OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

JBL Live 400BT Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£55
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 24 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JBL Live 400BT review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.3

Good

5.6

Good

9.4

Exceptional

4.0
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
3.7
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
3.8
Battery life
5.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
3.8
Battery life
18.0%
6.0
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
6.5
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
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%
10
Companion app
4.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.0
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

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#32 in Best JBL Headphones
#194 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#400 in Best Wireless Headphones
#457 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The JBL Live 400BT are wireless on-ear headphones featuring 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a signature sound with a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz and a sensitivity of 106dB SPL. They provide up to 24 hours of battery life with a quick-charge capability that offers 2 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge via micro-USB. Key characteristics include Ambient Aware and TalkThru technologies for situational awareness, multi-point connection for seamless device switching, and integrated support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Main pros include a lightweight (186g) foldable design, a customisable parametric EQ through the My JBL Headphones app, and a detachable cable for passive listening. Cons involve an on-ear fit that can become uncomfortable during long sessions, lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) for high-noise environments, and potential audio latency issues when watching videos.

Technical Specifications of JBL Live 400BT

Overall score

6.3

Show more

Hide

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.

Sound

4.7

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

6.5

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

?

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

4.3

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

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

Show more

Features

6.7

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

Show more

Battery

7.0

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

Show more

Design

7.7

Show more

Hide

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

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

Show more

JBL Live 400BT vs the average headphone

Why is JBL Live 400BT better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

EQ customization
JBL Live 400BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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
JBL Live 400BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
JBL Live 400BT has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 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 Live 400BT has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Foldable design
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Quick mic mute
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
14.8% lower weight
JBL Live 400BT is lighter than the average headphone (185.8 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 Live 400BT is lighter than the average headphone (185.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.185.8 g vs 218 g
Foldable design
JBL Live 400BT has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
14.8% lower weight
JBL Live 400BT is lighter than the average headphone (185.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
JBL Live 400BT has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Rechargeable battery
JBL Live 400BT has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Play while charging
JBL Live 400BT can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
More flexible connectivity
JBL Live 400BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
JBL Live 400BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
JBL Live 400BT includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
JBL Live 400BT includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
EQ customization
JBL Live 400BT supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is JBL Live 400BT worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Tangle-prone cable
JBL Live 400BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
6 hours shorter battery life
JBL Live 400BT has a lower battery life than the average headphone (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
58.5 ms higher audio latency
JBL Live 400BT has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (186 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
58.5 ms higher audio latency
JBL Live 400BT has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (186 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 Live 400BT has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (186 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.186 ms vs 127.5 ms
2 Hz weaker bass extension
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT 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
Tangle-prone cable
JBL Live 400BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
JBL Live 400BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
6 hours shorter battery life
JBL Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT 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 Live 400BT does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.

Graphic comparison of JBL Live 400BT and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about JBL Live 400BT?

Excellent value for the price
Great battery life, lasting up to 24–30 hours on a single charge
Highly customizable sound via the parametric EQ in the My JBL Headphones app
Fast charging feature (e.g., 2 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge)
Lightweight and portable design with a folding mechanism
Seamless multi-device pairing to switch between smartphone and laptop
Convenient features like Ambient Aware and TalkThru for better environmental awareness
Stable wireless range, allowing movement around a room without dropouts

What customers dislike about JBL Live 400BT?

Tight clamping force can cause ear pain during long listening sessions, especially for those with larger heads
On-ear design provides poor passive noise isolation in noisy environments
Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Sub-par latency makes it less ideal for watching videos or gaming wirelessly
Microphone quality is mediocre and struggles in noisy conditions
Built-in controls on the earcups can be fiddly or non-intuitive for some users
No support for high-quality audio codecs like aptX
Some users reported physical durability issues, such as earcups detaching after heavy use

Expert reviews

headphonecheck.com

02/10/2019

JBL LIVE 400BT Review

The JBL Live 400BT wireless on-ear headphones offer a versatile, feature-packed package highlighted by exceptional 25-hour battery life, an efficient quick-charging capability yielding 5 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge, and seamless multipoint Bluetooth 4.2 connections. The device stands out for its robust voice control ecosystem, offering deep, touch-activated integration...Read more

witchdoctor.co.nz

10/05/2019

JBL Live400BT Headphones Review", "JBL Live400BT Review

The Witchdoctor review of the JBL Live 400BT identifies these on-ear headphones as a high-value option, offering impressive, well-balanced audio with punchy bass and a crisp midrange, alongside a robust 24-hour battery life. Pros highlighted include an comfortable fit, smart features, and competitive audio performance that outperforms trendier alternatives. However, the review notes...Read more

theaureview.com

14/05/2019

Escape into the soundscape: JBL's new LIVE 400BT and 650BT headphones impress on all fronts

