JBL Club One Review

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There are moments when we stumble upon a piece of technology that sweeps us off our feet and completely redefines our standards. This is precisely the feeling I experienced when I first encountered the JBL Club One headphones. A combination of JBL’s commitment to high-quality audio and innovative technology, the Club One is aimed at delivering a transformative sound experience to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. As we embark on this auditory journey together, I invite you to explore the nuances and intricacies of this marvel from JBL, that promises to elevate your listening experience to new, unprecedented heights. Let’s dive into the specifics and discover if this gem delivers on its lofty promise.

JBL Club One product information

History JBL Club One

JBL is a brand steeped in a rich history of audio engineering and innovation. It was founded by James Bullough Lansing in 1946, with its roots grounded in creating high-quality speakers and sound equipment. Over the years, JBL established its name in professional, home, automotive, and multimedia applications, being recognized for products that deliver high performance and exemplary sound quality.

The Club series, which includes the Club One headphones, is JBL’s foray into premium, high-end consumer audio products. Introduced in 2020, this series was designed to bring the professional sound experience to everyday consumers, something previously only available to professionals like DJs and music producers.

For the JBL Club One, the company leveraged its deep expertise in sound technology to create headphones that deliver a superior and immersive audio experience. The design was likely influenced by the needs and feedback from a diverse range of users, from music professionals to audiophiles, and casual listeners who desire high-quality sound. These headphones feature many of the brand’s signature technologies, including custom-made drivers and True Adaptive Noise Cancellation, to ensure they deliver on JBL’s promise of uncompromised sound quality.

Thus, the creation of JBL Club One headphones can be seen as a significant milestone in JBL’s journey. They represent the culmination of decades of learning, experimentation, and a commitment to creating audio products that deliver not just great sound, but also a superior user experience.

Specification JBL Club One

Specification	Details
Year of Manufacture	2020
Company	JBL by Harman
Official Website	www.jbl.com
Fit Type	Over-Ear
Item Dimensions	N/A
Item Weight	379 grams
Special Features	Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Ambient Aware, TalkThru, Voice Assistant
Driver Size	40mm
Frequency Response	16 Hz – 22 kHz
Impedance	32 ohm
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Bluetooth Range	Up to 10 meters
ANC Modes	Adaptive Noise Cancellation
Audio Codec	SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Battery Life	Up to 23 hours with ANC on, Up to 45 hours with ANC off
Charging Time	Approximately 2 hours
Quick Charging	Yes, 15 minutes for 2 hours of playtime
Controls	Touch controls for music and call management, on/off for ANC, Ambient Aware, TalkThru
Price	389$

What is included in the delivery set?

1. JBL Club One Headphones
2. Audio cable (1.2m) with remote and microphone
3. USB-C to USB-A Charging cable
4. Hard carrying case
5. 6.3mm audio adapter
6. Airplane adapter
7. Quick start guide
8. Safety sheet
9. Warranty card

What about design, materials, assembly?

The JBL Club One headphones are a true embodiment of a premium product, with their design, materials, and assembly all attesting to a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to high quality.

Starting with the design, the Club One headphones present an elegant and professional aesthetic. They have a sleek, matte black finish that exudes sophistication. The over-ear design offers a comfortable fit, ensuring that the headphones can be worn for extended periods without causing discomfort.

The materials used in the construction of these headphones also speak to their premium status. The ear cups are made of high-grade, soft leather, enhancing both the comfort and durability of the product. The use of metal hinges for the foldable design adds an extra layer of durability while also lending a high-end feel to the product.

In terms of assembly, the Club One headphones showcase the kind of precision engineering for which JBL is renowned. All components fit together seamlessly, reflecting high manufacturing standards. The sturdy construction ensures that these headphones are not only designed for optimal audio performance, but also to withstand the rigors of daily use.

Furthermore, the headphones come equipped with user-friendly touch controls for managing music and calls, demonstrating a thoughtful integration of design and functionality. The inclusion of a sturdy, hard-shell carrying case for safe transportation of the headphones further underscores JBL’s emphasis on providing a comprehensive, high-quality package for their users.

In conclusion, the JBL Club One headphones are a prime example of a product where design, materials, and assembly all come together to create a high-end, durable, and user-friendly product that also delivers outstanding audio performance.

