Compare JBL Live 780NC vs Nothing Headphone (a)

The proximity sensor is quick and dependable across different devices and operating systems.

The missing wear sensor is a clear hardware omission because the headphones cannot detect removal for automatic pause behavior.

Automatic pause and resume worked consistently in testing, making short interruptions effortless.

There is no automatic Smart Pause when the headphones are removed, and reviewers explicitly criticize that omission.

Playback stops immediately when the headphones are removed, reducing missed audio and saving battery.

Automatic pause on removal is absent and repeatedly called out as a feature reviewers miss.

There is no native 3.5mm socket, which disappointed listeners who wanted a standard analog connection. Wired listening instead uses the included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable and still requires power.

The 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for wired listening, including plane use while keeping ANC active.

Wear detection is typically fast and reliable across devices, pausing when the headphones come off and resuming when they return. Hair or hats can create skin-contact quirks.

Wear-detection performance is effectively absent because the headphones do not detect removal for automatic pausing.

The matte finish avoids the fingerprint-heavy look of glossy plastic and should stay cleaner in daily handling.

The glossy black finish can collect fingerprints and dust extremely quickly.

Wear-based play and pause is highly convenient and usually accurate, though hair or hats can interrupt skin detection.

Wear-detection auto-pause is missing, an omission reviewers consider surprising at this price.

The headphones play loudly and can open up at higher levels without immediately losing energy. An optional 85dB limiter provides useful protection.

One reviewer found the maximum loudness a little restrained and wanted a few more volume steps for very loud listening.

The earcups swivel flat and the frame folds down enough to fit easily in a bag. The soft pouch limits protection, but the hardware itself travels well.

Portability is a weak spot because the headphones do not fold inward and remain bulky in a bag, even though the cups can rotate flat.

The included analog cable works as intended, but its 120cm length is too short for relaxed couch listening.

The included cables are mostly praised as sturdy or high quality, although one reviewer questioned the strain relief.

The earcups rotate flat and fold inward, giving the frame useful flexibility for neck wear and packing.

The cups rotate for around-the-neck wear, but one reviewer found the rectangular shells rub or knock together when rotated.

Most assessments warn that there is no confirmed IP rating, making heavy sweat or rain a risk. One video claimed splash resistance, but that conflicts with multiple other sources.

IP52 is useful for sweat and light drizzle, but reviewers consistently caution that it is not protection for heavy rain or serious water exposure.

The USB-C-to-3.5mm cable is useful, but the missing charging cable and thin pouch draw repeated criticism. One package included a charging cable, suggesting regional contents may vary.

The included cables make a positive impression, with one reviewer specifically surprised by their high quality.

Small logos, clean lines, and several subdued colors make the headphones easy to wear without loud branding. Brighter finishes add personality for buyers who want more visual impact.

The design remains conspicuous rather than discreet. Reviewers who want headphones that blend in caution that these are intentionally attention-grabbing.

The metal sliders adjust smoothly and fit a wide range of heads. People with longer faces may wish the band extended farther.

Headband adjustment works, but multiple reviewers find the slider friction, top-mounted sizing, or general adjustment process fiddly.

Replacement information is inconsistent: one test says the pads can be swapped, while another could not remove them and found no third-party options. Buyers prioritizing serviceability should verify current parts support.

The ear cushions cannot officially be replaced, which is a meaningful long-term ownership drawback.

Swappable earpads help serviceability, but battery replacement appears less straightforward and may require JBL support.

Repairability takes a hit because replacement ear cushions are not officially sold, limiting an obvious wear-part replacement path.

The mix of metal, smooth plastics, silicone, and leatherette often looks and feels more expensive than expected. The plastic-heavy shell still reads as midrange to some users.

The plastic-heavy construction does not feel flagship-premium, and multiple reviewers notice the downgrade in material luxury compared with the Headphone (1).

The current metal-hinge construction looks promising, but a previous Live model failed after two years of daily use. Long-term durability of this new model is therefore not yet proven.

Early durability impressions are positive, including flexible headbands, a sturdier feel, and one harsh accidental-impact test that left no visible mark.

Detail is strong for the class, especially with LDAC or wired playback, and background elements are often easy to pick out. Analytical listeners may still want more fine texture and air.

