JBL Tour One M3 review: Big ambition, smart extras and a few quirks

JBL has introduced the Tour One M3 in India, positioning it as a formidable rival to brands like Sony and Sennheiser. Priced at ₹26,999, with an optional Smart Tx transmitter available for an additional ₹6,000, this model boasts an impressive set of features. Among them are 40 mm drivers, adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), LDAC support, spatial audio with head tracking, and a remarkable battery life of up to forty hours with ANC enabled. After two months of testing the Tour One M3 alongside the Smart Tx transmitter, I found myself impressed by JBL's effort to pack an array of features into this model, although it does come with a few unexpected quirks. **Comfort and Design: Balancing Firmness and Wearability** The Tour One M3 strikes a commendable balance between comfort and stability. Its clamping force is just right, providing a secure fit during activities like brisk walking or light jogging without causing discomfort. This comfort is largely due to the generous synthetic leather padding on the ear cups and headband, which feels soft and distributes pressure evenly, allowing for long listening sessions without irritation. Weighing in at 278 grams, they feel lighter in use than they appear, and the large ear cups accommodate a variety of ear shapes comfortably. The blue variant I tested boasts a matte finish that lends it a premium aesthetic. However, the plastic construction of the ear cups feels somewhat underwhelming compared to the sturdier builds of competitors like Sony's XM series or Sennheiser's Momentum line. The Tour One M3 folds flat for easy storage, and the included hard case is practical for travel. One notable drawback is the touch panel, which is overly sensitive—often triggering unintended actions like pauses or track skips with a mere brush of the finger. This could benefit from a sensitivity adjustment in the app. **Controls and Usability: A Blend of Physical and Touch Inputs** The physical controls on the Tour One M3 are minimalistic, featuring a power and pairing button, an ANC toggle, and a volume rocker. Everything else is managed through touch input or the JBL Headphones app, which offers extensive customization options. Users can adjust ANC settings, modify sound amplification levels, and even perform a hearing test to tailor audio preferences. Despite the depth of features available in the app, a peculiar limitation exists: users cannot utilize both LDAC and spatial audio simultaneously, a restriction that feels unnecessary given that other brands allow both technologies to operate concurrently. **Audio Performance: Clear and Customizable Sound** The headphones' 40 mm drivers deliver a clean and clear sound profile, excelling in vocals, strings, and percussion. The built-in EQ options enable users to further refine the audio experience. While the bass response is adequate, those seeking a more pronounced low-end impact may find it lacking compared to competitors. LDAC technology significantly enhances clarity, particularly with vocals, while spatial audio adds an engaging dimension for movies and certain music tracks. However, the inability to use both features at once remains a disappointing limitation. **Noise Cancellation and Call Quality: Effective in Challenging Environments** The ANC capabilities of the Tour One M3 are notably effective, consistently muffling external sounds in various noisy environments such as airplanes, cafes, and busy streets. The call quality is similarly impressive, with four microphones utilizing JBL's True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 system ensuring clear communications even in loud settings. **Smart Tx Transmitter: An Unexpectedly Useful Addition** Initially expected to be a secondary feature, the Smart Tx transmitter quickly became a favorite. This device provides convenient access to controls typically buried within the app, allowing users to switch ANC modes, adjust EQ settings, and manage audio playback without needing to pull out their phones. **Battery Life: Excellent Longevity** JBL claims up to forty hours of battery life with ANC activated and up to seventy hours without it. In real-world usage, I averaged around fifty hours, requiring a charge approximately every nine to ten days. While charging from zero to full takes about two hours, the long battery life mitigates the need for faster charging options. **Conclusion: A Solid Choice with Some Caveats** The JBL Tour One M3 successfully hits the key points of comfort, sound quality, strong ANC, and impressive battery life. The Smart Tx transmitter enhances usability, making it a valuable accessory. However, the headphones do have their drawbacks: the bass response might not satisfy bass enthusiasts, the touch controls require adjustments, and the build quality could be improved. For those who prioritize comfort, customization, and effective noise cancellation, the Tour One M3 presents a compelling choice. Audiophiles seeking a more dynamic sound experience may want to explore other options, but for everyday listeners, these headphones offer a balanced and reliable performance.