The JBL Tour One M3 is JBL’s latest attack on the premium segment of over-ear headphones. Released around a year and a half ago, JBL has recently launched a sound upgrade to take on Sony, Bose and Apple. And at a now significantly lower price and an impressive feature package that makes many a competitor look old. Our detailed test shows whether the headphones also justify the price claim in terms of sound.
Technical data of the JBL Tour One M3
| The product | Tour One M3 |
| Headphone type | Over-ear headphones |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth codecs | LDAC, SBC, LC3 |
| Drivers | 40 mm, dynamic drivers |
| Frequency range | 10 – 40,000 Hz |
| Special features | True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, LDAC (Hi-Res Audio Wireless), Personi-Fi 3.0, Smart Talk, Auracast |
| Battery life | without ANC: 70 hours, with ANC: 40 hours |
| Charging time | 2 hours |
| Connections | 3.5 mm jack, USB-C |
| weight | 278 g |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Mocha, Green |
| Scope of delivery | Over-ear headphones, USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, jack cable, carrying case, user manual |
| Price |
€ 269.99 * |
JBL Tour One M3 Review: design and workmanship
Visually, the JBL Tour One M3 is in familiar territory: the spherical ear cups and compact silhouette are already familiar from its predecessor, the Tour One M2. JBL remains true to the shape and delivers the headphones in three color options: black, dark blue and a warm mocha tone. Recently, there is also a dark green color variant. If you value an understated appearance, the plain black is the right choice; if you want to bring a little color into the office, go for the blue. Our test model comes in mocha.
You have to be honest about the choice of materials: The Tour One M3 is made almost entirely of plastic. The housing looks solidly made and does not give way under pressure, but does not feel as premium in the hand as the price suggests. Especially in direct comparison with similarly priced models from Bose or Bowers & Wilkins, it is noticeable that the plastics used are hard and a little sober and not quite as high-quality. They simply don’t convey the same feeling of luxury. This is not a quality defect, but a point where I would simply have expected more given the price.
In terms of wearing comfort, the headphones do a lot of things well: the headband can be adjusted precisely, the contact pressure is well balanced and not too tight. The ear cups, which are padded with memory foam and artificial leather, are soft against the head. However, it can get warm underneath after long periods of wear. At 278 grams, the Tour One M3 is pleasantly light and can be worn for several hours without tiring.
For commuters and travelers, the included hard case is a practical bonus: The headphones fold flat and fit compactly into the case, which reliably protects them on the go. Unfortunately, JBL does not provide IP protection against sweat or rain, which is why you should be careful when in doubt.
Features of the JBL One M3
The JBL Tour One M3 shows what it can really do in terms of functionality and the range is impressive. Bluetooth 5.3 forms the basis for a stable and modern wireless connection. The codecs SBC, AAC, LC3 and LDAC are supported. The latter enables high-resolution audio playback with significantly less compression than standard codecs, while LC3 is part of the new Bluetooth LE audio standard and is set to replace SBC in the long term. If you connect the headphones directly to a source via USB-C cable, you can even benefit from lossless, wired playback in high-resolution quality. A feature that even the significantly more expensive Sony WH-1000XM6 (our test) does not offer.
Eight microphones are distributed across both ear cups and take care of voice assistance, telephony and noise suppression. Multipoint connection with two devices simultaneously is also on board, as is NFC for fast pairing. If you don’t need an IP protection class, you’re getting one of the best-equipped headphones in its price range.
Also on board, but only if you spend a little more money: Auracast, the new Bluetooth broadcast technology that allows an audio signal to be sent to multiple compatible headphones simultaneously. This may sound like a gimmick at first, but the optional accessory (the so-called Smart Tx transmitter) gives it real everyday value. This small box with a color touchscreen can be connected to any audio source via a jack or USB-C, even to older devices without Bluetooth, and then streams the signal wirelessly to the headphones. The airplane entertainment system, the games console without Bluetooth, the old record player: all of these can be connected wirelessly.
It’s a shame that the accessory, which costs around 130 euros, is not included in the scope of delivery. Even if there is a bundle with a receiver. But we didn’t get one to test, so I won’t go into it any further.
Battery life and operation
The JBL Tour One M3 delivers very good battery life figures. With ANC activated, it lasts 40 hours, without ANC even up to 70 hours. This means it noticeably outperforms many direct competitors such as the Sonos Ace or the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e. A value that clearly leaves the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen (around 30 hours) and the Apple AirPods Max (around 20 hours) behind. Fast charging is also included: 5 minutes at the socket is enough for around 5 more hours of music enjoyment. Nevertheless, the runtime is not record-breaking. An Edifier WH950NB (2026), for example, delivers significantly more with 80h/45h and for less than half the price that JBL charges.
The controls are located on both ear cups. There is a volume rocker switch on the left, a slider for on/off and Bluetooth pairing on the right and a dedicated ANC button that switches between noise canceling, transparency mode and deactivated ANC. There is also a touch field on the right ear cup for playback control and call functions. It reacts quickly and reliably, but is located in the center of the ear cup and is smaller than the entire surface, which is why you have to hit it precisely. Unfortunately, swipe gestures are not supported; the system works exclusively with tap gestures (tap once = pause, twice = next track, three times = previous track). It takes a few days to get used to, but after that you’ll be able to use it with confidence.
