JBL Live 675NC Review: Is It Worth Trying?

The JBL Live 675NC headphones have created significant buzz in the audio market with their impressive 65-hour battery life and advanced noise cancellation technology.

These wireless on-ear headphones promise to deliver the signature JBL sound quality while keeping you connected throughout your busy lifestyle.

In this comprehensive review, we will explore every aspect of the JBL Live 675NC headphones. From their build quality and comfort to sound performance and battery life, we will cover everything you need to know before making your purchase decision.

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional Battery Life: The JBL Live 675NC offers up to 65 hours of playback time without ANC and 50 hours with noise cancellation enabled, making them perfect for extended use and travel
• Advanced Noise Cancellation: Features True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient mode that automatically adjusts to your environment for optimal noise reduction
• Premium Connectivity: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology and multipoint connection capability, allowing seamless switching between multiple devices
• Signature Sound Quality: Delivers JBL Signature Surround Sound with deep bass response and spatial audio support for an immersive listening experience
• Quick Charging Technology: Just 5 minutes of charging provides 4 hours of playback, ensuring you never run out of music during your day
• Comfortable Design: Features a comfort-fit fabric headband and lightweight construction at 454g, making them suitable for extended listening sessions

JBL Live 675NC Overview

The JBL Live 675NC represents a significant step forward in the company’s Live series lineup. These wireless on-ear headphones combine modern technology with practical design elements that cater to everyday users. The headphones feature a sleek black finish with fabric-covered headband that provides both style and comfort during extended wear.

JBL has equipped the Live 675NC with 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz. This wide frequency range ensures that you experience every detail in your music, from deep bass notes to crisp high frequencies. The headphones support various audio formats and provide LE Audio compatibility for future-proof connectivity.

The foldable design makes these headphones highly portable, allowing you to easily pack them in your bag or carry case. The build quality feels solid with durable materials that can withstand daily use. JBL has also included touch controls on the ear cups, making it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, and activate noise cancellation without reaching for your phone.

The weight distribution across the headband and ear cups ensures balanced comfort. The ear pads provide adequate cushioning while maintaining the seal necessary for effective noise isolation. These design choices make the Live 675NC suitable for various activities, from office work to travel and casual listening.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Live 675NC showcases a modern aesthetic with clean lines and premium materials. The outer shell features a matte finish that resists fingerprints and maintains its appearance over time. The fabric headband adds a premium touch while providing better breathability compared to traditional leather or synthetic materials.

Construction quality feels solid and durable throughout the headphone structure. The metal hinges allow smooth folding action while maintaining structural integrity during repeated use. The ear cups swivel and adjust to accommodate different head sizes and shapes. This flexibility ensures a secure fit for most users without creating excessive pressure points.

The cable management has been thoughtfully designed with a detachable audio cable included in the package. This feature provides backup connectivity options when wireless connection is not available or when you want to conserve battery life. The USB-C charging port is conveniently located and protected by a rubber cover.

Material selection prioritizes both comfort and longevity. The ear pad cushions use soft padding that maintains its shape over time. The headband padding distributes weight evenly across the top of your head. These materials also resist wear and tear from regular use, ensuring the headphones maintain their appearance and comfort level.

The overall footprint when folded makes these headphones travel-friendly. They include a cloth carrying bag that provides basic protection during transport. The compact size fits easily into most laptop bags or travel cases without taking up excessive space.

Top 3 Alternatives for JBL Live 675NC

Sound Quality Performance

The JBL Signature Sound profile delivers an engaging listening experience with emphasis on deep bass response. The 40mm drivers produce powerful low-end frequencies that add impact to electronic music, hip-hop, and rock genres. The bass response remains controlled and precise without overwhelming the midrange frequencies.

Midrange clarity allows vocals and instruments to cut through the mix effectively. Dialog in podcasts and audiobooks sounds clear and natural. The frequency balance ensures that acoustic instruments maintain their authentic timbre. String instruments, piano, and brass sections reproduce with good detail and separation.

The treble response provides adequate sparkle and air without becoming harsh or fatiguing. Cymbals and high-frequency percussion maintain their metallic character. The extended frequency response captures subtle details in high-quality recordings. However, some listeners might prefer slightly more brightness in the upper frequencies.

