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JBL J55 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£70
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JBL J55 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

6.4

User score

Good
4.8

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%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.0

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.0

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.4

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%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

4.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(133)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
(133)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.5

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.5

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • jbl-j55
  • jbl-j55
jbl-j55
jbl-j55

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

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.

Technical Specifications of JBL J55

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%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.0

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

6.0

Calls & Controls

4.8
JBL J55 has a technical score of 4.77 points, which is lower than that of 56.5% 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%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

4.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(133)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
(133)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.4
JBL J55 has a user score of 6.38 points, which is lower than that of 88.6% 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.
4.9
JBL J55 has a popularity of 4.9 points, which is higher than 51.2% 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%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.6
JBL J55 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 54.9% 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

no
JBL J55 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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 J55 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 J55 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

10 Hz
JBL J55 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
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 J55 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 J55 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 J55 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 J55 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

?
Show more
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

wired
JBL J55 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
Show more
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

N/A
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 J55 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

N/A
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

no
JBL J55 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
Show more
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

on-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

162.7 g
JBL J55 weighs 162.7 g, lighter than 66.9% 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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Show more

JBL J55 vs the average headphone

  • Clear call microphone
    JBL J55 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 J55 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JBL J55 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL J55 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    JBL J55 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 J55 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 25.4% lower weight
    JBL J55 is lighter than the average headphone (162.7 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 J55 is lighter than the average headphone (162.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.162.7 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    JBL J55 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 J55 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Quick mic mute
    JBL J55 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    JBL J55 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JBL J55 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    JBL J55 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 25.4% lower weight
    JBL J55 is lighter than the average headphone (162.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    JBL J55 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    JBL J55 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JBL J55 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JBL J55 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    JBL J55 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Quick mic mute
    JBL J55 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    JBL J55 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • No voice assistant support
    JBL J55 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    JBL J55 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    November 2012
  • No voice assistant support
    JBL J55 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    JBL J55 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    JBL J55 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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 J55 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 25.3% lower user score
    JBL J55 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.38 vs 8.000).
    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.
    JBL J55 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.38 vs 8.000).6.38 vs 8
  • 5 years older release date
    JBL J55 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    November 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    JBL J55 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of JBL J55 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
133 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
133 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

R
resonancereviews.com
12/04/2016
JBL J55/i On-Ear Earphones: It's Fashionable, But That's About It YouTube

The Resonance Reviews article on the JBL J55/i on-ear headphones characterizes them as visually appealing yet sonically and structurally inferior, urging consumers to avoid them despite a low $32 price point. While offering a stylish design, sturdy inner headband frame, and functional microphone, the headset is marred by low-quality plastic construction, weak swivel joints, and an...Read more

T
technobaboy.com
08/05/2014
Review: JBL J55 Headphones - Technobaboy

The Technobaboy review highlights the JBL J55 as an attractive, well-built pair of on-ear headphones priced at P4,290 that successfully balance premium aesthetics with functional comfort. On the positive side (pros), the review praises their beautiful design featuring a sturdy build with stainless steel accents, numbered sizing guides, and rotatable ear cups that easily fit into a...Read more

H
headphone.ph
26/01/2014
Another Basshead Can: JBL J55 Headphone Review

The JBL J55 is an on-ear, closed-back headphone marketed toward bassheads with its signature "pure bass" design, offering a rugged, mostly plastic construction and thick, soft pleather earpads that isolate outside noise well without leaking sound. Its standout features include stylish aesthetics, an eye-catching and lively packaging design, flat tangle-resistant cables, and earcups...Read more

H
hifitest.de
01/01/2013
Test - technical data hi-fi headphones - JBL J55", "hifitest.de (testberichte.de) | 28.01.2013 | JBL J55 reviewed by specialist magazines", "modernhif...

The JBL J55 is a pair of style-focused on-ear headphones engineered to deliver clear, high-purity sound characterized by deep and precise bass tones. On the technical side, the headphones feature 1-5/8-inch (40mm) drivers, an input impedance of 32 ohms, and a broad frequency response range spanning from 10Hz to 24kHz. The structural design emphasizes a sophisticated look, using...Read more

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