HARMAN makes solid audio gear across earbuds, headphones, and portable speakers, but their lineup spans a wide price range and not every model justifies its cost. The JBL Live 670NC at £79.95 is the entry point, while the Tour Pro 3 at £329.95 represents their premium earbud offering. For speakers, you’re looking at £379.90 to £399.99 for party-focused or waterproof models. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise portability, noise cancellation, or pure speaker output.
Why HARMAN?
HARMAN International is a subsidiary of Samsung that specialises in audio technology and infotainment systems. They own the JBL brand—one of the most recognisable names in portable audio—and leverage that heritage to deliver sound engineering at accessible price points. Unlike boutique audio brands, HARMAN can iterate quickly and offer wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2 in most models) as standard rather than as a premium feature. Their focus is on consumer audio that doesn’t require technical knowledge to use; you unbox it, pair it, and it works. They particularly excel at wireless earbuds and portable Bluetooth speakers where the price-to-features ratio tends to be competitive.
Top Picks
JBL Live 670NC — £79.95
Best for budget-conscious commuters who want noise cancellation without overspending. These are HARMAN’s entry-level noise-cancelling earbuds. At this price, active noise cancellation (ANC) is remarkable—you get a 40-hour battery per charge cycle with the charging case, and the IP54 dust resistance means they’ll survive gym bags and commutes. The trade-off: the earbuds themselves lack the premium fit and sound isolation of higher-end models, and their ANC isn’t as aggressive as the Tour Pro 3. Still, for under £80, they’re a straightforward choice if you just need wireless audio that blocks out train noise.
JBL Live Flex Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — £119.00
Best for everyday use without the noise-cancellation price premium. These sit between the budget Live 670NC and the premium Tour Pro 3, offering ambient awareness (you can let outside sound in without removing them) and comfortable ear-loop design. The main selling point is comfort during long wear and a cleaner sound profile than the entry model. Battery life is solid but not exceptional—about 8 hours per earbud plus charging case. They lack ANC, so they’re not ideal for noisy environments, but they’re excellent if you want reliable Bluetooth audio for 5–8 hour workdays.
JBL Tour Pro 3 True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds — £329.95
Best for anyone serious about portable audio and willing to pay for it. This is HARMAN’s flagship earbud. You get advanced ANC, spatial audio, up to 8 hours of battery per bud (32 hours with case), and a premium build that feels durable. The sound signature is tuned for detail—treble clarity, balanced mids—so they’re equally good for music, podcasts, or calls. The price is steep, but if you’re replacing earbuds every 18 months anyway, the longevity and feature set justify it. These compete directly with Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, and they hold their own.
Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers (Standard Model) — £399.99
Best for home use or smaller outdoor gatherings where sound quality matters more than portability. At this price point, HARMAN positions these for living rooms or patios—not backpacks. Expect deeper bass, higher peak volume (usually 85–95 dB SPL), and richer midrange than a portable earbud-case-sized speaker. Most lack IP ratings, so they’re not waterproof; keep them indoors or under cover. Battery life is good (10–15 hours typical) but they’re heavier and bulkier than compact alternatives.
Party Speaker Bundle with Wireless Microphone System — £379.90
Best for small events, karaoke, or anyone who needs to amplify their voice without renting equipment. This bundle includes a Bluetooth speaker plus a wireless microphone. The value is in the microphone—usually worth £80–120 separately—making this a smart bundle if you’re actually going to use both. Sound quality is adequate rather than excellent; these speakers prioritise volume and simplicity over audiophile sound. Ideal for birthday parties, small weddings, or garden gatherings.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Live 670NC | £79.95 | Budget ANC | 40-hour case battery |
| JBL Live Flex | £119.00 | All-day comfort | Ambient awareness mode |
| Tour Pro 3 | £329.95 | Premium audio | Spatial audio + ANC |
| Portable Speaker | £399.99 | Home/patio use | Deep bass, high SPL |
| Party Bundle | £379.90 | Events + karaoke | Includes wireless mic |
What to Look For
- Battery endurance: The Live 670NC’s 40-hour case battery is exceptional; compare this against the Tour Pro 3’s 32 hours if portability matters. For speakers, aim for 10+ hours minimum.
- Noise cancellation quality: ANC varies significantly—the Tour Pro 3 blocks low-frequency hum (traffic, engines) far better than the Live 670NC. If you commute by train or bus, the upgrade is worthwhile.
- Waterproofing rating: The Portable Wireless Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker (£399.95) carries an IP rating; the standard speaker and earbuds either lack one or have lighter IP54 protection. If you plan pool or beach use, this matters.
- Form factor and fit: Earbuds with ear loops (Live Flex) stay put during exercise; open-fit designs (some models) are lighter but less secure. Test fit if possible, especially for the Tour Pro 3.
The Bottom Line
The JBL Tour Pro 3 at £329.95 is HARMAN’s best all-rounder—premium build, strong ANC, and spatial audio justify the price for anyone upgrading from budget earbuds. If you’re strictly budget-conscious, the JBL Live 670NC at £79.95 delivers surprising value with 40-hour battery and working noise cancellation. For speakers, the choice depends on use case: home listening favours the standard Portable model; events favour the Party Bundle with microphone inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HARMAN good value for money?
Yes, especially at entry and mid-tier price points. The Live 670NC (£79.95) offers noise cancellation at a price that undercuts competitors by £20–30. The Tour Pro 3 (£329.95) is pricey but competitive with Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and Apple AirPods Pro in features and sound quality. Their portable speakers are less exceptional—you can find better sound quality at the same price from non-HARMAN brands.
Which HARMAN earbud has the best noise cancellation?
The JBL Tour Pro 3 has the most advanced ANC. It uses dual microphones per earbud to detect and cancel low-frequency noise (engine hum, traffic), making it noticeably better than the Live 670NC, which uses single-mic ANC. If ANC performance is your priority and budget allows, this is the model to choose.
Are HARMAN speakers waterproof?
Some are. The Portable Wireless Bluetooth Waterproof Speakers (£399.95) carry an IP rating for water resistance. The standard Portable Speaker (£399.99) and Party Bundle (£379.90) are not waterproof and should be kept away from splashes. Check the product specification sheet to confirm the IP rating before purchasing.
How long do HARMAN earbuds last before needing replacement?
Typically 18–24 months with normal use. HARMAN earbuds use rechargeable lithium batteries that degrade over time; after 300–500 charge cycles, you’ll notice reduced battery life. The Tour Pro 3’s premium build and larger battery suggest it will outlast the budget Live 670NC in real-world use, but neither is designed for infinite durability.
Leave a Reply