What we liked
- The energetic and immersive sound signature
- The powerful and well-controlled bass
- The excellent passive and active noise isolation
- Bluetooth 6.0 with LE Audio, Auracast, and multipoint
We would have liked
- A more natural Transparency mode
- A USB-C to USB-C cable for wired mode
Our expert’s opinion
The JBL Live 780 headphones won me over with their versatility. They don’t aim to offer the most neutral sound reproduction or the best noise cancellation in the industry, but they make up for that with excellent build quality, a particularly feature-rich app, and an immersive listening experience. I particularly appreciated the powerful bass, excellent passive noise isolation, and spatial audio, which was equally impressive with music and video games.
However, a few ergonomic details could use some refinement, and comfort becomes a bit of a challenge during very long sessions. Despite these few reservations, the JBL Live 780 are well-rounded Bluetooth headphones that are a pleasure to use on a daily basis. I would unhesitatingly recommend them to users looking for a model that excels in a wide range of uses rather than specializing in just one.
A must-have in the entry-level headphones market, JBL refines its formula with the Live 780. To win you over, this model combines a record-breaking 80-hour battery life with versatility tailored for open-plan offices, Hi-Res music, and gaming. Should you go for this model? Here are our impressions after several days of testing.
The JBL Live 780 combines the key technologies developed by the manufacturer to support everyday use. Bluetooth 6.0 with LE Audio and Auracast, adaptive noise cancelling, JBL Signature sound certified for Hi-Res Audio, and up to 80 hours of battery life: the manufacturer is banking on a versatile design capable of handling everything from on-the-go use to long listening sessions, whether at work or at home.
Introducing the JBL Live 780
The JBL Live 780 are closed-back, over-ear Bluetooth headphones designed for everyday use. They feature 40 mm dynamic drivers combined with the JBL Signature sound profile and Hi-Res Audio certification to deliver music, podcasts, and video content with a high level of detail. The manufacturer has also incorporated JBL Spatial Sound, a technology designed to transform stereo content into a more immersive three-dimensional soundscape.
To meet the needs of on-the-go use, the JBL Live 780 feature Bluetooth 6.0 with support for LE Audio and Auracast, while offering multipoint connectivity to stay connected to two devices simultaneously. They also feature 2.0 adaptive noise cancelling with six microphones, AI-powered call features, and a battery that provides up to 80 hours of battery life. The foldable design, lightweight headband, and large over-ear pads make them easy to carry while ensuring comfort during long listening sessions.
Included accessories
The JBL Live 780 come with a pouch designed to effectively protect the headphones when you’re on the go. Their foldable design makes it easy to store the headphones inside, minimizing the space they take up in a bag.
The box also includes a USB-C to 3.5 mm mini-jack cable, allowing you to continue listening in wired mode. Lastly, JBL includes a quick start guide as well as warranty and safety information.
Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint, Auracast, and wired listening
The JBL Live 780 feature Bluetooth 6.0, a connectivity standard designed to support both current uses and future developments. Compatible with LE Audio, they support a standard that is expected to gradually become widespread on compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers. JBL also includes Auracast, a technology that makes it easy to share the same audio stream across multiple devices or access compatible public broadcasts without any special setup. In everyday use, it’s the multipoint connection that makes using the headphones especially convenient. The Live 780 can remain paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and easily switch between them.
App and controls
The JBL Live 780 use the JBL Headphones app to centralize all settings. The home screen displays the battery level, while three tabs provide access to the headphones’ main settings. The “General” menu includes features used on a daily basis, such as adaptive ANC—which can be set to automatic or manual mode—as well as Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes. The app also lets you enable Smart Audio or Smart Video mode—which enhances audio quality or lip-syncing—access Auracast, and manage wear detection for automatic playback pause.
The app also lets you customize the controls. By default, the physical button switches between the different noise-canceling modes, while the touch-sensitive area controls music playback. A double-tap answers or ends a call, while a long press mutes the microphone or rejects an incoming call. The dedicated ANC button can also be reassigned to control playback, access the equalizer, or launch the voice assistant. This flexibility is appreciated in everyday use, although a true multifunction button—capable of combining more physical controls—would have offered even more intuitive ergonomics.
