JBL Tour Pro 3 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds: Comprehensive Review and Buying Guide

The JBL Tour Pro 3 comes equipped with a smart charging case that redefines how you interact with your earbuds. Unlike typical cases, this one features a 1.57-inch touchscreen display, allowing you to control various settings directly from the case, without needing to access your phone.

• Unique Feature: The smart case also functions as a wireless dongle, allowing you to stream audio from any AUX or USB-C source directly to the earbuds. This means you can connect your earbuds to devices without Bluetooth capabilities, such as older audio systems or in-flight entertainment units.
• Extra Functionality: Through the Auracast feature, you can share your audio with nearby devices, making it perfect for sharing content with friends or family.

Why It Stands Out: While other earbuds have cases for charging, JBL’s smart case adds a multi-language interface, providing users with unmatched control directly from the case.

Competitor Comparison: Neither the Sony WF-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Pro 2, nor Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer a charging case with this level of functionality. JBL’s case sets a new standard for convenience, with a multi-language interface and wireless audio transmission, making it a significant selling point for tech-savvy users.

The JBL Tour Pro 3 is equipped with a hybrid dual-driver system that features both a 10.2mm dynamic driver for deep bass and a balanced armature driver for high-frequency clarity. This combination provides a wide soundstage with rich bass, vivid vocals, and sharp highs.

The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC) 2.0 in the JBL Tour Pro 3 is one of the most advanced systems available. What makes this ANC unique is its ability to calibrate in real time by analyzing your surroundings and adjusting the noise-cancellation levels automatically.

The JBL Spatial 360° Sound technology adds a layer of depth and immersion that transforms stereo sound into a three-dimensional experience. With head tracking, the sound adjusts dynamically as you move, creating a more immersive listening experience whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or listening to music.

The six microphones integrated into the JBL Tour Pro 3—two outer beamforming microphones and one inner mic in each earbud—ensure crystal-clear calls, even in the most challenging environments. Powered by the JBL Crystal AI Algorithm, these mics work together to eliminate background noise and wind interference.

The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds redefine sound customization with a range of features designed to adapt to your unique listening preferences. Whether you’re an audiophile, casual listener, or someone seeking enhanced hearing capabilities, these earbuds provide a fully tailored audio experience. Powered by the advanced Personi-Fi 3.0 technology and interactive tools, the JBL Tour Pro 3 puts complete control in your hands.

The Smart Ambient feature in the JBL Tour Pro 3 ensures you stay aware of your surroundings when necessary. Whether you’re crossing the street or waiting for your flight announcement, this feature automatically adjusts the ambient sound levels to keep you alert without having to remove your earbuds.

Additionally, the Smart Talk feature is a game-changer for multitaskers. It automatically recognizes when you start speaking and pauses your music, enabling your favorite ambient sound mode so you can converse easily. Once you stop talking, your music resumes without needing any manual input.

How It Compares: Competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Sony WF-1000XM5 also offer ambient sound modes, but Smart Talk is unique to JBL, making it more intuitive and user-friendly for those who need to switch between music and conversation frequently

The JBL Tour Pro 3 excels in delivering seamless, reliable, and flexible connectivity options for modern and legacy devices. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio technology, these earbuds ensure a stronger, more stable connection while consuming less power. Whether you’re pairing with your smartphone, laptop, or an older analog device, the Tour Pro 3 makes switching between devices effortless.

Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair for Instant Connection

Fast Pair by Google: When you open the charging case near an Android device, a pop-up appears instantly for quick and hassle-free pairing. The connection is saved for future use, making re-pairing seamless.

Microsoft Swift Pair: For Windows users, the Swift Pair feature allows you to pair quickly with your laptop or desktop without navigating complex Bluetooth menus.

Multipoint Connectivity: Stay Connected to Two Devices Simultaneously

For those who frequently juggle between devices, the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers Multipoint Connectivity, allowing you to pair with two devices at the same time. Whether you’re streaming music on your laptop and need to take a call on your phone, switching between devices is quick and simple.

• How to Pair: To activate Multipoint, tap both earbuds quickly, then tap and hold to enter pairing mode. A voice prompt will guide you through pairing a second device, ensuring you remain connected no matter which device you use.

Connectivity for Legacy Devices: Versatility for Every Setup

While the Tour Pro 3 is optimized for modern wireless devices, it also adapts to older analog systems. With the help of the Smart Charging Case, you can connect to older devices using a USB-C to 3.5mm cable. This transmitter functionality makes it easy to enjoy audio from legacy devices without requiring an external amplifier.

Manual Pairing Made Simple

For those who prefer manual setup or need to re-pair the earbuds, the process is straightforward:

1. On your device, enable Bluetooth and initiate a scan.
2. Place the earbuds in the charging case.
3. Press the small button on the case until the blue light flashes.
4. Select JBL Tour Pro 3 from the list of available devices.

The earbuds are designed with intuitive touch controls that allow you to manage your audio and features effortlessly. Each earbud is equipped with responsive touchpads that let you perform a variety of actions with simple taps and holds.

