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JVC HA S650 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£60
  • Avg. price in US: ~$70
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JVC HA S650 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

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%

5.1

Technical Score

20.0%

7.2

User score

Good
5.1

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%

5.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

7.5

Connectivity

6.0%

7.4

Battery

4.0%

2.5

Calls & Controls

Good
7.2

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%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

4.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(52)
amazon
4.0
(33)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(52)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(33)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very good
  • 3.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    8.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • jvc-ha-s650
  • jvc-ha-s650
jvc-ha-s650
jvc-ha-s650

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-S650 is a lightweight, on-ear headphone from the 'Black Series' featuring 36mm drivers with carbon compound diaphragms and neodymium magnets for high-quality audio reproduction. It boasts a wide frequency response of 8Hz to 26,000Hz, a sensitivity of 112dB/1mW, and a 32-ohm impedance, making it easily driven by portable devices. Key characteristics include a flat-folding stainless steel headband and pressure-relieving memory foam ear pads that provide excellent passive noise isolation. Main pros are its featherlight 103g weight, deep bass performance, and compact portability. However, users frequently note that the thin 1.2m cord and lightweight plastic construction feel fragile and lack long-term durability.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA S650

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%

5.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

7.5

Connectivity

6.0%

7.4

Battery

4.0%

2.5

Calls & Controls

5.1
JVC HA S650 has a technical score of 5.12 points, which is higher than that of 56.8% 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%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

4.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(52)
amazon
4.0
(33)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(52)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(33)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.2
JVC HA S650 has a user score of 7.17 points, which is lower than that of 76.1% 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.
4.1
JVC HA S650 has a popularity of 4.1 points, which is lower than 52.8% 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%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.9
JVC HA S650 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 57% 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 S650 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

36 mm
JVC HA S650 uses a driver size of 36 mm, smaller driver size than 73% of headphones and equal to 0.5% 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 S650 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

8 Hz
JVC HA S650 reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% 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

N/A
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

no
JVC HA S650 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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 S650 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

N/A
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 S650 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

?
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 S650 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 S650 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

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

yes
JVC HA S650 supports quick charge. 31% 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

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

103 g
JVC HA S650 weighs 103 g, lighter than 78.3% 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

?
Show more

JVC HA S650 vs the average headphone

  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA S650 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 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 S650 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 52.8% lower weight
    JVC HA S650 is lighter than the average headphone (103 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 S650 is lighter than the average headphone (103 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.103 g vs 218 g
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA S650 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 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 S650 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA S650 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 S650 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 6,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA S650 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    JVC HA S650 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.26000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 10x higher input power handling
    JVC HA S650 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    JVC HA S650 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 52.8% lower weight
    JVC HA S650 is lighter than the average headphone (103 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA S650 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA S650 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 6,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA S650 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (26,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    JVC HA S650 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA S650 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA S650 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA S650 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 4 mm smaller driver size
    JVC HA S650 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • Not headset-ready
    JVC HA S650 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA S650 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA S650 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 older release date
    JVC HA S650 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    August 2009
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA S650 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 S650 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA S650 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 S650 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 4 mm smaller driver size
    JVC HA S650 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA S650 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (36 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.36 mm vs 40 mm
  • Not headset-ready
    JVC HA S650 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    JVC HA S650 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA S650 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 S650 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • No travel bag
    JVC HA S650 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 S650 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 8 older release date
    JVC HA S650 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    August 2009
    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 S650 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2009 vs 2017
  • 11.6% lower user score
    JVC HA S650 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.17 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 S650 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.17 vs 8.000).7.17 vs 8
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of JVC HA S650 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
52 Reviews
amazon
4.0
33 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
52 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
33 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about JVC HA S650?

  • Lightweight and portable design featuring flat-folding earcup mechanisms
  • Excellent value for money with high sound performance relative to its price point
  • Comfortable fit for long listening sessions due to memory foam ear pads
  • Effective passive noise isolation that minimizes external sounds and leakage
  • Punchy and deep bass response, especially after a proper burn-in period

What customers dislike about JVC HA S650?

  • Fragile build quality with a thin headband that may be prone to snapping
  • Relatively short fixed cable (1.2m) that limits use with stationary home stereos or PCs
  • Some users report a slightly muffled midrange and a lack of 'sparkle' in high frequencies
  • Small on-ear size may cause discomfort or fit issues for users with larger heads
  • Lack of included accessories such as a carrying pouch or 1/4" adapter

Expert reviews

S
slashgear.com
02/03/2012
JVC HA-S650 Headphones Review - SlashGear

The SlashGear review by Chris Davies evaluates the JVC HA-S650 headphones, highlighting their distinct carbon fiber construction used for both the housing and the diaphragm. A primary advantage of this material is the reduction of weight to a mere 3.63oz (103g), making them exceptionally comfortable for extended listening periods. They offer a surprisingly neutral, balanced sound...Read more

M
macworld.com
05/01/2010
JVC HA-S650 - Macworld

The JVC HA-S650 lightweight, over-ear headband headphones feature a sleek, understated glossy black design with a carbon housing engineered to limit acoustic resonance. The review highlights their exceptional comfort, which is achieved through soft memory foam pads and flexible earpieces that rotate up to 45 degrees. These design choices make them a highly viable and comfortable...Read more

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