The Audio tab offers a wealth of features. It lets you enable the LDAC codec to enjoy high-resolution audio streaming or JBL Spatial Sound with profiles tailored for music, movies, and games. However, since these two features are mutually exclusive, you’ll need to choose between streaming quality and spatial audio. The app also includes a 10-band graphic equalizer, six presets, adaptive equalization capable of compensating for variations caused by how the headphones are worn or the volume, as well as independent left-right balance control and a maximum volume limiter.
Calls also benefit from a wide range of settings. You can customize voice reproduction by prioritizing a natural sound or boosting bass or treble, while a sound level optimizer automatically balances the volume of the person on the other end of the line. The Voice Aware feature adjusts the level of your own voice feedback during conversations. Finally, JBL rounds out the app with a Relaxation mode that plays ambient sounds for a set duration, a programmable auto-off feature, and access to technical support.
Adaptive noise cancelling using six microphones
The JBL Live 780 feature 2.0 adaptive noise cancelling, which uses six microphones to continuously analyze the surrounding sound environment. The system automatically adjusts its filtering level to minimize external noise based on listening conditions, whether you’re on public transportation, in an open-plan office, or in a quieter setting.
Two modes round out this technology. Ambient Aware intentionally lets some ambient sounds through so you can stay aware of what’s going on around you, while TalkThru temporarily lowers the music volume to make it easier to have a conversation without taking off your headphones. For calls, two microphones use beamforming and an AI-powered algorithm. The Voice Aware feature also lets you adjust the level of your own voice feedback to make conversations sound more natural.
Up to 80 hours of battery life
The JBL Live 780 feature an 870 mAh lithium-ion battery capable of providing up to 80 hours of listening time with ANC deactivated and up to 50 hours with it turned on. This battery life means you can use the headphones for several days before needing to recharge them.
A full charge takes about two hours, while the fast-charging feature provides up to four additional hours of playback after just five minutes of charging. Finally, the included USB-C to 3.5 mm mini-jack cable lets you continue listening in wired mode. However, the headphones must remain turned on to maintain their audio functionality.
Key specifications
- Closed-back Bluetooth headphones
- 40mm dynamic transducers
- JBL Signature sound, certified Hi-Res Audio
- JBL Spatial Sound
- Bluetooth 6.0 with LE Audio, Auracast, and multipoint connectivity
- Adaptive ANC 2.0 with six microphones
- Two AI-powered microphones for calls
- JBL Headphones App with Personi-Fi 3.0
- Up to 80 hours of battery life (50 hours with ANC)
- Fast charging: 5 minutes for up to 4 hours of playback
- Foldable design
- Weight: 260 g
Test conditions
The JBL Live 780 were used for several days to evaluate their performance in various scenarios. The tests were conducted via Bluetooth with an Android smartphone and a computer, as well as in wired mode, to assess any differences. Noise-cancellation performance and comfort were evaluated in an open-plan office, while working remotely, during commutes, and during extended listening sessions. Special attention was also paid to the touch-sensitive controls, multipoint connectivity, and the JBL Headphones app during everyday use.
To analyse the sound reproduction, I listened to Hi-Res audio via Qobuz, supplemented by more casual use of Spotify. The headphones were also used to watch videos on YouTube, movies and TV shows on Netflix, as well as for several gaming sessions with Elden Ring to evaluate their spatial sound, immersion, and performance in gaming.
My impressions
The JBL Live 780 make an immediate good impression. The plastics have a high-quality finish, the headphones feel sturdy without being overly heavy, and the folding mechanism feels reliable. JBL has also paid close attention to aesthetics, offering several attractive color options. I particularly liked the Champagne finish—elegant and understated—while the JBL Orange version adds a more original and bold touch.
Once on your head, the JBL Live 780 provides excellent support. However, people with piercings or large ears may find the Live 780 somewhat uncomfortable.
A distinctive sound
The JBL Live 780 clearly have the brand’s signature sound. The bass played a prominent role, delivering plenty of impact and excellent depth. Electronic music, such as Daft Punk’s Technologic, particularly benefited from this sound reproduction, with precise kicks that infused the tracks with plenty of energy.
However, this generous bass response slightly masked the midrange, which at times lacked presence and dynamism. The highs also remained somewhat subdued, though they never lacked definition. These choices favor a warm, expressive listening experience over an analytical one. However, the numerous settings offered by the app make it easy to achieve a more neutral balance using the 10-band equalizer.
