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JBL's new $400 headphones have a solution in search of a problem
- JBL announces the Tour ONE M3 over-ear headphones with Adaptive ANC and 70-hour battery life.
- The new model also comes with a pocketable wireless transmitter to connect to analog audio sources.
- They are priced at $399.95, launching April 13, 2025.
JBL has unveiled its latest flagship headphones, the Tour ONE M3. These headphones feature the company’s newest noise canceling technology and a somewhat puzzling wireless transmitter solution to connect to wired sources, such as airplane entertainment systems. Why use a cable when you can use a separate device, I guess?
While this feature proved useful when integrated into the charging case for JBL’s recently released earbuds, such as the Tour Pro 3, its usefulness is less obvious for headphones. After all, the headphones could have just included a 3.5mm jack, you know, just like the old days. This alternative seems to add unnecessary complexity compared to simply plugging in and also presumably has driven up the cost. But perhaps it will appeal to those who can’t stand any cables whatsoever.
The Tour ONE M3 also comes equipped with Adaptive Noise Cancelling, powered by an 8-microphone system that continuously monitors and adjusts to environmental noise. The headphones utilize newly developed 40mm drivers and support Hi-Res audio over both Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C connections. They’re also compatible with Auracast for sharing audio with multiple devices.
The headphones also introduce JBL’s Personi-Fi 3.0 technology, which creates customized hearing profiles through the JBL Headphones app. Users can fine-tune their experience with a 12-band EQ and separate left/right channel optimization. The spatial audio feature also includes head-tracking capabilities, keeping the sound field stable as users move their heads.
For calls, the Tour ONE M3 employs a 4-microphone beamforming array and is Zoom-certified when used with a wired connection. Battery life is rated at 70 hours, with a 5-minute quick charge providing 5 hours of playback. The memory foam ear cushions should help them stay comfortable for all that time and help with passive noise isolation.
The JBL Tour ONE M3 will be available for $399.95 starting April 13, 2025, putting it in the premium headphone segment alongside competitors like Sony and Bose’s flagship models.
