JLab’s alarmingly affordable high-end buds are packed with next-generation features
Audio brand JLab has launched what it calls “the most premium true wireless” earbuds, and if you look at the specs, that statement isn’t a total exaggeration.
Also called the JLab Epic Lab EditionThese earbuds have a “dual driver hybrid design”. One speaker is intended for pumping out “rich bass and low frequencies,” while the other supports the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve – or Knowles Curve for short. Without getting too deep into the weeds, the latter extends the high sound profile, allowing for better high-frequency output. The company says this combination results in a “balanced and crystal clear” audio experience not possible on single-driver earbuds. Thanks to this hardware, consumers can enjoy detailed Hi-Res sound on their smartphones. On Android this is delivered via the LDAC codec which guarantees CD quality audio, while on iOS it is delivered via AAC (Advanced Audio Codec).
Notable features
When it comes to features, the JLab Epic Lab earbuds are stacked. They come with Smart Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to automatically adjust how much ambient noise is blocked out. For example, a noisy environment may result in more powerful noise cancellation, while a quieter place will reduce noise. This can be helpful in extending battery life. Normally the earbuds have a battery life of over 56 hours, but when ANC is activated, this number drops to around 36 hours.
The interesting thing about this device is that it comes with a small USB-C dongle, which allows your smartphone to support Bluetooth LE. If you’re not familiar, Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) is a wireless standard that can improve sound via improved bitrates (and) lower latency between the earbuds and the source. It can even provide longer battery life. This technology appeared on the scene last year, but there are not many smartphone models that directly support it.
Please note that not every phone is compatible with the dongle. The company says it has a list of every single model that works with peripherals on its official website. However, when we checked, there was nothing. In our correspondence with JLab, we learned that the add-on does indeed work on the iPhone 15. This is all we know at this time. We reached out to the brand for more information. This story will be updated at a later date.
Availability
Other notable features of the Epic Lab earbuds include support for spatial audio via Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic, and Google Fast Pair for fast connectivity, plus an IP55 resistance rating to protect against sweat and dust. Moreover, the charging case accepts wireless charging.
You can purchase the pair in black only on JLab’s website for $199.99/£199.99/$249.99 AUD. An update to the JLab app will arrive around mid-November that will add “a Knowles Curve preset,” in addition to the ability to switch between the brand’s Signature Sound and Bass Boost profiles.
While we’ve got you, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best earbuds for 2023.