JBL E45BT headphones deliver quality sound wirelessly, at affordable price

Technology News

When it comes to premium audio accessories, JBL is considered a trusted name, but the sound quality delivered by its new affordable product – the E45BT on-ear wireless headphones – appears impressive, too, especially for a price of Rs 6,499.

Joining the company's affordable E-Series line-up, the Bluetooth-enabled E45BT promises to deliver amazing sound and comfort at an affordable price point. But does it fully live up to it?

Business Standard reviewed the wireless headphones and here are our observations on key parameters:

Design: Durable & compact

The Jbl E45BT is available in matte black, blue, red, teal and white colour options. It has soft ergonomic ear pads, and a less padded but comfortable fabric headband. The design looks neat. The grilles covering the 40mm driver in each ear cup are labelled L and R. The ear cups swing at the connection point to the headband and also fold inwards.

headphone ear cups denoting L & R

While the E55BT feels comfortable and the ear cups cover the ear perfectly, the band is a bit small and leaves cups on the ear which may feel a little uncomfortable after 2-3 hours of use.

Each ear cup extends to 5 levels of fits. Because of the small form factor, the band is felt on the head even at the maximum extension. The lack of padding around the headband can irritate after a while.

The power switch, Bluetooth pairing button, a multifunction button for controlling playback, as well as call management and plus-minus buttons for volume controls seem awkwardly placed on the outer panel of the right ear cup.

the outer panel of the ear cups

On the right panel is a connection for the headphone cable, and a pinhole microphone. Inserting the cable automatically disconnects Bluetooth to save the battery.

The volume levels work in sync with the playing device's master levels which can be a problem at times. Also, combining the volume buttons and track navigation is annoying; it may end up skipping the track if you hold the button for a bit too long.

The left ear cup's outer panel houses a micro USB charging port.

Performance: Decent sound with clarity

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