Bluetooth 6.0, ANC, incredible battery life: why you should opt for the new JBL Tune headphones

At the start of the year, JBL renewed its range of consumer headphones with three new models: the Tune 680NC, Tune 730BT and Tune 780NC. Like their predecessors (670NC, 720BT, 770NC), these new models are positioned in affordable segments, while incorporating more recent technologies. Bluetooth 6.0, TalkThru mode, wired use and improved autonomy: this new update seems intent on modernizing the user experience. But how does this latest generation measure up against older models? And how do you choose the right one for your needs?

A completely revamped range, from wired to Bluetooth with noise cancelling

With this new series, JBL reorganizes its Tune range around three distinct references. The JBL Tune 680NC, Tune 730BT and Tune 780NC are three Bluetooth headphones. The 680NC adopts a compact on-ear format with active noise cancelling. The 730BT is positioned is an over-ear model without ANC, while the 780NC combines a circumaural design with more advanced adaptive noise cancelling. They replace the 670NC, 720BT and 770NC respectively.

Although visually similar, these headphones are technically very different. All Bluetooth models are Bluetooth 6.0 compatible, but without Auracast. When it comes to codecs, JBL sticks to the basics, with no support for Hi-Res or aptX formats.

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is only available on the Tune 680NC and 780NC. It is said to be adaptive, with automatic management of the reduction level according to the environment. Battery life has improved significantly across the Bluetooth range, with up to 76 hours of playback. The fast charging feature on all models means you can enjoy several hours of music in just a few minutes.

Technical improvements compared to previous models

Compared with previous the JBL Tune headphones, the new generation has made significant progress on several technical fronts, in particular battery life, connectivity and the introduction of the TalkThru mode.

The JBL Tune 730BT, successors to the Tune 720BT, retain the same 76-hour battery life as their predecessors. However, an improved fast charge now provides 5 hours of listening time after just 5 minutes (compared with 3 hours previously). This model also benefits from Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint for simultaneous connection to multiple sources and Fast Pair for ultra-fast connection to compatible devices.

The JBL Tune 780NC, which replace the Tune 770NC, also improve battery management, with 76 hours of autonomy, compared with 70 hours on the previous model. Another important advance lies in fast charging: in 5 minutes, the headphones recover 5 hours of playback, two hours more than previous models.

In addition, TalkThru mode, which lets you reduce the volume for conversation without removing the headphones, is now integrated into the 780NC, a feature absent on the 770NC. This model also retains active noise cancelling (ANC) and the Ambient Aware mode for better adaptation to noisy environments.

The JBL Tune 680NC, successors to the Tune 670NC, boast a battery life of 76 hours without ANC (versus 70 hours on the previous model) and benefit from improved fast charging: 5 minutes = 5 hours listening time. They also feature ANC and Ambient Aware, while integrating the TalkThru mode, absent from the Tune 670NC. These improvements make for a more comfortable, smoother experience in noisy environments.

None of the new models are IP-certified for either water or dust resistance. Moreover, the absence of support for advanced audio codecs confirms a positioning primarily oriented towards simplicity and an affordable price.

Summary

With this new Tune range, JBL has modernized its Bluetooth headphones, with notable improvements in key areas: increased autonomy, more recent Bluetooth connectivity (6.0 multipoint), and improved active noise cancelling. The improvements are targeted; those who own a previous generation of JBL headphones will not see a sonic revolution, but a welcome functional evolution. For first-time buyers, this range offers a comprehensive and affordable solution.