these are great! the sound is good, and since they are JBL, the bass is pretty strong too. the noice canceling is a great feature. the gym I go to plays pretty loud music, yet when I put on my headphones I do not hear anything from that anymore! They fit perfect around the ear and I like that they are over ear headphones. one thing I do want to say regarding this is that, since they are over ear headphones, your ears will become sweaty most likely, especially if you are working out. (but then again, any over ear headphones have this issue so this is not really JBL specific) other than that, I can not say anything "bad" about these!

Almost perfect

I am revising my first review, which stated I was trading these in for another brand. I decided to keep these. I like the fit and feel of these. Bluetooth is excellent for iPhone and HP laptop with great coverage and seamless switching between devices and cord and wireless use.It does not have sidetone making it less than ideal for conference calls. Thus I traded it for another product, a bit more expensive, that was an improvement in that respect. But I'm back because while that worked better, they were very uncomfortable, finicky with Bluetooth, and 50% more expensive. These do not have the latest 5.0 Bluetooth, but this is an advantage when connecting to a laptop. If you are seeking the highest possible audio quality JBL and others have more expensive models. ... MoreI am revising my first review, which stated I was trading these in for another brand. I decided to keep these. I like the fit and feel of these. Bluetooth is excellent for iPhone and HP laptop with great coverage and seamless switching between devices and cord and wireless use.It does not have sidetone making it less than ideal for conference calls. Thus I traded it for another product, a bit more expensive, that was an improvement in that respect. But I'm back because while that worked better, they were very uncomfortable, finicky with Bluetooth, and 50% more expensive. These do not have the latest 5.0 Bluetooth, but this is an advantage when connecting to a laptop. If you are seeking the highest possible audio quality JBL and others have more expensive models. In this price range and for my use 5.0 is actually overkill. I prefer the functionality of these.The sound in these is as good as the others in most respects, and the noice canelling actually better. So I will use a basic headset for most business calls, using these for music through my computer, with or without the cord is equally satisfying, and with my phone when mobile for calls and music.JBL customer service was responsive and polite, but the other guy's were real tech geeks and much more knowledgeable.For the price highly recommended. Until reaching the $400 plus level I find little reason to spend more.

Brand new JBL live 650BTNC won’t shut off?????

Just got my headphones TODAY. Very stoked about it until I realized that these headphones would NOT shut off. I would turn it off and then seconds later it would power back on. I went online and followed hacks to resolve this issue (to permanently turn it off), it worked, but have to repeat the hack for EVERY device it paired to. That was quite annoying. It was a great deal but still not worth the issue right off the bat, especially one that was not supposed to happen in the first place.

Breaks easily through normal use - do not buy

I purchased these headphones to use with my phone and computer. The Bluetooth connection to my phone stops randomly.I have found that the plastic that is a part of the bit that goes in and out to adjust to your head has cracked. Looking at the design and the fact that it puts pressure on the plastic is just rubbish.I contacted JBL and they advised that the units degrade and I can only expect to get a year out of it.Given the cost $300 I would not expect to buy replacing them after just a year.Seems the JBL headphones of the past that were great are no longer.Save yourself your money and buy another brand.Customer support has no interest in backing the products.

