RW verdict: If you’re looking for a pair of open-ear headphones that prioritise safety and premium sound, the JBL Soundgear Sense are one of the best options around. While they're not the most slimline design and a smidge more battery life would be appreciated, their punchy bass allows you to enjoy every beat, while the secure, open-ear design lets in the world around you.
Pros
- Punchy base
- Minimal sound leakage
- Built-in microphone
- Five equalisers + custom equaliser
- Secure fit
Cons
- Could be more slimline
- Loses some richness on higher volumes
| Type | Open ear |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 6 hours (+18 hours with charging case) |
| Noise cancelling | No |
| Touch controls | Yes |
| Weight | 13.1g (each bud)/69.5g case |
| Accessories included | Charging case, USB-C charging cable, optional neckband |
When it comes to the best open-ear and bone-conduction headphones for running, the options are pretty extensive nowadays. Designed with a safety-first approach, open-ear headphones help you to stay aware of your surroundings by resting outside of your ear canal, thus letting in other ambient sounds.
The JBL Soundgear Sense launched in autumn 2023 and retail for £129.99. These sport-specific headphones utilise JBL’s OpenSound technology to promise a natural sound experience with almost zero sound leakage (one of the main pitfalls of open-ear designs). You also get fully adjustable ear hooks and an optional neckband. But how do they perform on the run?
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JBL Soundgear Sense: Set-up and design
At 13.1g per earbud, the Soundgear Sense aren’t the lightest option on the market – especially when you compare them to the likes of the Shokz OpenFit Air (8.7g). That said, they certainly don’t feel as cumbersome on as they look in their charging case and the quality feels robust and durable.
Each 16.2mm driver is attached to a fully flexible hook that latches onto your ear. They can be a bit fiddly to get on – especially if you’re used to in-ear wireless earbuds – but they fit securely once you’ve got the hang of them and there’s no need to constantly readjust them mid-run. If you need additional reassurance, though, they come with a detachable neckband, although I didn't feel the need to use this.
The charging case is long but it’s fairly slim and doesn’t take up much space in a bag. At a push, you could get it in a running belt, too.
Pairing the earbuds to my iPhone 15 for the first time was easy – they automatically go into pairing mode when you open the case (both earbuds will flash with a blue light). You can then select the earbuds in the Bluetooth settings of your phone – it’s as simple as that. Every time you go to use them, the earbuds will automatically connect when you open the charging case.
The JBL Soundgear Sense are available in two colours: black and white. On both colourways (I tested the black), the branding is pared back and discreet, which I liked. The case also comes with a USB-C cable for charging.
When it comes to durability, the headphones are rated IP54, which makes them dust-proof and splash-proof. That’s not quite enough for torrential downpours, but it should suffice for light to moderate drizzle.
JBL Soundgear Sense: Controls
JBL has kept things simple on the Soundgear Sense with touch-sensitive pads on each bud. You can play, pause or skip tracks, and even take calls mid-run if needed, thanks to dual microphones.
If you download the JBL Headphones app (available on iOS and Android), you can choose whether the left or right headphones are responsible for 'Volume Control' or 'Playback Control', too. However, that's about as personal as the controls get.
I'm on the fence when it comes to touch controls. On the one hand, they can be easier than trying to locate a button when you're on the move. But I also find touch controls overly sensitive — particularly on the Soundgear Sense — and can inadvertently activate them if I'm brushing hair away from my face, for example. I've also found the touch controls on these earbuds take a second or two to register. It's nothing drastic, but if you're skipping through a playlist, it's something to bear in mind.
JBL Soundgear Sense: Battery life
Battery life is pretty short on the Soundgear Sense – six hours on a single charge. The charging case does offer an additional 18 hours, though, and a quick 15-minute charge gives you an additional four hours of listening time. If you’re using the earbuds for non-exercise purposes, you’ll find you need to charge them every 1.5-2 days. But if you’re just using them for running/training, I’ve got over a week out of them.
JBL Soundgear Sense: Sound quality
Sound quality is usually where most open-ear headphones stumble, but that’s not the case here. While you won’t get the bass-thumping intensity of noise-cancelling buds, at moderate volumes the Soundgear Sense offers a surprisingly rich sound profile. It’s clear and detailed enough to make those long playlists or podcasts feel engaging without tuning out the world around you.
For runners, this balance is key. You can still hear the beat driving your tempo, but you’re not deaf to traffic or other pedestrians. In fact, as far as ambient noise goes, the Soundgear Sense let most of it in – I could hear the pounding of my feet on the treadmill and the clank of weights during my strength sessions. That said, when you do turn up the volume, there is a lack of richness in both the highs and lows, so if you rely on that powerful, driving low-end to keep you motivated during intense workouts, you might find the Soundgear Sense lacking.
However, within the JBL app, you can choose from five different equalisers – Studio (default), Bass, Club, Extreme Bass, Vocal and Jazz – or the option to create your own. I found the Extreme Bass added some much-needed richness to Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out For A Hero and Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain.
Within the app, you can also turn on ‘Smart Audio & Video’ mode, where you can choose to optimise the earbuds’ performance depending on what you’re using them for. Audio Mode will prioritise sound quality while Video Mode will improve lip-syncing. If you choose to turn it off, you'll get a general focus on stability.
You can also balance the sound between the left and right earbuds in the app, if you prefer to have the volume slightly louder or quieter on one side. I didn’t feel the need for this, but it's a nice feature to have. The Dual Connect feature also means you can use one earbud individually, which I appreciated.
JBL Soundgear Sense: RW Verdict
While I usually prefer my music to be immersive, I’ve found myself being quite the convert to the Soundgear Sense, with their sound profile being up there with some of the best for an open-ear design. Sure, for true audiophiles they might lack a certain depth and richness at higher and lower volumes, but for casual listening during a run, where situational awareness is crucial, they work well. Podcasts, audiobooks and pop music with less bass-heavy production are where these earbuds shine.
Design-wise, something a little more discreet and slimline might be appreciated, like the Shokz OpenFit Air or the Soundcore AeroFit Pro. However, the Soundgear Sense don’t feel uncomfortable worn for longer runs (2-3 hours) and the adjustable hear hooks mean they stay put, whether I’m bashing out intervals on the treadmill or doing pogo jumps as part of my strength work. All in all? A seriously impressive pair of headphones for a competitive price.
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