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ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
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JBL J55 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£70Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

JBL J55 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL J55
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

80%

5.8

Technical score

20%

6.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 64% of headphones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 59%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.1

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.1

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 56%
6.7

User score

User score
6.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 91%
  • jbl-j55
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jbl-j55
jbl-j55
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones JBL J55

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.1

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.1

Calls & Controls

5.8
User score
User score
6.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.7
Popularity
Popularity
6.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Popularity:
JBL J55 has a popularity score of 6 points, which is higher than that of 51% of products in this category.
6.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.2
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
JBL
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
162.7 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 162.7 g, lighter than 66.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

JBL J55 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 25.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (162.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    162.7 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 25.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (162.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    162.7 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 19.3% lower user score
    User score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL J55
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL J55 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.7 vs 8).
    6.7 vs 8
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 19.3% lower user score
    User score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL J55
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL J55 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.7 vs 8).
    6.7 vs 8
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headphone.ph
26/01/2014
Full review · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The JBL J55 is a dark, thumping closed-back for bassheads, but its loose bass and recessed highs make it a poor choice for balanced listening.
technobaboy.com
08/05/2014
Brief review · On-ear headphones
Verdict
The JBL J55 is a comfortable, good-looking on-ear with rich bass, best for bass-heavy music, though its treble can sound soft.
R
resonancereviews.com
12/04/2016
Summary of the review
JBL J55/i On-Ear Earphones: It's Fashionable, But That's About It YouTube
H
hifitest.de
01/01/2013
Summary of the review
Test - technical data hi-fi headphones - JBL J55
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about JBL J55

  • Strong bass performance suitable for bass-heavy genres
  • Stylish and fashionable design
  • Portable folding mechanism for easier travel
  • Detachable cable with a secure locking mechanism
  • 180-degree DJ pivot mechanism on earcups
  • Effective noise isolation due to thick earpads
  • Generally comfortable memory foam cushions for short sessions

What customers don't like about JBL J55

  • Fragmented build quality with high risk of hinges or headband breaking
  • Ear cushions prone to tearing or detaching after limited use
  • Proprietary 2.5mm twist-lock cable makes third-party replacements difficult
  • Recessed treble and mediocre clarity in higher frequencies
  • High clamping pressure can lead to significant ear pain after 30–60 minutes
  • Bass can be overwhelming and muddy the mid-range details
  • Occasional mechanical crackling noise when the headset moves

Verdict

The JBL J55 is a closed-back, on-ear headphone featuring high-performance 40mm drivers that deliver a frequency response of 10Hz to 24kHz and a 40-ohm impedance. Its standout characteristics include a unique 180-degree DJ pivot mechanism for single-ear monitoring, a 1.3-metre detachable flat elastomer cable with a secure twist-lock mechanism, and soft leather ear cushions paired with a padded headband. Pros include its strong 'Pure Bass' performance, bold aesthetic with brushed stainless steel accents, and a tangle-resistant cable design that facilitates portability alongside an included padded carry pouch. However, notable cons include reported long-term comfort issues due to high clamping pressure, a recessed treble that may lack detail for critical listening, and a proprietary 2.5mm cable connection that makes finding third-party replacements difficult.

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