Fine detail is only average for the class: reviewers hear enough clarity for casual listening, but several note softer resolution and less precision than more expensive or hi-fi-oriented models.

Call quality is generally clear and dependable, with strong results in busy outdoor settings. Compared with premium rivals, voices can sound slightly processed or less natural.

Call quality is inconsistent across tests. Some reviewers hear clear, usable speech, while others report muffling, compression, or poor intelligibility in noisier conditions.

Codec coverage is unusually complete for the price, with AAC, SBC, LDAC, LC3/LE Audio, and wired hi-res options covering quality and latency needs.

Codec support is useful but not exhaustive: LDAC is a welcome inclusion at this price, while one reviewer wished Qualcomm codecs were also available.

At roughly 256–270 grams, the headphones feel light enough for extended use without seeming fragile. The weight is generally well judged.

At roughly 310g, the headphones are lighter than their predecessor but still heavier than many rivals, so some reviewers remain aware of the weight over time.

The sound is lively, punchy, and expressive enough to keep energetic music engaging. Its smoother tuning can slightly soften the biggest dynamic swings.

The sound is lively and dynamic, with energetic playback that gives pop and electronic music plenty of momentum.

LDAC can improve clarity, separation, and detail on compatible Android devices. It may also cause occasional dropouts, use more power, and disable some personalized or spatial features.

LDAC can produce a cleaner, clearer presentation than standard AAC on compatible devices, and reviewers value seeing it at this price.

The firm clamp keeps the headphones planted during walking, running, and gym use. Most real-world exercise tests found little bouncing or sliding.

Once adjusted, the fit can stay securely in place while walking without unwanted shifting.

Spatial modes work best for movies and gaming, where they add scale, envelopment, and clearer positional cues. Music mode is much more divisive and is often subtle, artificial, blurred, or harmful to the mix.

Spatial modes are mostly a mixed-to-negative extra: several reviewers hear hollow, processed, or echoey results, while a minority find the Concert effect useful for expanding the presentation.

Warmth and sweat are fit- and climate-dependent. Some users report clammy or hot faux leather, while an outdoor exercise test found surprisingly little sweat buildup.

Heat buildup is a recurring comfort weakness. The synthetic pads and closed design can make ears or the sides of the head warm, especially during longer sessions or workouts.

The Studio preset is repeatedly recommended because it quickly reins in the default bass and restores a more natural balance.

The preset options are useful starting points, with Balanced often taming excess bass and the bass-focused modes appealing more to listeners who want extra low-end weight.

At discounted regional prices, the headphones often feel like a bargain because of their battery, app, codecs, and build. Around $250–$300, the crowded field offers credible alternatives with stronger sound or comfort.

Value is a major strength across the review set. Reviewers repeatedly say the $199/£149 positioning delivers unusually strong battery, controls, features, and sound for the money.

Treble is usually clean and non-fatiguing, but opinions vary on its balance. It can sound crisp, slightly hot in the lower treble, or short on upper-treble air and detail.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, but several reviewers also report sibilance or abrasive upper frequencies on certain tracks.

Headband padding is the main ergonomic weakness. The limited cushioning can create crown pressure well before the plush earcups become uncomfortable.

The thin headband padding can create pressure on the top of the head during longer sessions.

Wind performance varies: some call tests stayed clear with little audible wind, while others heard intrusion or saw transparency mode disengage. Strong gusts remain the harder case.

Wind handling is inconsistent: some microphone tests suppress wind remarkably well, while another reviewer found wind routinely cut through during outdoor use.

The app is clearly laid out and pairing is generally straightforward across phones, tablets, and laptops. Update and setup headaches were rare.

Setup is consistently easy, with quick pairing and straightforward first-use behavior across the reviews that tested it directly.

Android users get the fullest wireless experience through LDAC, with cleaner and more detailed playback reported on compatible Samsung hardware.

Android pairing is especially smooth with Google Fast Pair, which worked seamlessly in the review test.

Wired hi-res playback can sound airier, more precise, and more detailed than standard wireless listening. The headphones still need power for processing and do not behave like a conventional passive pair.

USB-C high-resolution playback can add a small improvement in separation and detail, though the reviewer considered the difference minor.

The ear cushions are widely described as soft, plush, and roomy. They can feel shallow or warm for some ears, but the padding itself is consistently praised.

