There is something new about wireless headphones: the ability to listen to the environment. Think of this as the opposite of noise cancellation. Manufacturers have been playing it for years with different modes, such as ‘talk thru’ and ‘transparency’, which use microphones to let in outside sound. And more recently we had the Sony LinkBuds, the first wireless headphones that were fully open.
Now, a new pair gives you the option to let the sound in or block it with a physical barrier. These new wireless headphones are called JBL Tune Flex and by default have an open design. But put the sealing tips on the ears and they become a couple isolating the noise. They are basically two pairs of shoots in one.
This means you can wear them in the open style when you go out running so you can hear the traffic and other dangers; then, when you need to concentrate, stick to the sealing tips of your ears and block out unwanted noise. We would also expect to hear a difference in audio quality, with headphones open, at least larger, headphones above the ear that tend to sound better than closed cans.
Three ear tip sizes are included and you can customize the sound with the JBL Headphones app.
They also include six levels of active noise cancellation (ANC), which you can also use when you have an open design. Although we’re not sure how that would sound. Battery life is eight hours from the 24 most outbreaks of the case, although this is with ANC off.
They have a splash-resistant IPX4 rating, work with the Google Assistant for hands-free controls, and come in three color combinations, plus three “Ghost” special edition finishes. Look for them starting in September for £ 89.99 (about $ 108, AU $ 160).
MONTH:
Check out the best wireless headphones
These are the best deals on wireless headphones
Learn how to choose the right headphones