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As technology continues to advance, we’re constantly introduced to new gadgets designed to enhance our audio experiences. One such device is the JBL Tune 770 NC Bluetooth headphones. For the past few months, I’ve had the chance to use these headphones, and in this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about them, including sound quality, active noise cancellation, microphone performance, comfort, build quality, and overall usability. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the JBL Tune 770 NC is worth adding to your audio arsenal.
What’s in the Box?
When you purchase the JBL Tune 770 NC headphones, the box contents are straightforward yet functional. Inside, you’ll find the headphones themselves, protected by a sturdy cardboard support. While the headphones come in a protective bag, unfortunately, they do not include a dedicated carrying case, which would have been a nice addition for those who are always on the go. Along with the headphones, you get a USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm-to-2.5mm TRS audio cable for wired listening, and some documentation to guide you through setup and usage.
Though the absence of a carrying case is disappointing, the rest of the package is fairly standard for wireless headphones at this price point.
Sound Quality: Excellent, with Some Fine-Tuning Required
Let’s get into the most important aspect of any pair of headphones: the sound quality. The JBL Tune 770 NC does not disappoint here. These headphones produce clear, dynamic sound with a decent bass response, but like many headphones, the out-of-the-box sound isn’t perfect. To truly get the best sound, you need to fine-tune the settings via the JBL app.
After spending some time experimenting with the settings in the app, I found that increasing the bass by +4 dB and the treble by +2 dB provided the best audio experience for me. Additionally, I turned off a feature called “Smart Audio,” which is designed to automatically adjust sound based on the content you’re listening to. With these adjustments, I found the sound to be balanced and immersive, perfect for a wide range of music genres.
If you’re using these headphones, I recommend you spend some time in the app and adjust the EQ to your liking. Everyone’s ears are different, so tweaking the sound can help you get the most out of the headphones.
For those who want to hear the sound quality for themselves, I’ve recorded a few sound clips using my binaural microphone. You’ll notice that the headphones provide an immersive listening experience that will enhance the enjoyment of any song.
Active Noise Cancellation: Works Like a Charm
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the standout features of the JBL Tune 770 NC. In my tests, I recorded ambient noise from a busy restaurant using my binaural microphone. First, I recorded the sound without wearing any headphones, then with the headphones on and ANC turned off, followed by a test with ANC enabled and then with the “Ambient Aware” mode activated.
The results were impressive. The ANC performed well, reducing ambient noise significantly. While there was a slight white noise, it was barely perceptible in most environments. The Ambient Aware mode was also a winner, allowing just enough outside noise to filter through, ensuring that you remain aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music or podcast.
If you’re someone who commutes or works in noisy environments, these headphones will help you block out unwanted distractions and focus on what’s important, be it your music or calls.
Microphone Performance: Clear Audio in Noisy Environments
A feature that surprised me in a positive way was the microphone performance. During calls, the JBL Tune 770 NC did an excellent job of isolating my voice and cutting through background noise. I tested the microphone in both a quiet environment and a noisy one, and the difference was striking.
In a quiet room, the microphone picked up my voice clearly with minimal distortion. But what impressed me even more was its performance in a noisy, outdoor setting. Despite cars passing by and wind noise, the microphone delivered crisp and understandable audio. If you plan to use these headphones for business calls, video conferencing, or chatting with friends, rest assured that the microphone will get the job done.
Another notable feature is the “VoiceAware” option, which is available in the JBL app. VoiceAware lets you hear your own voice during calls, which can be adjusted to different levels. This feature is particularly useful as it helps you gauge how loud you’re speaking and avoid shouting or speaking too quietly.
Comfort: A Bit of a Letdown
While the JBL Tune 770 NC excels in terms of sound quality and performance, comfort is an area where these headphones fall short. There are a few design flaws that make these headphones less comfortable than they should be, especially during prolonged listening sessions.
The first issue is the size of the ear cups. These are on-ear headphones rather than over-ear, meaning they sit directly on your ears. For those with larger ears, this can become uncomfortable very quickly, especially in hot weather when the ear cups tend to heat up. Another issue is the clamping force. The headphones grip your head tightly, almost like a pair of pliers, which can cause discomfort after extended use.
The cushioning on the headband is also quite thin, adding to the discomfort. I found that it tended to press into the top of my head, which made wearing the headphones for long periods painful. That being said, the headphones do have an adjustable headband, which can help with fit, and the ear cups are somewhat flexible, which is a plus.
While these headphones may be suitable for people with smaller heads, if you have a larger head or prefer more comfortable, over-ear headphones, the JBL Tune 770 NC might not be the best choice for you.
Build Quality: Solid, but Plastic
The build quality of the JBL Tune 770 NC is generally impressive. The headphones are lightweight, well-constructed, and feel solid in hand. Although the build is entirely plastic, the material doesn’t feel cheap. The headphones are elegant and have a premium look, with the JBL logo placed nicely on the ear cups.
One downside to the build quality, however, is that there are no metal parts. While this doesn’t affect durability in the short term, it does make me question the long-term longevity of the headphones, especially if they’re frequently used or dropped.
Usability: Practical and Functional
The usability of the JBL Tune 770 NC is another area where these headphones shine. With a battery life of up to 70 hours with ANC off, and 44 hours with ANC on, these headphones will last through long flights, road trips, and work sessions. Even when the battery is low, you can still use the headphones in wired mode, which is a great backup.
The controls are easy to use and located on the right ear cup. There’s a power button, volume controls, and a button to toggle between ANC and ambient modes. You can also answer calls and control playback using the same buttons. The headphones charge via USB-C, which is convenient as most modern devices use this charging standard.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the JBL Tune 770 NC?
In conclusion, the JBL Tune 770 NC headphones offer excellent sound quality, great active noise cancellation, and solid microphone performance. They also have impressive battery life and a practical design. However, comfort is a significant drawback, especially if you plan to use these headphones for long listening sessions.
If you’re someone who values great sound, ANC, and portability over ultimate comfort, the JBL Tune 770 NC is a fantastic option. However, if you’re sensitive to tight clamping or need over-ear comfort for extended use, you might want to look into other models.
Would I recommend these JBL Tune 770 NC headphones? Absolutely, but I’d advise trying them on first to ensure they’re comfortable for your head size and shape.
