Continuing its annual tradition of announcing literally a ton of audio products at CES, JBL many new devices in 2025. Among the headphones and speakers, the company is introducing a set of premium over-ear headphones with an interesting feature. The Tour One M3 headphones will come with what JBL calls the Smart Tx audio transmitter.
This wireless device allows Bluetooth headphones to play audio from sources such as in-flight entertainment systems and analog wired connections. In addition, Smart Tx has touch controls that provide access to playback and volume control, as well as equalizer and Auracast settings. The last point allows you to broadcast audio to an unlimited number Auracast enabled devicessuch as headphones, earbuds, and speakers. This is not the first time JBL has offered a wireless transmitter as a Headphones Tour Pro 3 the case doubles as one. However, it is the first company to produce headphones.
The Tour One M3 features 40mm Mica Dome drivers, which JBL says are “precisely tuned to deliver deep bass, balanced mids, and crystal clear highs.” High-definition Bluetooth and lossless USB-C are available on board, as is JBL Spatial 360 technology with head tracking. The company's view of spatial audio looks like Bosetaking any sound source and transforming it into “truly immersive audio.”
If you don't like the Tour One M3's default setup, the JBL Personi-Fi 3.0 tool can help you customize your audio based on a quick hearing test in the JBL Headphones app. The company says the new algorithm makes the feature “more accurate than ever” when it comes to matching your listening preferences. For further sound customization, there is a 12-band equalizer and separate left and right channel balance controls.
The Tour One M3 also features JBL True Adaptive Noise Canceling 2.0 technology. This feature monitors external sound and adjusts the sound in real time. An eight-microphone setup helps block out noise, and there's Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes for when you want to be in tune with your surroundings. JBL promises that adaptive beamforming technology in the four microphones will also provide “crystal clear voice clarity” on calls, as all headphone makers do.
Finally, when it comes to battery life, you can expect up to 70 hours of use on a single charge. But the company doesn't specify whether active noise cancellation (ANC) is included. The fast charging feature provides up to five hours of playback in five minutes. You can also enable SmartTalk, which automatically pauses music and activates ambient sound when the Tour One M3 recognizes your voice.
The JBL Tour One M3 goes on sale April 13 in black, blue and mocha colors for $399.95. That's 100 dollars more than model M2 was at launch.