I have to admit, this is my first time trying on-ear headphones, and after spending time with the JBL Live 680NC, I wish I knew about them earlier.
I have always leaned towards over-ear headphones because I assumed they would deliver better sound and stronger noise-cancellation. But in Singapore’s weather, or even on mid- to long-haul flights, over-ear headphones can get warm very quickly. After a while, your ears start to perspire, and that cosy seal becomes a mini sauna.
That was the first thing I appreciated about the JBL Live 680NC. Because they sit on the ears rather than covering them completely, they feel lighter and more breathable. I could use them while working, listening to music, and just zoning out, without that trapped-heat feeling around my ears.
What surprised me most was the noise cancelling. I honestly did not expect on-ear headphones to be this effective. In my mind, proper noise cancelling needed the full over-ear design to block out sound. But the JBL Live 680NC’s True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 was much better than expected, adjusting in real time to the surroundings and giving a surprisingly quiet listening experience. It felt closer to over-ear headphones than I thought possible for an on-ear pair.
The headphones also look good in blue. The finish gives them a nice lifestyle feel, not too serious, not too plasticky, and easy enough to bring out for work, travel or café sessions. The foldable design, physical controls and long battery life also make them practical. JBL lists up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off and up to 50 hours with ANC on, which is more than enough for daily use and short trips.
At S$199, the JBL Live 680NC feels like a solid everyday pair for people who want noise cancelling without the bulk of over-ear headphones. For me, the biggest takeaway is simple: on-ear headphones deserve more attention. Especially when they do not make your ears sweat like you just went for hot yoga.
Quick Personal Take
| What I liked | Why it stood out |
|---|---|
| First time using on-ear headphones | I did not expect to enjoy the fit this much |
| More breathable than over-ear headphones | My ears did not perspire as much |
| Noise cancelling was surprisingly effective | It felt closer to over-ear ANC than expected |
| Lightweight and easy to wear | Comfortable for work, music and casual use |
| Blue finish looks stylish | Adds a bit of personality without being loud |
| Long battery life | Up to 80 hours with ANC off, or up to 50 hours with ANC on |