JBL Tour One M3: A Premier Audio Experience in India

JBL’s Tour One M3 has arrived in India as a formidable contender against Sony and Sennheiser, priced at ₹26,999. The optional Smart Tx transmitter can be acquired for an additional ₹6,000. On paper, the specifications are impressive, featuring 40 mm drivers, adaptive ANC, LDAC, spatial audio with head tracking, Hi-Res support, and a remarkable forty hours of battery life with ANC active. The Smart Tx transmitter offers convenient app-level controls through a compact dongle, freeing users from relying solely on their phones.

Comfort and Design: Firm, Plush, and Ideal for Extended Use

The Tour One M3 achieves an admirable balance between firmness and comfort. The clamping force is sufficient to hold steadily during brisk walks and light jogging without becoming uncomfortable. This comfort stems largely from the generous synthetic leather padding on the ear cups and headband. It feels soft, evenly distributes pressure, and does not require frequent adjustments during long listening sessions.

Weighing in at 278 grams, the headphones are noticeable in hand but not on the head. JBL’s thoughtful design makes these headphones feel lighter during actual use than they might seem. The large earcups suit various ear shapes comfortably. Several colleagues with differing ear sizes tested the headphones, and all found the fit natural and secure.

The blue variant tested displays a stylish matte finish, adding a touch of elegance. However, the plastic used for the earcups feels somewhat lacking in durability compared to the sturdier designs of Sony’s XM series and Sennheiser’s Momentum line, which are similarly priced.

The Tour One M3 can fold flat and inward, while the provided hard case is practical and not bulky. It features a clip-on loop for attaching to a backpack or belt, which is useful when travelling or commuting with limited bag space.

A notable flaw in the design is the overly sensitive touch panel. A slight touch on the right earcup can inadvertently pause or skip tracks. Although sensitivity adjustments in the app would improve this, it currently remains an irritation.

Controls and Usability: A Blend of Buttons, Gestures, and a Robust App

JBL maintains minimal physical buttons, which include:

• A power and pairing button
• An ANC and Ambient Aware toggle
• A single volume rocker

All other functions are handled through touch input or the JBL Headphones app.

The app offers unprecedented control compared to many flagship headphones. Users can:

• Switch between ANC, Ambient Aware, and Talk Thru
• Adjust the activation speed of Talk Thru
• Modify sound amplification levels
• Enable or disable auto-play and pause
• Configure the Smart Tx transmitter’s wallpaper and brightness
• Customise touch gestures
• Toggle LE Audio and LDAC
• Select EQ presets or fine-tune personal settings
• Activate spatial audio in fixed or head-tracking mode
• Conduct a Personi Fi hearing test
• Balance left and right audio
• Enable dynamic EQ for low-volume listening
• Access relaxation soundscapes
• Set auto power off timers

The depth of features is remarkable, allowing extensive customisation that favours user preferences far beyond basic EQ adjustments.

However, a peculiar constraint exists: users cannot activate LDAC and spatial audio concurrently. While these two technologies should not conflict, other brands permit users to enable both, highlighting a software limitation JBL needs to address.

Audio: Clear, Crisp, and Customisable

The 40 mm drivers from JBL generate a bright and clear mid and treble response. Vocals, strings, and percussion are strikingly clean, and the app’s EQ options allow for tailoring the soundstage to personal preferences. Enhancing the high frequencies through EQ and enabling Studio mode results in a richer and more detailed sound than initially expected.

Bass output is adequate but may disappoint bass enthusiasts seeking more impact. The low-end response is present but lacks the physical presence often delivered by Sony’s XM5 series, potentially leaving those who prefer dynamic bass wanting more.

LDAC significantly enhances clarity, especially in vocal and acoustic tracks. Spatial audio with head tracking adds a fun element for films and certain tracks, though some users might prefer spatial mode over LDAC more frequently. The necessity to choose between the two stands out as a major limitation of the Tour One M3.

Noise Cancellation and Call Quality: Effective in Challenging Environments

The ANC technology proves genuinely effective. Whether on an aeroplane, in a busy café, an office filled with chatter, or a car with loud music, the Tour One M3 consistently reduces external noise to a mere background hum. It ranks among the best ANC options available under ₹30,000.

Call quality also showcases JBL’s capabilities. Each earcup contains four microphones that utilise the company’s True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 system. Even in the Delhi Metro during peak hours, callers heard the user clearly. Some ambient noise did leak through, especially during a motorcycle test, but the person on the other end remained able to follow the conversation without confusion.

Smart Tx Transmitter: A Surprisingly Useful Addition

The Smart Tx transmitter was initially expected to be an overlooked aspect, but it soon became one of the most admired features. It provides access to controls generally hidden within the JBL Headphones app. Users can:

• Switch ANC modes
• Toggle spatial audio settings
• Modify EQ presets
• Adjust volume
• Play or pause tracks
• Utilise voice-aware features
• Enable LDAC
• Trigger Silent Now
• Manage device connections
• Use as an Auracast transmitter

Auracast remains a forward-thinking concept, as few compatible devices exist, limiting thorough testing. However, the idea of streaming audio to multiple headphones from a single transmitter offers an exciting glimpse into the future.

The primary advantage of the Smart Tx is the independence it provides. Users do not need to retrieve their phones to adjust modes, modify sound settings, or switch audio sources. This genuinely alters the interaction with the headphones.

Battery Life: Impressive Endurance and Reliable Charging

JBL claims a runtime of forty hours with ANC enabled and seventy hours with it turned off. In practical terms, average usage approximated fifty hours with mixed-mode applications. Users typically enjoyed four to five hours of activity daily, requiring a charge only once every nine to ten days.

Charging from zero to full capacity requires about two hours. While fast charging would be a welcome feature, the lengthy battery life makes the slower charging speed manageable.

Impressive Noise Cancellation and Comfort

The JBL Tour One M3 successfully captures essential features. Its comfort, clarity, robust ANC, and excellent battery life make it stand out. Call quality is impressive, and the Smart Tx transmitter enhances user experience significantly.

That said, certain areas could benefit from improvement. The bass response may lack the desired depth for those seeking a more vibrant sound profile. The touch panel’s sensitivity is excessive, and the plastic build does not convey a premium feel for the price. The incompatibility between LDAC and spatial audio poses a significant conundrum, especially for headphones touted as feature-rich flagships.

Nevertheless, the overall offering is appealing for regular users. For those seeking comfort, customisation, robust ANC, and the convenience that Smart Tx provides, the JBL Tour One M3 is an excellent choice. Audiophiles and bass enthusiasts may find better options elsewhere, but for most, this model delivers a balanced, reliable, and impressively intelligent audio experience.