Compare Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones vs JBL Tour One M3 Headphones

P1 Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
P2 JBL Tour One M3 Headphones

Comparison Takeaways

Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones

Where It Has the Edge

  • Replaceable earpads is 4.5 vs 1.5. Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.
  • Software/setup simplicity is 5.0 vs 4.2. One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.
  • Premium feel is 3.3 vs 2.5. Premium-feel reactions are split: one review says they feel premium, while another says the materials do not look...
  • 3.5mm analog input availability is 5.0 vs 4.5. Multiple reviews explicitly mention the 3.5mm connection, often alongside the included 6.3mm adapter.

JBL Tour One M3 Headphones

Where It Has the Edge

  • Travel friendliness is 4.8 vs 1.3. Travel friendliness is a standout strength, helped by comfort, foldability, battery life, and the transmitter use case.
  • Portability/foldability is 4.5 vs 1.5. Portability is a strength because the headphones fold compactly for travel.
  • Noise isolation (passive) is 4.5 vs 2.0. Passive isolation is strong even before ANC is engaged.
  • Ear cup swivel/rotation range is 4.2 vs 2.0. The earcups can lie flat and fold up for easier storage and carrying.
Average score
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.8
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.1
3.5mm analog input availability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

Multiple reviews explicitly mention the 3.5mm connection, often alongside the included 6.3mm adapter.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

One review explicitly says the Tour One M3 supports analog audio as well as USB-C listening.

Active noise cancellation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.7

Across reviews, ANC is repeatedly described as very strong and close to class leaders, even if not always the absolute best.

Advanced software features
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.8

The software stack is broad, with tracking, spatial audio, hearing protection, and other extras called out directly.

Aesthetics / discreet profile
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

The understated all-black styling is viewed positively and reads as low-key rather than flashy.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Early impressions describe the look as slimmer, simpler, and less flashy than before.

ANC background noise level
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.9

ANC background noise is handled very well: one review cites about 30dB of reduction, while another highlights the near-absence of hiss.

ANC effect on sound signature
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
2.8

ANC is effective, but some listeners are sensitive to its pressure effect or tonal influence.

ANC sound impact on audio
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
3.4

Reviewers note that ANC mode changes the sound slightly, with one preferring ANC on for fullness and another preferring ANC off for tighter bass.

Android compatibility
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

One review explicitly lists Android support.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Android support is a strength, with Google Fast Pair specifically mentioned.

App
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.7

The JBL app is consistently described as easy to use, feature-rich, and unusually stable.

Audio-video sync accuracy
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Wireless transmission stayed in sync with in-flight entertainment.

Auto-play/wear detection
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

The headphones include ear detection for automatic pausing.

Auto on/off reliability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Auto power behavior prevents unwanted battery drain.

Bass performance
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.7

Bass impressions are mixed but generally controlled rather than exaggerated: some reviews heard full, extended, punchy low end, while others wanted more richness, slam, or sub-bass weight.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.4

Bass gets mostly positive marks for punch, resonance, and control, though not every reviewer loves the stock tuning equally.

Battery
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
5.0

Battery life is a headline strength, with testing above 55 hours in ANC use and repeated praise for long endurance.

Bluetooth
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Bluetooth connectivity is modern and clearly specified in the reviews.

Bluetooth version
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Multiple reviews explicitly identify Bluetooth 5.3 support.

Build quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.9

Build impressions are mixed: some reviewers call construction excellent, solid, or sturdy enough, while others think it feels flimsy or too delicate for the price.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Build quality is mixed but solid overall: several reviewers note sturdy construction, though premium feel is debated.

Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

The headphones support hi-res wired playback, with the DAC and USB-C path called out directly.

Button control usability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.3

Physical controls are generally easy to find and useful, especially the dedicated volume and pairing controls.

Cable quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.6

The included cable is often described as long and locking, which helps studio use, but some reviewers find it too long or dislike the split-cable approach.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
No score yet
Carry case quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.2

The carry solution is serviceable but not premium, with some reviews noting only a soft bag while another mentions a nice little carry case.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

The case is spoken of positively and treated as a useful part of the package.

Charging
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Charging is quick, with full recharge around two hours and fast-charge support noted elsewhere.

Clamping force comfort
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.8

Reviews that mention clamp describe low pressure and easy wear, especially with glasses, though the looser fit can feel unusual.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Clamp force is repeatedly described as comfortable and well judged rather than overly tight.