Disposable Headphones

I’m copy/pasting another review below as it is EXACTLY what happened to me. Original set lasted under a year, replaced under warranty by a refurbished set which suffered the same issue with the band in under 10 min this.. Now JBL won’t replace and sent me a list of authorized repair shops. For the price, not even close to being worth it.“ Terrible durabilityReviewed by Tact2 - October 3, 2020I've owned two pairs of these, and both suffered the same design flaws. The hinge that connects the hearcups to the headband half plastic and metal. The hinge system is made to bend and spin, saving space in it's provided carry bag. This is the weak point of the product. First, the plastic portion in the headband is thin and cracks over time with use. Second, there is a ... MoreI’m copy/pasting another review below as it is EXACTLY what happened to me. Original set lasted under a year, replaced under warranty by a refurbished set which suffered the same issue with the band in under 10 min this.. Now JBL won’t replace and sent me a list of authorized repair shops. For the price, not even close to being worth it.“ Terrible durabilityReviewed by Tact2 - October 3, 2020I've owned two pairs of these, and both suffered the same design flaws. The hinge that connects the hearcups to the headband half plastic and metal. The hinge system is made to bend and spin, saving space in it's provided carry bag. This is the weak point of the product. First, the plastic portion in the headband is thin and cracks over time with use. Second, there is a metal pin that connects the two major parts, and it only held in with friction. Over time this pin loosens and falls out. My original pair was replaced with a refurbished unit. Unfortunately this refurbished unit suffers the same design flaw. I was informed by customer service that the warranty length is only for the original purchase date, regardless of the number of replacement/exchange units. They would not replace/exchange my current headphones as it's past the year warranty of the original purchase date. In short, these headphones are disposable. I do not recommend. I do not know if other JBL models have this issue, I will not to the risk of purchasing from JBL in the future.”

My Favorite Pair of Headphones, just don't activate Alexa

Absolutely best affordable noise-canceling headphones. The integration of Amazon Alexa and Google is great. However the settings that are used to activate Alexa are honestly too easy to use, The reason is all you have to do was touch the right earphone once to activate her. It got really annoying after every time I wanted to adjust the earpiece it would activate. Thankfully google assistant is much better because you have to use a double tap. Which is honestly a better choice. if you have an android phone this might be great integration with Google's assistant.These headphones are super comfortable and I wear them all day for work. Also battery life on them lasts all day, if you charge them at night you won't have to ever worry about them running out of power ... MoreAbsolutely best affordable noise-canceling headphones. The integration of Amazon Alexa and Google is great. However the settings that are used to activate Alexa are honestly too easy to use, The reason is all you have to do was touch the right earphone once to activate her. It got really annoying after every time I wanted to adjust the earpiece it would activate. Thankfully google assistant is much better because you have to use a double tap. Which is honestly a better choice. if you have an android phone this might be great integration with Google's assistant.These headphones are super comfortable and I wear them all day for work. Also battery life on them lasts all day, if you charge them at night you won't have to ever worry about them running out of power through out the day. Sometimes, I would go almost 2-3 days without having to charge them.I love the sound of these headphones, as sounds come out full and crisp. you can even hear the breathe of the singer in some music which I absolutely love. If you download the JBL app you can even get an equalizer setting for your headphones to really pull into that bass, or customize it if you so wish.Also, it comes in with a built in microphone, but I have yet to try it with gaming. So I am not sure if that feature would work with these headphones. it does work with calls if you really wanted to use it for that as well.

