The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds offer a compelling blend of advanced features and impressive audio performance, setting them apart in the crowded wireless earbud market. This in-depth review dives into every aspect of these earbuds, from their unique touchscreen-equipped charging case to their customizable sound profiles and microphone capabilities. We'll explore the JBL Tour Pro 3's strengths and weaknesses, comparing them against top competitors like the Sony WF-XM5, AirPods Pro 2, and Technics AZ60 to help you determine if they're the right choice for your listening needs.This comprehensive analysis covers the earbuds' sound quality, focusing on bass response, clarity, and spatial audio performance. We'll also meticulously examine the microphone's effectiveness in various environments, including noisy settings, and compare its noise cancellation capabilities to leading alternatives. Finally, we'll assess the overall user experience, encompassing the intuitive controls, convenient app features, and the impact of the innovative charging case design. Read on to discover if the JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds earn their place among the best wireless earbuds of 2023.
Pros And Cons
- Very customizable sound (manual or personalized calibration)
- Multi-point pairing (connect to two devices simultaneously)
- Supports connection to non-Bluetooth sources via wired connection
- Includes AAC cast feature for broadcasting audio
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- Comes with foam tips for improved noise cancellation
- Smart case allows for settings adjustments without a phone
- Better noise cancellation with foam tips compared to silicone
- Natural-sounding transparency mode
- Good microphone performance, especially in noisy environments
- Good sound quality across various genres, with clean bass separation
- Rich app with many features and settings, responsive on iOS and Android
- Supports LDAC codec
- Noise gating can be too aggressive, cutting into voice
- Only pairs with two devices
- Case is relatively large
- Controls are preset, forcing choices between noise cancellation, playback, and volume controls
- Sound quality slightly less crisp and airy compared to wired connection
- 3.5mm jack connection has slightly less clean background compared to USB-C
- Pairs up to three devices simultaneously
- Smaller case
- Better noise cancellation (with silicone ear tips)
- More customizable controls
- Reveals more detail in the mid-range compared to JBL Tour Pro 3
- Crisper and more vibrant female vocals
- Very similar sound quality to JBL Tour Pro 3
- Slightly better sound separation
- Better for iPhone users due to seamless switching between Apple devices, better mic pickup, and industry-leading transparency mode
- Extreme portability due to tiny case
- Full range of controls available on the earbuds
- Cleaner, crisper transparency mode
- Flatter, more compact case
- Better controls (all controls available with one earbud in the case)
- Best experience with Samsung devices
- Supports SSC codec
- Sounds brighter than JBL Tour Pro 3
- Less feature-rich app and only fully supported on Android
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds arrive in a relatively large case, primarily due to the integrated touchscreen. This screen allows for convenient control over various settings without needing your phone. Managing Bluetooth connections, including multi-point pairing (connecting to two devices simultaneously), is easily done directly on the case itself.
The included charging case boasts a sleek design and a surprisingly large display. The physical feel of the case is premium, and the intuitive touchscreen controls make it effortless to manage device connections and adjust settings on-the-go. This feature alone could persuade many to consider purchasing them.
Sound Quality and Customization
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers customizable sound profiles, either manually adjusted or through personalized calibration. This allows users to tailor the audio experience precisely to their preferences. The earbuds use dual drivers, delivering a V-shaped sound signature with a prominent bass response and clear treble.
Beyond the standard sound adjustments, JBL also integrates spatial audio with head tracking, enhancing the listening experience. Several firmware updates have significantly improved the overall audio quality and responsiveness of the device. The sound quality is further enhanced with a wired connection, offering a crisper, airier sound profile than via Bluetooth.
Microphone Performance and Call Quality
The microphone performance was tested in both quiet and noisy environments. Comparisons were made against popular earbuds such as the Technics AZ60, Sony WF-XM5, BMW Pi8, AirPods Pro 2, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The JBL Tour Pro 3 exhibited good noise cancellation but slightly aggressive noise gating that occasionally cut into the voice recording.
The microphone's performance in noisy conditions surprised the reviewer. The background noise reduction was excellent, minimizing distractions, however, the noise gating occasionally affected the clarity of the speaker's voice. Overall, compared to other leading earbuds, the JBL's call quality was competitive, showing superior performance in various environments.
Comparison with Other Popular Earbuds
A detailed comparison was conducted against the Technics AZ60, showcasing the JBL Tour Pro 3's stronger bass and comparable track separation. However, the Technics AZ60 revealed more detail in the mid-range, offering a crisper and more vibrant listening experience, particularly for female vocals.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 was also compared against the BMW Pi8, Sony WF-XM5, AirPods Pro 2, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Each presented different strengths: the Pi8's superior sound depth and loudness, the Sony's compact case, the AirPods Pro 2's seamless Apple integration, and the Samsung's crisp transparency mode. The JBL Tour Pro 3 excelled with its feature-rich app, its smart case controls, multi-point pairing, and wired connectivity options.
Conclusion and Verdict
The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds offer a compelling combination of features, sound quality, and customization options. While other earbuds may excel in specific areas like sound staging (Sony) or Apple device integration (AirPods), the JBL strikes a balance, providing a versatile and feature-rich experience. The smart case is a major differentiator, providing convenient controls and settings management.
Ultimately, the JBL Tour Pro 3 is a strong contender for best wireless earbuds of 2023. Its extensive features, excellent microphone performance (especially in noisy environments), and customizable sound profile make it a versatile choice, especially for those valuing convenient app controls and wired connectivity for broader audio source compatibility. However, the choice depends on individual priorities. If seamless Apple ecosystem integration is paramount, AirPods Pro 2 remain a top choice. For those prioritizing a smaller form factor, the Sony WF-XM5 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro might be more appealing.