Codec support
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.4

Codec support is broad, with AAC, SBC, LDAC, LC3, and related higher-end options mentioned across reviews.

Comfort during long use
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.7

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistent strengths, with many reviewers saying they could wear them for hours or forget they were on.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.8

Long-session comfort is one of the clearest strengths, with multiple reviewers describing hours-long wear without fatigue.

Connectivity options
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.0

The wired connectivity is basic but clear, with support for 3.5mm and 6.3mm use.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
5.0

Connection flexibility is a major selling point thanks to wired, wireless, and transmitter-based options.

Design and Aesthetics
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

Visually, reviewers describe them as sleek, stylish, simple, or modern, with a professional open-back look.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.3

The design earns praise for cleaner lines and appealing color options, though it is not universally seen as luxurious.

Detachable cable convenience
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.9

Multiple reviews confirm the detachable dual-sided cable is reversible or easy to remove, though not everyone likes the format.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
No score yet
Dongle
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

The Smart Tx stands out as versatile and useful for Auracast and source bridging, even if some reviewers view it as niche.

Durability over time
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

One review explicitly questions long-term peace of mind because the thin build feels delicate.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Durability impressions are positive, including explicit notes about surviving weeks of bag carry without damage.

Ear cup padding quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Earpad comments are mostly positive, describing soft, thick, or comfortable pads, though one review found them slightly shallow.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.7

Padding is consistently praised, with comfortable faux leather and memory foam called out directly.

Ear cup swivel/rotation range
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

One review directly criticizes the swivel as insufficient for fit and seal.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

The earcups can lie flat and fold up for easier storage and carrying.

Equalizer customization
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.8

EQ customization is a strength, with reviewers highlighting powerful adjustment tools including 10-band controls.

Features at launch
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
5.0

The Tour One M3 launches with an unusually dense feature set, often described as having nearly everything a buyer could want.

Find My
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Find My support is explicitly listed as part of the feature set.

Frequency response accuracy
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Reviews describe the tuning as relatively natural or accurate on suitable material, even if not all listeners rank it top of class.

Headband adjustability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.3

Headband fit is mixed: some found adjustment simple, while others said the system did not work well or stayed too loose on smaller heads.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

The headband fit is flexible enough to accommodate a range of head sizes.

Headband padding quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.8

Comments on the headband padding are mixed but generally positive on softness; one review likes the fabric support band, while another finds the leatherette pad concept poorly executed.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Headband padding is described as adequate and supportive for longer sessions.

Hinge durability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.5

One review says the swivel feels weak, raising concern about sturdiness around the hinge or yoke area.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
No score yet
Immersive audio quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

The open presentation and surrounding effect are called immersive or enveloping in the reviews that address it.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Spatial and immersive modes make playback feel more enveloping, even if results vary by content and listener taste.

Included accessories
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

Reviews mention a 3m split cable, 6.3mm adapter, and carry bag or pouch as the key items in the box.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
5.0

Accessory coverage is generous, especially around the included wired connection options.

Instrument separation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

The headphones are repeatedly described as good at separating elements or placing sounds clearly in the stereo field.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.8

Instrument separation is repeatedly treated as a strong point.

Integrated microphone
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

The integrated microphone system is substantial, with multiple microphones built into the earcups.

LDAC
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

LDAC support is repeatedly positioned as a meaningful upgrade for sound quality.

LE Audio readiness
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

LE Audio readiness is confirmed in connection with Auracast and limited hands-on testing.

Maximum volume clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
2.5

At higher volumes, at least one reviewer says the sound loses composure and becomes flatter or harsher.

Microphone noise reduction
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.4

Noise reduction for calls is a consistent strength, especially against traffic, office noise, wind, and general background sounds.

Microphone quality for calls
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Call quality is frequently praised, with reviewers describing the voice capture as clear, natural, and conference-ready.

Midrange clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Midrange and vocals are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews calling them clear, forward, or easy to hear, though one reviewer felt the mids could verge into shout or honk.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Midrange clarity is positively described in the supplied reviews.

Multi-platform compatibility
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.8

One review explicitly lists iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and another says they suit everyday listening, mixing, mastering, and gaming.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.8

Multiple reviews frame the Tour One M3 as unusually compatible with a wide range of source devices.

Multipoint connectivity reliability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
3.0

Multipoint is present, but reliability is not spotless; one review explicitly notes stuttering.

Noise isolation (passive)
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

As an open-back design, passive isolation is weak; reviewers note outside sound gets in and the headphones are poor for recording around microphones or noisy environments.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Passive isolation is strong even before ANC is engaged.

