If you want better 3.5mm analog input availability
Choose Sony 1000X The Collexion. It scores 4.5 vs 1.8 for 3.5mm analog input availability, with a 4.2 overall score.
JBL Live 780NC Review
Bottom Line
Choose it for exceptional battery life, deep app customization, punchy sound and capable travel ANC. Skip it if you want neutral tuning, a relaxed clamp or a protective hard case without waiting for a discount.
Best for
Best for commuters, travelers, feature tinkerers, and listeners who enjoy energetic bass but are willing to use EQ. The huge battery and strong low-frequency ANC suit long days away from a charger.
Not for
Skip it for neutral or highly analytical sound, maximum comfort on a large head, or flagship-level cancellation of voices and sharp noises. Buyers who need a protective hard case should also look elsewhere.
Verdict
The JBL Live 780NC is one of the most complete midrange wireless packages here, pairing exceptional endurance with a sturdy metal-hinged build, a feature-rich app, reliable multipoint and effective low-frequency noise cancellation. Its sound is lively, clear and often impressive for the price, while the excellent EQ makes it easy to reshape. The tradeoff is that the default bass can dominate vocals and complex mixes, and comfort varies sharply: plush earcups help, but the firm clamp and lightly padded headband bother some listeners over time. Spatial audio also works better for movies and games than music, and the thin pouch feels cheap. At a good discount it is a standout all-rounder; at full price, sound and comfort rivals deserve consideration.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
89 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.035 (39%)
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Positive 3.5-4.438 (43%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.412 (13%)
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Negative 1.5-2.44 (4%)
Pros
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Fast charging is excellent, typically adding about four hours from five minutes and making brief top-ups practical before work or travel.
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Bluetooth 6.0, multipoint, LDAC, LE Audio, Auracast, and wired playback create one of the broadest connection packages in the class.
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The launch feature set feels unusually complete for a midrange model, competing with more expensive wireless headphones from day one.
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Movie spatial mode adds convincing depth, scale, and a larger sense of space, making films feel more cinematic.
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The built-in beamforming microphones deliver strong voice pickup for calls, including outdoor use with substantial background noise.
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The headphones can play very loudly while retaining clear, energetic sound, though the app’s volume limiter is wise for hearing safety.
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The proximity sensor is quick and dependable across different devices and operating systems.
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Automatic pause and resume worked consistently in testing, making short interruptions effortless.
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Playback stops immediately when the headphones are removed, reducing missed audio and saving battery.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Studio preset is repeatedly recommended because it quickly reins in the default bass and restores a more natural balance.
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The headphones play loudly and can open up at higher levels without immediately losing energy. An optional 85dB limiter provides useful protection.
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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.
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Video mode and modern codecs deliver low latency, with improved lip sync and no visible delay reported in streaming tests.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The app is clearly laid out and pairing is generally straightforward across phones, tablets, and laptops. Update and setup headaches were rare.
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Android users get the fullest wireless experience through LDAC, with cleaner and more detailed playback reported on compatible Samsung hardware.
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Bluetooth 6.0 is viewed as a worthwhile upgrade, helping range, stability, LE Audio readiness, and future-proofing.
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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.
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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.
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The earcups rotate flat and fold inward, giving the frame useful flexibility for neck wear and packing.
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Pairing and switching work well across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even Linux systems, making the headphones easy to share between platforms.
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Adjustable VoiceAware sidetone helps users hear themselves naturally during calls, especially in noisy places.
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The matte finish avoids the fingerprint-heavy look of glossy plastic and should stay cleaner in daily handling.
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Spoken cues clearly announce power and mode changes, giving more useful feedback than simple beeps.
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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.
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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.
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At roughly 256–270 grams, the headphones feel light enough for extended use without seeming fragile. The weight is generally well judged.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The firm clamp keeps the headphones planted during walking, running, and gym use. Most real-world exercise tests found little bouncing or sliding.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The sound is lively, punchy, and expressive enough to keep energetic music engaging. Its smoother tuning can slightly soften the biggest dynamic swings.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The metal sliders adjust smoothly and fit a wide range of heads. People with longer faces may wish the band extended farther.
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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.
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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.
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The touch surface is generally responsive and highly customizable. Missed light taps and accidental triggers can occur because the active area is large.
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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.
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Automatic power-off is a useful safeguard for forgetful users and helps prevent unnecessary battery drain.
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Wear-based play and pause is highly convenient and usually accurate, though hair or hats can interrupt skin detection.
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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.
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Auracast can link the headphones with compatible JBL speakers such as the Flip 7 or Go 5, adding a useful shared-listening option.
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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.
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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.
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Passive isolation depends strongly on fit: the snug seal and plush pads block a useful amount for many users, while others find it minimal.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ambient Aware, TalkThru, Relax Mode, and automatic behaviors add real everyday convenience. TalkThru is the most divisive because its playback behavior can feel awkward.
