OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
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 Synchros S400bt Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£200Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:15 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

JBL Synchros S400bt 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 Synchros S400bt
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 65% of models
Score components

80%

6.3

Technical score

20%

7.7

User score

â–²Better than 65% of headphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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 56% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–²Better than 56%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 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 65% of models
Score components

52%

6.5

Sound

20%

5.1

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

6.5

Connectivity

6%

6.5

Battery

4%

8.7

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 65%
7.7

User score

User score
7.7/ 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 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 68%
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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 Synchros S400bt

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 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 65% of models
Score components:

52%

6.5

Sound

20%

5.1

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

6.5

Connectivity

6%

6.5

Battery

4%

8.7

Calls & Controls

6.3
User score
User score
7.7/ 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 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.7
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 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 52% of models
Popularity:
JBL Synchros S400bt has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is higher than that of 52.2% of products in this category.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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 56% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

7.4
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
40 mm
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
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
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% 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
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
3
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 3, newer Bluetooth version than 55.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
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
40 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 40 ms, lower audio latency than 77.2% of headphones and equal to 14.6% of headphones.
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
?
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
15 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 15 hours, lower battery life than 79.3% of headphones and equal to 3.8% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
2 hours
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
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
610 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 610 mAh, higher battery capacity than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 2.7% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
JBL
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
275 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 275 g, heavier than 72% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

JBL Synchros S400bt vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    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
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (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
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    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
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Multipoint connections
    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.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 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.
  • 26.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (275 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    275 g vs 218 g
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    15 hours vs 30 hours
  • 28 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (32 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    32 mm vs 60 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    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.
  • 2.22x more expensive
    JBL Synchros S400bt is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£200 vs £90).
    £200 vs £90
  • 3.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Synchros S400bt
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL Synchros S400bt has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.7 vs 8).
    7.7 vs 8
  • 2.22x more expensive
    JBL Synchros S400bt is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£200 vs £90).
    £200 vs £90
  • 3.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Synchros S400bt
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL Synchros S400bt has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.7 vs 8).
    7.7 vs 8
  • 26.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (275 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    275 g vs 218 g
  • 28 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (32 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    32 mm vs 60 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    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.
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    15 hours vs 30 hours