JBL’s LIVE 400BTGo (AU$149.95) and LIVE 650BTNCGo (AU$249.95) headphones deliver a highly competitive audio experience with advanced smart features that challenge much pricier alternatives. Powered by 40mm drivers, both models produce a warm, lush, and bass-heavy sound signature with excellent dialogue clarity for media and podcasts. The on-ear LIVE 400BT lacks Active Noise...Read more

majorhifi.com

21/05/2019

JBL Live 400BT Review - Major HiFi

The JBL Live 400BT is a $99 wireless on-ear headphone that balances solid build quality with functional, daily-use features. It features aluminum extenders, a fabric-covered headband, and a reliable 24-hour battery life that supports a quick 15-minute charge for 2 hours of playback. A key benefit is its inclusion of a 3.5mm auxiliary cable with a built-in mic and remote, allowing...Read more

rtings.com

26/07/2019

JBL Live 400BT Wireless Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The JBL Live 400BTGo are decent, on-ear wireless headphones featuring a well-balanced sound profile with a slight bass boost and a 24-hour battery life. They feature a companion app for EQ customization and Bluetooth multi-device pairing, although their design feels somewhat plastic. Conversely, the tight on-ear fit causes discomfort over long periods and provides poor noise...Read more

techvorm.com

28/06/2019

JBL Live 400BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones Review: Voice-Enabled with 24-Hour Battery Life

The JBL Live 400BT is a lightweight, on-ear wireless headphone featuring a sleek aluminum finish, a fabric-covered headband, and comfortable PU leather ear cushions designed for long listening sessions. It delivers an impressive, customizable audio experience via the My JBL Headphone app, which includes preset profiles for Jazz, Vocal, and Bass. Key standout features include its...Read more

allround-pc.com

21/08/2019

Review: JBL Live 400BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones

The JBL Live 400BTGo wireless on-ear headphones offer a well-rounded and cohesive feature set for an original retail price of €129.00. The reviewer praised their clean and simple design, highlighted by a unique fabric-covered headband and a compact, highly portable folding mechanism. In terms of performance, the headphones deliver a dynamically balanced soundstage that emphasizes...Read more

hifi-journal.de

01/08/2019

JBL Live 400BT Headphones Review", "Testing the JBL Live 400BT Headphones

The JBL Live 400BT is a well-built, lightweight wireless on-ear headphone set that weighs approximately 186 grams. It features an understated, elegant design made mostly of plastic, supported by a thin, fabric-wrapped metal headband. The device comes with a retail price of €129 and includes useful everyday features like TalkThru (which reduces music volume and activates outward...Read more

testr.at

16/08/2019

JBL LIVE 400BT Review: On-Ear Headphones Tested", "JBL LIVE 400BT On-Ear Headphones Review

The JBL LIVE 400BT is a lightweight, on-ear wireless headphone that blends an elegant, sporty aesthetic with solid everyday functionality. Built primarily from matte plastic with a comfortable textile headband and synthetic leather ear cushions, the headphones prove to be visually appealing, sturdy, and noise-free during movement. A notable highlight of the unboxing experience is...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

25/09/2019

JBL Live 400BT review by kopfhoerer.de

The JBL Live 400BT is a compact and highly portable pair of wireless on-ear headphones designed for everyday use. The review highlights its remarkable battery life, which lasts up to 25 hours, and a highly efficient quick-charging feature that delivers over five hours of playback from a brief 15-minute charge. It scores high marks for functional integration, boasting excellent...Read more

lesalexiens.fr

19/04/2020

JBL LIVE 500BT Over-Ear Headphones Review - Les Alexiens

The JBL Live 500BT, as reviewed by Les Alexiens, is a high-quality over-ear wireless headset featuring integrated Amazon Alexa support, allowing for voice control via a tap on the ear cup. It offers an immersive, sturdy, and comfortable design with durable poly-urethane ear cushions, plus impressive battery life and convenient Ambient Aware/TalkThru features. Conversely, the review...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

No date listed

JBL Live 400BT: best price - Les Numériques

The JBL Live 400BT is an entry-level, on-ear (supra-aural) wireless Bluetooth headset evaluated by Les Numériques. Structurally, it features a lightweight, on-ear design that makes it highly portable, alongside a practical built-in hands-free kit (microphone) for voice calls. However, the review highlights distinct physical and technical trade-offs. The headset completely lacks...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

JLab Go Lux ANC

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Phiaton Bonobeats Lite

Headphones

Headphones

Logitech Zone 300

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Creative Sound Blaster

Headphones

Skullcandy Uproar Wireless

Headphones

House of Marley Positive Vibration Riddim

Headphones

Zebronics Zeb Bang

Headphones

Compare JBL Live 400BT with

Compare