JBL has expanded its Live series headphone lineup with two new models that offer compelling features but fall short of true excellence in a crowded noise-cancelling market. The Live 780NC and 680NC represent different design philosophies—one over-ear, one on-ear—each bringing distinct advantages and frustrations to the table.
The most obvious distinction between these models lies in their form factors. The Live 780NC opts for traditional over-ear cups, while the Live 680NC embraces a more compact on-ear design. This fundamental difference influences comfort levels, sound profiles, and overall listening experience. The Live 780NC delivers a wider soundstage that audiophiles may appreciate, though its bass response feels somewhat hollow. Conversely, the Live 680NC produces a bassier, more aggressive sound but sacrifices soundstage width in the process.
Comfort proved decent across both models after an initial adjustment period. The over-ear 780NC feels snug without causing fatigue during extended sessions, while the 680NC's on-ear cups generate noticeably more pressure—a trade-off users should consider before purchasing. Both headphones feature nearly identical industrial designs with hockey puck-shaped ear cups divided by leatherette pads. While functional, this aesthetic feels somewhat dated. Metal hinges and a leatherette band provide a more refined touch, and both models fold neatly into included carrying cases.
Controls are intuitive and well-placed. A dedicated volume rocker sits on the left ear cup, while the right side houses a USB Type-C charging port, an active noise cancelling button, and a power/Bluetooth switch. Touch controls on the right ear cup handle standard functions across both models.
Active noise cancellation performs competently on both headphones, though quality remains firmly in the mid-range category. The feature works as expected without standing out as exceptional. Ambient mode functionality exists but requires frustrating workarounds—users must access the JBL Headphones app to disable ANC entirely rather than cycling through modes via hardware controls.
The JBL Headphones app itself deserves praise for its user-friendly interface and lack of mandatory account registration. The customization options are extensive, making up for some hardware limitations. However, the necessity of using the app to access basic functions like disabling active noise cancelling highlights a missed opportunity in hardware design.
Microphone quality disappoints on both models. Call clarity suffers noticeably, making these headphones less ideal for frequent conference calls or voice communications. This represents a meaningful weakness for devices at these price points.
The approximately $100 price gap between models feels substantial given that both offer identical feature sets and app integration. The Live 780NC's premium pricing doesn't translate to proportionally superior performance, making it a harder sell for budget-conscious consumers.
Both headphones earn their place as solid mid-range options but struggle to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape. The Live 780NC appeals to listeners prioritizing comfort and wider soundstage, while the Live 680NC serves the underserved on-ear market segment. Neither quite achieves the polish or performance necessary for enthusiastic recommendation, but each offers enough capability to satisfy casual listeners seeking no-nonsense noise cancellation without breaking the bank.