Not good for quiet, meditation music

Purchased this headphone in July 2019. This is my first bluetooth headphone. Initially it was good. I had a very heard time pairing it and switching between with my Mac mini, MacBook Pro, iPad, and iPhone. Although according to the manual you can pair it with max 2 devices, it doesn't really work that way. For example, if I pair it with my Mac mini, it takes an agony to get it working. Initially the volume of the mac will be at max level, but controlling the volume with the headphone or the Mac hardware will have no effect on the volume. This requires me to reboot the headphone. Usually once I reboot the headphone (eg turn it off and on), the volume will be adjustable again, but sometimes I have to do this twice to get it work right. However, the same issue happens ... MorePurchased this headphone in July 2019. This is my first bluetooth headphone. Initially it was good. I had a very heard time pairing it and switching between with my Mac mini, MacBook Pro, iPad, and iPhone. Although according to the manual you can pair it with max 2 devices, it doesn't really work that way. For example, if I pair it with my Mac mini, it takes an agony to get it working. Initially the volume of the mac will be at max level, but controlling the volume with the headphone or the Mac hardware will have no effect on the volume. This requires me to reboot the headphone. Usually once I reboot the headphone (eg turn it off and on), the volume will be adjustable again, but sometimes I have to do this twice to get it work right. However, the same issue happens if the Mac goes to sleep and I wake it up. Now the volume is all the way up again, and is uncontrollable neither with the headphone nor with the Mac, unless I reboot the headphone.I have the exact same issue with using it with my MacBook Pro. Using it with my iPad or iPhone doesn't exhibit this issue.After about 5 months of usage, the left speaker plays random static noise. This happens when the NC is turned on. Yes, I know, that when NC is on there's a slight static that can be heard. This is NOT what I'm talking about. A random noise, similar to wind noise that is randomly changing speed can be heard in the left speaker only and it simply doesn't go away. This is REALLY irritating and annoying since I exclusively listen to quiet, meditation-like music. And in my left ear it feels like constant wind is blowing with various "speeds" (which means, sometimes the random noise is louder, sometimes it is softer).I have reset the headphone numerous times to factory setting. It comes and goes. Sometimes it's ok for about 3-4 hours, sometimes 20 minutes, sometimes it starts after 5 minutes or so. In such cases I have to reboot the headphone and hoping the random noise will go away. Sometimes it does, but it comes on again after awhile.The headphone did not used to have this issue when it was "new" (...but then again, it's only 5 months old), and I am extremely furious and frustrated that manufacturers of all kinds are making products that are usually "works" until the return period is over, and then the products start exhibiting issues so you can purchase it again.I'd be satisfied with the headphone, despite the constant nightmare with the volume not being controllable at times, but now this new random static "wind" blowing in the left speaker is just really annoying.Of course there is this other issue, when a music is playing (through the headphone) and I turn off the headphone (without stopping the music), then turn the headphone back on, my Mac "stalls" and displays the spinning beachball until the headphone connects again.I think manufacturers should offer a minimum of 6 months return period. I don't mean "warranty" but actual return period. With the constant below average workmanship and quality of various products, one cannot reliably test or use a product within 30 days to tell whether the product is really stand up to the test.As I was writing all this, I had to reboot my headphone TWICE - again - because of the annoying random "wind" noise in the left speaker. I am really irritated that I threw out nearly $170 bucks (including tax) for this.Mac mini late 2012 | MacBook Pro early 2015 | macOS 10.14.6iPad 6 | iPhone 7 | iOS 12.4.1

Sound quality is top notch, per the usual with JBL

I own a few pairs of JBL headphones, and the sound quality is consistently good with all of them.This is my first pair of noise cancelling headphones, and I must say I'm impressed. They do a great job of blocking out external noise. I almost get a little freaked out using these when alone at home, because of how much they detach you from outside noise, but they are PERFECT for flights, noisy places, public places, anywhere really.As far as comfort, I was a little skeptical at first, as I am very picky with headphone fit, and the ear cups on these, while "over-ear" are somewhat smaller. However, they fit my (big) ears perfectly, and 'hug' them nicely. I really like the build quality, they feel very durable. The only plastic seems to be on the back of the ear ... MoreI own a few pairs of JBL headphones, and the sound quality is consistently good with all of them.This is my first pair of noise cancelling headphones, and I must say I'm impressed. They do a great job of blocking out external noise. I almost get a little freaked out using these when alone at home, because of how much they detach you from outside noise, but they are PERFECT for flights, noisy places, public places, anywhere really.As far as comfort, I was a little skeptical at first, as I am very picky with headphone fit, and the ear cups on these, while "over-ear" are somewhat smaller. However, they fit my (big) ears perfectly, and 'hug' them nicely. I really like the build quality, they feel very durable. The only plastic seems to be on the back of the ear cups, housing the speakers.I only gave 4 stars for 'technologically advanced', due to the fact that I'm just not a huge fan of the physical buttons surrounding the ear cup. I can almost never remember which is volume, power, etc, and typically have to remove the headphones to figure it out. The cool thing with volume though is that it syncs with your media device's volume, so I usually just turn it up on my phone.As far as value, I only gave 4 stars because I consider their current retail price at $199 to be a tad high. However, if you look at other popular brands with similar model headphones, they are the same price or higher.I haven't used these ones enough to comment on battery life, but both of my other pairs of JBL headphones have EXCELLENT battery life, so I would assume these are the same. I will come back and update this review if that's not the case.