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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.
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A faint ANC noise floor can be heard in very quiet rooms, but it stays unobtrusive and disappears once music starts.
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Noise-cancelling can alter the tonal balance, with adaptive processing sometimes making the headphones sound less bass-heavy.
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Adaptive ANC can reduce the bass-heavy balance, so listeners may hear a leaner signature when automatic compensation is active.
Cons
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Swappable earpads help serviceability, but battery replacement appears less straightforward and may require JBL support.
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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.
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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.
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Headband padding is the main ergonomic weakness. The limited cushioning can create crown pressure well before the plush earcups become uncomfortable.
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LE Audio can lower latency and power use, but switching modes was laggy and unreliable in one test. Once connected, LC3 performed well.
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Dolby Atmos playback is supported, but the benefit is constrained because only a limited set of streaming services offers compatible content.
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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.
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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.
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The included analog cable works as intended, but its 120cm length is too short for relaxed couch listening.
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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.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Sensors, Wear detection auto-pause, Wear detection performance, near average in Comfort during long use, Value for money, below average in 3.5mm analog input availability, Carry case quality, Headband padding quality.
Summary
87 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher38 (44%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts33 (38%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower16 (18%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm analog input availability | 1.8 | 3.8 | -2.0 |
| Sensors | 5.0 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
| Wear detection auto-pause | 5.0 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
| Wear detection performance | 4.6 | 3.1 | +1.5 |
| Smart Pause performance | 5.0 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| Carry case quality | 2.4 | 3.7 | -1.3 |
| Headband padding quality | 2.6 | 3.9 | -1.3 |
| Equalizer customization | 4.8 | 3.8 | +1.0 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Headband padding quality
Choose Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones. It scores 5.0 vs 2.6 for Headband padding quality, with a 3.8 overall score.
If you want better Carry case quality
Choose Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones. It scores 4.5 vs 2.4 for Carry case quality, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Clamping force comfort
Choose JBL Tour One M3 Headphones. It scores 4.4 vs 3.2 for Clamping force comfort, with a 4.2 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Worse: battery life The JBL lasts noticeably longer with ANC than Sony’s flagship.
- Alternative: price, ANC, and battery The JBL is positioned as a cheaper alternative with near-Sony ANC and longer battery life.
- Similar: feature set Its feature set is presented as rivaling Sony’s flagship model.
- Worse: overall performance The JBL is judged better across sound, calls, ANC, and features.
- Alternative: sound, ANC, and price Soundcore offers similarly satisfying sound and strong ANC for much less.
- Better: comfort and premium feel Bose is more premium and comfortable, while JBL competes on ANC and battery.
FAQ
How long does the battery last?
The 50-hour ANC and 80-hour non-ANC claims were broadly supported, with several tests stretching across many days or about a week. A five-minute charge typically adds around four hours.
How good is the noise cancellation?
It is very effective against steady low rumbles such as engines, traffic, trains, fans, and air conditioning. Voices, announcements, and other higher-frequency sounds remain more audible than on the best Sony, Bose, or Apple models.
Is the sound very bass-heavy?
Yes, the default tuning often emphasizes bass enough to crowd vocals or dense mixes. The Studio preset or custom 10-band EQ can produce a cleaner, more balanced presentation.
Are the headphones comfortable for hours?
The ear cushions are plush and many people wore them for hours, but comfort is inconsistent. The firm clamp and limited headband padding can create pressure, especially on larger heads.
What can the JBL Headphones app customize?
It covers ANC and transparency levels, a detailed EQ, Personi-Fi hearing calibration, spatial modes, Relax Mode, call voice settings, control remapping, wear detection, Auracast, and latency options.
Can they be used with a wired source?
Yes, through the included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable, and wired playback can sound cleaner and more detailed. There is no native 3.5mm socket, and the headphones must remain powered on.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Business Today
- Review score
- 3.5
Article Reviews
head-fi.org
I was walking the electronics store when I came across these JBL Live 780NC headphones. Priced at around 165€ and 139€ for obscure colors I...
- Review score
- 4.0
soundphilereview.com
Last year JBL renewed their line-up of portable speakers with the Flip 7. This year the company has shifted their … More
- Review score
- 3.8
whistleout.com.au
The JBL Live 780NC’s audio quality is about what I would expect from a set of $250 headphones a couple of years ago. With inflation being...
- Review score
- 3.3
business-standard.com
JBL headphone review: The JBL Live 780NC combines balanced sound, effective ANC, long battery life and a feature-rich companion app into a...
- Review score
- 4.3
headphonecheck.com
Our full review of the JBL Live 780NC: Punchy bass, solid ANC, and up to 80 hours of battery life for around 180 euros. Where this over-ear...
- Review score
- 4.1
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