A seatback screen with a headphone jack is a particularly good reason to choose the Tour One M3 with Smart Tx. Plug the transmitter into the screen and the headphones stay wireless. On a phone-only commute that extra piece of hardware spends most of its time in the bag.
In depth
JBL Tour One M3 review
Published
Best forFrequent travelers who want wireless headphones for older entertainment systems.
At a glance
- Noise cancellation
- Supported
- Weight
- 278 g
- Battery life
- Up to 40 h (ANC on)
- Connections
- Bluetooth multipoint, USB-C, analog-source audio and included Smart Tx
Pros
- Smart Tx can give a wired audio source a wireless connection.
- USB-C and conventional analog sources are also supported directly.
Cons
- The transmitter is a separate accessory to carry and charge.
- Sharing a broadcast requires compatible Auracast receivers.
Connectivity
- USB-C and analog input
- Smart Tx included
- Auracast
For a shared movie, Smart Tx can broadcast audio to compatible Auracast receivers. Both listeners need suitable hardware. For a solo flight, the more immediate benefit is leaving the transmitter plugged into the seat instead of pulling a cable across the tray table each time you move. The selected Mocha configuration includes Smart Tx.
Sound & Noise Cancellation
- Adaptive cancellation
- Ambient Aware and TalkThru
SoundGuys’ measurements showed particularly effective attenuation below 1 kHz, useful territory for low mechanical noise. Switch to an ambient mode when speaking to cabin staff so you can leave the earcups in place. A change in fit, including a broken seal around glasses, affects what reaches the ear. 1
Battery & Charging
- Up to 40 hours with ANC
- 70 hours with ANC off
JBL’s two music ratings refer to the headphones, not to the external transmitter. Charge Smart Tx separately before leaving with it. The included audio cable is a practical backup for a wired source even when you don’t need to share audio.
Alternatives
If you own a pair of noise-canceling headphones that still fits well, adding a compatible Bluetooth transmitter can solve the seatback problem by itself. A phone-only listener can also compare conventional multipoint headphones. The Smart Tx bundle makes most sense when legacy inputs or sharing are part of the trip.
Verdict
The Tour One M3 earns its place in a travel bag when both airplane screens and a phone are part of the trip. If the phone supplies all your audio, its low-frequency noise reduction will do more for the journey than the transmitter.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- SoundGuysJBL Tour One M3 review (opens in a new tab)https://www.soundguys.com/jbl-tour-one-m3-review-the-next-generation-of-anc-135374/
Exact-M3 noise attenuation and use of Smart Tx with analog sources and compatible Auracast equipment.