JBL Live 670NC Noise-Cancelling On-Ear Wireless Review

The JBL Live 670NC are the endurance champs. Battery life is their superpower, lasting a legit 65 hours. Everything else—sound, ANC, comfort—is just average for the price. Worth it if you hate charging.

The JBL Live 670NC are a solid pair of on-ear wireless headphones for the price. They promise JBL's signature sound, adaptive noise cancelling, and a massive 65-hour battery life, all wrapped up in a package that's easy to take on the go.

At around $130, they're aiming squarely at the budget-conscious commuter who wants decent features without breaking the bank. They're not trying to beat the flagship models from Sony or Bose, but they don't have to. Their job is to be a reliable daily driver.

Performance-wise, these are the definition of 'fine.' Our database puts their sound quality, ANC, and mic performance all right around the 48th to 49th percentile. That means they're smack in the middle of the pack. They sound good, not great. The noise cancelling cuts out some rumble, but don't expect library silence on a plane. The 65-hour battery claim is a big highlight, and in our testing, they do last forever, which is a huge win for travel.

For $130, the value proposition is pretty clear. You're getting a capable, long-lasting pair of wireless headphones with acceptable noise cancelling. You're not getting premium materials or best-in-class sound, but you are getting a tool that works. If your budget is tight and battery life is your top priority, the math works out.

Stacked up against the big names, the trade-offs are obvious. The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra will run circles around the 670NC in ANC and sound refinement, but they cost more than twice as much. Against something like the Beats Studio Pro, you're trading some bass punch and build quality for way better battery life. The 670NC's real sweet spot is undercutting those giants on price while still delivering the core features most people need.

Skip these if you demand top-tier noise cancellation or supreme comfort. The ANC is merely adequate, and the on-ear design will annoy you on long flights. Also, if you're deep into high-fidelity audio, look elsewhere—the sound is good for the money, but it's not an audiophile's first choice.

Buy these if you're a commuter or frequent traveler on a budget who prioritizes battery life above all else. You want wireless convenience and basic noise cancelling, and you're okay with 'good enough' sound and comfort to get a killer battery and a lower price tag.