In 2025, screens are everywhere — from smartphones and tablets to even coffee mugs. So the idea of a display on a pair of true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds no longer feels futuristic but rather inevitable. JBL has been experimenting with this concept for a while, with the JBL Live Beam 3 being one of the early adopters. While that model impressed with its versatility, it fell short in noise cancellation and audio quality.
The new JBL Tour Pro 3, launched at ₹29,999 (currently retailing at ₹19,999), aims to strike the right balance — delivering excellent sound while retaining the innovative features that set it apart. Positioned in the premium TWS segment, it faces competition from Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Marshall.
Design and Comfort
The Tour Pro 3’s stem-style earbuds feature a textured surface for grip and weigh just 5.6g each, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. Six pairs of eartips, including foam options, ensure a secure fit. Touch controls are responsive — the left earbud cycles through ANC modes, while the right handles playback. One limitation, however, is the lack of onboard volume control.
The real showstopper is the Smart Charging Case. Weighing 71.8g, it houses a 1.57-inch LCD screen that mirrors many app functions. You can adjust ANC, change volume, tweak the equaliser, switch spatial audio modes, check battery levels, and even change wallpapers. It also displays notifications and has a flashlight mode.
JBL has included clever extras like transmitter mode, which lets you plug the case into devices like in-flight entertainment systems using the bundled USB-C to 3.5mm cable. There’s also Auracast support for broadcasting audio to compatible devices. The trade-off? The case is bulkier than most and may be less pocket-friendly.
Available in Black and Latte, the Tour Pro 3’s matte finish looks premium and resists fingerprints.
Specs and App Integration
The earbuds feature a hybrid dual-driver setup — a 10.2mm dynamic driver and a balanced armature — with Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC codec, and IP55 water/dust resistance. Six microphones handle calls and noise reduction. The JBL Headphones app (Android/iOS) offers detailed customisation of touch controls, EQ settings, and ANC profiles.
Battery life is rated at 44 hours in total, with up to 11 hours of earbud use without ANC (8 hours with ANC). Fast charging gives around three hours of playback in just 11 minutes.
Audio Performance
The Tour Pro 3 delivers a balanced, detailed sound signature with tight bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. On tracks like Disco Yes by Tom Misch and Angel by Massive Attack, bass hits with weight but never overwhelms vocals or instruments. High-frequency clarity shines on Birdland by Manhattan Transfer, and Adele’s vocals sound rich without distortion.
Spatial audio creates an expansive soundstage, giving each instrument room to breathe. This level of detail and separation rivals top-tier models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and easily surpasses older models like the AirPods Pro (1st Gen).
Noise Cancellation and Call Quality
The ANC performance is excellent, effectively silencing metro rumbles, restaurant chatter, and even motorcycle engine noise when using foam tips. Transparency mode is functional, though not the clearest in the segment.
Call quality is solid after a firmware update improved mic clarity. Ambient noise is well suppressed, and voices sound natural. A unique option allows using one earbud as a dedicated mic, though call quality remains about the same.
Battery Life
In real-world use, the earbuds lasted around 10 hours without ANC and seven hours with ANC, close to JBL’s claims. Casual use with the case extended playtime to nearly 15 days.
Verdict
The JBL Tour Pro 3 is a bold entry in the premium TWS category. It combines superb audio quality, effective ANC, and a feature-rich Smart Charging Case unlike anything else on the market. While the case’s bulk and the earbuds’ high retail price may be drawbacks for some, its innovation and performance justify the package.
For users who want cutting-edge features without sacrificing sound, the JBL Tour Pro 3 stands out as one of the most compelling premium earbuds of 2025 — and possibly a worthy rival to Sony’s flagship models.
.jpg)
No comments: