JBL’s latest flagship earbuds, the Tour Pro 3, aim to tick every box a discerning listener might have. Packed with more features than a Swiss Army knife, they’re geared up to handle everything from work calls to workout playlists.
After putting them through their paces, we’re here to break down what these earbuds get right and where they leave room for improvement. Spoiler alert: there’s very little we should ask for beyond what’s on offer here.
Design
The JBL Tour Pro 3 keeps the look of its predecessor but with a few key tweaks. The case now features a 30% bigger touchscreen, giving you more space to swipe and tap. The case itself is still a bit chunky, but considering it can act as a remote control for the earbuds, it’s like carrying around a tiny command center in your pocket. It’s a bit like complaining an SUV is bulky compared to a hatchback—you’re getting a lot of extra functionality in return.
The earbuds have also been beefed up, likely to house the new dual drivers and more mics. With an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, these earbuds should survive a sweaty workout or an accidental drop in the dirt. There’s a broader selection of ear tips now, including memory foam tips, so users can finally stop complaining about fit issues (at least until they find something else to nitpick).
Features
Here’s where things get a little crazy. The Tour Pro 3 case isn’t just for charging—it’s a control hub, transmitter, and possibly the coolest daily use accessory we’re using. Want to change tracks or adjust volume without touching your phone? Done. Need to switch ANC modes or tweak EQ settings? Easy. The case even supports Auracast, so sharing audio with a friend or tapping into shared broadcasts becomes as simple as flipping a switch. The list of features is long.
The Auracast support is a nice touch for the few devices that are compatible, and the dual audio codec support (LDAC and LC3plus) means you’ll get high-res audio on compatible devices. Audiophiles, take note: this could be your new best friend.
Setup and Customization
Setting up the Tour Pro 3 is a breeze. Pairing takes seconds, and once connected, the JBL Headphones app opens up a smorgasbord of customization options. Adjust EQ settings, set up different profiles, or dive into the spatial audio settings. Want your left earbud to control volume and the right to skip tracks? You got it. There’s a slight limitation with the control configuration—you have to pick and choose between volume, playback, or ANC, and that might lead to some tough decisions. But, hey, first world problems, right?
The app can be a bit moody at times, occasionally crashing or refusing to connect, but I suspect this could (or should) be ironed out with an update.
Performance
The Tour Pro 3 delivers solid performance in almost every aspect. Connectivity is stable thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, and audio latency is low, making these buds perfect for video calls, gaming, or binge-watching your favorite shows.
The wear sensors reliably pause music when you take out an earbud and resume when you pop it back in.
Call quality is solid, too, with better noise suppression during calls—though your voice might still sound a bit wobbly in very noisy environments. But let’s be real, your boss isn’t going to care if there’s a slight wobble when you’re trying to explain why that deadline got missed.
Value
With a price tag of $300, the Tour Pro 3 isn’t exactly a budget-friendly option. But considering the number of features packed into these earbuds and the smart case, it offers solid value for those who like to tinker with settings and demand a high level of functionality.
Compared to other premium models, it’s like getting a few extra gadgets built right into your earbuds. Of course, if you’re someone who prefers simplicity, all these bells and whistles might just feel like… well, a lot of bells and whistles.
Audio Quality
Sound quality on the Tour Pro 3 is a definite highlight. The dual-driver design means that lows, mids, and highs each get their own path, resulting in clear separation and detail. There’s a slight emphasis on bass, which makes these great for bass-heavy tracks, but the sound remains balanced enough for a variety of genres. If you’re listening to an audiobook, for example, you won’t feel like the narrator is delivering their lines from the bottom of a well.
LDAC support allows for high-res audio streaming on compatible Android devices, and the Tour Pro 3 keeps distortion levels low, even at higher volumes. If you want to tweak the sound, the JBL Headphones app offers a robust 10-band equalizer with several presets, so you can get the exact tone you’re looking for.
The spatial audio feature, which can create an expanded soundstage, works well for certain tracks but might make others sound a bit off. Your favorite jazz song might suddenly sound like it’s being played in a wind tunnel.
Play around with the settings a bit as you get into your preferred music and you’ll surely land on something that you love.
Battery Life
The Tour Pro 3 boasts impressive battery life, with up to eight hours of playback time on a single charge when using ANC, and up to 11 hours without it. The case can recharge the earbuds three times, giving you a total of around 32 to 44 hours, depending on how much you’re using ANC or spatial audio.
Charging options include USB-C and wireless charging, and there’s a quick-charge feature that provides up to four hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. That’s great news if you often find yourself forgetting to plug things in until your morning run is about to start.
Warranty and Support
JBL includes a standard one-year warranty with the Tour Pro 3, which covers defects in materials and craftsmanship. It doesn’t cover accidental damage or loss, so try not to leave these in the pocket of your jeans before tossing them in the wash.
For software-related issues, the JBL Headphones app has built-in diagnostics tools, which makes troubleshooting a bit easier (assuming the app is cooperating, of course).
Pinnacle Selection represents our highest honor, one reserved for products that stand out in design, performance, and overall value.
Products earning this distinction exemplify excellence across the board, delivering an experience that truly rises above the rest.
When you see the badge, you’re looking at the best of what’s available in its category.
Final Thoughts
The JBL Tour Pro 3 is packed with tech that will delight anyone looking for more than just another pair of wireless earbuds. The smart case alone is a standout feature, providing capabilities that go beyond just charging.
With solid audio quality, extensive customization options, and advanced connectivity features, the Tour Pro 3 offers a lot to love. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of earbuds—loaded with everything you might need and a few things you didn’t even know you wanted.
There are a few minor drawbacks, such as the app’s occasional bugs and a somewhat busy user interface, but these are minor hurdles when weighed against the product’s strengths. Seriously, these feel like you’re getting a sneak peak at one of tomorrow’s better audio products.
If you’re a tech enthusiast or someone who enjoys having every setting at your fingertips, the Tour Pro 3 is worth checking out. Just be prepared to spend a little time exploring everything it can do—there’s a lot under the hood.
