OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

JVC HA NC120 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£70Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

JVC HA NC120 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

7.0

User score

â–²Better than 73% of headphones
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

52%

8.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.4

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 75% of headphones
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on 516 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 86% of headphones
  • jvc-ha-nc120
jvc-ha-nc120

Best prices

*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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones JVC HA NC120

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

52%

8.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.4

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

6.9
User score
User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on 516 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.0
Popularity
Popularity
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Popularity:
JVC HA NC120 has a popularity score of 6.7 points, which is higher than that of 60.3% of products in this category.
6.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

60%

6.9

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
Driver size
30 mm
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
Noise-canceling microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
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
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Number of microphones
0
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
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
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
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
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
JVC
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
160 g
Weight
160 g
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 160 g, lighter than 67% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

JVC HA NC120 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 12 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    114 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    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.
  • 26.6% lower weight
    Weight
    160 g
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (160 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    160 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • 11 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    114 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <94 dB SPL – >115 dB SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 26.6% lower weight
    Weight
    160 g
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (160 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    160 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 12 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    114 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 11 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    114 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <94 dB SPL – >115 dB SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    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.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    30 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 14.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JVC HA NC120
    the average pair of headphones
    JVC HA NC120 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.99 vs 8.000).
    6.99 vs 8
  • 14.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JVC HA NC120
    the average pair of headphones
    JVC HA NC120 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.99 vs 8.000).
    6.99 vs 8
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    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.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    30 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
consumerreports.org
01/04/2011
Summary of the review
JVC HA-NC120 Headphone Review

Third-party reviews

Based on 516 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about JVC HA NC120

  • Portable multi-foldable design and light weight (160g)
  • Unique retractable cord system prevents tangling
  • Effective passive isolation with memory foam ear pads
  • Works in passive mode without battery power
  • Highly affordable compared to competitors
  • Includes a volume-limiting switch for high-powered audio systems
  • Good value for travel, specifically mentioned as helpful on long flights

What we don't like about JVC HA NC120

  • Active noise cancellation (ANC) is often described as weak or only fair
  • Fragile frame and hinge construction prone to cracking
  • Retractable cord is thin and may be too short for some seat outlets
  • On-ear design can cause pressure/discomfort during long sessions
  • Sound quality has a narrow soundstage and rolled-off treble
  • No built-in microphone for phone calls or headsets
  • Bass lacks depth and impact for enthusiasts

Verdict

The JVC HA-NC120 is a lightweight, on-ear noise-cancelling headphone designed for portability with a multi-foldable structure and a 1.2m retractable cord system. It features 30mm Neodymium drivers that deliver a frequency response of 10Hz to 21,000Hz and a high sensitivity of 114dB/mW. Its active noise-cancelling circuitry provides 18.5dB (88%) of ambient noise reduction at 200Hz, powered by a single AAA battery that lasts up to 100 hours. Major pros include its exceptional battery life, compact travel-friendly design, and comfortable memory foam ear pads that provide excellent sound isolation. However, cons include the lack of a built-in microphone for calls and a non-detachable cable that may be less durable than removable alternatives.

Compare JVC HA NC120 with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of JVC HA NC120 and other products in the Headphones category

No results found