How to Use the Earbud Controls:

Single Tap:

• Left earbud: Toggles between ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Ambient Sound modes.
• Right earbud: Play or pause your music.

Double Tap:

• Left earbud: Activates TalkThru Mode, letting you hold conversations without removing the earbuds.
• Right earbud: Skips to the next track.

Triple Tap:

• Right earbud only: Goes back to the previous track.

Long Press:

• Both earbuds: Activates your preferred voice assistant, such as Google Assistant or Alexa.

Factory Reset Made Simple:

To reset your earbuds to their original settings, perform the following steps:

1. Double-tap the back of the earbuds.
2. Follow it up with a long press to complete the reset process.

Why These Controls Stand Out

The precise and versatile touch controls ensure a seamless listening experience, allowing you to toggle features or manage playback without reaching for your phone. This level of convenience is further enhanced by the JBL Headphones App, where you can customize certain touch controls to suit your preferences.

When combined with the innovative functionality of the smart charging case, these controls make the JBL Tour Pro 3 an outstanding option for users seeking ease of use and advanced customization.

Battery life is critical for wireless earbuds, and the JBL Tour Pro 3 impresses with up to 44 hours of total playtime (11 hours from the earbuds + 33 hours from the case) with ANC off, and 32 hours with ANC on. A 10-minute quick charge provides up to 3 hours of playback, ensuring that you can always top up your battery when needed.

Additionally, the charging case supports wireless charging, giving you multiple ways to keep your earbuds powered up.

Competitor Comparison: The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers a slightly longer battery life in ANC mode, but the fast-charging feature and 44-hour total playtime make the JBL Tour Pro 3 highly competitive for users who need long-lasting performance.

The JBL’s 3 earbuds are engineered to be tough, comfortable, and versatile—meeting the demands of everyday use while providing an exceptional fit for various activities, including workouts and running. Their durability is matched by a thoughtful design that prioritizes both stability and user comfort.

IP55 Rating: Protection Against Dust and Water

With an IP55 rating, the JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds are resistant to both dust and water, ensuring reliability in a variety of settings:

• Sweat-resistant: Perfect for intense gym sessions or light running.
• Rainproof: Capable of withstanding splashes, so you can keep listening even in unexpected weather.
• Dust-resistant: Designed to handle outdoor use, whether you’re hiking or jogging on dusty trails.

This level of protection makes the earbuds ideal for those who need a robust companion for active lifestyles.

How It Compares: Many competitors, like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, offer only IPX4 water resistance, which provides no dust protection. The IP55 rating of the JBL Tour Pro 3 gives it an edge for users who need more versatility and resilience.

Thoughtful Design: A Fit for Every Ear

The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds feature a low-profile, ergonomic design that combines comfort with a secure fit. They are carefully shaped to provide:

• A snug fit that stays in place during moderate activity, such as running or working out.
• A lightweight feel, designed to reduce ear fatigue, even during prolonged use.
• Multiple contact points: The earbud housing is crafted to distribute weight evenly, ensuring stability without causing discomfort.

Custom Fit Options: Tailored to Your Needs

Included with the earbuds are five sizes of silicone ear tips and one set of foam tips. These options let users find their ideal fit, catering to various ear shapes and preferences:

• The silicone tips offer a lightweight, secure seal for everyday comfort.
• The foam tips provide better passive noise isolation, ideal for environments with higher ambient noise.

These tailored options not only improve comfort but also ensure the earbuds stay securely in place during activities like jogging, cycling, or casual workouts.

Suitable for Running and Active Use

The durability and fit of the JBL Tour Pro 3 make them a reliable choice for light to moderate running or other physical activities. Their sweat resistance, snug design, and customizable ear tips help them stay firmly in place, even during motion.

Considerations for Intense Runners: While the snug fit and IP55 rating handle most activities well, runners who prioritize ultralight earbuds may prefer other models specifically designed for vigorous, high-impact activity.

Why Design and Durability Matter

The combination of IP55 durability, thoughtful ergonomics, and tailored ear tip options make the Tour Pro 3 suitable for both active users and those seeking all-day comfort. Whether you’re running in light rain, powering through a workout, or simply enjoying music on your commute, these earbuds deliver reliability and style.

The JBL Headphones App gives you total control over your listening experience, allowing you to customize virtually every aspect of the earbuds.

• Custom EQ Settings: Adjust the sound to your exact preferences with custom EQ profiles or choose from pre-set profiles for different types of music.
• Find My Buds: If you misplace your earbuds, the app can trigger them to play a sound, helping you locate them quickly.
• Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Ambient Aware Controls: Toggle ANC on or off, adjust the level of ambient sound allowed in, or activate Smart Ambient and Smart Talk features—all from the app.

Competitor Comparison: Sony’s Headphones Connect App and Bose Music App offer similar features, but the JBL Headphones App is more intuitive, offering more sound customization options and an easier-to-use interface. Apple AirPods Pro 2 lack this kind of customization, with controls limited to what’s available in iOS settings.