Criteria	Grade (Out of 10)
Design	9
Materials	9
Assembly	9

What about ergonomics and usability JBL Club One?

Ergonomics and usability are critical aspects of any headphone review, and the JBL Club One does not disappoint in these respects.

Beginning with ergonomics, these headphones showcase a thoughtful design that prioritizes comfort. The over-ear, circumaural design effectively encloses the ear, providing good passive noise isolation, while the plush, leather ear pads ensure maximum comfort during extended listening sessions. The headphones are also adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head size and shape. Additionally, the Club One headphones are foldable, making them easy to transport and store.

As for usability, JBL has equipped the Club One headphones with user-friendly features designed to enhance your listening experience. The headphones boast intuitive touch controls on the ear cups, letting you easily manage your music and calls, or toggle Adaptive Noise Cancellation and Ambient Aware features.

Moreover, the JBL Club One offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity, enabling easy pairing with a wide range of devices. The headphones also feature a wired connection option, which can be handy in situations when you can’t (or don’t want to) use Bluetooth.

The battery life of the JBL Club One is another highlight. Offering up to 23 hours with Adaptive Noise Cancellation turned on and up to 45 hours without, these headphones ensure you won’t be left without your tunes any time soon. The quick charge feature is another significant advantage – just 15 minutes of charging can provide 2 hours of playtime, which is incredibly useful when you’re in a hurry.

Lastly, the JBL Club One supports the My JBL Headphones app, which allows you to customize your listening experience by adjusting EQ settings and more.

In summary, both in terms of ergonomics and usability, the JBL Club One headphones excel. They provide a comfortable and user-friendly listening experience, which, coupled with their superior sound quality, makes them a top contender in the premium headphones category.

Criteria	Grade (Out of 10)
Ergonomics	9
Usability	9

What about connection, control and software?

The JBL Club One headphones excel in providing seamless connectivity, intuitive control, and robust software support that further enhances the overall user experience.

Connection

The JBL Club One headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring stable and high-quality wireless connectivity over a range of up to 10 meters. They also support multi-point connection, allowing you to connect to two devices at once, a convenient feature for those juggling between devices.

For those times when you prefer a wired connection or need to conserve battery life, these headphones also come with a 3.5mm audio cable, offering you the flexibility to switch between wired and wireless modes.

Control

The headphones provide on-board controls that are conveniently located on the ear cups. These controls allow you to play/pause your music, skip tracks, adjust volume, and answer or end calls without reaching for your connected device. You can also activate your voice assistant or toggle between Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Ambient Aware, and TalkThru modes directly from the headphones.

Software

The JBL Club One is compatible with the My JBL Headphones app, available for both iOS and Android. This app provides a range of customization options, including the ability to tweak the EQ settings to your personal preferences. The app also lets you control the level of Adaptive Noise Cancellation, and manage the Ambient Aware and TalkThru features. Additionally, you can access your voice assistant, check battery levels, and receive software updates directly through the app.

In conclusion, the JBL Club One headphones offer strong connectivity options, intuitive controls, and comprehensive software support, all of which combine to deliver an outstanding user experience.

Criteria	Grade (Out of 10)
Connection	9
Control	9
Software	9

How’s the sound quality? 

Sound quality is where the JBL Club One truly shines, offering a rich, immersive, and well-rounded listening experience.

The Club One is equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver JBL Pro Sound. The sound signature is characterized by its balance and clarity across the entire frequency spectrum. The bass is impactful yet controlled, adding a satisfying depth to your music without overpowering the mids and highs.

The midrange performance is impressive, presenting vocals and instruments with an admirable level of detail and authenticity. Whether you’re listening to a soulful vocal performance or a complex orchestral piece, you can expect a full-bodied and natural sound.

The treble is crisp and clear, imparting a nice sparkle to the sound without becoming overly bright or harsh. It adds an excellent level of detail to the music, making the overall soundstage seem larger and more spacious.

The Club One headphones also offer a respectable level of soundstage and imaging for a closed-back design. The positioning of instruments and vocals is accurate, giving a good sense of depth and direction in the music.

Moreover, the Club One’s Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature works effectively to reduce ambient noise, allowing you to focus solely on your music. This feature doesn’t seem to noticeably affect the sound quality, which is a testament to JBL’s sound engineering expertise.