Dynamic range performance allows the headphones to handle both quiet passages and loud crescendos effectively. The drivers respond well to volume changes without distortion or compression. This capability makes them suitable for various music genres and audio content types.

The spatial audio feature available through the JBL Headphones app provides additional immersion for supported content. This technology creates a wider soundstage that enhances the listening experience for movies and games. The effect works particularly well with orchestral music and live recordings.

True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Technology

The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling system represents JBL’s latest approach to active noise reduction. Unlike traditional ANC systems, this technology continuously adjusts to your listening environment. The system monitors ambient noise levels and automatically optimizes the cancellation profile for maximum effectiveness.

Smart Ambient mode provides intelligent transparency when you need to hear your surroundings. This feature allows important sounds like traffic, announcements, or conversations to pass through while maintaining your music experience. The transition between modes happens smoothly without jarring interruptions.

The ANC performance effectively reduces low-frequency noise such as engine rumble, air conditioning, and traffic sounds. Mid-range noise cancellation handles office chatter and general environmental sounds adequately. However, the on-ear design limits isolation compared to over-ear alternatives.

Battery impact from ANC usage reduces total playback time from 65 hours to approximately 50 hours. This trade-off remains reasonable considering the noise reduction benefits. The system also includes automatic shutoff features that help preserve battery life when the headphones detect inactivity.

The control interface allows easy switching between ANC modes through touch gestures or the companion app. You can quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your immediate needs. The system remembers your preferences and applies them automatically when you power on the headphones.

Battery Life and Charging

The 65-hour battery life stands as one of the most impressive features of the JBL Live 675NC. This exceptional endurance eliminates battery anxiety for most users and makes these headphones ideal for long flights, extended work sessions, and multi-day trips. Even heavy users will find the battery life more than adequate for their needs.

With ANC activated, the battery life drops to approximately 50 hours, which still outperforms most competitors in this price range. This reduction represents a reasonable trade-off for the noise cancellation benefits. The battery management system provides accurate percentage indicators through the companion app.

The quick charging feature delivers impressive results with just 5 minutes of charging providing 4 hours of playback time. This rapid charging capability proves invaluable when you discover low battery before an important trip or listening session. The full charging cycle takes approximately 2 hours from completely depleted to 100%.

Power management includes automatic shutoff features that activate after periods of inactivity. This intelligent system helps preserve battery life when you forget to manually power off the headphones. The system also provides low battery warnings with sufficient advance notice to plan your charging schedule.

The USB-C charging port ensures compatibility with modern charging cables and power sources. The port location provides easy access while maintaining protection from dust and moisture. The included charging cable features the distinctive orange JBL branding that makes it easily identifiable among other cables.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Features

Bluetooth 5.3 technology provides stable and efficient wireless connections with improved range and lower power consumption compared to previous versions. The connection remains solid even at moderate distances from your source device. Audio dropouts and interference issues are minimal during normal use conditions.

The multipoint connection capability allows simultaneous pairing with two devices. This feature proves particularly useful for users who switch between phone calls and computer audio throughout their day. The automatic switching works seamlessly without manual intervention in most scenarios.

Codec support includes AAC and SBC for broad compatibility with various devices. While the headphones lack support for higher-quality codecs like LDAC or aptX, the provided codecs deliver satisfactory audio quality for most listeners. JBL promises LE Audio support through future firmware updates.

Voice assistant integration supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The dual microphone system provides clear voice pickup for commands and phone calls. The beamforming technology helps isolate your voice from background noise during conversations.

The JBL Headphones app unlocks additional functionality including EQ customization, firmware updates, and battery monitoring. The app interface remains intuitive and responsive. Regular updates add new features and improve existing functionality based on user feedback.

Comfort and Fit

The comfort-fit fabric headband distributes weight evenly across the top of your head, reducing pressure points during extended listening sessions. The fabric material provides better breathability compared to leather alternatives. The padding maintains its shape and support even after hours of continuous wear.

Ear pad design uses soft cushioning that creates a good seal without excessive clamping force. The 454g weight feels reasonable for on-ear headphones of this feature set. However, users with sensitive ears might experience some fatigue after several hours of continuous use due to the on-ear design.

The adjustable headband accommodates various head sizes and shapes effectively. The adjustment mechanism operates smoothly and holds positions securely. The range of adjustment proves adequate for both small and large head sizes. The headband extension indicators help you maintain consistent fit settings.

