After testing the JBL Tour One M3 over the past few weeks, I can confidently say these are some of the most surprising over-ear headphones I’ve tried in a while. While JBL isn’t always the first name that comes to mind in the premium ANC category, the Tour One M3 makes a strong case for itself—particularly with its noise cancellation, which exceeded my expectations by a wide margin.

Stellar Active Noise Cancelling

Let’s start with what impressed me the most: the ANC. It’s genuinely superb. This isn’t just your typical ambient hush—it’s immersive, adaptable, and extremely effective. Whether I was sitting on a packed commuter train or walking near traffic-heavy areas in Stockholm, the Tour One M3 delivered a tranquil cocoon of silence that rivals even the best in the business. In fact, I found myself reaching for these even when I wasn’t listening to music—just to enjoy the peace and quiet.

While not quite at Sony or Bose’s absolute peak level, JBL’s adaptive ANC tech is catching up fast—and in some specific environments (like voices or mid-range frequencies), it felt even more natural than the WH-1000XM5.

Audio Performance

Sonically, the Tour One M3 strikes a very pleasing balance. Bass is full and controlled without being too punchy or overwhelming, mids are warm and articulate, and treble stays clear without getting harsh. It’s a refined, non-fatiguing sound signature that works well across genres. If you’re after a neutral yet dynamic listening profile, this will likely suit you.

There’s support for high-res audio via LDAC, and the soundstage is surprisingly spacious for closed-back headphones. That said, audiophiles looking for extreme detail or analytical clarity might still lean toward alternatives like Sennheiser’s Momentum 4.

Comfort and Design

The build quality is solid, and the design is subtle and understated—more matte premium than flashy. Comfort is mostly good, though I found the earcups could feel a bit tight after longer listening sessions (over 2 hours). Still, they’re portable and foldable, with a strong hinge mechanism and a sturdy included case that feels travel-ready.

Smart Features and App

JBL’s app is well-rounded, offering customizable EQ, ANC modes (adaptive, manual, or ambient aware), and even a “Personi-Fi” feature to tailor sound to your hearing profile. Touch controls are responsive, and the headphones support multipoint Bluetooth (useful for switching between phone and laptop seamlessly). They also have wear detection with auto-pause, which works reliably and is great for everyday use.

Battery life is solid too: around 30 hours with ANC on, which held up well in my testing.

Downsides?

  • Ear cups could be more breathable for extended wear
  • While the ANC is excellent, wind noise can sometimes creep in during outdoor use

Pros 👍

  • Outstanding adaptive ANC, among the best available
  • Balanced and pleasant sound signature
  • Strong build quality with a foldable design
  • LDAC support and customizable EQ
  • Wear detection with auto-pause
  • Reliable battery life (~30 hours with ANC)
  • Multipoint Bluetooth and responsive touch controls

Cons 👎

  • Slightly tight fit over long sessions
  • Occasional wind interference with ANC outdoors

Final Verdict

The JBL Tour One M3 took me by surprise—in a good way. They’ve quietly become a serious contender in the high-end ANC headphone space. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver with excellent noise cancelling and refined sound (without diving into ultra-premium price tiers), this is absolutely worth considering. Priced officially around $300 USD (approximately 3,400 SEK), they offer excellent value, especially for commuters or anyone craving peace in noisy environments.

I’d still try them on before buying if you’re sensitive to fit, but overall, this is JBL’s most polished and competitive headphone yet.