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 T290 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£25Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

JBL T290 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 T290
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

8.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 55% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 74%
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 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–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 86%
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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 T290

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
8.7/ 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–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.7
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 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 92% of models
Popularity:
JBL T290 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.3
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
8.7 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 8.7 mm, smaller driver size than 95% 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
20 Hz
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
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
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
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
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
N/A
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
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
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
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
JBL
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
14 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

JBL T290 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • In-line controls
    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
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    JBL T290 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 70.4% more popular
    JBL T290 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 8.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL T290
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL T290 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.69 vs 8).
    8.69 vs 8
  • 3.6x cheaper
    JBL T290 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 70.4% more popular
    JBL T290 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 8.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL T290
    the average pair of headphones
    JBL T290 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.69 vs 8).
    8.69 vs 8
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • 12 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (122 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    122 dB vs 110 dB
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    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
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 31.3 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8.7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8.7 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    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
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 31.3 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8.7 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8.7 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    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

Video reviews

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

9.0
Techder Audios
≈ estimated
02/05/2017
Long-term test · a few weeks of daily use
Verdict
The JBL T290 is very good for the money and recommended to anyone wanting an affordable headset with a solid build.
8.0
Reliable Duniya
≈ estimated
28/05/2020
Unboxing · personal experience after long use
Verdict
JBL T290 offers good sound and comfort, though one earpiece failed and needed service.
7.0
Grooming Logics
≈ estimated
18/01/2019
Unboxing and first sound test · short review
Verdict
JBL T290 gives clear vocals and instruments, but the bass falls short of the pure-bass claim on the box.
8.0
NDM Tech
≈ estimated
18/02/2017
Hands-on review · build, fit and sound impressions
Verdict
The JBL T290 is a pretty good pick overall, especially for bass lovers, though its remote is limited.
Overview video
Not graded
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

thephonograph.net
25/02/2018
Lab test · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The JBL T290 is a comfortable earphone with clear mids and very low sound leak, but it isolates weakly and sounds thin in the sub-bass.
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
Summary of the review
JBL T210 and T290 review – ideal replacement for EarPods?
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
Summary of the review
JBL T210 and T290 Review – The Ideal Replacement for EarPods?
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
Summary of the review
JBL T210 and T290 Review – The Ideal EarPods Replacement
(Translated)Show original
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/05/2017
Hands-on test · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The JBL T290 is an aluminium-bodied, bass-focused alternative to Apple EarPods with better isolation, though it isn't Hi-Fi and its ear tips take patience.

Third-party reviews

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

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 don't like 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%

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.

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