Tag: HARMAN

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.

HARMAN’s audio range balances affordability with genuine performance, but not every product deserves your money. JBL headphones and speakers dominate the lineup, offering noise cancellation and waterproofing at competitive price points, though speaker pairs can feel pricey for casual listeners.

Why HARMAN?

HARMAN International, owned by Samsung since 2017, designs audio products under its JBL and PartyBox brands. JBL specialises in consumer audio — headphones, earbuds, and portable speakers — while PartyBox targets party-focused speakers with built-in lighting and microphone inputs. The company has been manufacturing audio gear since 1946, giving them deep expertise in driver tuning and acoustic design. What sets HARMAN apart is accessibility: they offer noise-cancelling headphones at under £80, which rivals typically charge £150+ for.

Top Picks

JBL Live 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones — £79.95

Best for budget-conscious commuters needing noise cancellation. At under £80, these deliver active noise cancellation (ANC), 35-hour battery life, and touch controls — specs that would cost double from Sony or Bose. The trade-off is comfort on longer sessions due to lighter padding, but for office-to-train daily use, they’re unbeaten value.

JBL Live Flex Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — £119.00

Best for everyday convenience with IP54 dust and splash resistance. These true wireless earbuds include ANC, spatial audio, and multi-device pairing. At £119, they’re £30-50 cheaper than Apple AirPods Pro 2 while matching most practical features. Battery is adequate at 8 hours with case, not class-leading.

JBL Xtreme 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Red) — £299.98

Best for solo travellers wanting ruggedness at a fair price. The Xtreme 2 is waterproof to IP67, built from rubberised material, and designed to handle drops. Two units in the pair can link wirelessly for stereo. Red model is £100 cheaper than camouflage, making it the smartest choice unless you specifically want camouflage.

JBL Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker (Blue) — £399.95

Best for longer outdoor trips requiring serious battery life. The Xtreme 3 matches the Xtreme 2’s waterproofing but adds 15+ hours of battery (vs. 10 on the 2), improved bass, and a larger driver array. At £400 for a pair, it’s a significant jump in cost — only upgrade if you genuinely need all-day outdoor audio without recharging.

JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 with Microphone — £389.90

Best for small gatherings (under 30 people) with basic lighting needs. The Encore Essential 2 combines a 100W speaker system with LED lighting and a wireless microphone. It’s overkill for home listening but brilliant value for garden parties or small events. Setup is straightforward: aux-in or Bluetooth, and the mic connects via 2.4GHz wireless.

Quick Comparison

Product	Price	Best For	Standout Feature
JBL Live 670NC	£79.95	Budget ANC headphones	35-hour battery
JBL Live Flex	£119.00	Daily earbuds	IP54 dust/splash resistance
JBL Xtreme 2 (Red)	£299.98	Rugged travel speaker	IP67 waterproofing + wireless linking
JBL Xtreme 3 (Blue)	£399.95	Outdoor all-day use	15+ hour battery
PartyBox Encore Essential 2	£389.90	Small events	100W + LED lighting + wireless mic

What to Look For

• Battery life matches your use case: JBL headphones offer 35 hours (Live 670NC) vs. 8 hours on earbuds. Speakers range from 10 to 15+ hours. Check your typical listening window before upgrading to higher-capacity models.
• Waterproofing rating matters for environment: IP54 (earbuds) resists splashes indoors; IP67 (Xtreme 2/3) handles full submersion up to 1 metre. Don’t pay for IP67 if you only use speakers at home.
• ANC quality scales with price: The £79.95 Live 670NC offers decent noise cancellation for commuting but won’t match £300+ Bose or Sony models in passive isolation. Acceptable for trains and planes, not concert-level blocking.
• Pair pricing adds up fast: The Xtreme 2 and 3 are priced per pair, meaning two units. For casual listening, a single speaker is often sufficient — check if your model is sold individually (some retailers offer this).

The Bottom Line

For most people, the JBL Live 670NC at £79.95 is the standout value — noise-cancelling headphones under £80 simply don’t exist elsewhere. If you need earbuds, the Live Flex at £119 offers better everyday durability than rivals. For speakers, only buy the Xtreme 3 at £399.95 if you genuinely need 15+ hour battery and outdoor waterproofing; the Xtreme 2 at £299.98 is sufficient for weekend trips. The PartyBox Encore Essential 2 is niche — skip it unless you’re hosting regular small events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HARMAN good value for money?

Yes, particularly in the under-£120 headphone and earbud range. The Live 670NC and Live Flex undercut major competitors by £50-100 while matching core features like ANC and connectivity. For speakers above £300, HARMAN competes on ruggedness and battery life rather than pure sound quality — if you prioritise audio fidelity, you’ll find better options from Sonos or Marshall at the same price.

Are JBL headphones better than Sony or Bose?

Not at the same price point, but better value. Sony WH-CH720N and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II both outperform JBL in noise cancellation and sound clarity, but cost £150-200+. The JBL Live 670NC trades some ANC finesse for an £70 price advantage — it’s a smart choice if budget is your limit, not if you want premium noise cancellation.

How long do JBL batteries actually last?

JBL’s battery claims are conservative and generally accurate. The Live 670NC genuinely achieves 35 hours (with ANC off, 40). Earbuds with cases typically deliver 24-32 hours total. Speakers vary: Xtreme 2 achieves 10-12 hours at moderate volume, Xtreme 3 hits 15+ hours. Real-world battery is 10-20% less than claimed if you use ANC, max volume, or heavy Bluetooth strain.

Should I buy two PartyBox Encore Essential 2 units for stereo?

