Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs JBL Tour One M3 Headphones

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

ANC is broadly considered strong for the price and effective for travel/commuting, but it is usually ranked a step behind the best from Sony/Bose/Apple, especially for voices or tougher scenarios. Noise control modes and adjustability are a highlight: reviews repeatedly mention multiple ANC levels/adaptive behavior and the ability to map controls to switch modes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Nothing X app is repeatedly described as one of the best parts of the experience, with feature access, customization, and settings that help compensate for default tuning.

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

Several reviews mention low-latency or gaming modes and head-tracking features; real-world A/V performance is generally positioned as competent, not a class-leading differentiator.

Wireless transmission stayed in sync with in-flight entertainment.

The headphones include ear detection for automatic pausing.

Auto power behavior prevents unwanted battery drain.

Bass is usually described as controlled and textured rather than skull-rattling, with bass-enhancer tools available; some reviewers still want tighter tuning out of the box.

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

Battery life is a consistent highlight, with many reviews citing long runtime (often around 35 hours with ANC and far more without) and strong real-world endurance. Replaceable battery support is generally weak, with at least one review calling out a non-user-friendly internal battery design.

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

Bluetooth stability is generally good with modern pairing features, though a few reviews mention occasional dropouts depending on environment or device.

Bluetooth connectivity is modern and clearly specified in the reviews.

Multiple reviews explicitly identify Bluetooth 5.3 support.

Build quality is generally seen as solid and premium-feeling for $299, though some reviews note more plastic than expected or worry about long-term cosmetic wear.

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

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

Physical controls (roller + paddle + buttons + power switch) are a major highlight for tactility, but a few reviews mention learning curve, finicky behavior, or coarse volume steps.

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

Included cables are generally viewed as fine, though at least one review notes limitations (such as a 3-pole 3.5mm cable that does not carry mic).

The case is usually described as sturdy and protective with space for cables, but multiple reviewers call it large or mention zipper/material quirks.

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

Fast charging is frequently praised, with multiple reviews citing a short top-up delivering hours of playback; full-charge times are generally described as typical.

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

Clamping force is commonly described as secure without being overly tight, though individual fit can vary and some users still feel pressure over time.

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

Codec and connection support is repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with common mentions of SBC/AAC/LDAC and both USB-C and 3.5mm wired options.

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

Comfort is often rated good-to-very-good for long sessions, but the weight and occasional headband/pad pressure points mean not everyone finds it as effortless as the lightest competitors.

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

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

Design is consistently described as distinctive and polarizing, with many praising the transparent, cassette-like aesthetic and premium look for the price.

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

Having both USB-C audio and a 3.5mm option is repeatedly praised for flexibility, especially for laptops, planes, and modern phones.

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

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

Ear pad comfort and seal are regularly praised, though some reviews mention thinner cushioning than expected, heat buildup, or pressure on certain ear shapes/accessories.

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

Cups generally rotate to lie flat, which helps neck-wear and packing, but the design can cause the squared corners to bump or rattle against each other.

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

EQ customization is a defining strength: multiple reviews highlight an advanced, multi-band/parametric-style EQ (often with Q control) plus shareable presets/QR codes.

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

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

Find My-style features are generally limited to making the headphones play a sound, which helps for nearby locating but is not a full tracker replacement.

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

Measured and subjective impressions frequently point to a non-neutral stock response (often described as dark), with EQ being the practical path to a more accurate balance.

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

Headband adjustment works smoothly for most, but at least one review dislikes the adjustment ergonomics and others wish for more headband padding.

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

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

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

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

Instrument separation is often praised as solid or good once the tonal balance is corrected, though some reviewers still find complex mixes can feel crowded compared to top rivals.

Instrument separation is repeatedly treated as a strong point.

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

LDAC support is consistently called out across reviews and is a core part of the product’s high-res pitch for compatible Android devices.

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

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

At higher volumes, several reviewers report low distortion and clear playback, though ultimate refinement and dynamics are not always on par with premium flagships.

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

Mic noise reduction is usually strong for steady noise and wind, but some reviews report aggressive noise gating or weaker handling of echo/reverberant rooms.

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

Call quality is often described as clear and workable, with some reviews praising voice pickup in noisy streets; others call it merely average or slightly robotic compared with top rivals.

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

Midrange performance varies by tuning: vocals can sound clear and forward after tweaks, but several reviews note too much lower-mid presence or a dull/veiled midrange on default settings.

Midrange clarity is positively described in the supplied reviews.

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

Multipoint is commonly cited as supported and functional, enabling quick switching between two devices; reliability feedback is mostly positive.

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

Passive isolation is consistently strong thanks to a good seal and memory-foam style pads, meaning ANC has a solid foundation in many real-world environments.

Passive isolation is strong even before ANC is engaged.

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

Portability is a weak spot versus foldable rivals: cups rotate flat but the headphones do not fold up, making the carry footprint and case bulkier.

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

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

Preset profiles and simpler EQ tools are generally helpful, but several reviewers still prefer custom EQ to get the best tonal balance.

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

Replaceable earpad support is mixed: some sources mention pads can be removed or obtained via customer service, while others say replacement availability is unclear.

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

Wear-detection and other sensors work well for many users, but some reports mention inconsistent behavior on specific devices (for example, desktop pairing scenarios).

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

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

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

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

Surface oils and cosmetic marks can show up on the materials, with some reviewers noting it wipes off easily but is not especially resistant to smudging.

Setup is usually straightforward thanks to modern pairing features, though a few reviews note hidden settings or small/hard-to-find pairing controls.

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

Sound quality is widely seen as good hardware with polarizing default tuning: some hear clean, balanced clarity, while many describe the stock sound as dark/flat or a bit compressed until EQ is applied. Wired listening over USB-C and/or 3.5mm is frequently mentioned; some reviewers note slightly improved clarity when wired, but not a dramatic transformation.

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

Soundstage is generally not class-leading; multiple reviews call it narrower or less expansive than Sony/Apple competitors, even if separation can be decent after tuning.

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

Spatial audio is included and often paired with head tracking, but opinions on its usefulness vary widely; several reviews call it mediocre or not worth using for music.

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

Fit stability is good enough for walking and ordinary movement.

Sustainability signals are limited in reviews: some note repairability steps (like pad access) but also a lack of recycled materials or overt eco focus.

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

Transparency mode is generally usable and fairly natural, but a recurring complaint is that the wearer’s own voice can sound boomy and/or the passthrough can be less airy than the best implementations.

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

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

Treble is a common critique in default mode, with multiple reviewers calling it muted or lacking sparkle; EQ can restore more air and bite for cymbals and vocals.

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

USB-C is a frequently praised feature because it supports charging and USB-C audio, adding modern wired flexibility.

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

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

Voice assistant hooks and programmable button behavior are widely mentioned, with extra integrations for Nothing phones and more basic assistant triggering on other devices.

Voice assistant access is built into the control system.

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

Volume output is generally adequate, but at least one review notes limited headroom and less precise volume stepping than some competitors.

IP52 is a standout feature in this category and is repeatedly praised as practical for sweat and light splashes, even if it is not a high waterproof rating.

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

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

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

At ~329g, weight is noticeable: reviewers often say it’s lighter than AirPods Max but heavier than Sony/Bose alternatives, which can affect long-wear comfort.

Low weight contributes directly to comfort in multiple reviews.

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