Audio specialist JBL is expanding its portfolio with two new models in the open-ear headphone segment. With the Soundgear CLIPS and the Sense PRO, the company is focusing on style, comfort and a new interpretation of the open-ear experience. While the marketing materials speak of “powerful bass” and “all-day wearing comfort”, the exciting question remains as to whether the technology delivers what it promises in everyday use.
JBL Soundgear CLIPS: ear clips as a fashion accessory
The Soundgear CLIPS are lightweight ear clips that sit on the outside of the ear and work with JBL’s so-called OpenSound technology. Music should remain audible without blocking the ear canal – an advantage for anyone who wants to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music. The design looks more like a lifestyle accessory: five semi-transparent colors with a metallic touch are intended to appeal primarily to the fashion-conscious.
The key features of the JBL CLIPS:
- Up to 32 hours of battery life (8 h in the clips, 24 h via the charging case),
- four microphones with AI algorithm for clear phone calls,
- IP54 certification against dust and splash water,
- Quick-charging function (3 hours playing time after 10 minutes).
The model is priced at 129.99 euros. The CLIPS should be available from October 2025.
JBL Sense PRO: Technology for the discerning
A second model is aimed more at ambitious user groups: The Sense PRO works with large 16.2 mm drivers made of diamond-like carbon and is certified for Hi-Res Audio Wireless. JBL promises detailed highs, powerful bass and additional spatial sound for movies and gaming.
Special features are:
- Adaptive bass boost that adjusts dynamically,
- Voice pick-up sensors plus four microphones for clear speech,
- AI-based filtering of wind and ambient noise,
- Multipoint connectivity for parallel use of smartphone and laptop.
Visually, the Sense PRO combines metallic elements with soft liquid silicone. A titanium alloy temple is designed to ensure a lightweight and comfortable fit. Here, too, the question arises: will the promised comfort be maintained even after hours?
Classification: Trend towards open headphones
Both models serve a trend: open-ear audio. Instead of going into the ear in the traditional way, they rely on air conduction to make listening more comfortable and safer – for example in traffic or during sport. Similar concepts already exist from manufacturers such as Shokz and Bose. JBL is now trying to position the segment more broadly in the market with bass-emphasized tuning and eye-catching design.
Initial assessment
The data sheets sound promising: long runtimes, modern microphone technology, flexible control via app. However, experience shows that open-ear models in particular are not always convincing when it comes to bass and isolation. Only practical testing will show whether JBL’s SonicArc design and adaptive bass algorithms really set new standards. After all, the JBL SoundGear Sense was the most convincing open-ear headphones we have reviewed to date. Above all, it outperformed its direct competitors in terms of bass.
