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JLab Audio Rewind Icon Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£25
Avg. price in US: ~$20
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 12 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

3.6

Poor

3.6

Poor

?

3.8
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
3.8
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
2.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
1.7
Battery life
18.0%
9.1
Weight
16.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
3.3
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
1.0
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

N/A~ £25

Best rankings

#25 in Best Jlab Headphones
#571 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#981 in Best Wireless Headphones
#1729 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The JLab Rewind Wireless Retro headphones are ultra-lightweight (57g) on-ear headphones featuring a nostalgic 80s-inspired design with an adjustable metal headband and interchangeable orange and black foam pads. Key technical specifications include 36mm dynamic neodymium drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, and 32-ohm impedance, delivering a 'scooped' sound profile with three built-in EQ3 presets: JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost. These headphones offer up to 12 hours of Bluetooth 4.2 playtime, multipoint connectivity, and integrated MEMS microphones for voice assistant support and calls. Main pros include their exceptional portability, affordable price point, and surprisingly solid bass depth for a budget open-back design. However, notable cons include significant audio leakage, a lack of onboard volume controls, a recessed micro-USB charging port that can be difficult to access, and limited noise isolation due to the on-ear foam construction.

Technical Specifications of JLab Audio Rewind Icon

Overall score

3.6

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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

2.6

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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

4.9

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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

3.8

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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

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

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Features

2.7

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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

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

5.5

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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

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

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Design

8.8

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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

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

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JLab Audio Rewind Icon vs the average headphone

Why is JLab Audio Rewind Icon better than the average headphone?

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73.9% lower weight
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
Direct 3.5 mm plug
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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
JLab Audio Rewind Icon includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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
3.6x cheaper
JLab Audio Rewind Icon is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
JLab Audio Rewind Icon is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
Rechargeable battery
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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 Icon has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
73.9% lower weight
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
JLab Audio Rewind Icon offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
JLab Audio Rewind Icon includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
JLab Audio Rewind Icon includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is JLab Audio Rewind Icon worse than the average headphone?

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Tangle-prone cable
JLab Audio Rewind Icon uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
No travel bag
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (220 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
57.5 ms higher audio latency
JLab Audio Rewind Icon has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (185 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
No passive noise reduction
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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
57.5 ms higher audio latency
JLab Audio Rewind Icon has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (185 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 Icon has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (185 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.185 ms vs 127.5 ms
63.3% lower battery capacity
JLab Audio Rewind Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon 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
21.8% worse value for money
JLab Audio Rewind Icon has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.53 vs 6.736).
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.
JLab Audio Rewind Icon has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.53 vs 6.736).5.53 vs 6.74
4.65x less popular
JLab Audio Rewind Icon is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 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 Icon is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of JLab Audio Rewind Icon and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about JLab Audio Rewind Icon?

Highly affordable price point, often cited as an 'impulse buy'
Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
Appealing retro 80s Walkman-style design with swappable orange and black foam pads
Surprising bass presence and clarity for a budget wireless headset
Decent battery life of approximately 12 hours on a single charge
Includes three built-in EQ presets (Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost)

What customers dislike about JLab Audio Rewind Icon?

No physical onboard volume controls; volume must be adjusted on the connected device
Difficult to access the micro-USB charging port, which is hidden under the ear cushion
Significant sound leakage due to the open-back on-ear design
Poor microphone quality that often sounds distant or muffled during calls
Noticeable audio distortion when the volume is pushed above 85%
Single-button control scheme can be clunky and requires learning multiple tap patterns

Expert reviews

pcmag.com

01/04/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless Retro Review — PCMag

The PCMag review highlights that the $20 JLab Rewind Wireless Retro headphonesGo offer surprisingly robust audio with deep bass and clear highs, far exceeding their budget price point. Featuring a 1980s-inspired design, the 2-ounce unit includes a flexible headband, 12-hour battery life, and three built-in EQ presets. However, compromises include a lack of onboard volume controls,...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

01/04/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless Retro Review (UK Edition)

The JLab Rewind Wireless Retro headphones are a budget-friendly, $19.99 wireless option that successfully mimics the iconic design of 1980s Sony Walkman foam-earpad headphones. Featuring a lightweight, secure fit with plastic earcups, a metal headband, and customizable orange or black foam earpads, they offer a surprisingly robust sound signature for their low price. Audio testing...Read more

head-fi.org

10/06/2018

JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro Headphones...

The JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro headphonesGo offer a nostalgic 1980s aesthetic with a lightweight, two-ounce design and interchangeable foam cushions. Priced around $20, they deliver decent, albeit non-critical, sound quality with three adjustable EQ settings. YouTube· Pros include exceptional comfort, a 12-hour battery with rapid charging, and convenient Bluetooth 4.2...Read more

irishexaminer.com

02/09/2021

Rewind to the future with JLab wireless headphones — Irish Examiner

The Irish Examiner reviews the JLab Rewind Wireless Retro HeadphonesGo, highlighting their 1980s-inspired, ultra-lightweight plastic design as an exceptional value for money. The device is praised for its ease of use, comfortable fit, and pop-culture appearance in Army of the Dead. Pros include the retro aesthetic, lightweight comfort, and affordability, while cons focus on the...Read more

theverge.com

11/04/2018

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

The JLab Rewind Wireless Headphones offer a nostalgic, lightweight, $20 on-ear design reminiscent of the 1980s, complete with Bluetooth connectivity, a microphone, and a 12-hour battery life. While providing modern wireless convenience at a very low cost, the headphones suffer from poor, muffled sound quality, cheap build quality, and a lack of a 3.5mm input.

headphonereview.com

15/06/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless On-Ear Headphones Review — Headphone Review

The JLab Rewind Wireless headphonesGo review highlights an incredibly lightweight, comfortable on-ear device that successfully merges an 1980s retro aesthetic with modern wireless technology. Priced at a budget-friendly $20, they offer extraordinary value for money, a stable Bluetooth 4.2 connection up to 33 feet, and a surprisingly robust 12-hour battery life. For design, they...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 highlights the JLab Audio Rewind Wireless Retro headphones as a highly affordable option offering a nostalgic 1980s aesthetic with a durable, flexible headband and 12-hour battery life. These lightweight, on-ear headphones feature three built-in EQ settings and include interchangeable black and orange ear cushions for added value. Key drawbacks include the lack...Read more

techradar.com

31/03/2018

JLab Rewind Wireless review — TechRadar

Review Overview The JLab Rewind Wireless headphones are an ultra-affordable, lightweight pair of on-ear Bluetooth headphones priced at just $20. Sporting a distinct 1980s retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic Sony Walkman headsets, they feature a highly flexible stainless steel headband paired with matte black plastic and vibrant orange earpads. Designed for convenience and...Read more

soundguys.com

10/05/2018

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

The SoundGuys review of the $20 USD JLab Rewind Wireless Retro highlights their appeal as a lightweight (56.6 grams), nostalgic, and functional, albeit non-audiophile, choice featuring customizable EQ and extra ear pads. However, the review notes significant comfort issues, including a limited, one-inch adjustment on the steel headband and painful, rapid-onset "hot spots" behind the...Read more

gomoot.com

09/05/2025

JLab Rewind Retro: Vintage Headphones with 12-Hour Battery Life

The JLab Rewind 2 Wireless Retro headphones blend a nostalgic 1980s Walkman aesthetic with modern wireless features for an affordable, lightweight daily listening experience. Weighing just 153 grams, they offer an exceptionally comfortable, light on-ear fit with porous foam ear pads and a flexible headband. On the technical side, the headphones feature upgraded Bluetooth 5.3...Read more

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