JLAB Epic Executive Wireless Active Noise Canceling Earbuds
SUMMARY: JLAB has this Earbud thing nailed down. These earbuds hit far above their price class considering their build quality, the reliable wireless connectivity, call features, and sound quality. Noise reduction falls a little short of the best in class — but JLAB offer noise reduction at this price! And, it’s most effective where you want it most, in the low, engine rumble/drone frequency range.
SETUP: Bluetooth connection at setup was quick and easy. I wandered around my house, leaving my phone behind, charging, and I never lost connection. JLAB provides a nice collection of ear tips (6) and separate “cush fins” (2) which you can choose to use or not. The “fin” or wing allows you to go a bit smaller with the ear tips while still allowing a secure fit. I’m a big fan of these wings. The JLABs felt very secure, but stayed comfortable. Or, leave off the wings if you prefer.
SOUND: I went to my more challenging music — female voices — and, at the other end of the spectrum, deep acoustic bass and cellos. I was already connected via BT, so I used that to judge quality, initially. Considering I’m accustomed to headphones costing multiples of the JLAB price, I was very impressed. These are very satisfying earbuds. Nicely balanced, nice treble detail, and rock solid bass. I forgot I wasn’t wearing my best earbuds, and dug through my music collection, quite enjoying myself. I sampled my thumping, lower fidelity pop rock and these JLABS didn’t mind at all. They can rock with the best. Are these as lush in the upper octaves, or is the bass as tight as my premium over-the-ear? No, not really. When earbud manufacturers make good choices and don’t sacrifice balance for overemphasized bass or hyped treble you find headphones that are easy to live with. These are very easy to live with. I eventually hard wired into my laptop using the provided cable. Sound quality never changed. Still great.
NOISE REDUCTION: JLAB’s easy-to-find, easy-to-use operation continues here, too. A single button push and a green light lets you know noise reduction is on. Against a silent background, the slightest hiss is introduced, which disappears behind program material. This is typical for many Noise Reduction devices. Meanwhile, external background noise is significantly modified. Voices lose low frequency tones completely and are lowered in volume. I experienced a loud lawn mower crew one house away from mine, and they magically appeared to move much further down the street when I switched the noise reduction on. Other steady droning or rumbling from other sources just disappeared. The noise reduction is real.
FEATURES: Playtime is advertised at 7 hours. These earbuds are wired to each other but they are wireless to your phone, laptop, etc. Unless, of course you want to wire them up. This can be useful, for example, if you run out of battery power, and the included wire serves double duty: charging or hard wired for sound via a headphone port by adding an included 3.5mm jack adapter. Minimal stuff to carry around in a small, hard, protective case.
Controls are located on the right side wire where they are very easy to find and use. The controls are very well thought out. A VOICE ASSISTANT lets you know when you are powered on or off, battery level, and BT connection. Very reassuring.
JLAB also includes this neat neckband with a slot for the earbud-to-earbud wire. It turns your earbuds into the neckband style, but only if you want it. It’s small enough to just leave in the carry case.
Phone calls are handled with ease and sound natural. Callers had no trouble understanding me.
COMPLAINTS: (or the opposite of) Who are these JLAB folks? Their instructions are completely understandable, with large readable test, and labeled drawings! Jlab even includes XSmall ear tips, a potential solution for the very petite females in my family. And that included accessory neck-band? I’ve got nothing negative.
RECOMMENDATION: I wouldn’t wait too long to buy these JLABS Epic Executive Earbuds. JLAB might figure out that they are priced well below their value.