JBL E45BT

Placed between the E35 wired on-ear model and the E55 over-ear model, the JBL’s E45BT shares many of the same features as its counterparts. The headset, which is available in black, blue, red and white, can be wired or operated via Bluetooth. On the right auricle, there are controls to turn the device on and off, stop the music, adjust the volume and trigger pairing mode. On the left-hand side is the mini USB port for the included charging cable.

The E45BT also features a textile-coated headband and padded, turn-adjustable and height-adjustable ear cups for a comfortable fit in a compact package.

If you prefer cable operation, use the supplied, textile-sheathed cable with a 3.5 mm connection and a practical 45-degree angle. Thanks to the built-in microphone with one-button operation, even hands-free usage is possible, while a smartphone can be used for voice operation. The battery life of the JBL E45BT is 16 hours when charged for just two hours.

Sound Quality

Conceptually, on-ear headphones don’t cover the ear as densely as in-ear and over-ear constructions, but the external noise attenuation is still sufficient. For explicit audiophile applications or in the studio, the E45BT may not be the headphone of choice, but rather a universal system for mobile use, which also allows listening through a laptop or other sound sources via mini-jack.

With 40 mm drivers, the headphone provides a balanced, unrestrained sound that is not too striking in the bass or sharp. In the middle, the headset, like the wired E35, combines good vocal intelligibility and warmth. The stereo panorama is also broad and detailed. The volume reserves are sufficient, but not club suitable. In the areas of low bass, super high range and the depth of space, there are obvious drawbacks, which ultimately come down to price. The quality of the microphone is, however, also sufficient.