OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

JLab Audio Rewind Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£20
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 12 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

4.6

Poor

3.5

Poor

8.8

Excellent

3.6
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
3.1
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
1.7
Battery life
3.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
1.7
Battery life
18.0%
9.1
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
4.9
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
1.7
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
5.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.1
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
1.7
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#20 in Best Jlab Headphones
#418 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#728 in Best Wireless Headphones
#1240 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro headphones are ultra-lightweight (approx. 57g) on-ear headphones that blend 80s-inspired aesthetics with modern Bluetooth 4.2 technology. Equipped with 36mm dynamic drivers and a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, they feature 'EQ3 Sound' which allows users to cycle between JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost modes via a single integrated control button. Main pros include a solid 12-hour battery life with rapid charging (10 minutes for 1.5 hours of play), extreme comfort due to the feather-light steel headband, and the inclusion of interchangeable orange and black foam earpads. However, notable cons include the lack of onboard volume controls, a recessed micro-USB charging port that is difficult to access, and a tendency for the open-ear design to leak sound at higher volumes.

Technical Specifications of JLab Audio Rewind

Overall score

4.6

Show more

Hide

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

2.6

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

4.9

Show more

Hide

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

?

Show more

Connectivity

4.5

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

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

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

Show more

Battery

5.5

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

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

Show more

Design

7.5

Show more

Hide

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

JLab

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

open-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

Show more

JLab Audio Rewind vs the average headphone

Why is JLab Audio Rewind better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

73.9% lower weight
JLab Audio Rewind is lighter than the average headphone (57 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
JLab Audio Rewind is lighter than the average headphone (57 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.57 g vs 218 g
More flexible connectivity
JLab Audio Rewind offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired 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
JLab Audio Rewind offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
JLab Audio Rewind includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
JLab Audio Rewind includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 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
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
4.5x cheaper
JLab Audio Rewind is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
JLab Audio Rewind is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
Rechargeable battery
JLab Audio Rewind has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.
Importance: MEDIUM
JLab Audio Rewind has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
9.9% higher user score
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.79 vs 8.000).
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.
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.79 vs 8.000).8.79 vs 8
2.15x more popular
JLab Audio Rewind 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.
JLab Audio Rewind is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
73.9% lower weight
JLab Audio Rewind is lighter than the average headphone (57 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Rechargeable battery
JLab Audio Rewind has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
JLab Audio Rewind offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
JLab Audio Rewind includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is JLab Audio Rewind worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
JLab Audio Rewind has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
1.5 higher clamp force
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Tangle-prone cable
JLab Audio Rewind uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
JLab Audio Rewind does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
JLab Audio Rewind does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
4 mm smaller driver size
JLab Audio Rewind has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
18 hours shorter battery life
JLab Audio Rewind has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
63.3% lower battery capacity
JLab Audio Rewind has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (220 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
72.5 ms higher audio latency
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
No passive noise reduction
JLab Audio Rewind does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
JLab Audio Rewind does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
Fixed cable
JLab Audio Rewind 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
JLab Audio Rewind has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
72.5 ms higher audio latency
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
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
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (200 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.200 ms vs 127.5 ms
4 mm smaller driver size
JLab Audio Rewind has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 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
JLab Audio Rewind has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.36 mm vs 40 mm
18 hours shorter battery life
JLab Audio Rewind has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
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
JLab Audio Rewind has a lower battery life than the average headphone (12 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.12 hours vs 30 hours
63.3% lower battery capacity
JLab Audio Rewind has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (220 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
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
JLab Audio Rewind has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (220 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.220 mAh vs 600 mAh
2 Hz weaker bass extension
JLab Audio Rewind 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
JLab Audio Rewind 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
1.5 higher clamp force
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
JLab Audio Rewind has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.8 vs 4.3

Graphic comparison of JLab Audio Rewind and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about JLab Audio Rewind?

Extremely lightweight and low-profile design
Fun, nostalgic 1980s retro aesthetic mimicking classic Walkman headphones
Highly affordable and offers excellent value for the price
Long-lasting battery life (up to 12 hours) that outlasts many small earbuds
Comfortable on-ear fit without putting painful pressure on the inner ear
Built-in custom EQ profiles accessible directly from the headset button
Included alternative color foam earpads (orange and black) in the box

What customers dislike about JLab Audio Rewind?

No dedicated on-board physical volume controls
Awkward and tight placement of the Micro-USB charging port under the ear pad
Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC) and suffers from natural sound leakage
Bass response can be thin or muddy at higher volumes without EQ tweaking
Microphone audio quality is mediocre and can sound distant on phone calls
Build quality feels somewhat cheap and plasticky, lacking high durability
Does not support a backup 3.5mm wired connection

Expert reviews

uk.pcmag.com

01/04/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless Retro - Review 2018 - PCMag UK Would you like to see how these sound settings (Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost) compare to ea...

