JBL Tour One M3 Review

The JBL Tour One M3 struts into a crowded premium headphone market where “good” isn’t nearly good enough these days. Standing out takes more than solid specs or fancy RGB lighting. JBL largely pulls it off here with smart, genuinely useful features, comfort, and rich, high-end sound. One important caveat: the review unit does not include JBL’s Smart TX Transmitter, which feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a standout accessory, allowing direct wireless audio from non-Bluetooth sources like in-flight entertainment, gaming consoles, and TVs, while doubling as a centralized hub for EQ and spatial audio controls – no phone required. It’s the kind of thoughtful extra that meaningfully elevates travel and gaming use.

Even without it, the Tour One M3 doesn’t feel incomplete. This is a confident, fully realized premium headset with the sound quality and feature set to justify its flagship status. And ultimately compete head-to-head with the best in the category.

Hello, Sailor

Out of the box, the JBL Tour One M3 makes a strong first impression, which it should, given the price (currently on sale for $349.99 USD). The packaging feels properly premium, and the headphones themselves carry a sleek design that looks modern without trying too hard. Build quality is solid without feeling bulky, and you won’t look like a weirdo wearing these in an airport. The design strikes a nice balance between durability and comfort, making them well-suited for long listening sessions.

That said, I did notice some heat buildup over extended use. That’s not unusual for me; I run hot, and over-ear headphones tend to trap warmth, but it’s worth mentioning. Even so, the Tour One M3 remains comfortable, avoids any tacky design choices like over-the-top RGB lighting, and keeps a clean, mature aesthetic throughout.

One standout right away is the carrying case. It’s compact, well-structured, and feels genuinely travel-ready.  It’s excellent protection for those expensive cans without taking up unnecessary space in a backpack or carry-on. It’s the kind of case you actually want to use rather than toss aside.

The slide power switch and noise-cancelling controls are located on the right earcup, while volume controls sit on the left. The buttons could be a bit more prominent, but it’s easy to see why JBL opted against anything that would stick out like a sore thumb. A simple tap on the right earcup pauses playback, which is a nice, intuitive touch, though gesture controls are otherwise fairly limited. EQ adjustments, for example, can’t be made directly on the headset. You’ll need to use the JBL companion app for that.

I should mention that the touch controls sometimes trigger unintentionally or don’t respond reliably, which can be annoying during use.

Connectivity is rock-solid thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, with support for LE Audio and Auracast. Pairing is quick and painless, especially on my iPhone. Android users get the same seamless experience via Google Fast Pair, and Google Audio Switch makes moving between devices effortless.

I tested the headset with my phone, laptop, and desktop PC. In all three instances, zero problems connecting. It was a breeze. For wired listeners, JBL includes both USB-C and 3.5mm options, with the built-in DAC enabling high-quality lossless audio over USB-C. Whether wired or wireless, the Tour One M3 is flexible enough to slot easily into just about any setup.

Lead The Way

When it comes to features and sound quality, the Tour One M3 really shines.

At the core is Hi-Res Audio powered by JBL Pro Sound, delivered through 40mm mica dome drivers. The result is a sound signature with deep, controlled bass, clean mids, and crisp highs that never feel harsh. Games come alive with footsteps, gunfire, and environmental detail that feel precise and immersive. Whether sneaking through a dense forest in an RPG or feeling the rush of a high-speed racing game, everything comes to life. Music also sounds incredible; I’ve been listening to Goose non-stop for the past two weeks, and the Tour One M3 captures the energy, clarity, and texture of their sound like nothing else in my collection.

For wireless listeners, LDAC support ensures significantly more data is transmitted than standard Bluetooth, bringing the sound closer to studio-quality playback and letting every note hit with punch and nuance.

The noise-cancelling on these headphones is equally impressive. My wife was running the vacuum and practically yelling at me, and I couldn’t hear a thing. It was glorious! For me, the true test is always on airplanes, though unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to try that during this review period. JBL’s True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 uses eight microphones to adjust in real time, effectively muting wind, traffic, and background chatter. It’s highly effective, and when you do need awareness, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes are easily customizable in the JBL Headphones app.

JBL also leans into immersion with Spatial 360 sound and head tracking, creating a more natural soundstage for music, movies, and games. Audio remains anchored in space even as you move your head, adding a subtle but noticeable layer of realism.

Impressive Battery Life

Convenience features round things out nicely. Smart Talk automatically lowers your music when you start speaking, battery life reaches an impressive 70 hours (or 40 with ANC on), and Personi-Fi 3.0 lets you tailor the sound to your personal hearing profile using a detailed EQ and hearing test. All of it is managed cleanly through the JBL Headphones app.

That said, it can be a bit annoying that changing certain audio functions requires a headset reboot. Want to turn on LE Audio? Reboot. Low Volume Dynamic QC? Reboot. Turn off High-Resolution Audio? You guessed it – another reboot. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a small frustration worth noting.

Even without the Smart TX Transmitter, the JBL Tour One M3 is a polished, feature-packed premium headset that excels where it matters most: sound quality, comfort, and everyday usability. Its impressive noise cancelling, immersive spatial audio, long battery life, and app customization make it a top choice for commuters, travelers, and anyone seeking a high-end all-rounder. While it’s a bit pricey for gamers, for anyone looking for a premium headset for everyday use, the Tour One M3 is a rock-solid investment.

***The headset was provided by JBL for the purpose of this review. Erikson Consumer is the exclusive distributor of JBL in Canada. Interested in the Tour One M3? Head here: https://www.eriksonconsumer.com/jbl-touronem3-nc-usb-c-hp-blk***