Two years ago, we reported that Apple was awarded a patent for an AirPods charging pod with a built-in screen. But JBL was earlier offering TWS with this feature through their Tour Pro series. Most recently, we tested the JBL Tour Pro 3 with new audio drivers. The question is, is this screen a gimmick or useful?
SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN
JBL Tour Pro 3
Type In-ear Headphones
EarGels Earbuds
Audio Driver 10.2 mm Dynamic Driver
5.1 mm x 2.8 mm Balanced Armature
Microphone 6x microphones
JBL Spatial 360
Hi-Res JBL Pro Sound
Real-Time True Adaptive Noise Cancelling
Bluetooth 5.3 Sensor
Auto pause
Battery Up to 11 hours continuous
33 hours with charger
10 minutes charge, 1 hour use
Bluetooth Connection
Google Fast Pair
USB-C Charging
Qi
Android, iOS app support
Physical Button Control
Touchscreen
IP55 Waterproof Capability
Selling Price RM1,499
JBL Tour Pro 3, the flagship TWS from JBL, brings a difference compared to other flagship TWS in the Malaysian market. On their Smart Charging Case charging pod there is a touchscreen that can be controlled, so that users do not have to use a smartphone. Not only that, this charging pod can also be a receiver for connections on airplanes.
More interestingly, JBL also managed to ensure that the design of their audio products is not very large and can be said to use a normal size. Various interesting features on the TWS flagship such as LDAC, ANC, EQ, ear bud review, and many more can also be used. JBL also includes the modern Auracast connection feature that is still not offered by most audio product manufacturers.
AUDIO QUALITY
Bass
In many TWS that have arrived at the our lab, not many really focus on bass to provide an immersive listening experience. Among our favorites are the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, Nothing Ear, and Jabra Elite 10. For the JBL Tour Pro 3, the bass that is presented is quite deep, dark, and warm. The focus is on the sub-bass that can produce vibrations when listening to music. For the mid-bass, it is very controlled and clear. The impact of the bang is very appreciated and if you have ever enjoyed the bass on a JBL soundbar, you will have a more or less similar experience on this TWS.
Mids
The vocals on this TWS bring a more intimate and clear female singer's voice. It's more delicious and soothing, but it doesn't have a satisfying clarity that makes the TWS RM1,499 feel unfair to users. Vocals for male singers will not be affected by the bass capabilities, but overall if you listen carefully, the vocals on the TWS are actually less full.
Highs
Because of that, JBL does what most TWS don't do – tune the high-pitched part to be delicious. The taste is unique, not sharp and not distracting. The high-pitched part in most music is also not disturbed making it comfortable to listen to for a long time without feeling bored and tiring. For listeners who like treble more relaxed, this may be a pleasant tuning option.
Audio Staging
Don't assume, when TWS offers spatial audio features, it will provide a wide and delicious staging. It's actually just a simulation that will slightly reduce the overall audio quality. However, with the default audio staging on this device it feels a little narrow – the spatial audio feature on the JBL Tour Pro 3 is greatly appreciated. It also doesn't feel strange compared to other TWS. I dare say, the spatial audio experience on this audio product is approaching what Apple offers on their AirPods.
UNIQUE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
In addition to using JBL Pro Sound's own tuning, offering its own spatial audio feature or supporting Auracast - one of the unique features on the JBL Tour Pro 3 is the charging pod with a built-in screen. 99% of the features on the JBL app can be done and controlled directly on this screen.
You will wonder, is it useful? Quite useful, because first of all I no longer have to take out my smartphone with a giant screen just for control. Instead, just scroll and touch on the small screen. This will save the phone's battery and also reduce my obsession with the device's screen. It just depends on the situation.
If you don't care about the screen, the stem on each earbud of the JBL Tour Pro 3 still supports a touch pad. So finger gesture control is still supported. However, after getting used to the control screen on the stem it is quite annoying because every time I press it I will stick the earbud inward until it hurts.
BATTERY
The promised battery life is 7 hours with ANC on and I got 7 hours. For TWS, 7-9 hours of battery life is the norm, so the JBL Tour Pro 3 can last this long with a screen that I think is pretty great.
Without a screen, it could have lasted longer but unfortunately there is no option to turn off the screen. Short-term use is also made easier with fast charging support that can last for just a short playlist. Despite the small size, JBL can still include wireless charging support on these TWS which makes their value even more worthwhile.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
1x JBL Tour Pro 3
1x Set of replacement earbud rubbers
1x Set of memory foam buds
1x 3.5mm audio jack cable to USB-C
1x USB-C to USB-C cable
1x Manual set
CONCLUSION
It's hard for me to deny that the JBL Tour Pro 3 is one of the most powerful TWS I've ever tested in late 2024 to early 2025. The audio produced is truly flagship audio and every feature and function can all be marked on my perfect TWS list.
Only at RM1,499, the price is high compared to other flagship TWS on the market. The screen and Auracast are two unique features of this TWS but these may not be seen by the public as long as no more popular brand includes them. At this price tag you can get two flagship TWS such as Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Nothing Ear and many more.
For now, if you want the best audio and interesting features – JBL Tour Pro 3 is for you and if you buy it you will definitely not regret it. If you want to save money but want a flagship audio product and at the same time is friendly to various devices – I would say Nothing Ear is the best choice.
PROS AND ADVANTAGES
Unique design with a very useful screen.
Amazing audio quality on par with other premium flagship TWS.
Easy to use application.
Full of useful “snacks”.
CONS AND DISADVANTAGES
Because of the screen, the price becomes expensive.
The Auracast feature is still a gimmick if there is no complete ecosystem.