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JVC HA S160m Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£20
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JVC HA S160m review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.1

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%

5.3

Technical Score

20.0%

9.1

User score

Good
5.3

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.1

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

7.8

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

Good
9.1

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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(310)
amazon
4.4
(292)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(310)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(292)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 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

  • 1.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    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

  • 4.7
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JVC HA-S160M 'FLATS' are ultra-lightweight, on-ear headphones weighing just 66 grams (without cable) and featuring a compact, flat-foldable design for high portability. They are equipped with 30mm neodymium driver units, delivering a frequency response of 12Hz to 24,000Hz with a sensitivity of 103 dB and 32 ohms impedance. Key pros include their exceptional comfort provided by soft, fluffy cushioned earpads and an adjustable steel headband, along with an integrated remote and microphone optimized for teleworking and online calls. However, some users have noted that the build quality can feel flimsy or fragile under heavy use, and the passive noise isolation is limited compared to larger over-ear models.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA S160m

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%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.1

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

7.8

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.3
JVC HA S160m has a technical score of 5.3 points, which is higher than that of 62.2% 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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(310)
amazon
4.4
(292)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(310)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(292)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.1
JVC HA S160m has a user score of 9.11 points, which is higher than that of 89.4% 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.
9.8
JVC HA S160m has a popularity of 9.8 points, which is higher than 71.2% 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%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.2
JVC HA S160m has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is higher than 68.4% 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

no
JVC HA S160m does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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

30 mm
JVC HA S160m uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 4.1% 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 S160m 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

12 Hz
JVC HA S160m reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% 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 S160m 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 S160m 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

1
JVC HA S160m has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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 S160m 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

?
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 S160m 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

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

no
JVC HA S160m 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

yes
JVC HA S160m supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

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

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
Show more
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

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

66 g
JVC HA S160m weighs 66 g, lighter than 80.4% 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

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Show more

JVC HA S160m vs the average headphone

  • 69.7% lower weight
    JVC HA S160m is lighter than the average headphone (66 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 S160m is lighter than the average headphone (66 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.66 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA S160m 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 S160m 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 S160m 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 S160m includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA S160m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 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

    JVC HA S160m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA S160m has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA S160m has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • USB-C charging
    JVC HA S160m uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
    What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
    When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA S160m uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Quick mic mute
    JVC HA S160m includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA S160m includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 4.5x cheaper
    JVC HA S160m is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
    JVC HA S160m is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
  • 69.7% lower weight
    JVC HA S160m is lighter than the average headphone (66 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA S160m has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA S160m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA S160m has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    JVC HA S160m has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • USB-C charging
    JVC HA S160m uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA S160m 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 S160m includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    JVC HA S160m includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA S160m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA S160m does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    JVC HA S160m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    JVC HA S160m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 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 S160m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA S160m 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 S160m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA S160m does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA S160m does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of JVC HA S160m and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
310 Reviews
amazon
4.4
292 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
310 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
292 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about JVC HA S160m?

  • Extremely lightweight (66g) and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Excellent value for money with sound quality that rivals more expensive budget models
  • Fold-flat design makes them highly portable and easy to store in bags
  • Integrated microphone and remote for calls and online meetings
  • Well-balanced audio with decent bass and clear mids/highs for the price
  • Available in multiple stylish colors to match personal preferences

What customers dislike about JVC HA S160m?

  • Flimsy build quality; some users report the headband or earpieces breaking easily
  • Thin, non-detachable cable can be prone to snagging or internal wiring failure
  • Poor passive noise isolation; outside sounds are still clearly audible
  • Small on-ear pads may not fit all ear sizes comfortably or securely
  • Possible audio distortion at very high volume levels
  • Lacks advanced features such as volume control on the remote or active noise cancellation

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
25/12/2011
JVC HAS160B FLATS Lightweight Headband Headphones

Head-Fi reviews of the JVC HA-S160B Flats highlight these budget on-ear headphones for offering neutral, well-balanced sound similar to a "mini Sony V6," with 30mm drivers providing decent, articulated bass after burn-in. The 66-gram design is lauded for its lightweight durability, featuring a stainless steel headband and earcups that fold flat. However, user feedback indicates...Read more

C
cnetfrance.fr
11/03/2024
The best headphones for kids

This CNET France product review evaluates the best budget-friendly headphones tailored for children, particularly focusing on on-ear (supra-auriculaire) wireless models under 11 years old. The review highlights several notable models, starting with the Soundcore by Anker H30i, which is praised as a great budget option under €40 due to its foldable design, dual-device multipoint...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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