JLab JBuds Lux ANC Headphone Review: Surprisingly Good Noise Canceling for Flights and Commutes
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When I fly, I usually pack open-ear earbuds because they’re light and comfortable. But once the plane engines start roaring, those earbuds just don’t cut it. The constant drone makes it hard to relax or enjoy music. That’s why I started looking for a pair of budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones that could handle travel. Enter JLab’s over-ear noise-canceling headphones.
I tested the black version and wore them in a range of noisy environments: on airplanes, the metro, and a busy café. Here’s how they held up.
Table of Contents
We Like
Comfortable fit, even outdoors in warm weather
Impressive noise canceling for plane engines and metro rumble
Strong battery life (three days without charging)
Clear voice pickup on Zoom calls
Balanced, enjoyable sound for the price
We Don't Like
Foam ear pads may absorb sweat/odor over time
Café chatter and background noise on calls aren’t fully eliminated
Noticeable sound leakage at higher volumes
Specification
Battery: 70+ Hours Playtime(40+ Hours ANC on)
Bluetooth: 5.3
Codec: SBC,L3C with Compatible Device
Protocols: HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
Range: 30FT
Battery: 600mAh
Speaker: 40mm Driver
Impedance: 16Ω
Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
Sensitivity: 98 +/- 3 dB
Mic Sensitivity: -32 +/- 2 dB
Comfort and Design
Straight out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort. The ear pads are soft and cushiony, and I even wore them outdoors in direct sunshine without discomfort. That said, I do have one concern: the foam could eventually absorb sweat or body odor after long-term use, which might affect how fresh they feel.
The design is fairly simple—nothing flashy—but that also means they don’t draw too much attention, which I like when traveling.
Noise Canceling and Sound Performance
This is where the JLab headphones impressed me most. On a plane, they did a solid job of reducing the engine hum, making it easier to relax and focus on music. In the metro, they cut down the low-frequency rumble noticeably, and in a café, while voices weren’t completely erased, the background was reduced enough that I could concentrate.
I tested them with a variety of tracks:
Steely Dan – “Aja”: the smooth instrumentals came through with good clarity.
Billie Eilish – “bad guy”: the bass felt punchy and energetic.
Adele – “Hello”: vocals sounded warm and natural.
Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”: the layered production held up surprisingly well.
Hans Zimmer – “No Time for Caution”: the swelling orchestral dynamics felt immersive.
While they won’t rival premium headphones from Sony or Bose, they’re more than capable for casual listening and travel use.
Call Quality
On a Zoom call, my voice came through clearly, which is always important for remote work. However, the headphones didn’t completely filter out background chatter. In a busy environment, the other person could still hear some noise bleeding through.
Battery Life
Battery life is another highlight. I used the headphones for three straight days without needing a recharge. For travel, that’s a big plus—you won’t have to worry about them dying mid-flight.
The Downside: Sound Leakage
One issue I did notice is sound leakage. At medium to high volumes, people sitting nearby could clearly hear my music. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you often listen in quiet spaces like libraries or offices.
Conclusion
For the price, JLab’s over-ear noise-canceling headphones punch well above their weight. They’re travel-friendly, comfortable, and capable of reducing the most annoying environmental sounds. If you’re looking for affordable headphones for flights and commutes, these are a solid choice—just be mindful of the sound leakage if you plan to use them in very quiet settings.