Technical flaw overshadows good product

Bought these a little over a month ago. They are comfortable to wear and have good sound quality, which is what I'd expected and wanted in the product. Connected to my phone and other devices via bluetooth with no problems, except for being continually reminded by my phone to install the JBL app. This JBL app is essentially useless and I removed it from my phone and would like to not be harassed to install it. Sound quality is quite good across a range of musical content; good dynamic range, tonal balance, and clarity even at higher listening volumes. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and these headphones make it very pleasant to listen even for extended periods of time with little listener fatigue, which is a problem I've noted on some of the earbuds I've used over ... MoreBought these a little over a month ago. They are comfortable to wear and have good sound quality, which is what I'd expected and wanted in the product. Connected to my phone and other devices via bluetooth with no problems, except for being continually reminded by my phone to install the JBL app. This JBL app is essentially useless and I removed it from my phone and would like to not be harassed to install it. Sound quality is quite good across a range of musical content; good dynamic range, tonal balance, and clarity even at higher listening volumes. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and these headphones make it very pleasant to listen even for extended periods of time with little listener fatigue, which is a problem I've noted on some of the earbuds I've used over time.MAJOR COMPLAINT is that the active noise cancelling turns itself on and off repeatedly without me pushing the headset button or the button on the JBL app! This is extremely annoying, especially since the headset makes a sound every time the ANC turns on or off!! Have submitted tech support request to JBL and have yet to receive a satisfactory response about addressing this problem. I am SO COMPLETELY ANNOYED with this ANC problem that I have stopped using the headphones! The only mode I can use the headphones in is wired mode without the headphone power on -- but I didn't buy these to use in wired mode or I'd have paid for wired headphones! I have read complaints similar to mine in online forums outside of JBL and their complaints and requests for help have gone unanswered too.

Versatility, Balance and Excellent Sound Quality

All I can say is these are the best headphones I've ever paid this amount of money for!They have very nice durable build quality, with a solid mesh covered headband and firm memory foam ear pads. There's enough clamp that you could easily workout or run with these, without any negatives after hours of use. Extremely comfortable in my opinion.The headphones have a nice simple app with updates, settings and a very nice EQ, complete with nice presets and custom options. The neutral setting is perfect for a flat frequency response, jazz boosts the sub bass and trebles nicely, bass boosts low end and leaves the rest flat and voice is useful for podcasts. Or, simply make your own.All of them sound better with the noise cancelling turned on, but the battery can last ... MoreAll I can say is these are the best headphones I've ever paid this amount of money for!They have very nice durable build quality, with a solid mesh covered headband and firm memory foam ear pads. There's enough clamp that you could easily workout or run with these, without any negatives after hours of use. Extremely comfortable in my opinion.The headphones have a nice simple app with updates, settings and a very nice EQ, complete with nice presets and custom options. The neutral setting is perfect for a flat frequency response, jazz boosts the sub bass and trebles nicely, bass boosts low end and leaves the rest flat and voice is useful for podcasts. Or, simply make your own.All of them sound better with the noise cancelling turned on, but the battery can last very long with it turned off.The sound quality on the JBL Live 650BTNC is nothing short of phenomenal to me for value. I've owned about 40 headphones, ranging from $50 to $1000, use all the wired amp setups you need and have that audiophile experience. However,these sound so good, there.s nothing I could complain about. I reach for them first since owning them, for convenience. They are malleable enough to sound any way you want, set the EQ the way you want. Amazing clear airy highs, clean full mid presence, mid bass punch and deep liquid sub bass.The battery lasts a nice amount of time, all dependent on your settings. and volume. Button layout is easy after a few days.The Bluetooth range is both solid and easy, with awesome multi pairing ability, so you can take calls while you are gaming. It's excellent for gaming and movies, not noticing any latency, despite not having aptX or Bluetooth 5.0.My only complaint is the included pouch, which seems too small and feels like you are cramming the headphones inside. Buy a hard case for ten dollars and call it good.Bottom Line: Beyond worth the $150 to $200 asking price. A superb listening companion with great sound quality, solid ANC, long battery life, rugged build and very comfortable design. Can't go wrong with these headphones, as they are easily as solid as competitors that are double the price. Great value for return here. Hope this helps