The large ear cushions provide plentiful padding and enough room to keep ears from feeling cramped.

Auracast can link the headphones with compatible JBL speakers such as the Flip 7 or Go 5, adding a useful shared-listening option.

Nothing-phone integration adds extra shortcuts such as Channel Hop, but some functions work best inside Nothing’s own ecosystem rather than equally across Android devices.

Movie spatial mode adds convincing depth, scale, and a larger sense of space, making films feel more cinematic.

The presentation can feel immersive for music, even if the dedicated spatial processing is less consistently liked.

The built-in beamforming microphones deliver strong voice pickup for calls, including outdoor use with substantial background noise.

The integrated microphone array can capture speech clearly in favorable conditions, although broader call-quality tests are more mixed.

Pairing and switching work well across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even Linux systems, making the headphones easy to share between platforms.

The feature set works well across Android and iPhone, making the headphones a strong cross-platform option rather than a single-ecosystem accessory.

Spoken cues clearly announce power and mode changes, giving more useful feedback than simple beeps.

Mode-change audio cues are exceptionally clear and avoid the ambiguity or annoying spoken prompts found on some headphones.

Ambient Aware is often praised for natural, clear awareness and quick switching. Some tests heard a more occluded or artificial presentation than premium models, especially in the upper frequencies.

Transparency is usable for conversation and awareness, but opinions range from natural and effective to boxy, dark, or slightly artificial.

The headphones are widely seen as a compelling midrange all-rounder with premium-level features and battery life. The main reservations are bass-heavy tuning, clamp pressure, and stronger-value rivals at full price.

The overall recommendation is strongly positive: reviewers repeatedly call these an easy recommendation, a great pick, or a no-brainer in their price class.

The soft pouch is one of the most consistent complaints. It is thin and offers far less protection than the hard cases supplied by some competitors.

The drawstring pouch is one of the most repeated complaints. Reviewers generally see it as flimsy or inadequate protection compared with a proper hard case.

The software package feels unusually close to flagship territory, with Personi-Fi, Relax Mode, low-volume EQ, call tuning, Auracast, spatial modes, wear detection, and extensive remapping.

The headphones pack in a broad modern feature set, and reviewers who discuss the software breadth consider it unusually rich for the price.

Metal hinges and sliders, tight seams, and a creak-free frame give the headphones a sturdier feel than many midrange rivals. Plastic remains visible, but the overall construction inspires confidence.

Despite the move to more plastic, build quality is generally rated as sturdy and better than the price suggests. The construction feels less luxurious than flagship models but not broadly flimsy.

Video mode and modern codecs deliver low latency, with improved lip sync and no visible delay reported in streaming tests.

Video use showed excellent sync in the tested cases, with reviewers reporting no noticeable Bluetooth lag during everyday playback and editing.

Most listening tests found clear, lively, satisfying sound that performs above its midrange positioning. A smaller group considered it merely solid or disappointing at full price because the bass-forward balance obscures refinement.

Most reviewers find the sound enjoyable and impressively capable for the price, especially after a little EQ work. Critical listeners still hear some loss of refinement versus pricier models.

The firm clamp keeps the headphones secure and can work well for walking or exercise. It is also the most repeated comfort complaint, with larger heads especially likely to feel pressure over time.

Clamping force is a recurring comfort concern. Some find the grip secure and well judged, but several describe it as too firm during extended wear.

The app’s 10-band or semi-parametric EQ is unusually flexible, with custom curves, saved presets, and hearing-based personalization. That control matters because it can quickly tame the heavy default bass.

The advanced EQ is a standout feature, offering unusually deep frequency and Q-factor control for wireless headphones. It can substantially improve the stock tuning, though a few reviewers find it fiddly or constrained.

Multipoint usually switches quickly and seamlessly between phones and computers. Some tests found buggy handoffs or required playback to be paused on the first device.

Multipoint is generally easy and reliable once enabled, with reviewers praising quick switching between a phone and laptop or other paired devices.

Long battery life, effective low-frequency ANC, folding earcups, and quick charging make these especially well suited to commuting and flights. The soft pouch is the main travel compromise.

Travel use benefits from the huge battery and competent ANC, with reviewers reporting comfortable multi-hour or flight use in favorable fits.

