JBL Duet NC Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 24 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

JBL Duet NC review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.6

Technical Score

20.0%

7.4

User score

Good
6.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.0

Sound

20.0%

3.9

Features

10.0%

6.7

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

5.7

Battery

4.0%

9.0

Calls & Controls

Good
7.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

4.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(83)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(83)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    3.1

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    9.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

  • 7.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.2

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 7.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 4.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.2

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    3.8

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JBL Duet NC is a wireless over-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and JBL Signature Sound with a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz. Its primary characteristics include active noise-cancelling (ANC) technology and multi-point connection, allowing seamless switching between two devices. Key pros include a battery life of up to 24 hours (15 hours with ANC enabled), a rapid 2-hour recharge time, and a premium design utilizing leather ear pads and aluminum accents for comfort and durability. However, notable cons include small on-ear buttons that can be difficult to use, a lack of water resistance, and reported long-term durability issues such as cracking in the plastic folding mechanism.

Technical Specifications of JBL Duet NC

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.0

Sound

20.0%

3.9

Features

10.0%

6.7

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

5.7

Battery

4.0%

9.0

Calls & Controls

6.6
JBL Duet NC has a technical score of 6.63 points, which is higher than that of 78.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

4.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(83)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(83)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.4
JBL Duet NC has a user score of 7.37 points, which is lower than that of 72.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
4.0
JBL Duet NC has a popularity of 4 points, which is lower than 53.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

7.6
JBL Duet NC has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 76.6% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
JBL Duet NC supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
JBL Duet NC uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
JBL Duet NC uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
JBL Duet NC reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Duet NC supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Duet NC is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
JBL Duet NC has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
JBL Duet NC does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
JBL Duet NC supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

4.0
JBL Duet NC uses Bluetooth version 4.0, newer Bluetooth version than 57.4% of headphones and equal to 4.8% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

10 m
JBL Duet NC offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

200 ms
JBL Duet NC has audio latency of 200 ms, higher audio latency than 72% of headphones and equal to 13.9% of headphones.
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Duet NC supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
JBL Duet NC supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
JBL Duet NC does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
JBL Duet NC does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
JBL Duet NC supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

24 hours
JBL Duet NC offers battery life of 24 hours, lower battery life than 59.1% of headphones and equal to 3.4% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

15 hours
JBL Duet NC offers battery life with ANC of 15 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 88.7% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

2 hours
JBL Duet NC needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 48.5% of headphones and equal to 39.1% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

610 mAh
JBL Duet NC has a battery capacity of 610 mAh, higher battery capacity than 57% of headphones and equal to 3% of headphones.
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

JBL
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

260 g
JBL Duet NC weighs 260 g, heavier than 65.5% of headphones and equal to 2.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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JBL Duet NC vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    JBL Duet NC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    JBL Duet NC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • More flexible connectivity
    JBL Duet NC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    JBL Duet NC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    JBL Duet NC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Duet NC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    JBL Duet NC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Duet NC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JBL Duet NC has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    JBL Duet NC has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • In-line controls
    JBL Duet NC includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL Duet NC includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    JBL Duet NC reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL Duet NC reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    JBL Duet NC has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL Duet NC has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Foldable design
    JBL Duet NC has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    JBL Duet NC supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JBL Duet NC has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Rechargeable battery
    JBL Duet NC has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    JBL Duet NC can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    JBL Duet NC offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    JBL Duet NC offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    JBL Duet NC includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    JBL Duet NC includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    JBL Duet NC reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Quick mic mute
    JBL Duet NC includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 19.3% higher weight
    JBL Duet NC is heavier than the average headphone (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    JBL Duet NC has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 4 mm tighter earcup width
    JBL Duet NC has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (39 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    JBL Duet NC has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • No neodymium magnet
    JBL Duet NC does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 15 hours shorter ANC battery life
    JBL Duet NC has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    JBL Duet NC has a lower battery life than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 72.5 ms higher audio latency
    JBL Duet NC has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 72.5 ms higher audio latency
    JBL Duet NC has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
    When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <60 ms

    JBL Duet NC has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.200 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 15 hours shorter ANC battery life
    JBL Duet NC has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
    When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >40 hours

    JBL Duet NC has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.15 hours vs 30 hours
  • 19.3% higher weight
    JBL Duet NC is heavier than the average headphone (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    JBL Duet NC is heavier than the average headphone (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.260 g vs 218 g
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    JBL Duet NC has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    JBL Duet NC has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    JBL Duet NC has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL Duet NC has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.54 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2.44x more expensive
    JBL Duet NC is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).
    JBL Duet NC is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    JBL Duet NC has a lower battery life than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time on a single charge
    When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >45 hours

    JBL Duet NC has a lower battery life than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.24 hours vs 30 hours
  • No neodymium magnet
    JBL Duet NC does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
    When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL Duet NC does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.

Graphic comparison of JBL Duet NC and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about JBL Duet NC?

  • High-quality sound with punchy bass and clear highs
  • Effective active noise cancellation for commuting and travel
  • Long battery life of up to 24 hours (15 hours with ANC)
  • Multipoint connection allows seamless switching between two devices
  • Comfortable fit for many users due to soft leather ear pads
  • Versatile use with both wireless and passive wired modes
  • Premium build materials including aluminum touches

What customers dislike about JBL Duet NC?

  • Unreliable Bluetooth connection; some users reported frequent drops
  • Potential durability issues with the folding mechanism over time
  • On-ear controls/buttons can feel too small and difficult to use
  • Tight headband may cause discomfort during long listening sessions
  • Reported issues with sound only coming from one side in some units
  • ANC can produce a slight 'hiss' or 'campfire rumble' in total silence

Expert reviews

A
aranzulla.it
01/04/2026

This review highlights a wide range of JBL headphones and earbuds tailored for diverse consumer needs, focusing heavily on signature sound profiles and specialized features. For gaming enthusiasts, the wired JBL Quantum 100P delivers excellent directional, spatial audio optimized for PlayStation 5 and general cross-platform compatibility. In the over-ear category, the JBL Live 770...Read more

Video reviews

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