JVC HA S900 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

JVC HA S900 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.9

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%

5.9

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.9

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%

5.2

Sound

20.0%

5.9

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

7.5

Connectivity

6.0%

8.5

Battery

4.0%

3.1

Calls & Controls

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    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

  • 2.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.7

    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

  • 4.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.7

    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

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £110

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-S900 is a high-grade, lightweight over-ear wired headphone featuring 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 8Hz to 26,000Hz and a sound pressure level of 106 dB/mW. Key characteristics include a fold-flat design for portability, an 117g ultra-light frame, and 40-ohm impedance suitable for mobile devices. Main pros consist of its exceptional portability, inclusion of a hard-shell carrying case, and a well-balanced sound profile with clear highs and warm midtones. Notable cons include a headband that can feel somewhat cheap and a 4-foot tangle-resistant cable that may be too short for home use without an extension.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA S900

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.9
JVC HA S900 has a technical score of 5.88 points, which is higher than that of 71.1% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
JVC HA S900 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.1
JVC HA S900 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is higher than 65.7% 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 S900 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

40 mm
JVC HA S900 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 S900 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 S900 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

no
JVC HA S900 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 S900 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 S900 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 S900 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 S900 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

?
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 S900 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 S900 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

?
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

?
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

116 g
JVC HA S900 weighs 116 g, lighter than 76.7% 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 S900 vs the average headphone

  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA S900 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 S900 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
  • 46.8% lower weight
    JVC HA S900 is lighter than the average headphone (116 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 S900 is lighter than the average headphone (116 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.116 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    JVC HA S900 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 S900 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 S900 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 S900 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
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA S900 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 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 S900 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA S900 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 S900 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    JVC HA S900 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 S900 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
  • 26 dB higher max SPL
    JVC HA S900 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (136 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    JVC HA S900 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (136 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.136 dB vs 110 dB
  • 46.8% lower weight
    JVC HA S900 is lighter than the average headphone (116 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA S900 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA S900 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 6,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA S900 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.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    JVC HA S900 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 26 dB higher max SPL
    JVC HA S900 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (136 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    JVC HA S900 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 S900 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA S900 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA S900 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • 9 years older release date
    JVC HA S900 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2008
  • Fixed cable
    JVC HA S900 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 S900 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JVC HA S900 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 S900 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    JVC HA S900 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    JVC HA S900 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 9 years older release date
    JVC HA S900 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2008
    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 S900 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2008 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of JVC HA S900 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about JVC HA S900?

  • Lightweight and compact design, ideal for frequent travelers
  • Balanced sound with good treble detail and warm mids
  • Fold-flat construction for easier portability
  • Hard carrying case included in the box
  • Padded ear cushions provide decent passive isolation
  • Tangle-resistant cable

What customers dislike about JVC HA S900?

  • The top headband gives off a somewhat cheap plastic feel
  • The cable is too short for comfortable home use without an extension
  • No included adapters such as an airline plug or 6.3 mm jack adapter
  • Bass is precise but may not be powerful enough for listeners wanting very deep low end
  • Lacks modern extras such as active noise cancellation (ANC)

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
30/01/2008

The CNET Review evaluates the JVC HA-S900 High Grade Lightweight Headphones, highlighting them as a strong option for frequent fliers who want over-the-ear speakers combined with a portable design. Priced at $130, these headphones offer a compelling blend of comfort and space-saving utility. The pros emphasize their excellent balanced sound quality, which delivers high-end detail,...Read more

C
cnet.com
29/01/2008

The JVC HA-S900 High Grade Lightweight headphones are a $130 portable, over-the-ear audio option designed specifically for users who dislike earbuds but still require travel-friendly portability. Weighing only 4.11 ounces, these headphones feature fold-flat earcups, a padded ergonomic headband, and a black aesthetic with bronze accents that might not appeal to everyone. On the...Read more

Compare JVC HA S900 with

VS
VS

Compare