JVC JVC Memory Foam Earbud Marshmallow with Mic Violet Review
The JVC Marshmallows are back. We see if these $15 wired earbuds are still a comfort king or a relic of the past.
The 30-Second Version
For $15, you get incredibly comfortable earbuds with a working mic. Sound quality is just okay, but the value is unbeatable. A solid buy for budget seekers.
Overview
The JVC Marshmallows are a blast from the past, and they're still kicking. For fifteen bucks, you get a set of wired earbuds with a mic and remote that are almost suspiciously comfortable. They're not trying to be the best sounding buds on the market, and that's honestly part of their charm.
Performance
Let's be real, the sound quality isn't winning any awards—it lands in the 40th percentile in our database. Bass is present but muddy, and highs can get a bit sharp. Where these shine is comfort, hitting the 94th percentile thanks to those memory foam tips. The mic is surprisingly decent for calls, and the one-button remote works as advertised on both Android and iOS.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Memory foam tips are insanely comfortable. 92th
- The mic and remote work reliably. 86th
- Tangle-free cord is a nice touch. 74th
- Price is almost impossible to beat.
Cons
- Sound quality is just okay.
- No noise cancellation to speak of.
- The cord is a fixed length.
- They're not great for noisy commutes.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Rounded tip |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 |
| Codecs | Android Phone Control, Microphone Included, iOS Phone Control |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| App | iOS, Android |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant |
Value & Pricing
At $15, it's hard to call these anything but a fantastic value. You're not paying for cutting-edge tech or audiophile sound. You're paying for a reliable, comfy pair of buds with a mic that won't make you cry if you lose them. For the price, they deliver exactly what they promise.
vs Competition
This is a totally different world from the wireless noise-canceling champs like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or JBL Tune Buds. Those cost ten times as much. A fairer fight is against other budget wired options, and the Marshmallows win on comfort and social proof (86th percentile) alone. Even compared to cheap wireless buds like the CMF Buds Pro 2, these offer zero battery anxiety and better mic quality for the cash.
| Spec | JVC JVC Memory Foam Earbud Marshmallow with Mic Violet | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-A MS Earbuds with USB-A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | — | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | — | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | — | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | — | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | — | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Do these work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, the one-button remote and mic are compatible with both iOS and Android phones.
Q: How good is the noise isolation?
The memory foam tips provide decent passive isolation, but there's no active noise cancellation. They scored low for commute use in our tests.
Q: Are they good for working out?
Yes, they scored 65.5/100 for fitness. The secure, comfortable fit and water resistance make them a solid gym buddy.
Who Should Skip This
If you're an audiophile or need serious noise cancellation for your daily train ride, look elsewhere. The sound profile is basic and they offer zero ANC. Also skip if you're allergic to wires.
Verdict
Buy these if you need a dead-simple, ultra-comfortable pair of wired earbuds for the gym, work calls, or just as a backup. They're the definition of 'good enough' at a price that makes you smile.