JBL on-ear headphones, Live 680NC

For a commute, a shared workspace or a quieter stretch at home, the JBL Live 680NC is a foldable on-ear wireless headphone with adaptive noise cancelling. Its Sand finish and 40 mm dynamic drivers help identify the model, while its feature set centres on adjusting how much of your surroundings you hear.

The four microphones analyse nearby sound and adjust ANC in real time. You can also change how much outside sound comes through in the JBL Headphones app.

Battery life is rated at up to 80 hours with ANC off, or up to 50 hours with it on. A five-minute charge is listed as providing four more hours of playback.

Technical details

This model combines JBL Signature Sound, 40 mm dynamic drivers and JBL Spatial Sound, which is designed to create a more immersive effect from stereo content. The description also lists Hi-Res Audio in wired and wireless modes, plus sound adjustments through the JBL Headphones app. It folds for storage, though no folded dimensions or carrying case details are provided.

For calls, two beamforming microphones and an AI-trained algorithm are intended to reduce traffic, wind and background noise. That may be useful when taking a call on a busy walk, but the product details don’t establish how performance varies across different environments.

The listed wireless features include Bluetooth and LE Audio, as well as Auracast audio sharing through the app. Access to newer wireless features can depend on the connected device and available support, that isn’t specified here.

Getting the most from it

Use the app to fine-tune the sound or set how much of the outside world you want to hear. For focused listening, adaptive ANC is the central feature, when you need more awareness, adjust the amount of outside sound admitted instead of treating noise cancellation as an all-or-nothing setting.

The battery figures give a practical choice: leaving ANC off is associated with the longer stated runtime, while using it reduces the claim to up to 50 hours. The quick-charge figure may help when you notice a low battery before heading out. These are manufacturer-stated maximums, not a guarantee of the same runtime in every listening setup.

Usage tips

For a desk session, you could use ANC to soften surrounding distractions, then switch to an app setting that lets more sound through when you need to stay aware of people nearby. On a call outdoors, the dual microphones are intended to help voices stand out from wind and traffic. Fold the headphones for storage when you’re finished, the supplied accessories aren’t listed.

It suits you if you want an on-ear design with adjustable noise cancelling, app-based sound controls and long stated battery life. It won’t suit you if you specifically want an over-ear fit, or need confirmed details about fit, included accessories or device support before choosing.

Before you decide

Does ANC change the stated battery life? Yes. The listing gives up to 80 hours with ANC off and up to 50 hours with it on.

Can you adjust how much outside sound comes through? Yes. The JBL Headphones app is described as allowing you to adjust the amount of outside sound admitted.

Is there a quick-charge figure? Yes. A five-minute charge is stated to provide four more hours of playback.

Before buying

The Live 680NC is a considered fit if you want foldable on-ear headphones and expect to make regular use of adjustable ANC, app controls or the stated long battery life. If calls and commuting are priorities, the microphone and noise-control features address those situations. If fit is your deciding factor, a listing without more detail on the on-ear fit leaves an important question unanswered, choose a different style if you already know on-ear headphones aren’t comfortable for you.