OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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JBL Live 400BT Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:24 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

JBL Live 400BT Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 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–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

80%

6.6

Technical score

20%

9.3

User score

â–²Better than 77% of headphones
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 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–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

7.2

Battery

4%

7.4

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 71% of headphones
9.3

User score

User score
9.3/ 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
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on 10,758 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 98% of headphones
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Best prices

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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 Live 400BT

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 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–² Better than 71% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

7.3

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

7.2

Battery

4%

7.4

Calls & Controls

6.6
User score
User score
9.3/ 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
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on 10,758 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.3
Popularity
Popularity
9.8/ 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
★ Better than 91% of models
Popularity:
JBL Live 400BT has a popularity score of 9.8 points, which is higher than that of 90.6% of products in this category.
9.8
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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–² Better than 78% of models
Score components:

60%

7.1

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
â–¼ Worse than 27% of models
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
Driver size
40 mm
â–² Better than 29% of models
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
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
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
20 Hz
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
Noise-canceling microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
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
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Number of microphones
1
â–² Better than 27% of models
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
?
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
Connectivity
wireless
â–² Better than 51% of models
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
4.2
Bluetooth version
4.2
â–² Better than 68% of models
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.7% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
186 ms
Audio latency
186 ms
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 186 ms, higher audio latency than 68.5% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
Multipoint support
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
EQ support
yes
â–² Better than 77% of models
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
Companion app
yes
â–² Better than 78% of models
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
24 hours
Battery life
24 hours
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 24 hours, lower battery life than 58.8% of headphones and equal to 3.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
2 hours
Charging time
2 hours
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 47.8% of headphones and equal to 39% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
Quick charge
yes
â–² Better than 67% of models
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
700 mAh
Battery capacity
700 mAh
â–² Better than 66% of models
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 700 mAh, higher battery capacity than 66.4% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
JBL
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
185.8 g
Weight
185.8 g
â–² Better than 61% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 185.8 g, lighter than 60.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4.4
Clamp force
4.4
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4.4, higher clamp force than 50.9% of headphones and equal to 4.2% of headphones.
Show more

JBL Live 400BT vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 16.2% higher user score
    User score
    9.3/ 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 Live 400BT
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL Live 400BT has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.30 vs 8.000).
    9.3 vs 8
  • 67% more popular
    JBL Live 400BT is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.8 vs 5.9).
    9.8 vs 5.87
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 14.8% lower weight
    Weight
    185.8 g
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (185.8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    185.8 g vs 218 g
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    106 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • Play while charging
    Play while charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Has a rechargeable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Multipoint connections
    Multipoint connections
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    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
    Mute function
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 36 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    186 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (186 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    186 ms vs 150 ms
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    24 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • No neodymium magnet
    Neodymium magnet
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    This pair of headphones does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No neodymium magnet
    Neodymium magnet
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    This pair of headphones does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    24 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 36 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    186 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (186 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    186 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
headphonecheck.com
02/10/2019
Summary of the review
JBL LIVE 400BT Review
W
witchdoctor.co.nz
10/05/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live400BT Headphones Review
T
theaureview.com
14/05/2019
Summary of the review
Escape into the soundscape: JBL's new LIVE 400BT and 650BTGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. headphones impress on all fronts
M
majorhifi.com
21/05/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live 400BT Review - Major HiFi
R
rtings.com
26/07/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live 400BT Wireless Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
T
techvorm.com
28/06/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live 400BT On-Ear Wire-Less, Voice Enabled Headphones with 24 Hours Battery Review
A
allround-pc.com
21/08/2019
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Live 400BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi-journal.de
01/08/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live 400BT Headphones Review", "Testing the JBL Live 400BT Headphones
(Translated)Show original
T
testr.at
16/08/2019
Summary of the review
JBL LIVE 400BT Review: On-Ear Headphones Tested", "JBL LIVE 400BT On-Ear Headphones Review
(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
25/09/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Live 400BT review by kopfhoerer.de
(Translated)Show original
L
lesalexiens.fr
19/04/2020
Summary of the review
JBL LIVE 500BT Over-Ear Headphones Review - Les Alexiens
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
No date listed
Summary of the review
JBL Live 400BT: best price - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 10,758 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we 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 we don't like 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

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.

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