JVC HA S23W Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£25
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 17 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JVC HA S23W review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.4

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%

4.4

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Good
4.4

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%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.7

Design

8.0%

3.7

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

5.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
9.2

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%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(1247)
amazon
4.3
(211)
amazon
4.1
(181)
amazon
4.3
(41)
amazon
4.7
(30)
United States
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4.5
(1247)
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4.3
(211)
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4.1
(181)
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4.3
(41)
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4.7
(30)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    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%

    2.6

    Battery life

  • 2.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    2.6

    Battery life

    18.0%

    8.2

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 3.4
    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%

    2.6

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 7.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.2

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    2.6

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • jvc-ha-s23w
jvc-ha-s23w

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-S23W is a lightweight, on-ear wireless headphone weighing just 96g, featuring 30mm neodymium drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for a reliable range of up to 10 metres. Its core characteristics include a flat-foldable swivel design for portability, soft ear pads with an adjustable headband for comfort, and a built-in 3-button remote with a microphone compatible with voice assistants. Key pros include a respectable 17-hour battery life, quick 3-hour USB-C charging, and a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz that provides surprisingly deep bass for its price point. However, main cons involve the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), no 3.5mm wired jack option, and a build quality that can feel somewhat plastic or fragile under heavy use.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA S23W

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%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.7

Design

8.0%

3.7

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

5.5

Calls & Controls

4.4
JVC HA S23W has a technical score of 4.44 points, which is lower than that of 74.9% 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%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(1247)
amazon
4.3
(211)
amazon
4.1
(181)
amazon
4.3
(41)
amazon
4.7
(30)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(1247)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(211)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(181)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(41)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(30)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.2
JVC HA S23W has a user score of 9.2 points, which is higher than that of 93.1% 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.
10
JVC HA S23W has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

5.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.8
JVC HA S23W has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% 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 S23W 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 S23W 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 S23W 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

20 Hz
JVC HA S23W reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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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

no
JVC HA S23W 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 S23W 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 S23W 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 S23W 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

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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

wireless
JVC HA S23W supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% 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

5.0
JVC HA S23W uses Bluetooth version 5.0, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
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

10 m
JVC HA S23W offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

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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

no
JVC HA S23W does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

no
JVC HA S23W 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

no
JVC HA S23W does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
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 S23W supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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

17 hours
JVC HA S23W offers battery life of 17 hours, lower battery life than 76.3% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
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

2.3 hours
JVC HA S23W needs 2.3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 52.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
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

no
JVC HA S23W does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
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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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

96 g
JVC HA S23W weighs 96 g, lighter than 78.6% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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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JVC HA S23W vs the average headphone

  • 56% lower weight
    JVC HA S23W is lighter than the average headphone (96 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 S23W is lighter than the average headphone (96 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.96 g vs 218 g
  • More flexible connectivity
    JVC HA S23W 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

    JVC HA S23W offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • On-device controls
    JVC HA S23W 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

    JVC HA S23W includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA S23W has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 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 S23W has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA S23W 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 S23W has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Quick mic mute
    JVC HA S23W 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 S23W includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Water resistance
    JVC HA S23W is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    What it is: Protection level against water exposure
    When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA S23W is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    JVC HA S23W is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    JVC HA S23W is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • 56% lower weight
    JVC HA S23W is lighter than the average headphone (96 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA S23W has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Water resistance
    JVC HA S23W is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA S23W has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Rechargeable battery
    JVC HA S23W has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    JVC HA S23W offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • On-device controls
    JVC HA S23W includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    JVC HA S23W includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA S23W has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    JVC HA S23W 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
    JVC HA S23W 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 S23W has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    JVC HA S23W has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    JVC HA S23W has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    JVC HA S23W has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 0.3 hours longer charging time
    JVC HA S23W has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    JVC HA S23W 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 S23W 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 S23W 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 S23W has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    JVC HA S23W has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 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

    JVC HA S23W has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.17 hours vs 30 hours
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    JVC HA S23W 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

    JVC HA S23W 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
  • 0.3 hours longer charging time
    JVC HA S23W has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    JVC HA S23W has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.3 hours vs 2 hours
  • Tangle-prone cable
    JVC HA S23W 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.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA S23W 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
    JVC HA S23W 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 S23W does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    JVC HA S23W has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    JVC HA S23W has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of JVC HA S23W and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about JVC HA S23W?

  • Excellent value for money given the low price point
  • Surprising sound quality with particularly good bass for its class
  • Extremely lightweight at only 96g, making them comfortable for long use
  • Compact, flat-foldable design that is convenient for travel and storage
  • Solid battery life that closely matches the advertised 17 hours
  • Simple Bluetooth pairing and reliable connectivity range

What customers dislike about JVC HA S23W?

  • Material quality feels somewhat cheap and plasticy
  • Potential durability issues; they may snap if bent or handled roughly
  • Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), providing only minimal passive isolation
  • Microphone quality reported as muffled or 'underwater' by some users
  • The headband may not adjust enough for very large heads or may feel unstable on small heads
  • Features Micro-USB charging instead of the more modern USB-C

Expert reviews

C
consumerreports.org
20/10/2021

The JVC Flats Wireless (HAS23WB) headphones offer a lively, neutral sound with decent bass, suitable for voice calls but marred by "fair" overall audio quality characterized by a congested, "plasticy" midrange and smeared treble. While they feature convenient on-ear controls and a design that keeps users aware of their surroundings, they suffer from significant comfort issues,...Read more

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