JBL E45BT Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

JBL E45BT wireless Bluetooth headphones feature an on-ear fit, and a beefed up bass response that will appeal to those looking for extra low end power. Lightweight and comfortable, they are available in an assortment of attractive colors.

So, let’s take a closer look and find out if these are the perfect wireless Bluetooth headphones for you…

Design

JBL’s E45BT headphones are available in matte black, white, red, blue or teal, and look very stylish. The earpieces feature 40 mm drivers, with cushioned pads that rest quite comfortably on the ears. The grills are clearly labeled “L” and “R.” They can swivel and fold inward for easy storage.

Unfortunately, no case is included. The headband has a cloth covering and is less padded but still feels very comfortable. At 7.2 ounces (204 grams), they are relatively lightweight compared to competing brands.

On the right earpiece is the power switch, a Bluetooth 4 pairing button, and a multifunction button that controls playback and call management. Plus and Minus buttons let you change the volume if you tap quickly, or select tracks when holding them longer. The volume levels work together with your mobile device’s master volume level.

Finally, there’s a pinhole microphone and a connection for the included headphone cable. The cable is covered in cloth so it won’t get tangled up. It includes a built-in single-button mic and a remote control.

Included with the E45BT headphones is a micro USB charging cable, which connects to the outside of the left earpiece. Recharging the internal lithium-ion battery takes about two hours. When you connect the headphone cable, Bluetooth is disabled to increase battery life, and the headphones switch to passive mode.

Performance Issues

As noted above, the same buttons are used to adjust the volume or to change music tracks. This raises the possibility of accidentally skipping tracks, though, after a little practice, you will probably develop the right “touch.”

Using the microphone on the earpiece, people will be able to understand what you say, but the sound quality is mediocre. This is actually fairly typical of Bluetooth mics. You’ll almost certainly prefer the superior sound of the in-line mic.

The JBL E45BT offers nominal noise isolation. But if outside noise is a significant issue, you might want to consider getting an over-the-ear design instead, like JBL’s E55BT.

Because of the smaller size of the E45BT (or other on-ear headphones), the battery is also necessarily smaller. JBL estimates the battery life at about 16 hours, which is adequate but less than the 20 – 25 hour life typical of over-the-ear headphone models.

So How Do They Sound?

E45BT headphones have a full-range frequency response, from 20 to 20,000 Hertz. And they’re capable of putting out a very loud 111 decibels per milliwatt (dB/mW) of power.

These headphones have been engineered to provide an enhanced bass response, with an additional slight peak in the upper midrange. So if your musical tastes run toward hip hop or hard rock, you’ll enjoy the intense deep bass thump of kick drums and bass guitar, crisp vocals, and sizzling hi-hat cymbals.

Even at very high listening levels that would likely damage your hearing with prolonged listening, the tonal balance remains intact.

On the other hand, if you favor classical or other acoustic music, you may find the sculpted sound of the E45BT to be a little too aggressive. Low strings and winds might appear more prominent in the mix than would be the case in a symphony concert hall.

For other kinds of music, it’s a matter of your personal taste. The strong upper midrange response will definitely warm up vocals. For styles like classic jazz, you might prefer the boosted bass, which is often nearly inaudible in older recordings.

With the cable connected, the headphones are in passive mode. You’ll get a little less volume, but otherwise, the sound is the same. Turn them up, and you’ll still get plenty of power, especially in the bass.

Also see: JBL E55BT Review

More Headphone Options

If you’re not 100% convinced that the JBL E45BT’s are the ones for you, it’s well worth checking out our reviews of the Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, the Best Studio Headphones for Home Recording, the Best Waterproof Headphones, the Best Headphones under 100 dollars, and the Most Comfortable Headphones currently available.

JBL E45BT Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Pros &Cons

Conclusion

JBL’s E45BT headphones provide excellent fidelity with powerful bass and a vibrant high-frequency response. They are quite comfortable to wear for long periods, and come with all the features one would expect in a good set of wireless Bluetooth headphones at this price.

Overall, the JBL E45BT is an excellent choice for wireless headphones, especially at their relatively moderate price. But they exist in a very crowded market space with plenty of competition, both from other reputable brands and from JBL themselves.

If you’re looking for a very flat frequency response for classical music, you would probably be better off with another option. However, for other musical genres, there’s very little not to like about them.

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