Ear cup swivel allows the headphones to conform to the natural angle of your ears. This flexibility improves comfort and helps maintain consistent sound quality. The pivot points operate smoothly and feel durable enough for regular adjustment.

For users who wear glasses, the on-ear design may create some pressure around the temple area. The cushioning helps minimize this issue, but over-ear alternatives might prove more comfortable for extended wear with eyewear. The fabric materials also work well in various temperature conditions without becoming uncomfortably warm.

Controls and User Interface

The touch control system on the right ear cup provides intuitive operation for common functions. Single taps handle play/pause operations, while double taps skip to the next track. Triple taps return to the previous track. The touch surface responds accurately to gestures without accidental activation from normal handling.

Volume adjustment uses swipe gestures on the touch panel. Upward swipes increase volume while downward swipes decrease it. The response feels natural and provides good control granularity. The system includes audio feedback to confirm gesture recognition.

ANC mode switching uses a dedicated button rather than touch gestures. This physical button prevents accidental mode changes while providing tactile confirmation of activation. The button cycles through ANC on, Smart Ambient, and ANC off modes with each press.

The power button doubles as a pairing control for Bluetooth connections. Long presses activate pairing mode while short presses handle power on/off functions. LED indicators provide visual feedback for power status and pairing mode.

Voice assistant activation uses either touch gestures or voice commands depending on your preference. The microphone array provides reliable voice pickup even in moderately noisy environments. The system responds quickly to activation commands and provides clear audio feedback.

JBL Headphones App Integration

The JBL Headphones app serves as the control center for customizing your Live 675NC experience. The app interface uses clear graphics and logical organization that makes navigation straightforward. Regular updates add new features and improve existing functionality.

EQ customization includes both preset options and a parametric equalizer for detailed sound tuning. The presets cover various music genres and listening preferences. The custom EQ allows precise frequency adjustments with visual feedback showing the frequency response curve.

Personi-Fi 2.0 technology creates a personalized sound profile based on your hearing characteristics. The system conducts a brief hearing test and adjusts the frequency response accordingly. This feature proves particularly valuable for users with hearing variations or specific sound preferences.

Battery monitoring provides detailed information about remaining charge and usage patterns. The app displays both percentage levels and estimated remaining playback time. Historical battery data helps you understand your usage patterns and plan charging schedules.

Firmware update management happens automatically through the app when updates become available. The update process runs in the background without interrupting your listening experience. Update notifications appear clearly without being intrusive.

Microphone Quality and Call Performance

The dual beamforming microphone system delivers clear voice quality for phone calls and voice assistant interactions. The microphones effectively isolate your voice from background noise in moderate environments. Wind noise rejection works adequately for outdoor use, though extreme conditions may still cause some interference.

Call quality remains consistently good across various network conditions. Your voice sounds natural and clear to the receiving party. The microphone positioning captures speech effectively without requiring specific head positioning. The system automatically adjusts gain levels to maintain consistent volume.

Voice assistant performance benefits from the quality microphone array. Both Google Assistant and Alexa respond reliably to voice commands. The wake word detection works accurately even with background music playing at moderate volumes. Response times feel natural and conversational.

The mute function during calls uses a simple gesture or button press. The system provides clear audio feedback when mute status changes. This feature proves valuable during conference calls and business conversations.

Background noise suppression works effectively in typical office and home environments. The system struggles somewhat in very noisy locations like busy streets or airports. However, performance remains acceptable for most real-world calling scenarios.

Durability and Build Materials

The construction materials prioritize both durability and comfort without excessive weight. The metal hinges provide reliable folding action that should withstand years of regular use. The hinge mechanisms operate smoothly and feel solid during adjustment.

Plastic components use high-quality materials that resist scratches and wear. The matte finish helps hide minor scuffs and maintains its appearance over time. The color remains consistent even after extended exposure to sunlight and handling.

The fabric headband shows good resistance to wear and maintains its texture after extended use. The material choices also provide good moisture resistance for normal use conditions. However, these headphones lack an IP rating for water or dust protection.

Cable durability appears adequate for normal use, though the included cables could benefit from reinforced strain relief at connection points. The detachable design allows easy replacement if cables develop issues over time.

