TL;DR
The exercise headphone market is shifting to open-ear designs for safety, and JBL enters with the Endurance Zone. While boasting an impressive IP68 rating and long battery life, these headphones offer a less bass-heavy sound than typical JBL models, with clear mids but sometimes harsh treble. Their fit might be an issue for smaller ears, and the charging case feels cheap. Though they excel in comfort and app features, they face stiff competition in audio quality and fit for their price point. Discover if they're your perfect workout companion by reading the full review!
The market for exercise headphones is undergoing a transformation. While it was once primarily focused on maximum isolation and powerful bass to shut out external sounds, we are now observing a clear trend towards “open-ear” designs. We have previously evaluated models from Shokz, EarFun, and Huawei, among others, all built on the same principle: allowing ambient sound to enhance safety for runners and cyclists.
JBL now introduces the JBL Endurance Zone. JBL boasts a longstanding reputation for durable headphones within its Endurance series. With the Endurance Zone, an IP68 rating and a robust fit designed for demanding activities are promised. However, how do they perform aurally when the silicone ear tips are removed, and do they justify their price point? This review will assess these aspects.
Design and fit
The package includes a rather substantial charging case and the headphones themselves. The design features an ear-hook style, securing them around the ear. The choice of materials feels well-considered, utilizing a soft silicone casing that is very comfortable against the skin. We tested the headphones in a color that evokes a playful aesthetic, rather than the typical palette for exercise headphones. Editorial opinions on this particular color scheme were mixed. The headphones are also available in several other, more discreet colors (like white and black).
Regrettably, the charging case’s tactile impression is as plastic-like as its visual one, significantly detracting from the perceived quality.
The headphones themselves, however, exhibit superior material choices and a more premium tactile experience.
Regarding fit, they offer a stable position for most users we evaluated, but for individuals with very small ears, it presents a challenge. The transducer housing of the earbud is notably sizable. A comparison, for instance, with the Huawei FreeArc, clearly illustrates this difference.
As depicted in the image, the difference is quite pronounced. This implies that the fit may not be optimal for smaller ears, potentially leading to a persistent feeling of insecure seating and concern about dislodgment.
A significant positive is the IP68 rating. This certification means they are completely dustproof and can endure submersion in water. JBL also incorporates a feature in its app called “Pulse Dry.” This function causes the drivers to vibrate with a low-frequency tone, physically expelling moisture from the grille after exposure to rain or perspiration.
Sound Quality and Software
Consistent with open-ear designs, sound quality typically presents the primary challenge. JBL has fitted rectangular 18×11 mm dynamic drivers, and they perform commendably. Users will not experience the robust bass typical of other JBL headphones; without a seal in the ear canal, there is a noticeable reduction in low-frequency impact.
However, the midrange is clear and distinct. Vocal reproduction is clear, making them perfectly suitable for podcasts and audiobooks. The treble, though, can become somewhat harsh and fatiguing if the volume is excessively increased, a common requirement to counteract ambient wind noise when outdoors.
We also note that the maximum volume is rather constrained; in highly challenging urban soundscapes, a higher maximum volume output would have been beneficial.
The companion app is impressively robust, aligning with JBL’s established software quality. Here, users can reprogram the touch controls to align with individual preferences, adjust the 10-band EQ, and select “Audio” or “Video” mode to reduce latency during video consumption.
Battery Life and Charging
According to specifications, the earbuds provide 8 hours of playback, with an additional 24 hours supplied by the charging case, totaling 32 hours. In our tests, these figures are consistent. In fact, at lower listening volumes, these estimates can be slightly conservative, allowing for extended usage.
Fast charging is supported, with 10 minutes in the case yielding 3 hours of playtime. However, the absence of wireless charging for the case is a notable omission.
Call Quality
The headphones feature four microphones employing beamforming technology for voice capture. In quiet environments, performance is satisfactory, with clear voice transmission. However, mirroring the challenges faced by many open-ear designs, wind interference becomes problematic. The headphones are susceptible to significant wind pickup, and ambient wind noise readily infiltrates, hindering clear communication for the recipient.
A general advantage of open-ear headphones, also present in the JBL Endurance Zone and worth highlighting, is the enhanced comfort during phone calls. The ability to hear one’s own voice naturally mitigates the occluded sensation (or the sometimes artificial transparency) often experienced with conventional in-ear headphones.
Conclusion
Formulating a definitive conclusion on the JBL Endurance Zone presented some challenges. The IP68 rating, robust battery life, and commendable call quality are significant strengths. However, when benchmarked against competitors, particularly the Huawei FreeArc (currently available for under 1000 kr), certain shortcomings become apparent. Their fit is inferior, and critically, their audio performance is less refined.
The notably plastic construction of the charging case also diminishes the premium perception for a product priced at 1,490 kr. Nevertheless, should the headphones experience a price reduction, for instance, during a promotional event bringing them below 1,000 kr, they would represent a compelling recommendation. Provided users do not have particularly small ears, these headphones offer a competent solution for active use.
JBL sent review units for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.