Imaging is generally accurate, with clear center and left-right placement and particularly strong directional cues in gaming. Layering between the main positions is less impressive.

Imaging is strong enough for positional gaming cues such as footsteps and gunshots to come through clearly.

Vocals and instruments are usually clear, full, and easy to follow. On bass-heavy tracks, the strong low end can push singers backward or bleed into the lower mids.

Vocals and mids are generally clear and well controlled, though a few reviewers hear recessed body or odd upper-mid emphasis in the stock tuning.

ANC is strongest against steady low rumbles from trains, planes, traffic, fans, and air conditioning. Voices and sharper sounds can still leak through, but performance is unusually capable for the price.

ANC is widely considered good to very good for the price, especially on low-frequency travel noise. It usually trails premium Sony and Bose models and can let more voices or higher-frequency sounds through.

Plush pads and moderate weight let many people wear the headphones for hours. Others develop headband pressure or clamp fatigue after 30 minutes to a few hours, so comfort depends heavily on head shape.

Long-session comfort is highly head-dependent. Many reviewers wore them for hours or flights comfortably, while others needed breaks because of pressure, weight, or heat.

Ambient Aware, TalkThru, Relax Mode, and automatic behaviors add real everyday convenience. TalkThru is the most divisive because its playback behavior can feel awkward.

The smart feature set is broad and potentially useful, though one reviewer questions how often extras such as AI-oriented functions will matter in everyday listening.

Glasses comfort is mixed: the fit can be easy for some users, while the snug clamp creates pressure for others. Hats may also interfere with wear detection.

Glasses compatibility depends on fit: one reviewer found little pressure on glasses, another found them comfortable over spectacles, while seal loss bothered a different tester.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with the package often exceeding expectations for completeness and polish. Lukewarm reactions focus mainly on price, default bass, or comfort.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, although not unanimous. Most of the explicit satisfaction comments are enthusiastic, while one reviewer remains clearly lukewarm on the sound.

The presentation can feel pleasantly wide and open for a closed-back model, especially with spatial modes. Other tests found the native stage average or narrow, so expectations should stay realistic.

Soundstage impressions are mixed. Some hear a notably open or wider-than-expected presentation, while others find it close, narrow, or only average for closed-back headphones.

Battery life is the clearest strength, repeatedly lasting days to roughly a week and broadly validating the 50-hour ANC and 80-hour non-ANC claims. Quick charging also adds hours from a brief top-up.

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength. Reviewers repeatedly call the 75-hour ANC figure and roughly 135-hour maximum class-leading, with real-world use generally supporting the claim.

The physical volume, power, and ANC controls are repeatedly praised for tactile feedback and intuitive placement. The hybrid layout is easier to operate by feel than many touch-only designs.

The Roller, Paddle, and physical buttons are one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, tactile, distinctive, and easier to use than touch controls.

Background suppression performs well against traffic, cafés, and general outdoor noise while often keeping speech intelligible. In extremely loud conditions it can become aggressive and clip the voice.

Background-noise suppression can be impressively strong, including traffic, fans, and wind in some tests, but other reviewers found the voice processing less reliable.

Metal hinges and sliders are a standout construction detail, giving the folding mechanism a sturdier feel than the all-plastic joints common at this price.

The revised swivel hinges were specifically described as sturdier than the predecessor's.

Separation is usually clear and layered, particularly with LDAC or wired playback. Dense, bass-heavy mixes can still collapse into congestion when the default tuning overwhelms the mids.

Instrument separation is usually described as clean and easy to follow, though it does not consistently reach the layering precision of more audiophile-focused rivals.

Game-oriented spatial processing and low-latency modes can sharpen footsteps, gunshots, and directional placement. Gaming tests found the presentation engaging and easy to localize.

Gaming performance is promising in the test that covered it, with clear positional cues and useful low-latency behavior.

The JBL Headphones app is a standout strength, combining ANC controls, EQ, Personi-Fi, spatial modes, call tuning, Relax Mode, and control remapping. Setup was generally clear and reliable.

Nothing X is repeatedly praised as a clean, fast, capable companion app with unusually deep control over sound and headphone behavior.

Bluetooth range, stability, and pairing are widely praised, with connections holding well away from the source. The newest radio also supports a broad modern feature set.

