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JBL Synchros S300 A Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£180
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JBL Synchros S300 A review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Good

5.0

Good

7.6

Very 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
1.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.6
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
5.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.6
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The JBL Synchros S300A is a premium wired on-ear headphone featuring a durable steel headband, die-cast aluminium ear capsules, and soft leather cushions for extended comfort. It is equipped with professional-grade 40mm drivers that deliver a balanced frequency response of 10Hz to 22kHz, high sound pressure levels of 115dB, and an impedance of 32 Ohms, all enhanced by proprietary PureBass performance for deep, clear low-end audio. Key pros include its 3D-rotational collapsible design for easy portability, a detachable cable with a universal 3-button in-line remote/microphone, and a lightweight build of approximately 201g. However, it lacks modern active noise cancellation (ANC) and relies entirely on a wired connection, which may be a drawback for users seeking wireless Bluetooth capabilities or advanced environmental noise reduction.

Technical Specifications of JBL Synchros S300 A

Overall score

5.6

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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

5.3

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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

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Calls & Controls

7.5

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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

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Connectivity

2.9

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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

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

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Features

3.8

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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

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

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Battery

4.4

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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

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Design

7.5

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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

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JBL Synchros S300 A vs the average headphone

Why is JBL Synchros S300 A better than the average headphone?

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13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
JBL Synchros S300 A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 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 Synchros S300 A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Clear call microphone
JBL Synchros S300 A 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 Synchros S300 A offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
8 Hz lower bass extension
JBL Synchros S300 A 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 Synchros S300 A 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
In-line controls
JBL Synchros S300 A 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 Synchros S300 A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
JBL Synchros S300 A 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 Synchros S300 A has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Quick mic mute
JBL Synchros S300 A 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 Synchros S300 A includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
JBL Synchros S300 A has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
JBL Synchros S300 A has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
2000 Hz higher treble extension
JBL Synchros S300 A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 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 Synchros S300 A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Foldable design
JBL Synchros S300 A has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
JBL Synchros S300 A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
8 Hz lower bass extension
JBL Synchros S300 A has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2000 Hz higher treble extension
JBL Synchros S300 A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
JBL Synchros S300 A has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Clear call microphone
JBL Synchros S300 A offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
JBL Synchros S300 A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
JBL Synchros S300 A includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is JBL Synchros S300 A worse than the average headphone?

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Tangle-prone cable
JBL Synchros S300 A uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
Tangle-prone cable
JBL Synchros S300 A 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 Synchros S300 A uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2x more expensive
JBL Synchros S300 A is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
JBL Synchros S300 A is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
5.1% lower user score
JBL Synchros S300 A has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.61 vs 8).
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 Synchros S300 A has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.61 vs 8).7.61 vs 8

Graphic comparison of JBL Synchros S300 A and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about JBL Synchros S300 A?

Punchy and deep bass response (PureBass performance)
Durable build with a stainless steel headband
Portable design with rotating/collapsible earcups and an included carry case
Clear high frequencies and wide soundstage for a portable model
Detachable cable with universal mic and remote functionality
Generally easy to drive with portable devices without needing an amp

What customers dislike about JBL Synchros S300 A?

Bass can be boomy or overwhelming, sometimes muddying the midrange
On-ear design may cause moderate pressure and discomfort during long sessions
Ear pads can feel hot or sticky after prolonged use
Some users find the inline remote/cable feels thin or flimsy
High retail price is often cited as a poor value unless purchased at a discount
Isolation is only average; not ideal for very noisy environments

Expert reviews

headphone.ph

03/08/2014

Summary of the review

JBL S300 Basshead Headphone Review

The JBL S300 is a striking, well-built on-ear headphone designed specifically for consumers who favor a bass-heavy sound profile. Priced locally at 9,900 pesos, it comes in two device-specific versions: the S300i for Apple products and the S300a for Android devices. Despite its mostly plastic construction, the headphone features excellent execution with no noticeable creaks or weak points, and it easily folds up to fit inside an included semi-hard carrying case. Additionally, the headband includes helpful numbered clicks for balanced adjustment, and the overall aesthetic—combining blue and white accents—makes for a visually appealing and consumer-friendly design. The headset offers distinct advantages alongside a few minor drawbacks. On the positive side, its "pillowy" earpads and soft padding ensure a very comfortable fit that easily conforms to the ears, completely avoiding the usual discomfort of on-ear designs. It also boasts minimal to non-existent sound leakage and slightly above-average passive noise isolation, making it highly suitable for daily commuting. On the negative side, the inline remote control feels somewhat flimsy and lacks a sturdy, packed build quality. Furthermore, while the isolation is tolerable,...