Particularly impressive immersion
The soundstage was wide enough to fully enjoy music, movies, and TV shows. In addition, the excellent passive isolation created a real sense of being in a bubble, which significantly enhanced the immersive experience. Instrument separation was precise, and each element easily found its place in the mix. The adaptive ANC proved effective throughout my testing. Voices, fans, keyboards, and even transportation noises were attenuated, allowing me to work and travel in comfortable conditions. To achieve nearly total isolation, however, I had to significantly increase the volume of my music. The Ambient Aware mode seemed to have room for improvement. External sounds remained perfectly audible, which made it easy to have conversations without removing the headphones. On the other hand, a slight background noise was constantly present when the feature was active, making the result feel less natural than on high-end models.
During calls, the microphones picked up my voice clearly, even in a noisy environment, and the ambient noise reduction worked effectively. The many settings available in the app are also a real plus for customizing the audio output to suit individual preferences, particularly the “voice aware” feature, which lets you hear your own voice.
Comprehensive controls, but room for improvement
The JBL Headphones app is definitely one of the Live 780’s standout features. There are numerous customization options, whether for equalization, noise cancellation, calls, or controls. This wide range of features really lets you tailor the headphones to your preferences.
In everyday use, the touch-sensitive controls responded well, with a slight delay between the gesture and the audio confirmation. The wear detection could have been more reliable. Finally, the power button’s operation isn’t very intuitive: when the headphones automatically turn off after a period of inactivity, you have to return the switch to its original position before you can turn them back on. Also, keep in mind that enabling LE Audio or the LDAC codec disables certain app features, including Personi-Fi and JBL Spatial Sound. You’ll therefore have to choose between the best transmission quality and certain customization options.
A wired mode that retains the headphones’ key features
Using the headphones in wired mode was surprisingly pleasant. This connection requires the headphones to be turned on, which preserves the functions assigned to the buttons. Wired mode also significantly reduced latency, a notable advantage for video games or watching videos.
That said, I would have preferred it if JBL had included a USB-C to USB-C cable instead of a USB-C to 3.5 mm mini-jack cable. Since the headphones are USB Audio-compatible, this solution would have allowed users to take full advantage of this connectivity with recent smartphones, tablets, and computers, while minimizing the number of cables they need to carry.
JBL Live 780 vs. Nothing Headphones (a)
The JBL Live 780 and the Nothing Headphone (a) share a similar philosophy. Both emphasize comprehensive connectivity, a feature-rich app, Hi-Res Audio certification, and generous battery life. However, their approaches differ significantly in terms of sound quality and user experience. The JBL clearly prioritizes a dynamic sound signature. Its richer bass delivers more impact. The Nothing takes a more balanced approach, with more prominent mids and a more consistent sound signature.
The Nothing has the edge in battery life, offering up to 135 hours of listening time without ANC, compared to 80 hours for the JBL. The Nothing X app is feature-rich, while its physical controls—centered around a scroll wheel and a multifunction button—offer, in my opinion, a more intuitive user experience for everyday use.
However, the JBL headphones come out on top in several areas. They offers a better fit, more effective passive isolation, and a more immersive listening experience thanks to an excellent combination of spatialization and isolation. When gaming, I also found the Live 780 more impressive, particularly in terms of the spatial localization of sound effects. Finally, the JBL Headphones app offers more customization options.
Ultimately, the Nothing Headphone (a) will appeal to users looking for a well-balanced pair of headphones with exceptional battery life. The JBL Live 780 are better suited for those who prefer a more energetic sound and versatile use—suitable for music, movies, and gaming.
Who are the JBL Live 780 headphones designed for?
The JBL Live 780 are primarily designed for users looking for versatile Bluetooth headphones that can handle all their everyday needs. The materials appear to be high quality, and the Violet, Blue, Champagne, and Orange color options let you choose headphones with personality. Their sound signature will particularly appeal to fans of an energetic sound, with powerful bass and excellent immersion.
However, users who prioritize a neutral, analytical listening experience or absolute comfort during very long listening sessions will find more suitable alternatives. Conversely, those looking for versatile, customizable, and immersive headphones capable of handling a wide range of uses without major compromises will find the JBL Live 780 to be a particularly compelling choice.