The headphones also support high-quality Bluetooth codecs like AAC and aptX Adaptive, ensuring high-quality wireless sound transmission. This is particularly beneficial if you’re streaming high-resolution audio from your devices.

Furthermore, with the My JBL Headphones app, you can customize the EQ settings to better suit your personal listening preferences. This adds another layer of versatility to the Club One, making it suitable for various genres and styles of music.

In conclusion, the JBL Club One offers an impressive sound quality that lives up to its promise of delivering a professional sound experience. Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener, these headphones are sure to provide a satisfying and engaging listening experience.

Criteria	Grade (Out of 10)
Bass	9
Midrange	9
Treble	8.5
Soundstage & Imaging	8
Noise Cancellation	9

What about the energy efficiency and battery life?

Energy efficiency and battery life are among the JBL Club One’s strong suits. The headphones are equipped with a powerful battery that offers impressive longevity.

With Adaptive Noise Cancellation turned on, the Club One can deliver up to 23 hours of playback time on a single charge. If you choose to turn off the noise cancellation, the battery life extends to a whopping 45 hours. This longevity is more than enough to cover multiple long listening sessions or even a long-haul flight, making these headphones an excellent choice for both everyday and travel use.

The headphones also come with a fast charging feature. A quick 15-minute charge can provide up to 2 hours of playback time, which can be extremely handy if you need to quickly power up your headphones before heading out.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Bluetooth 5.0 technology used in these headphones ensures a stable connection while also optimizing power consumption. Moreover, the headphones come with an auto-off feature that powers down the headphones after a period of inactivity, further conserving battery life.

To summarize, the JBL Club One headphones are highly energy-efficient and offer exceptional battery life, ensuring that your music accompanies you without interruption throughout the day.

Comparison & Review

There are several headphones on the market that are comparable to the JBL Club One in terms of features and cost. Here are some of them:

1. Sony WH-1000XM4: These headphones are considered some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. They offer excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and up to 30 hours of battery life. Additionally, they boast features such as Speak-to-Chat and ambient sound control.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Known for their comfort and top-notch noise cancellation, these headphones also deliver excellent sound quality and up to 20 hours of battery life. They also offer access to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
3. Sennheiser Momentum 3: These headphones offer superior sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a stylish, comfortable design. They also come with a Tile tracker built-in, which is handy if you’re prone to misplacing your headphones.
4. Bowers & Wilkins PX7: With these headphones, you get excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and up to 30 hours of battery life. They also boast a luxurious design and a comfortable fit.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT: These headphones offer excellent sound quality and a long battery life of up to 40 hours. While they don’t offer noise cancellation, their over-ear design provides good passive noise isolation.

Now let’s delve a bit deeper into two of these models:

Sony WH-1000XM4: Often considered the gold standard for wireless noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers an excellent blend of sound quality, noise cancellation, and additional features. They offer a slight edge over the Club One in terms of noise cancellation and come with unique features like “Speak-to-Chat,” which automatically pauses your music when you start talking. These headphones offer a slightly more relaxed and warm sound signature compared to the Club One’s more neutral and balanced sound.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II: These headphones are renowned for their comfort, as the name suggests. They offer excellent noise cancellation, although the sound quality isn’t as detailed or vibrant as the Club One’s. However, the QuietComfort 35 II does have a more laid-back sound that some users may prefer, especially for long listening sessions. Plus, the direct access to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa adds a level of convenience for users who frequently use these services.

In conclusion, while there are several worthy competitors in this price range, the JBL Club One’s blend of sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life make it a standout choice for many listeners.

