JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx Headphones (Black)

JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx Headphones (Black)

The JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx in Black is JBL’s most feature-complete over-ear headphone package, pairing a 40 mm driver and Hi-Res Audio support with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 and the JBL Smart Tx audio transmitter. The transmitter is the distinguishing part of this version: a pocketable Bluetooth audio source with its own display that can connect the headphones to sources that have no Bluetooth of their own, including in-flight entertainment systems and older televisions, and can share audio through Auracast to other compatible devices. Lossless listening from the built-in DAC over USB-C, JBL Spatial 360 sound with head tracking and up to 70 hours of playback with ANC off complete the specification.

Key features

• JBL Smart Tx audio transmitter included for non-Bluetooth sources
• True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 with 10 microphones
• 40 mm drivers, 10 Hz to 40 kHz response, Hi-Res Audio support
• Up to 40 hours playback with ANC on, up to 70 hours with ANC off
• JBL Spatial 360 sound with integrated head tracking
• Lossless audio via built-in DAC and USB-C connection

True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 and call system

Noise cancelling on the Tour One M3 samples the environment and adapts in real time rather than applying a fixed level, which helps with changing conditions such as a train journey moving between stations and open track. Ten microphones serve the combined system of cancellation, ambience modes and voice pickup. Ambient Aware and TalkThru bring surroundings back at controlled levels, Smart Talk pauses for conversation automatically, and Voice Aware lets the wearer hear their own voice level on calls. Bluetooth is version 5.3 with multipoint connection, so a laptop and phone can stay paired together, and the headphones support Auracast broadcast audio.

Smart Tx transmitter, in practice

The Smart Tx accepts audio and retransmits it to the headphones, which solves the common travel problem of a seat-back screen with only a wired socket and no Bluetooth. It also works with gym equipment, older TVs and public-space systems, and its display mirrors key controls and settings also found in the JBL Headphones app. Through Auracast, audio from the transmitter can be shared with other Auracast-enabled headphones and earbuds nearby. The transmitter charges and connects over USB-C, and adapters and cables for analogue 3.5 mm and USB sources are included in the box.

Sound, battery and charging

The 40 mm drivers are rated at 122 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz and 1 mW, with 18 ohm impedance and a dynamic frequency response of 10 Hz to 40 kHz in support of Hi-Res Audio. Battery life reaches up to 70 hours of music with ANC off and up to 40 hours with ANC on, with talk time rated up to 38 hours. A full charge takes about 2 hours and a speed-charge function provides a short top-up for several hours of use. Wired listening remains available through the supplied USB-C to 3.5 mm analogue cable at 1.2 m, which also covers use when the battery is empty.

Fit, controls and contents

The headphones weigh 278 g, use a leather headband and a flat-folding design, and include auto play and pause. Touch controls sit on the earcups, and the JBL Headphones app provides equaliser and feature customisation. The box contains the headphones, the Smart Tx transmitter, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to analogue 3.5 mm cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a carrying case. For frequent flyers and commuters who want one headphone that handles phones, laptops and seat-back screens without swapping gear, the Smart Tx version is the complete configuration of the Tour One M3.

Choosing between the standard Tour One M3 and this Smart Tx edition comes down to sources: if every source already has good Bluetooth, the transmitter is a convenience; if in-flight systems and older screens are part of the routine, it is the feature that justifies the package.