For phone calls, the same applies as for many Bluetooth headphones: the voice quality is acceptable and suitable for short conversations or Zoom calls, but sounds slightly artificial due to the Bluetooth transmission. In very loud environments, the intelligibility for the other person decreases.
App connection
The free “JBL Headphones” app is available for iOS and Android and is one of the most comprehensive control apps in the headphone segment. The interface is clearly structured and visually appealing. The integrated 10-band equalizer allows the use of presets (there are six to choose from) as well as completely user-defined adjustments. Those who like it bassier or clearer will be well served. The app also offers the so-called “Personi-Fi” hearing test: it analyzes individual frequency sensitivities and adjusts the sound accordingly, which is particularly useful for older users or people with mild hearing impairments.
Spatial audio can also be activated in the app, either with or without head tracking. The algorithm transforms stereo music into a broader 3D sound image that appears surprisingly natural. Less synthetic than many competing products, albeit at the expense of some intimacy. Those who frequently watch movies will also find a dedicated movie mode in the app, which reduces latency at the expense of audio quality. Adaptive ANC, an adjustable auto-off function and firmware updates round off the offering.
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Particularly commendable: JBL rolled out a firmware update after the launch that noticeably improves the standard tuning. With a 3-5 dB boost in the 4-8 kHz range for more clarity. The product sounds demonstrably better today than it did at launch.
Sound quality, ANC and microphones
In terms of sound, the JBL Tour One M3 is positioned as a relaxed, balanced headphone without extreme emphasis on individual frequency ranges. Neither the bass nor the treble are pushed to the fore at standard settings, which is ideal for fatigue-free long-term listening. The mids are rich in detail, vocals are clear and intelligible, and the 40 mm mica dome drivers ensure a round, pleasant overall sound. The bass shows JBL’s typical signature: punchy, weighty and with good dynamics at large volume jumps.
However, if you listen very loudly, you will reach a limit: at high levels, the headphones lose some control. The treble range, which is already present and slightly biting at normal volume levels, can become strained and sharp when the volume is turned up. The sound image then appears more two-dimensional, individual elements of a recording push forward and the depth of the sound suffers. At a moderate volume setting, however, the Tour One M3 does a lot right: the level of detail is good, the resolution in the mid-range is solid. The sound is less analytical than Sony or Bose competitors, but rather warm and pleasing. If you want to go deeper into the frequency range, use the equalizer. With the jazz preset, for example, the bass and treble open up noticeably and the spatiality increases.
On a positive note, JBL has noticeably improved the sound of the Tour One M3 with the update released in April 2026. The sound is now much fuller and more natural with a controlled and textured bass foundation. “This more precise tuning is particularly noticeable with high-resolution streaming services and modern audio technology,” promises the manufacturer. And he is right.
The active noise canceling works convincingly and is suitable for everyday use. Engine noises, office noises and noise on buses and trains are significantly reduced. The JBL Tour One M3 are almost on a par with the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM6, especially when it comes to everyday noises. Up to 30 dB active reduction below 1 kHz ensures real peace and quiet in everyday life. However, if you’re looking for the very best ANC on the market, you’ll still have to go for Bose, which offers even better isolation in this discipline. The Tour One M3’s transparency mode is pleasantly natural: voices sound intelligible and the reproduction does not come across as overly artificial.
The quality of the microphones is absolutely sufficient for occasional conversations and remote calls. In very loud environments, your own voice sounds a little tinny to the other person, which is a system-related weakness of many Bluetooth headphones and not specific to JBL. The PSAP (Personal Sound Amplification) mode, which significantly amplifies the transparency mode and functions as a kind of listening aid, is a positive feature. A feature that most competitors in this price range do not offer.
JBL One M3 test: Conclusion
The JBL Tour One M3 is a versatile over-ear headphone that scores with a strong feature set, excellent battery life and modern Bluetooth equipment. Those who travel a lot will appreciate the staying power and the optional Smart Tx transmitter as a real unique selling point. In terms of sound, it impresses in the medium volume range with a balanced, pleasant sound that can be easily customized using the equalizer. The recently delivered firmware update has also improved the tuning significantly, which puts the JBL One M3 way out in front.
Weaknesses can be found in the volume behavior (high frequencies can come across as aggressive) and in the material quality, which doesn’t quite have the premium feel that Bose or Bowers & Wilkins convey. Added to this is the operation, which takes some getting used to. If you are only looking for the best sound or the model with the strongest ANC in its class, you should go for Sony or Bose. On the other hand, if you want maximum endurance, connectivity and smart extras at a more attractive price (compared to the market), the Tour One M3 is a very good choice.
PROS
- Excellent battery life
- LDAC support
- Pleasant, balanced sound
- Attractive design
- Comprehensive app
- Firmware update improved sound tuning after release
- Good wearing comfort
CONS
- Treble range somewhat aggressive
- Controls take getting used to
- ANC not quite top-tier
- Smart TX receiver costs extra
- Build quality could be more premium
Conclusion
The JBL Tour One M3 is an underrated all-rounder that outshines competitors from Sony, Bose, and Apple when it comes to battery life and connectivity. Sound quality and materials fall slightly short of its price point promise. However, those seeking maximum versatility for everyday use will find this to be an excellent choice.