Compare with similar items

Specifications	JBL Club One	Sony WH-1000XM4	Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Year of Manufacture	2020	2020	2017
Company	JBL	Sony	Bose
Official Website	www.jbl.com	www.sony.com	www.bose.com
Fit Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Item Dimensions	8.07 x 3.54 x 7.6 in	7.27 x 3.03 x 9.94 in	3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 in
Item Weight	378g	254g	235g
Special Features	Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Ambient Aware, TalkThru, Voice Assistant, My JBL Headphones App	Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention Mode, Voice Assistant, Sony Headphones Connect App	Noise Cancellation, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Bose Connect App
Driver size	40mm	40mm	N/A
Frequency Response	20Hz – 40kHz	4Hz – 40kHz	N/A
Impedance	32 Ohms	47 Ohm (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on) , 16 Ohm (1kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off)	N/A
Bluetooth Version	5.0	5.0	4.1
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m	10m
ANC Modes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audio Codec	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	SBC, AAC, LDAC	SBC, AAC
Battery Life	Up to 23 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off)	Up to 30 hours (ANC on)	Up to 20 hours (ANC on)
Charging Time	2 hours	3 hours	2.25 hours
Quick Charging	Yes (15 minutes for 2 hours playtime)	Yes (10 minutes for 5 hours playtime)	N/A
Controls	Touch controls	Touch controls	Button controls
Price	Approx $350	Approx $350	Approx $300

How do JBL Club One users describe their experience with these headphones? 

JBL Club One users typically have a highly positive experience with these headphones, praising various aspects of their design and performance. Here are some of the key points often brought up by users:

Sound Quality: Users frequently commend the JBL Club One’s balanced and clear sound profile. The well-controlled bass, detailed mids, and crisp trebles make for a pleasurable listening experience across a variety of music genres.

Noise Cancellation: The adaptive noise cancellation feature receives high praise for its effectiveness in reducing ambient noise. Users find it particularly useful in noisy environments, such as during travel or in busy workplaces.

Comfort: The plush ear cushions and padded headband are often noted for providing a comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions.

Battery Life: The long battery life, with up to 23 hours of use with noise cancellation enabled and up to 45 hours without, is another aspect that users appreciate. The fast charging feature also proves handy for users needing a quick power boost.

Build Quality: The sturdy, high-quality build of the JBL Club One is frequently noted by users. The mix of metal and high-quality plastic, along with the leatherette finishes, give the headphones a premium feel.

Connectivity and Controls: Users appreciate the stable Bluetooth connection and the ease of switching between devices due to the multi-point connection feature. The on-cup controls are generally considered intuitive and responsive.

Customization: The ability to personalize the sound profile through the My JBL Headphones app is another plus point according to users. The app’s features, including EQ customization, are well-received.

However, it’s worth noting that experiences can vary between users. A minority of users have reported finding the headphones slightly heavy, potentially affecting comfort over longer periods. Some users also wished for a broader soundstage.

In general, the JBL Club One headphones have been well-received by users, with many considering them a worthwhile investment for both their feature set and their high-quality audio performance.

Pros and cons of headphones JBL Club One

Positive Aspects	Negative Aspects
Balanced and clear sound profile	Slightly heavy for some users
Effective Adaptive Noise Cancellation	Soundstage could be broader
Comfortable for extended use	High-end price tag
Long battery life
Quick charging feature
Sturdy, high-quality build
Stable Bluetooth connectivity
Personalizable sound via JBL app

Conclusions

In summary, the JBL Club One headphones have marked their presence as a formidable player in the realm of high-end audio equipment. These headphones offer a balanced, clear, and immersive sound profile that caters to a wide variety of music genres. The Adaptive Noise Cancellation is notably effective, providing listeners with a focused auditory experience even in the noisiest environments.

Comfort is another strong point for the Club One headphones, with their plush ear cushions and padded headband ensuring a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The headphones’ battery life is impressive, offering up to 23 hours of use with noise cancellation on and up to 45 hours without. A quick charging feature adds further convenience for those on the go.

Built with a blend of metal and high-quality plastic, the headphones provide a sturdy, premium feel. The headphones’ connectivity and controls are both reliable and intuitive, while the My JBL Headphones app allows users to personalize their sound profile.

On the flip side, some users find the headphones slightly heavy, potentially affecting comfort during long periods of use. A few users would have preferred a broader soundstage. However, these minor criticisms don’t overshadow the multitude of positives the Club One brings to the table.

Priced at the higher end of the market, the JBL Club One is an investment. However, for those prioritizing sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life, it’s an investment that will likely pay dividends in listening pleasure.

Whether you’re an audiophile, a professional musician, or simply someone who loves to lose themselves in music, the JBL Club One headphones could be a worthy addition to your audio arsenal.

JBL Club One. Basic questions, basic answers

Last Updated on August 23, 2023