JVC HA NCX78 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£70
  • Avg. price in US: ~$80
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

JVC HA NCX78 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.7

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%

6.9

Technical Score

20.0%

6.2

User score

Good
6.9

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%

7.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

9.1

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

Good
6.2

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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.4
(48)
amazon
4.1
(20)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(48)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(20)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Good
  • 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

  • 5.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    9.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    8.0

    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

  • 6.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • jvc-ha-ncx78
jvc-ha-ncx78

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 JVC HA-NCX78 is a wired in-ear headphone with active noise cancellation that reduces ambient noise by up to 88% and also helps suppress wind and cable-rub noise. It uses 8.4mm neodymium drivers, covers 18Hz to 22kHz, and delivers up to 50 hours of operation from a single AAA battery while still allowing passive use. Key strengths include the practical Monitor function for hearing surroundings without removing the earphones, strong battery life, and a comfortable fit thanks to the included memory-foam and silicone tips. Main drawbacks are the fixed non-removable cable, no built-in microphone, and a warm sound signature that can sound a bit soft or bass-heavy depending on taste.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA NCX78

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%

7.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

9.1

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

6.9
JVC HA NCX78 has a technical score of 6.87 points, which is higher than that of 81.5% 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%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.4
(48)
amazon
4.1
(20)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(48)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(20)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

6.2
JVC HA NCX78 has a user score of 6.16 points, which is lower than that of 91.6% 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.
3.7
JVC HA NCX78 has a popularity of 3.7 points, which is lower than 55.3% 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%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.7
JVC HA NCX78 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 78.9% 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

yes
JVC HA NCX78 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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

8.5 mm
JVC HA NCX78 uses a driver size of 8.5 mm, smaller driver size than 95.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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
JVC HA NCX78 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

18 Hz
JVC HA NCX78 reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% 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
JVC HA NCX78 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
JVC HA NCX78 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

0
JVC HA NCX78 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% 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
JVC HA NCX78 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

N/A
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
JVC HA NCX78 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

N/A
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

?
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
JVC HA NCX78 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

no
JVC HA NCX78 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

50 hours
JVC HA NCX78 offers battery life with ANC of 50 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 79.7% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
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

N/A
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
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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

JVC
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

38 g
JVC HA NCX78 weighs 38 g, lighter than 81.9% 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

JVC HA NCX78 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    JVC HA NCX78 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    JVC HA NCX78 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 82.6% lower weight
    JVC HA NCX78 is lighter than the average headphone (38 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

    JVC HA NCX78 is lighter than the average headphone (38 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.38 g vs 218 g
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    JVC HA NCX78 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    JVC HA NCX78 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.50 hours vs 30 hours
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA NCX78 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

    JVC HA NCX78 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
    JVC HA NCX78 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

    JVC HA NCX78 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    JVC HA NCX78 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA NCX78 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    JVC HA NCX78 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA NCX78 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA NCX78 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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

    JVC HA NCX78 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 82.6% lower weight
    JVC HA NCX78 is lighter than the average headphone (38 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    JVC HA NCX78 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA NCX78 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA NCX78 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    JVC HA NCX78 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Removable battery
    JVC HA NCX78 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA NCX78 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
    JVC HA NCX78 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    JVC HA NCX78 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    JVC HA NCX78 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA NCX78 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 31.5 mm smaller driver size
    JVC HA NCX78 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA NCX78 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA NCX78 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 older release date
    JVC HA NCX78 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2010
  • 31.5 mm smaller driver size
    JVC HA NCX78 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.5 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

    JVC HA NCX78 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA NCX78 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    JVC HA NCX78 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA NCX78 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

    JVC HA NCX78 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA NCX78 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    JVC HA NCX78 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 29.8% lower user score
    JVC HA NCX78 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.16 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.
    JVC HA NCX78 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.16 vs 8.000).6.16 vs 8
  • 7 older release date
    JVC HA NCX78 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2010
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    JVC HA NCX78 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2010 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of JVC HA NCX78 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about JVC HA NCX78?

  • Affordable price point compared to competitors
  • Lightweight and portable design, making them ideal for travel
  • Monitor button allows users to hear surroundings without removing earbuds
  • Good battery life, reaching up to 50 hours on a single AAA battery
  • Includes useful accessories like a carrying pouch and airplane adapter
  • Sound quality is generally considered clear with decent detail for the price

What customers dislike about JVC HA NCX78?

  • Active noise cancellation is less effective against loud or varied ambient sounds
  • Fit can be uncomfortable for some, producing a sense of pressure in the ear canal
  • Bass response is often described as weak or boomy with poor definition
  • Earbuds may feel unstable and difficult to keep securely in place without the clip
  • In-line controller only mutes sound rather than providing full volume control
  • The audio cable is non-detachable, which can be inconvenient

Expert reviews

C
consumerreports.org
Undated

The Consumer Reports review of the JVC HA-NCX78 highlights a portable, in-ear model with an earplug-like design that offers very good active noise reduction and medium-high sensitivity for efficient volume. The headphones, which feature five sets of earpieces and a carrying case, allow for noise cancellation without audio, though the audio cable is not detachable. Consumer...Read more

G
gamingnexus.com
28/02/2010

The Gaming Nexus review of the JVC HA-NCX78 earbud-style headphones highlights above-average, clear sound quality, a convenient monitor button, and a well-constructed in-line control center with perfect cord length. However, the review notes that the active noise-canceling functionality is not very noticeable, the audio lacks deep bass, and the device lacks in-line volume control.

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