Only if you’re genuinely hosting frequent events for 20+ people. A single unit is loud enough for 15-person garden parties and costs £194.95 (half the bundle price, if available separately). Buying two makes sense for weddings or festivals, not everyday home use.

HARMAN makes genuinely useful audio gear—headphones, earbuds, and speakers that work well without demanding premium prices. The key is picking the right product for your use case: budget-friendly wireless headphones for commutes, mid-range earbuds for active listening, or portable speakers for outdoor gatherings.

Why HARMAN?

HARMAN (owned by Samsung since 2014) has spent decades engineering consumer audio through brands like JBL, their flagship label. They specialise in portable and professional-grade sound systems, from compact earbuds to hefty party speakers. What sets them apart: JBL products are built for durability (many are waterproof or ruggedised), they price competitively against competitors like Sony and Beats, and they offer genuine noise cancellation or water resistance even at entry-level prices.

Top Picks

JBL Live 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones — £79.95

Best for commuters and office workers seeking noise cancellation on a tight budget. These deliver proper active noise cancellation—rare at this price—plus a 38-hour battery life per charge, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and lightweight over-ear design. The noise cancellation won’t match premium competitors, but for under £80, it’s genuinely effective on planes and trains.

JBL Live Flex Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — £119.00

Best for active listeners wanting versatile true wireless earbuds. These sit between entry-level and premium pricing, offering IP54 water resistance (survive sweat and light rain), 8-hour battery life per charge, and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable connectivity. Ideal for gym sessions or commutes where you need reliability without flagship-level expense.

JBL Xtreme 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Red) — £299.98

Best for affordable outdoor entertainment with real sound. This is HARMAN’s sweet spot: a rugged, waterproof speaker (IPX7 rating means it survives complete submersion for 30 minutes) with genuine bass and volume enough for small gatherings. Red colourway is £300; the camouflage variant jumps to £399.98 for unknown reasons.

JBL Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker — £399.95

Best for serious portability with enhanced durability. Same IPX7 waterproofing as the Xtreme 2, but adds improved battery life and a slightly refined sound profile. The £100 premium over the Xtreme 2 (red) is justified only if you need the latest specs; the Xtreme 2 handles most outdoor scenarios fine.

JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 with Wireless Microphone — £499.90

Best for small parties and karaoke nights. This bundles a portable party speaker with a wireless microphone system—a genuinely valuable combo if you’re hosting. The speaker delivers party-level volume and bass, the mic system works at decent range, and the bundle price (£500) undercuts buying separately.

Quick Comparison

Product	Price	Best For	Standout Feature
Live 670NC	£79.95	Budget commuters	38-hour battery; active noise cancellation
Live Flex Earbuds	£119.00	Active lifestyles	IP54 water resistance; compact true wireless
Xtreme 2 (Red)	£299.98	Casual outdoor use	IPX7 waterproofing; balanced price-to-power
Xtreme 3	£399.95	Rugged portability	Improved battery; latest hardware
PartyBox Encore Essential 2	£499.90	Small gatherings	Includes wireless mic; bundle value

What to Look For

• Battery life per charge: HARMAN’s headphones offer 38+ hours; earbuds typically 8 hours. Check if you need all-day wireless or overnight charging is acceptable.
• Water resistance rating: Look for IPX7 (full submersion for 30 minutes) on speakers, IP54+ on earbuds. Don’t rely on lower ratings near water.
• Bluetooth version: Xtreme and Live ranges use Bluetooth 5.0–5.2, offering stable range (up to 10 meters in open space) and low latency for video.
• Weight and portability: The Live 670NC weighs 190g (pocketable); Xtreme speakers range 680g–1kg (rucksack-friendly); PartyBox Encore is 4.8kg (car-level portability).

The Bottom Line

For £79.95, the JBL Live 670NC is the entry point—genuine noise cancellation at an unbeatable price. If you need portability outdoors, the Xtreme 2 (Red) at £299.98 offers waterproofing and real volume without overpaying. For gatherings, the PartyBox Encore Essential 2 (£499.90) bundles speaker and microphone, eliminating the need to buy separately. HARMAN’s strength is consistency across price points—nothing here is a dud, but avoid the Xtreme 3 unless you specifically need its newer hardware; the Xtreme 2 does the job for £100 less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HARMAN good value for money?

Yes, particularly at entry and mid-range prices. The Live 670NC at £79.95 includes active noise cancellation that competitors charge £200+ for, and the Xtreme 2 undercuts similar waterproof speakers by £50–100. The PartyBox bundle also eliminates the need for separate mic purchases. HARMAN doesn’t compete on premium sound; they compete on features-per-pound.

Are JBL speakers actually waterproof?

IPX7-rated speakers (Xtreme range) survive complete submersion in up to 1 metre of fresh water for 30 minutes—genuinely waterproof for pools and beaches. They’re not military-grade, but they’ll handle splashes, rain, and accidental dunks without dying. IP54 earbuds handle sweat and light rain, not immersion.

How long do HARMAN headphones and earbuds last on battery?

Headphones like the Live 670NC deliver 38 hours per charge—roughly a week of daily commuting. True wireless earbuds (Live Flex) offer 8 hours per charge, typical for the category. All include fast-charge features that restore 50% in 10–15 minutes.

Should I buy the Xtreme 2 or Xtreme 3?

Buy the Xtreme 2 (Red) at £299.98 unless you specifically need the Xtreme 3’s newer Bluetooth version or marginally better battery. For casual outdoor use, the Xtreme 2 is sufficient; the £100 saving is better spent on a portable charger or second speaker.