Bluetooth performance is a strength in the positive tests, with rock-solid connections, seamless switching, and no noticeable lag reported.

Bass is deep, punchy, and fun for hip-hop, electronic music, movies, and workouts. It is also the biggest dividing line, with the default low end often sounding too boomy or overpowering until EQ is applied.

Bass is one of the most divisive traits: many enjoy its punch and sub-bass weight, while others find the default tuning boomy, muddy, or overly dominant.

Passive isolation depends strongly on fit: the snug seal and plush pads block a useful amount for many users, while others find it minimal.

Passive isolation can be quite effective with a good seal, but glasses or fit issues can weaken it noticeably.

The tuning favors energy over neutrality, with elevated bass and sometimes recessed mids. It becomes more balanced and natural with the Studio preset or a custom EQ.

The tuning lands between balanced and consumer-friendly V-shaped depending on the reviewer, with bass and treble emphasis keeping it from being truly neutral.

The colorful, retro-leaning design stands out from anonymous black headphones and often looks more premium than expected. A few assessments still found the plastic styling ordinary or firmly midrange.

The retro-futuristic, transparent styling earns substantial praise for being distinctive and fashion-forward. It is deliberately bold, so buyers who prefer conventional headphones may not share that enthusiasm.

Fast charging is excellent, typically adding about four hours from five minutes and making brief top-ups practical before work or travel.

Fast charging is excellent: several reviewers highlight that just a few minutes on USB-C can provide hours of playback.

A faint ANC noise floor can be heard in very quiet rooms, but it stays unobtrusive and disappears once music starts.

ANC itself avoids obvious hiss in one test, while another reviewer hears a moderate background hiss in the strongest mode.

Noise-cancelling can alter the tonal balance, with adaptive processing sometimes making the headphones sound less bass-heavy.

Turning ANC or transparency on can subtly change the sound signature, most noticeably by adding some bass weight.

Adaptive ANC can reduce the bass-heavy balance, so listeners may hear a leaner signature when automatic compensation is active.

ANC and transparency can slightly alter the tonal balance, especially by changing bass weight, but the effect is described as noticeable rather than disastrous.

Bluetooth 6.0, multipoint, LDAC, LE Audio, Auracast, and wired playback create one of the broadest connection packages in the class.

Connectivity is unusually versatile, combining Bluetooth with USB-C digital audio and a 3.5mm wired option.

The headphones can play very loudly while retaining clear, energetic sound, though the app’s volume limiter is wise for hearing safety.

Even when pushed loud, the headphones were praised for staying composed rather than falling apart with obvious distortion.

A desktop amplifier tightened the low end and improved instrumental separation, though the headphones still behave more like a smart wireless model than a passive audiophile design.

Auracast adds useful sharing and broadcast options, including links with compatible JBL speakers. It generally works once configured, though setup or LE Audio switching can require retries.

Automatic power-off is a useful safeguard for forgetful users and helps prevent unnecessary battery drain.

PCMag awarded the headphones its Editors' Choice for midrange noise-cancelling headphones.

Bluetooth 6.0 is viewed as a worthwhile upgrade, helping range, stability, LE Audio readiness, and future-proofing.

The optional Smart TX transmitter can add wireless audio to planes, old TVs, and other non-Bluetooth sources. It is potentially useful, though its extra cost is substantial.

The launch feature set feels unusually complete for a midrange model, competing with more expensive wireless headphones from day one.

LE Audio can lower latency and power use, but switching modes was laggy and unreliable in one test. Once connected, LC3 performed well.

The pads are not officially replaceable, and reviewers specifically note that Nothing does not sell replacement cushions.

Adjustable VoiceAware sidetone helps users hear themselves naturally during calls, especially in noisy places.

Sound leakage is context-dependent: two reviewers noticed some bleed at louder levels, while another found virtually none.

Dolby Atmos playback is supported, but the benefit is constrained because only a limited set of streaming services offers compatible content.

The touch surface is generally responsive and highly customizable. Missed light taps and accidental triggers can occur because the active area is large.

USB-C is especially useful because it handles both charging and digital audio while retaining physical-control functionality in the tested setup.

The dedicated assistant control is appreciated as a convenient physical shortcut by the reviewer who discussed it.

Xbox use is only partial: wired game audio works, but the reviewer could not get the headset microphones to function through the controller setup.