If you're looking to buy a pair of the best earbuds on the market, you're in luck. Quality across the board has skyrocketed in recent years, with more options than ever meaning you can truly find the right option for you.
I've been fortunate enough to test a lot of them over the years. I've seen all manner of devices, from the cheap and cheerful to the not-so-cheap, but astoundingly good.
Today, I've compiled a review of the new JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds. I've been using these for the last few weeks, to gain a thorough understanding of just how good they are.
Can these earbuds take the crown? Let's jump in and find out.
JBL Tour Pro 3 review: Price and Availability
The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds were first unveiled on the 21st of August 2024.
Priced at £279.99 (approx. $375; AU$545), these represent a price jump from the previous JBL Tour Pro 2 model.
JBL Tour Pro 3 review: Features and What's New
The JBL Tour Pro 3 very much appears to pick up where the Tour Pro 2 left off. When I reviewed them last year, they earned a five-star rating owing to their overall killer performance.
With that in mind, I was really hoping for an incremental upgrade here. With no real need to push the envelope, the JBL Tour Pro 3 could afford to just make minor tweaks and be a seriously impressive device.
On the face of it, that seems to have been their approach. Looking at the two units side by side, there's very little in the way of visual differentiation. The Smart Charging Case is present and correct once more, while the bud design remains relatively similar, too.
Where things have really changed is on the inside. Dual driver setups are nothing new, but the combination of a 10.2mm driver and a balanced armature driver in these buds makes for a killer combo. Expect deep, powerful bass response, with clear and detailed highs.
Then, there's the True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0. That's the name JBL gives to their new ANC algorithm, which listens to your surroundings to actively adapt to different sounds in your environment. JBL says that registers about 50,000 sound recognition instances per second, ensuring you never have to hear anything you don't want to.
There's also an upgrade to the spatial audio. Now known as JBL Spatial 360, the system is designed to offer a much more natural response. That's true in both fixed and head tracking modes.
One physical change this year comes in the box. Users will find a pair of foam tips, alongside the usual slew of differently sized silicone options. Those are a great pick for some added passive noise cancellation, though they can be a slightly less comfortable fit for some ears.
JBL Tour Pro 3 review: Performance
It really does take a lot for a new pair of earbuds to leave me wowed. With so many good-to-excellent options out there, finding something which stands above the noise – pun very much intended – can be a tough task.
From the very first moment I popped the Tour Pro 3's in, though, I was hooked. Let's kick of with the quality of the audio itself. Arguably, that's both the most and least important part – most because it's the key reason for buying a device like this, and least because advancing technology means most pairs are at least quite good these days.
Despite that, the Tour Pro 3 really did take my breath away. That combination of a big main driver and a dainty and deft treble-focused unit makes for a devilishly good combination. It's a real treat for your ears – silky and balanced, like a well paired steak and wine.
As good as the sound quality is, though, it wasn't my favourite part of the experience. No, that goes to the ANC. See, while the talk was really good, I still had reservations about just how good the walk might be.
It's safe to say those reservations were totally unfounded. In actual fact, this is simply the best noise cancelling I've ever used. It is effortlessly good, blocking out any and every piece of ambient noise.
Another thing I really enjoyed here is the JBL Spatial 360. It's a big improvement over the previous generation, where the setting was prone to issues and glitches. Nothing of that ilk is present here, though I do wish we could leave it turned on by default when re-connecting.
One feature I'm really excited to test is the wireless audio transmission. For those unaware, this allows users to connect the Smart Charging Case via USB-C or audio jack to a range of different sources – like, for example, an in-flight entertainment system. Sadly I haven't had a long-haul flight to test them on, but I can't wait to do so.
JBL Tour Pro 3 review: Verdict
This is just about as perfect as a pair of earbuds can be. The sound quality is every bit as good as you'd expect of JBL, but its the ANC and spatial audio where these really move ahead.
It's a simply flawless experience, which leaves you totally immersed in whatever you choose to listen to – whether that's music from a range of sources, your favourite podcast or even a work call. Keith from accounts has never sounded better.
It's not entirely without fault – I'd like to have some better longstanding settings and those foam tips can fatigue the ears after a while. It's also not cheap, which will put off some.
But I think it's reasonable for the quality on offer. If you're in the market for a pair of the best earbuds, paying less than £300 seems like a good deal.
JBL Tour Pro 3 review: Also Consider
There's no shortage of great earbuds on the market right now. Prior to this, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds were my top pick, though they may have been edged out here. The slightly plasticky case isn't as premium feeling as the JBL, but the audio and ANC is still fantastic.
Something a little more classic is the Sony WF-1000XM5. A solid pick, these offer decent sound, decent ANC and one of the best apps on the market. They also come from a more well-known brand, which will appeal to some.
If you're happy to wander off the beaten track somewhat, the Devialet Gemini II are a great pick. With art deco styling and top notch sound, these are the fashionistas choice.
