With the launch of the new Soundgear Sense headphones, JBL has just become the latest brand to add open-back headphone technology to its range. The headphones are equipped with 16.2mm drivers and four microphones. They feature a removable crossbody strap for added security, IP54 weather resistance, multi-point connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3 LE audio technology and over 18 hours of battery life.
Vishal Bhardwaj, published on September 3rd, 2023 🇺🇸
Open-ear headphones are finally in style, and this week JBL is the latest brand to join the fray with the launch of its Soundgear Sense headphones. They are based on the air conduction approach of design open-ear headphones (as opposed to bone headphones). Line). Air conduction uses special acoustic techniques to direct sound into the ear with minimal leakage without the need to insert headphones into the ears. The result is a much more relaxed fit for extended use, allowing important ambient noise like traffic or direct conversations to pass through.
JBL’s new headphones feature adjustable ear hooks and a removable neckband to keep them securely in place. Although open-ear designs are inherently difficult to handle low frequencies, JBL’s 16.2mm drivers and bass-boosting DSP should sufficiently compensate for this. The headphones are partly intended for use outdoors and during training and have an IP54 protection rating for dust, sweat and water resistance.
For work in the office and at home, multipoint connectivity allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, such as a phone and a laptop. Four microphones are responsible for recording voice and suppressing ambient noise when making calls. Battery life is 6 hours for the earbuds and 18 hours for the case. Bluetooth LE audio support will be added later via an update, signaling support for the highly anticipated Auracast audio sharing feature.
The Soundgear Sense sits over the ears and is positioned with adjustable ear hooks for a secure fit (Image source: JBL)
Air duct technology has been around for some time. Typically ahead of its time, Bose introduced it starting in 2018 with its frame sunglasses and open-back sports earbuds. But because adoption was low, it removed it just before others saw the potential. Shokz, the pioneer and undisputed leader in bone conduction headphones, has just launched its OpenFit air conduction headphones. Other new additions to this space include Sony’s LinkBuds and OneOdio’s OpenRock.
People who wear their headphones for long periods of time – whether at work or outdoors, commuting or exercising – can no longer ignore problems such as physical discomfort, disconnection from the environment and safety issues. So it’s no wonder that open-ear technologies are finally starting to take off.
The JBL Soundgear Sense earphones cost €149.99 / £129.99 and are available to purchase from the JBL UK website at https://uk.jbl.com/headphones/SOUNDGEAR-SENSE.html. Pricing and availability in the US have not yet been confirmed.
In the meantime, you can buy the Shokz OpenFit TWS Air Conduction Headphones at BestBuy
The Soundgear Sense is also available in white (Image source: JBL – edited)
Air conduction headphones deliver concentrated sound into the ear canal from a distance (Image source: Shokz)
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