Video reviews

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

9.0
Chris Voss
≈ estimated
26/03/2014
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and touch-control use
Verdict
JBL Synchros S400BT is strongly recommended for anyone wanting great sound in a wireless set, though its touch controls take some getting used to.
9.0
Gear Diary
≈ estimated
07/02/2014
First look · wireless sound, comfort and touch-control tests
Verdict
JBL Synchros S400BT is very good across many music styles and suits anyone who wants both wireless and wired listening.
8.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
09/08/2014
Hands-on review · build, range, battery and audio tests
Verdict
JBL Synchros S400BT is recommended for buyers who want premium headphones, though range, proprietary charging and price hold it back.
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
28/03/2014
Expert review · Bass-focused Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is a strong Bluetooth pick for bass lovers, with powerful low end and good comfort, but its touch panel is easy to trigger by accident.
techradar.com
16/01/2015
Hands-on review · Wireless on-ear
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT offers full sound, comfort and long battery life, but its weak Bluetooth signal makes it hard to justify its price over cheaper wireless rivals.
whathifi.com
09/01/2015
Test-room review · Bass-heavy sound
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is heavy on bass and suits bass lovers, but a loose fit, fiddly touch controls and little fine detail hold it back.
soundvisionreview.com
16/09/2015
Hands-on review · aptX Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is a well-built travel pair with aptX sound and long battery life, though its heavy bass needs an equalizer to tame.
P
phonearena.com
13/08/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Synchros S400BT Review - PhoneArena
uk.pcmag.com
31/03/2014
Expert review · Bass-focused Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT suits bass lovers with powerful, comfortable sound, but purists will dislike its boosted bass and accident-prone touch controls.
ayocrose.wordpress.com
16/03/2016
Personal review · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is a good buy for music, podcasts and movies, with solid sound and comfort, though it lacks Bluetooth 4.0.
ilounge.com
11/02/2014
Comparison test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is comfortable and solidly built with bass-forward sound, but it doesn't outperform cheaper rivals and its touch controls are too finicky.
gstylemag.com
11/03/2014
Lifestyle review · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is a stylish, comfortable Bluetooth pair with clear sound and call quality, and its controls let you skip tracks without touching your player.
areadvd.de
28/07/2014
Hands-on test · Touch-control Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is a dynamic, punchy wireless headphone with long battery life and stable Bluetooth, though its bass is a bit loud for analytical listeners.
lite-magazin.de
22/08/2014
Hands-on test · Detailed wireless sound
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT delivers full, detailed sound and clear calls that suit travel, though its touch controls switch off while the audio cable is in use.
connect.de
24/11/2014
Hands-on test · Bass-heavy sound
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT has very strong bass that pumps at high volume, so it suits bass lovers, not listeners who prefer soft, gentle sound.
wegotmusic.de
10/09/2015
Hands-on test · Touch gesture controls
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT has balanced, detailed sound, a sturdy build and long battery life, though adjusting it on the head can accidentally stop the music.
macwelt.de
21/05/2014
Hands-on test · Bass-rich Bluetooth
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT ranks among the better-sounding Bluetooth headphones, with punchy bass and comfort, but its touch surface is easy to trigger by accident.
01net.com
24/02/2014
Hands-on test · Long battery life
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT has good sound and excellent battery life, but its bass is too strong and phone calls sound distant, so it suits bass fans most.
audiocasque.fr
13/08/2014
Hands-on test · Bass-boosted sound
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is built for bass lovers, with no distortion at high volume, but its touch panel can accidentally call your last contact.
1casquebluetooth.fr
25/02/2015
Full review · Bass-heavy on-ear
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT is a sturdy, comfortable on-ear pair with heavy bass for hip-hop and electronic fans, but touch controls are fiddly and acoustic music may disappoint.
gadgetgear.nl
22/03/2014
Hands-on test · Light-up touch controls
Verdict
The JBL Synchros S400BT fits well and sounds good, with a light trail that follows your finger, but its USB-to-3.5mm charging cable is easy to lose.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about JBL Synchros S400bt

  • Powerful and punchy bass performance ideal for 'bassheads'
  • Comfortable on-ear fit with plush leather cushions for long listening sessions
  • Sturdy and durable build quality featuring a stainless steel headband
  • Convenient touch-sensitive controls on the earcup with a unique LED light trail
  • Highly portable design that allows the earcups to fold and rotate
  • Solid battery life, typically lasting around 14 to 15 hours
  • Includes a detachable cable for optional wired listening

What customers don't like about JBL Synchros S400bt

  • Overpowering bass can sometimes overwhelm subtle details in the midrange and treble
  • Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues and limited signal range
  • Touch controls can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or skipped tracks
  • Proprietary charging system that uses the 2.5mm/3.5mm jack instead of standard USB
  • Sound leakage can occur if the earcup seal is broken by head movement
  • Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) and poor passive noise isolation
  • Relatively high price point compared to newer or similar wireless models

Verdict

The JBL Synchros S400BT is a premium on-ear wireless headphone featuring 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 10Hz to 22kHz, delivering signature JBL PureBass performance with aptX and Bluetooth 3.0 support. Its key characteristics include a durable steel headband, plush leather ear cushions for comfort, and a unique touch-sensitive interface on the left earcup that features an intuitive LED light trail to track finger gestures for volume, track, and call management. Main pros include NFC tap-to-pair technology, a reliable 15-hour battery life for music playback, and a collapsible 3D-axis design for easy portability. However, some users have noted cons such as a bass-heavy sound profile that can occasionally overpower mid-range details, a proprietary 2.5mm charging cable, and touch controls that can be overly sensitive to accidental taps.

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