OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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JBL J88i Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

JBL J88i 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 J88i
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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 70% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

6.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 70% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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 67% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 67%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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 64% of models
Score components

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

6.1

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.5

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 64%
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%
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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 J88i

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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 64% of models
Score components:

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

6.1

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.5

Calls & Controls

5.7
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.
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 J88i 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
7.1/ 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 67% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.1
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
50 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% 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
8 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.3% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% 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
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% 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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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
over-ear
Weight
340 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 340 g, heavier than 89.6% of headphones and equal to 1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

JBL J88i vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 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
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 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
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 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.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 56% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    340 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 19.6% 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 J88i
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL J88i has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.69 vs 8).
    6.69 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
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    55 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2.5% worse value for money
    JBL J88i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.09 vs 7.3).
    7.09 vs 7.27
  • 19.6% 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 J88i
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL J88i has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.69 vs 8).
    6.69 vs 8
  • 2.5% worse value for money
    JBL J88i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.09 vs 7.3).
    7.09 vs 7.27
  • 56% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    340 g vs 218 g
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    55 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

8.0
efoxxfiles
≈ estimated
15/11/2017
Unboxing and review · sound tests and first impressions
Verdict
JBL J88i is a good buy on a tight budget, though the sound falls short of expectations.
9.0
Chris Flash
≈ estimated
08/08/2017
Unboxing and first-use review · a few hours of listening
Verdict
JBL J88i is a well-built pair worth recommending, especially if you need new headphones.
7.0
MattyC Reviews
≈ estimated
16/03/2016
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and cable tests
Verdict
JBL J88i is a decent corded pair for editing or casual listening, and hard to beat on price.
8.0
Paulo (Paulo Rodrigo)
≈ estimated
05/03/2017
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and iPhone controls
Verdict
JBL J88i has great sound, though its playback controls only work with iPhone and iPod.
8.0
Henrique Tavares
≈ estimated
21/05/2016
Short review · isolation, build and headband durability
Verdict
JBL J88i is a good choice for music and isolation in the office, but the headband can break.
9.0
DigitalAkio
≈ estimated
04/03/2016
Review · unboxing, build, comfort and sound
Verdict
JBL J88i is strongly recommended for home music and gaming, though the cushions get hot.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
headphone.ph
15/03/2014
Summary of the review
Review of the JBL J88 Headphones
av-magazin.de
24/01/2013
Magazine test · Value on-ear
Verdict
The JBL J88i is a well-finished, comfortable on-ear pair with very clear calls and strong bass, offering above-average value for its price.
areadvd.de
16/07/2013
Hands-on test · Fun-focused on-ear
Verdict
The JBL J88i delivers powerful, dynamic sound with deep bass that suits relaxed listening and electronic tracks, but it is weaker on classical music.
01net.com
21/08/2013
Hands-on test · Budget on-ear
Verdict
The JBL J88i is a good-value on-ear pair for rock listeners who want strong bass and good isolation, though its weak treble and bulky build hold it back.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about JBL J88i

  • Powerful and accurate bass due to large 50mm drivers
  • Premium, stylish design with rotatable ear cups for DJ-style monitoring
  • Soft, plush memory foam ear pads that provide high initial comfort
  • Detachable flat elastomer cable with a secure twist-lock mechanism to prevent tangling
  • Includes a padded carrying pouch for safe transportation
  • Effective passive noise isolation when a good seal is achieved

What customers don't like about JBL J88i

  • Bulky and massive physical size which may feel heavy on the head
  • Durability issues, with multiple reports of the headband cracking or ear pads falling apart
  • Clamping force can be too light, leading to a poor acoustic seal and muddy sound
  • Proprietary 2.5mm twist-lock connector makes it difficult to find third-party replacement cables
  • Soundstage is described by some as narrow or 'squished' on a 2D plane
  • Bass can occasionally muffle the vocals or overpower the mid-range

Verdict

The JBL J88i is a premium over-ear headphone featuring massive 50mm high-performance drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 8Hz to 24kHz with an impedance of 32 ohms. Its distinctive design includes a 180-degree DJ pivot mechanism for single-ear monitoring, a 1.3m detachable flat-elastomer cable with a secure twist-lock, and an Apple-compatible three-button in-line remote and microphone. Main pros include its powerful, accurate bass, high levels of comfort from soft leather ear cushions, and a rugged strain-relief connector for enhanced durability. However, some users note its large, bulky frame can be less portable and its proprietary 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable connection makes using standard third-party cables difficult.

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