modes allow you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones, the sound felt slightly artificial and amplified in noisy environments. Bluetooth connectivity on the Tour One remained stable for me up to 4m.
Battery Life and Charging: Longevity and Efficiency
The JBL Tour One boasts impressive battery life, providing around 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled and moderate volume levels. This translates to a reliable multi-day listening experience, making it an excellent choice for travellers or those who frequently commute.
The charging process is also relatively quick, taking approximately two hours to reach a full charge using the included cable and a 10W power adapter.
Verdict: A Capable Contender with Room for Improvement
The JBL Tour One is a solid entry into the premium wireless noise-canceling headphone market. Its balanced sound signature, effective noise cancellation (particularly outdoors), lengthy battery life, and comprehensive app-based customization options make it a compelling choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. However, its lack of support for advanced Bluetooth codecs, slightly fiddly touch controls, and a less-than-stellar noise-canceling performance indoors, prevent it from reaching the top tier of the category. Nonetheless, at its current price point, it offers a worthy alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM4 and other premium contenders, particularly for users who prioritize a balanced and adaptable sound profile.
