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JBL T290 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JBL T290 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.9

Technical Score

20.0%

8.7

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.1

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

5.8

Connectivity

6.0%

8.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.7

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(6463)
amazon
4.2
(3148)
amazon
4.1
(639)
amazon
4.0
(79)
amazon
3.7
(71)
amazon
3.6
(30)
amazon
2.6
(2)
amazon
3.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(6463)
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4.2
(3148)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(639)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(79)
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3.7
(71)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(30)
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
(2)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.1
    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%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JBL T290 is a lightweight, wired in-ear headphone featuring premium aluminum housings and 8.7mm dynamic drivers designed to deliver JBL Pure Bass sound. It operates with a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, a sensitivity of 102dB, and a low 16-ohm impedance, making it easy to drive from mobile devices via its 3.5mm L-shaped jack. Main characteristics include a durable, tangle-free flat cable and a convenient one-button inline remote with an integrated microphone for hands-free calls and track control. Key pros are its rugged metallic build quality, compact design, and punchy low-end performance suitable for modern electronic music. However, it lacks onboard volume controls, and some users note potential harshness in higher mid-tones or distortion at high volume levels.

Technical Specifications of JBL T290

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.1

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

5.8

Connectivity

6.0%

8.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.9
JBL T290 has a technical score of 4.9 points, which is lower than that of 50.8% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(6463)
amazon
4.2
(3148)
amazon
4.1
(639)
amazon
4.0
(79)
amazon
3.7
(71)
amazon
3.6
(30)
amazon
2.6
(2)
amazon
3.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(6463)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(3148)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(639)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(79)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(71)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(30)
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
(2)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.7
JBL T290 has a user score of 8.69 points, which is higher than that of 76.3% of products in this category.
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.
10
JBL T290 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.0
JBL T290 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 61.2% of products in this category.
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

no
JBL T290 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

8.7 mm
JBL T290 uses a driver size of 8.7 mm, smaller driver size than 95% of headphones.
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

1
JBL T290 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

20 Hz
JBL T290 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
JBL T290 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
JBL T290 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
JBL T290 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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

no
JBL T290 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wired
JBL T290 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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

10 m
JBL T290 offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
JBL T290 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

yes
JBL T290 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

yes
JBL T290 supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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
Show more
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

in-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

14 g
JBL T290 weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
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

N/A
Show more

JBL T290 vs the average headphone

  • 93.6% lower weight
    JBL T290 is lighter than the average headphone (14 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 T290 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JBL T290 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL T290 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    JBL T290 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 T290 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    JBL T290 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 T290 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    JBL T290 is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    JBL T290 is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • 2.15x more popular
    JBL T290 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    JBL T290 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 93.6% lower weight
    JBL T290 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JBL T290 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    JBL T290 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    JBL T290 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    JBL T290 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 31.3 mm smaller driver size
    JBL T290 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    JBL T290 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    JBL T290 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 31.3 mm smaller driver size
    JBL T290 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    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

    JBL T290 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8.7 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    JBL T290 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JBL T290 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    JBL T290 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    JBL T290 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    JBL T290 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 T290 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
Total
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of JBL T290 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
6463 Reviews
amazon
4.2
3148 Reviews
amazon
4.1
639 Reviews
amazon
4.0
79 Reviews
amazon
3.7
71 Reviews
amazon
3.6
30 Reviews
amazon
2.6
2 Reviews
amazon
3.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
6463 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
3148 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
639 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
79 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
71 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
30 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
2.6
2 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about JBL T290?

  • Premium aluminum build that feels more expensive than the price suggests
  • Punchy and deep 'Pure Bass' performance for bass-heavy tracks
  • Tangle-resistant flat cable design
  • Lightweight and compact, making them highly portable
  • Effective passive noise isolation when using correctly sized tips
  • Clear mids and highs for detailed vocal performance

What customers dislike about JBL T290?

  • Lack of dedicated volume control buttons on the inline remote
  • Angled connector design can occasionally snag on clothing
  • Reported durability issues, specifically the left earpiece failing over time
  • Can become uncomfortable or cause earaches during long listening sessions
  • Inconsistent bass response according to some users depending on the fit
  • Noticeable sound distortion when listening at volumes above 70%

Expert reviews

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
JBL T210 and T290 review – ideal replacement for EarPods?

The JBL T210 and T290 are budget-friendly, identical in-ear headphones priced around €20 and €30 respectively, offering a viable alternative to original Apple EarPods. The main differentiator between the two models is their build material: the T210 features a plastic body with a sheet metal cover, whereas the T290 boasts a premium aluminum build. Both models utilize 8.7mm drivers...Read more

T
thephonograph.net
25/02/2018
JBL T290 - Review - ThePhonograph.net

The JBL T290, reviewed by ThePhonograph.net, are budget-friendly, lightweight earphones featuring durable aluminum housing, 8.7 mm drivers, and a tangle-free flat cable. They offer a unique, conservative sound signature with minimal bass bleed, providing clear, warm vocals. However, the review notes a lack of sub-bass depth, requiring significant EQ for punch, and highlights that...Read more

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
JBL T210 and T290 Review – The Ideal Replacement for EarPods?

The JBL T210 and T290 are budget-friendly, wired in-ear headphones priced at approximately €20 and €30 respectively, positioned as affordable alternatives to Apple EarPods. Both models feature identical internal specifications, utilizing 8.7mm dynamic drivers with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, weighing a light 70 grams, and featuring a flat 120cm cable with an integrated...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
JBL T210 and T290 Review – The Ideal EarPods Replacement

Overview and Key Features The JBL T210 and T290 are budget-friendly, intra-auricular headphones priced between €20 and €30, marketed as affordable alternatives to Apple EarPods. Technically identical in performance, both models feature 8.7 mm drivers with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a single-button inline remote for controlling playback and calls, a built-in microphone,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
JBL T210 and T290 Review: The Ideal EarPods Replacement?

The review positions the JBL T210 and JBL T290 as an affordable, budget-friendly alternative to standard Apple EarPods, costing around €20 and €30 respectively. On the pros side, both lightweight models deliver a punchy, bass-heavy "JBL Sound" through identical 8.7 mm dynamic drivers that provide superior passive noise isolation and a more absorbing experience than EarPods due to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
audiobeeld.nl
08/01/2022
Best wired JBL earbuds [Top 5 – Test]

The JBL T290 is named the best wired earbud of the year due to its great price-to-quality ratio, clear sound, and lightweight aluminum design. It features a tangle-free flat cable and a built-in microphone for phone calls. Other models in the top five include the T210, which sounds slightly less clear than the T290 but is cheaper. The Endurance Run is a sweatproof sports model with...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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