JBL’s latest wireless earbuds, the Tour Pro 3, are a true testament to innovation and feature-packed design. Building upon the already impressive Tour Pro 2, these earbuds push the boundaries of what’s possible in the wireless audio world. The Tour Pro 3 might look familiar at first glance, maintaining the same physical design as their predecessors. However, the charging case has undergone a transformation, becoming smaller while boasting a 30% larger touchscreen. This screen not only controls your earbuds but also acts as a retransmitter for both analog and digital audio, a feature previously only seen on high-end earbuds from brands like Bowers & Wilkins, LG, and Jabra. The charging case can be plugged into computers, smartphones, or even in-flight entertainment systems, making the Tour Pro 3 a versatile audio solution. Notably, JBL claims that when connected to the case for wired audio, the earbuds bypass Bluetooth entirely, relying on a direct connection for enhanced stability and reduced latency. This makes the Tour Pro 3 a compelling choice for gaming, calls, movies, and even music listening. Inside the earbuds, JBL has implemented a new dual-driver acoustic platform. A 11mm dynamic driver handles low frequencies, while a balanced armature driver takes care of the higher frequencies. Each driver is paired with its own digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for improved audio fidelity. This dual-driver setup, similar to OnePlus’s Buds Pro 3, promises a richer and more nuanced listening experience. Addressing previous criticisms, JBL has finally equipped the Tour Pro 3 with support for Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec, enabling high-resolution audio playback on Android devices with version 8.0 or later. Furthermore, the Tour Pro 3 features head-tracking spatial audio, similar to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, delivering a more immersive and dynamic soundstage. JBL has also made significant strides in improving call quality. The new “JBL Crystal AI” call algorithm promises crystal-clear audio even in noisy environments, enhancing communication significantly. Finally, the Tour Pro 3 are JBL’s first full Auracast wireless earbuds, allowing you to share audio with others using the JBL Headphones app and the charging case. This opens up exciting possibilities for shared listening experiences, whether it’s a movie, a song, or even a podcast. With its impressive array of features, including a larger touchscreen case, hi-res audio support, head-tracking spatial audio, Auracast compatibility, and improved call quality, the JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds offer a truly immersive and comprehensive audio experience. However, the price tag of $300 reflects the premium features and capabilities, making it a significant investment for audio enthusiasts.
JBL Tour Pro 3 Earbuds: A Tour de Force of Features
