JVC JVC - In-Ear Headphones HAFR9UCB - Black Review
JVC's $17 wired earbuds offer incredible comfort and solid build for the price, but the sound is just average. Perfect for workouts or as a backup, not for audiophiles.
The 30-Second Version
For $17, these are the most comfortable wired earbuds you can buy. Just don't expect them to sound like a $200 pair.
Overview
Look, these are $17 wired earbuds. That's the one thing to know. They're not fancy wireless headphones, they're a simple, cheap, and surprisingly comfortable wired solution. For the price, they punch above their weight, especially if you're tired of Bluetooth earbuds dying mid-workout or just want a reliable backup pair. They plug directly into your phone's USB-C port, have a built-in DAC for cleaner sound, and are sweat-proof. It's a no-frills package that gets the basics right.
Performance
The biggest surprise here isn't the sound, which lands in the 39th percentile—it's fine, not amazing. It's the comfort. These things scored a 94th percentile for comfort in our database, which is wild for a $17 product. People with small ears, who usually struggle, are reporting they fit perfectly. The build quality is also solid at the 82nd percentile, so they don't feel like they'll snap in a week. The mic is decent too, hitting the 75th percentile, so your calls won't sound like you're in a tin can.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Insanely comfortable for most people, especially small ears. 86th
- Build quality feels sturdy and far better than the price suggests. 74th
- USB-C plug and built-in DAC mean no adapter needed and cleaner audio from your phone.
- IPX4 sweat-proofing makes them a legit option for workouts.
Cons
- Sound quality is just okay. It's clear, but not rich or detailed. 23th
- They're wired. No Bluetooth, no ANC, just a cable. 32th
- Connectivity is just average (46th percentile), likely due to the wired-only nature.
- They scored poorly for commute use (25.8/100), probably because cable management is a hassle on the go.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Travel |
| Ear Tips | Extra small, Small, Medium, Large |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| Transparency | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| Volume Limiting | No |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At $17, these are a steal if your needs match their strengths. You're getting exceptional comfort, good build, and sweat resistance for less than the cost of a cheap lunch. If you want great sound or wireless freedom, it's not worth it. But as a backup, gym pair, or for someone who just hates charging earbuds, the value is undeniable.
Price History
vs Competition
This is a wired niche, so comparing to wireless giants like the Sony WF-1000XM5 is apples and oranges. The Sony's are for premium sound and ANC, these are for simplicity and budget. A more relevant wired competitor might be something like the Apple EarPods, but these JVCs have USB-C, a DAC, and better sweat resistance. Against truly budget wireless options like the CMF Buds Pro 2, you lose Bluetooth and features but gain reliability and zero battery anxiety. Pick these if the cable doesn't bother you and you prioritize comfort and durability over features.
| Spec | JVC JVC - In-Ear Headphones HAFR9UCB - Black | 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-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | — | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | 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 | Yes | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Do these need a battery or charging?
No. They're wired USB-C earbuds. Plug them in, they work. No batteries, no charging, ever.
Q: How good is the noise cancellation?
There's no active noise cancellation (ANC). They scored 36th percentile for ANC because they don't have it. You get passive isolation from the in-ear fit, but that's it.
Q: Will they work with my iPhone?
Not directly. They have a USB-C plug. If your iPhone has a Lightning port, you'll need a USB-C to Lightning adapter.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for premium sound quality or the convenience of true wireless earbuds, this isn't it. Go get something like the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless or the CMF Buds Pro 2 instead. Also, if your daily commute involves lots of walking or transit, the wired cable will annoy you—skip these.
Verdict
We recommend these JVC earbuds if you're looking for a supremely comfortable, sweat-proof, wired pair for under $20. They're perfect for workouts, as a reliable backup, or for anyone who just wants to plug in and go without worrying about Bluetooth pairing or battery life. If you need amazing sound, active noise cancellation, or the convenience of wireless, skip them entirely. For their specific job, they excel.