Overview
Finding a pair of headphones that strikes the right balance between performance, price, and comfort can be a daunting task in the current market. The JBL 670 noise cancelling headphones are designed to bridge the gap between entry-level budget models and high-end luxury audio gear. By focusing on essential features like Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC), a comfortable ergonomic design, and signature sound tuning, JBL aims to capture the daily driver segment of the headphone market. These headphones are engineered for people who need a reliable audio companion that can survive the rigors of a daily commute, back-to-back office conference calls, and casual weekend relaxation without requiring a steep investment.
In a landscape where costs are rising, the JBL 670 offers a compelling value proposition by avoiding unnecessary gimmicks while focusing on the core fundamentals of wireless audio. You are essentially getting a workhorse of a device that prioritizes durability, ease of use, and battery longevity over high-fidelity luxury components that typically inflate the price tag.
Design and Build
When you handle the JBL 670, the first thing you will notice is the focus on lightweight construction. The headband is padded with a soft, synthetic material designed to reduce pressure on the crown of your head during long listening sessions, while the ear cups are shaped to provide a secure seal without causing excessive heat buildup or ear fatigue. The build quality relies heavily on high-quality reinforced plastics, which helps keep the overall weight down significantly compared to metal-heavy competitors. This is a deliberate design choice meant to ensure that you can wear them for a full work day, or an international flight, without feeling the need to take them off due to bulk or strain.
The ear cups feature a comfortable over-ear fit that provides a level of passive noise isolation, creating a decent barrier between you and the outside world even before the active noise cancellation kicks in. Furthermore, the folding design makes them an exceptionally suitable companion for travel, as they can easily pivot and collapse to fit into a backpack or briefcase pocket without taking up unnecessary space. The buttons are tactile and placed intuitively along the rim of the ear cups. This layout is designed for "blind" operation, meaning you can easily distinguish between volume, playback, and ANC toggles without needing to look at your device or remove the headphones. The material finish is also resistant to smudges and minor scratches, which is a major bonus for people who carry them in bags with other items.
Key Features and Performance
The audio performance of the JBL 670 is characterized by the brand's classic sound signature. You can expect a punchy, energetic bass response that does not completely overpower the mid-range frequencies, which makes them quite versatile for various music genres ranging from modern pop to acoustic tracks. For those who enjoy tailoring their audio experience, the companion app provides a highly responsive customizable equalizer to adjust the levels to your personal preference. Whether you want to boost the treble for podcasts or dial up the bass for workout playlists, the app interface makes these changes easy to apply on the fly.
The Adaptive Noise Cancelling works efficiently against low-frequency drone sounds, such as airplane cabin hums, the low-level rumble of office HVAC systems, or the constant drone of traffic during your commute. While it may not block out every high-pitched frequency, such as sharp voices in a crowded cafe, it is more than adequate for typical daily environments. Connectivity is handled via advanced Bluetooth standards, which ensures a stable, high-bandwidth connection with minimal dropouts, even in areas with heavy signal interference like busy train stations. The multi-point connection feature is a standout, allowing you to stay paired to your laptop for video calls while remaining ready to answer incoming calls from your smartphone seamlessly. The transition between devices is snappy, and the battery life is reliably long-lasting, covering even the longest days of use without requiring a mid-day charge. When the battery does run low, the quick-charge feature allows you to regain a significant amount of playtime with just a few minutes plugged into a power source.
Who It Is For (and Who Should Skip It)
These headphones are ideal for students, office professionals, and commuters who need a reliable tool for audio without breaking the bank. If you find yourself in noisy environments frequently, the ANC performance will provide a noticeable boost in concentration or relaxation. Students will appreciate the battery life for long study sessions in the library, while commuters will value the portability and consistent connection stability. The multi-point switching is a must-have for the modern remote worker who juggles multiple devices throughout the day.
However, if you are a professional musician or an audiophile who demands absolute sonic transparency and wide soundstage, you might find the sound profile slightly too colored for your liking. The bass-forward signature is fun, but it doesn't offer the clinical precision required for critical sound mixing. Furthermore, users who prefer premium materials like genuine protein leather, brushed aluminum or steel frames will likely find the plastic-heavy build of the 670 a bit underwhelming compared to much more expensive high-end alternatives. If your priority is the 'luxury feel' of your tech, you may be better served by looking at more expensive models in the market.
Alternatives Worth Considering
The headphone market is crowded, and there are several rivals to consider. The Sony WH-CH720N often competes in a similar price bracket and is frequently praised for its lightweight chassis and refined noise cancellation. Sony often wins on software processing of noise, which some users find more 'natural.' Meanwhile, the Anker Soundcore Q30 offers an impressive app experience and a class-leading variety of preset sound profiles at a more aggressive price point, though it may lack the specific 'JBL sound' and premium build rigidity that some users prefer. If you have a larger budget, the standard Bose QuietComfort series offers superior industry-leading noise cancellation and a more luxurious fit, though you will pay a significant premium for those benefits. The Bose model is often considered the gold standard for long-term comfort, though the JBL 670 matches their functionality for a fraction of the cost.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the JBL 670 noise cancelling headphones are a sensible, practical purchase for the vast majority of consumers. They tick all the major boxes: decent ANC, good battery longevity, multi-point connectivity, and a lightweight, comfortable design. While they do not attempt to reinvent the wheel with exotic features or over-engineered materials, they offer a consistent, reliable, and enjoyable experience for the price. If you want a dependable pair of cans for daily use, these are a top-tier contender in their category that provide excellent value for money.