Overall recommendation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Most reviewers recommend them for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, though several add caveats about bass preferences, fit, or build.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.8

Recommendation sentiment is clearly positive overall, with one review calling the M3 an obvious choice.

Portability/foldability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.5

Reviews frame these as home or studio headphones rather than portable ones, with explicit warnings against bus or commuting use.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Portability is a strength because the headphones fold compactly for travel.

Premium feel
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.3

Premium-feel reactions are split: one review says they feel premium, while another says the materials do not look luxurious.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
2.5

Perceived luxury is a weak spot: reviewers often say the finish feels more practical than premium.

Preset EQ profile quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
2.8

Preset EQ quality is mixed, with some presets praised and others criticized as overcooked or unhelpful.

Replaceable earpads
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
1.5

One video review explicitly says the earcups do not pop off for replacement, which weakens serviceability here.

Replaceable pads/headband
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Reviews explicitly note that replacement earpads and headband parts are available.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
No score yet
Sensors
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Sensors underpin features like auto play/pause and other smart behaviors.

Sidetone adjustment quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Call settings include sidetone or voice-balance style adjustments rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Smart listening features
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.3

Smart listening extras go beyond ANC, including personal amplification and other app-driven conveniences.

Smart Pause performance
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
2.5

Smart pause behavior is a weak point in at least one review because it can trigger too easily.

Software/setup simplicity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Setup and software handling are generally easy, from pairing to app navigation and cross-platform use.

Sound leakage
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.3

Sound leakage is a major, repeatedly confirmed trait of the open-back design; people nearby can hear what you are playing.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
No score yet
Sound quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Reviews consistently describe the sound as natural, clear, and strong overall, with several calling it expertly tuned or great-sounding, though one reviewer found it only a fine fit for their tastes. The directly relevant wired-use review rates the sonic performance as expertly tuned.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Sound quality earns strong praise overall, with reviewers repeatedly calling it detailed, full, and satisfying.

Soundstage width
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Reviewers repeatedly praise a spacious, open presentation, with several calling the stage wonderful, extended, or wider than expected.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Soundstage is generally roomy and organized, even if not always the widest in class.

Spatial audio
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Spatial audio is present and usually viewed as useful or immersive, though not universally transformative.

Stability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.5

Fit stability is mixed: one reviewer says they stay on well despite light clamp, while another says they slowly slip on a smaller head.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Fit stability is good enough for walking and ordinary movement.

Touch control responsiveness
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
3.2

Touch controls are divisive: some reviewers found them intuitive, while others reported inconsistency or accidental triggers.

Transparency mode quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.3

Transparency mode is consistently good and sometimes excellent, with especially natural ambient pass-through noted.

Travel friendliness
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.3

Reviewers repeatedly say these are bad picks for commuting or public listening because of their open-back leakage and studio-oriented use.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.8

Travel friendliness is a standout strength, helped by comfort, foldability, battery life, and the transmitter use case.

Treble clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, and smooth rather than piercing, though a few reviews note it is restrained or intentionally smooth instead of bright.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.3

Treble and upper-register clarity are generally praised, though the exact balance depends on source and listening level.

USB-C
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

USB-C is central to both charging and wired digital playback.

Value for money
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

Value takes context: several reviewers think the performance justifies the price, but they also stress the need for a suitable use case and, sometimes, amplification.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.2

Value impressions lean positive when the flexibility and feature set matter to the buyer, though some reviewers still note the premium price.

Voice assistant integration
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Voice assistant access is built into the control system.

Voice prompts/feedback
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Voice prompts and audible feedback are present during pairing and other interactions.

Volume output
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.5

Several reviews say the 470-ohm design needs proper power or a headphone amp, and can sound under-driven or require higher volume to open up.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
No score yet
Water/sweat resistance rating
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
1.5

Reviews explicitly note the lack of an IP rating, making this a weak point for workout or moisture-heavy use.

Wear detection auto-pause
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
3.2

Auto-pause exists, but one review reports occasional misses when taking the headphones off.

Wear detection performance
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.0

Wear detection resume behavior is viewed more favorably than the pause side of the feature.

Weight comfort
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.9

Nearly every review highlights how exceptionally light they feel, often framing that as a major comfort advantage.

Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.5

Low weight contributes directly to comfort in multiple reviews.

Wind noise handling
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: JBL Tour One M3 Headphones
4.4

Wind handling is consistently described as good for both ANC and calls.