Long-term reliability based on JBL’s track record suggests these headphones should provide years of dependable service. The warranty coverage provides protection against manufacturing defects. User reviews indicate generally positive experiences with long-term durability.

Value Proposition and Price Analysis

At approximately $130 to $150, the JBL Live 675NC offers competitive value in the wireless noise-cancelling headphone market. The combination of 65-hour battery life, adaptive ANC, and JBL sound quality provides substantial value compared to premium alternatives costing twice as much.

Feature comparison with similarly priced competitors shows the Live 675NC excelling in battery life while matching or exceeding most other specifications. The build quality feels appropriate for the price point without obvious cost-cutting compromises.

The long-term value improves when considering the exceptional battery life and durable construction. These headphones should provide years of reliable service, making the initial investment more cost-effective over time. Software support through app updates adds ongoing value.

Alternative options in this price range typically sacrifice battery life, build quality, or features to meet similar price points. The Live 675NC strikes a good balance across all major categories without major weaknesses.

Professional users who require all-day battery life for work or travel will find exceptional value in these headphones. The combination of features and performance justifies the price for users who prioritize battery endurance and reliable connectivity.

Pros and Cons Summary

Advantages of the JBL Live 675NC include the outstanding 65-hour battery life that eliminates charging anxiety for most users. The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling provides effective ambient noise reduction with intelligent environmental adaptation. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures stable connections with modern devices.

The JBL Signature Sound delivers engaging audio with powerful bass response and clear midrange reproduction. Quick charging capability provides 4 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. The comfort-fit fabric headband and lightweight design make extended wear comfortable.

Multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between devices, while voice assistant integration adds convenience for hands-free control. The JBL Headphones app provides extensive customization options and regular feature updates.

Disadvantages include the on-ear design that may cause fatigue during very long listening sessions compared to over-ear alternatives. ANC performance, while good, doesn’t match the effectiveness of premium over-ear competitors. The lack of high-quality audio codecs like LDAC or aptX limits audio quality potential.

Touch controls occasionally register unintended gestures during normal handling. The headphones lack water resistance rating, limiting their use in wet conditions. Some users might prefer more treble emphasis in the default sound signature.

Should You Buy the JBL Live 675NC?

The JBL Live 675NC represents an excellent choice for users who prioritize exceptional battery life and reliable daily performance. The 65-hour playback time makes these headphones ideal for frequent travelers, students, and professionals who need all-day audio without charging concerns.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the JBL Signature Sound profile and extensive EQ customization options. The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling provides good ambient noise reduction for most environments. The build quality and comfort level support extended listening sessions.

Budget-conscious buyers will find strong value in the feature set and performance offered at this price point. The combination of advanced connectivity, long battery life, and brand reliability makes these headphones a smart investment for most users.

Considerations include whether the on-ear design meets your comfort preferences and if the ANC performance satisfies your noise reduction needs. Users who require premium noise cancellation or prefer over-ear designs might consider alternatives.

Overall recommendation favors purchase for most potential buyers, especially those who value battery endurance and reliable everyday performance. The JBL Live 675NC delivers on its promises while providing good long-term value.

How does the battery life compare to other headphones?

The JBL Live 675NC offers 65 hours of playback without ANC and 50 hours with noise cancellation enabled12. This battery performance significantly exceeds most competitors in the wireless headphone market. Most premium headphones typically provide 20-30 hours of battery life with ANC activated.

Compared to popular alternatives, the Sony WH-1000XM5 provides approximately 30 hours with ANC on, while the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers around 24 hours. The Live 675NC’s battery endurance makes it ideal for extended travel, long work days, and users who frequently forget to charge their devices.

The quick charging feature adds 4 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging23. This rapid charging capability helps maintain usability even when the battery runs low unexpectedly. The combination of long battery life and quick charging eliminates most battery-related inconveniences.

What is True Adaptive Noise Cancelling?

True Adaptive Noise Cancelling represents JBL’s advanced approach to active noise reduction12. Unlike traditional ANC systems that use fixed noise reduction profiles, this technology continuously monitors your environment and automatically adjusts the cancellation settings for optimal performance.

The system uses multiple microphones to detect ambient noise levels and frequencies. It then adjusts the ANC processing in real-time to provide the most effective noise reduction for your current environment. This adaptive approach works better than static ANC systems across various noise scenarios.