ktipp.ch

23/03/2016

Summary of the review

Rich sound on the go", "Great sound for on the move

This review excerpted from the Swiss consumer magazine K-Tipp summarizes a broader product test conducted by the German computer magazine Chip, which evaluated seventeen different on-ear and over-ear headphones on criteria including sound quality, comfort, and integrated features. The review explicitly differentiates between the two form factors, noting that open, on-ear models are ideal for outdoor activities like jogging because they let in ambient environment noise, whereas closed, over-ear models are specifically designed to fully isolate the listener from the outside world. The evaluation highlights notable performance trade-offs, particularly regarding pricing, audio fidelity, and portability. On the positive side (pros), the JBL Synchros S300A achieved the highest "very good" rating by delivering the absolute best sound quality in the entire test, while the budget-friendly Sennheiser PX-100-II offered a great value alternative with good sound quality, comfortable wear, and a collapsible, highly packable frame. For over-ear preferences, the Sennheiser HD 419 was highlighted as a top price-to-performance choice. On the negative side (cons), premium audio comes with a steep financial investment; the top-performing JBL model was noted as one of the...

chip.de

04/12/2015

Summary of the review

JBL Synchros S300a Headphones Review - CHIP

The JBL Synchros S300aGo to product viewer dialog for this item. headphones earned the top spot in CHIP’s leaderboard as a test winner due to their excellent audio performance and build quality. Equipped with 40mm drivers, these closed-back headphones deliver a highly balanced, clear, and differentiated sound profile. The audio profile stands out for its warm, punchy, yet non-fatiguing bass that adds depth to electronic and hip-hop tracks without overwhelming the listener. Furthermore, they provide a remarkable sense of spatial openness, allowing acoustic genres like classical music and rock to sound expansive and well-defined. Rather than opting for an entirely plastic build, JBL constructed these headphones with an alloy metal housing, giving them both structural durability and a sleek, elegant aesthetic.

lesnumeriques.com

01/07/2014

Summary of the review

JBL Synchros S300 Review: Heavy, Hard-Hitting Bass

The JBL Synchros S300 is a closed-back, supra-aural headphone heavily influenced by the aggressive aesthetic and acoustics of American car tuning and motorcycle culture. Mechanically, it features an incredibly flexible steel headband and robust molded metal earcups that can fold flat or collapse inward for storage inside the included leatherette carrying case. Ergonomically, the thick padding provides good initial comfort, and the low-clamping force prevents ear strain. Uniquely, the headphone was sold in two distinct versions featuring a detachable cable with an integrated microphone: the S300i for iOS and the S300a for Android devices. It weighs 201 grams, has a 1.2-meter cable, and uses 40mm electrodynamic drivers that are highly sensitive and easy to drive using a standard smartphone. Acoustically, the review highlights strong pros and cons, awarding the headset a 3 out of 5 rating overall due to its polarizing, bass-heavy tuning. On the positive side, it offers a massive, powerful low-end that delivers great punch for electronic and rap music, making it highly effective at masking background engine or rolling noises during commutes. However, its significant cons include...

head-fi.org

15/11/2013

Summary of the review

JBL Synchros S300 Premium On-Ear Stereo Headphones (Dutch User Experience)

The JBL Synchros S300 is a portable on-ear headphone characterized by a V-shaped sound signature, featuring deep "PureBass" performance and clear highs, while offering an exceptionally wide soundstage compared to competitors. Key design features include a durable steel headband and 3-D rotational earcups, though the construction is noted for having plastic hinges and a sound profile with slightly recessed mids. While highly portable and easy to drive, the initial high retail price is considered a drawback.

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