The JLab Rewind Wireless Retro headphones are an affordable, Bluetooth-enabled homage to the iconic foam-earpad headphones bundled with the 1980s Sony Walkman. Priced at a modest $19.99, these supra-aural (on-ear) headphones feature a lightweight design with a metal headband, plastic earcups, and interchangeable foam earpads in orange and black. Audio is driven by 36mm drivers that...Read more

head-fi.org

10/06/2018

JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro Headphones... - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi review highlights the JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro HeadphonesGo as a fun, lightweight accessory with an authentic 1980s aesthetic, offering surprisingly efficient, bass-heavy sound for casual listening. While the nostalgic design is a pro, the review notes significant cons: the on-ear design provides zero noise isolation, and high sound leakage means audio can be...Read more

theverge.com

11/04/2018

JLab’s Rewind wireless headphones have retro style, but dated sound

The JLab Rewind Wireless Retro headphones offer a budget-friendly ($20), cord-free tribute to 1980s Sony Walkman style, featuring modern Bluetooth connectivity and a 12-hour battery life. Despite the nostalgic aesthetic, the headphones are hindered by muffled, low-quality audio, cheap construction, and a lack of a 3.5mm jack for wired listening.

irishexaminer.com

02/09/2021

Rewind to the future with JLab wireless headphones Would you like a summary of the key differences between this original model and the newer Rewind 2?

Noel Campion's review in the Irish Examiner praises the JLab Rewind Wireless Retro HeadphonesGo for blending 1980s style with modern wireless functionality. Key strengths include a lightweight, comfortable design, fast Bluetooth pairing, and impressive audio quality with customizable EQ3 presets at a budget-friendly price point. Irish ExaminerHowever, the review notes significant...Read more

techaeris.com

17/06/2018

JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro review: Go back in time with these 80s-style headphones

The Techaeris review designates the JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro headphonesGo a "Top Pick of 2018," highlighting their nostalgic 80s aesthetic, lightweight comfort, and surprisingly good sound for a $20 price point. Key advantages include 12-hour battery life and a built-in EQ with three sound profiles, offering exceptional value. Conversely, the review notes the...Read more

headphonereview.com

15/06/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless On-Ear Headphones Review

The JLab Rewind Wireless On-Ear Headphones offer exceptional value for money at just $20, earning them a Silver Medal from Headphone Review. The review highly praises their lightweight build, retro 80s design, and overall comfort, which remains pleasant during long listening sessions despite thin foam earpads. Notable design highlights include an integrated big button on the right...Read more

soundguys.com

10/05/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless Retro review: Calling all '80s kids

The SoundGuys review of the JLab Rewind Wireless Retro highlights these headphones as an affordable, nostalgia-driven option featuring a lightweight, 56.6-gram design with a flexible steel headband that offers zero isolation for situational awareness. While offering modern Bluetooth connectivity, the device suffers from significant drawbacks including uncomfortable hot spots behind...Read more

pcmag.com

01/04/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless Retro Review

The JLab Rewind Wireless Retro headphones offer '80s-inspired, ultra-lightweight design with surprisingly strong audio performance and customizable EQ settings for a $20 price point. They deliver deep bass and crisp highs that outperform original retro hardware, though the sound is characterized by a heavily sculpted, scooped mid-range. Key drawbacks include a lack of onboard volume...Read more

techradar.com

31/03/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless review

The JLab Rewind Wireless headphones are an incredibly affordable, lightweight pair of Bluetooth on-ear headphones that feature a distinct, retro 1980s design complete with a stainless steel headband, matte black plastic, and iconic orange foam earpads. Priced remarkably low at just $20, they deliver surprising convenience and impressive durability, highlighted by a highly flexible...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

02/11/2025

Retro Headphones Trending – JLab Rewind & Rewind 2", "Retro Headphones Are in Style – JLab Rewind & Rewind 2

Retro headphones from the 1980s cassette era—including iconic models like the Koss Porta Pro (1984), Sennheiser HD 25 (1988), and modern reinterpretations like the JLab Rewind 2—are experiencing a massive cultural comeback. Driven by a mix of nostalgia, lightweight aesthetics, and pop-culture references like Marty McFly’s Walkman in Back to the Future, these devices appeal to users...Read more

gomoot.com

09/05/2025

JLab Rewind Retro: vintage headphones with 12 hours of battery life

The JLab Rewind 2 Wireless Retro headphones blend 1980s nostalgia with modern tech, featuring a lightweight 153-gram on-ear design, thin metal headbands, and signature orange foam earpads reminiscent of old-school Walkman players. On the performance side, they deliver surprisingly solid sound through 36mm drivers with a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, supported by three...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Headphones

Headphones

Ifrogz Frequency

Headphones

JLab Audio Studio

Headphones

JLab Audio Studio Wireless ANC

Headphones

JLab Audio Neon Wireless

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Skullcandy Uproar

Headphones

JLab Audio Studio Wireless

Headphones

OneOdio Supereq S2

Headphones

Headphones

Compare JLab Audio Rewind with

Compare