Smart Ambient mode integrates with the adaptive system to allow important environmental sounds through when needed2. This feature proves valuable for hearing announcements, traffic sounds, or conversations while maintaining your music experience. The system learns from your usage patterns and preferences over time.

How comfortable are these headphones for long sessions?

The comfort-fit fabric headband distributes weight evenly across your head, reducing pressure points during extended wear23. The 454g weight feels reasonable for on-ear headphones with this feature set. The fabric material provides better breathability compared to synthetic leather alternatives.

Ear pad cushioning creates a good seal while minimizing clamping force. However, the on-ear design may cause some fatigue after several hours of continuous use, particularly for users with sensitive ears. The ear cups adjust and swivel to accommodate different head shapes effectively.

Extended listening sessions of 3-4 hours typically remain comfortable for most users. Beyond this duration, some listeners may experience pressure around the ears or temples. Users who wear glasses might notice additional pressure points, though the padding helps minimize this issue.

Can you use these headphones while exercising?

The JBL Live 675NC headphones lack an IP rating for water or sweat resistance4. This limitation makes them unsuitable for intense workouts or exercise in humid conditions. The fabric headband and ear pad materials may absorb moisture during physical activity.

Light exercise such as walking or casual gym use might be acceptable, but intensive cardio workouts could damage the headphones. The on-ear design provides reasonable stability during moderate movement, but they may shift during vigorous activity.

For exercise-focused use, JBL offers alternative models with sport-specific designs and water resistance ratings. The Live 675NC performs best for commuting, office work, travel, and casual listening rather than fitness activities.

What devices are compatible with these headphones?

The Bluetooth 5.3 technology ensures broad compatibility with modern smartphones, tablets, computers, and audio devices12. The headphones support AAC and SBC codecs, providing good audio quality across iOS and Android platforms.

Multipoint connection allows simultaneous pairing with two devices23. This feature works well for switching between phone calls and computer audio throughout the day. The automatic switching functionality operates seamlessly in most scenarios.

Voice assistant integration supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa23. The headphones work with any device that supports these voice services. LE Audio support will arrive through future firmware updates, adding compatibility with next-generation Bluetooth audio standards.

How do you update the firmware?

Firmware updates happen automatically through the JBL Headphones app when your headphones are connected5. The app notifies you when updates become available and handles the installation process. Updates typically add new features, improve performance, or fix bugs.

The update process runs in the background without interrupting your listening experience. You should keep your headphones connected to the app occasionally to receive the latest firmware versions. Internet connectivity is required for downloading and installing updates.

Update notifications appear clearly within the app interface. The system provides progress indicators during installation and confirms successful completion. Regular updates help maintain optimal performance and add new functionality over time.

1. https://www.costco.com/jbl-live-675nc-wireless-true-adaptive-noise-cancelling-on-ear-headphones.product.4000280025.html
2. https://canordi.com/en/products/jbl-live-675nc-on-ear
3. https://www.smartprix.com/mobile_headphones/jbl-live-675nc-wireless-headphones-ppd13oxwv2rq
4. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/jbl-live-670nc
5. https://www.soundguys.com/jbl-live-670nc-review-112798/
6. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/jbl/live-670nc-wireless
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWAsqibkPzA
8. https://www.reddit.com/r/JBL/comments/1gfddbj/jbl_live_670nc_and_live_675nc/
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10. https://www.jetpackmachine.in/?shopdetail%2F16652060%2F
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12. https://business.walmart.com/ip/JBL-Live-675NC-Wireless-On-Ear-Headphones/11559401355
13. https://audio46.com/blogs/headphones/jbl-live-770nc-vs-sony-wh-1000xm5
14. https://satrang.guni.ac.in/jbl-live-675nc-noise-cancelling-bluetooth-on-ear-wireless-headphone-open-box-QVlCR1VdVh1fRFta
15. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-on-ear-headphones/
16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPWO1YqePa0
17. https://mm.jbl.com/live-headphones.html
18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dh0c9LpDKw
19. https://www.jbl.com/on-ear-headphones/LIVE670NC.html
20. https://www.rajjmusic.com/store/p/jbl-live-675nc-wireless

Last update on 2025-12-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API