The Tune 680NC solves a packing problem for anyone who rarely carries a big bag. The cups sit on the ears and the frame folds away. Whether that works over several hours depends less on its modest weight than on how you feel about pressure directly on the ear.
In depth
JBL Tune 680NC review
Published
Best forTravelers who prefer a compact, light on-ear headphone.
At a glance
- Noise cancellation
- Supported
- Weight
- 161 g
- Battery life
- Up to 50 h (ANC on)
- Connections
- Bluetooth 6.0 multipointincluded USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable
Pros
- The foldable 161 g frame is easy to carry.
- Two Bluetooth devices can stay paired.
- The supplied cable handles analog sources.
Cons
- The pads rest directly on the ears.
- Strong bass is less certain than the branding suggests.
Sound & Isolation
- 32 mm drivers
- Adaptive noise cancellation
Labo Fnac found isolation a strength in its Tune 680NC test, while bass made less of an impact than the product’s branding might suggest. That’s a useful distinction if you primarily want some quiet for a spoken-word program rather than an especially heavy low end. 1
Design & Controls
- 161 g
- On-ear cushions
- Foldable frame
Instead of surrounding the ear, each pad rests against the outer ear. That leaves a small packed shape and changes where the pressure falls. If you wear glasses, try a full listening session with your normal frames before picking this over a larger model.
Connectivity & Battery
- Two-device multipoint
- Up to 50 hours with ANC
Bluetooth multipoint makes it easy to move between computer audio and phone calls. Use the supplied USB-C-to-3.5 mm audio cable with a source such as a plane seat. A short five-minute charge is rated for a further five hours, useful if you discover a low battery just before setting off.
Alternatives
The Tune 780NC surrounds the ear and is roughly 64 g heavier. Its published wireless endurance with cancellation is the same. If your old on-ears become uncomfortable during a long session, trying that different pad shape is a better starting point than simply replacing them with another on-ear.
Verdict
The Tune 680NC makes a good case for traveling light. Prioritize its on-ear fit, compact pack size and straightforward switching; the larger 780NC is worth trying when ear pressure is the deciding factor.
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.
- Labo FnacTest Labo du JBL Tune 680NC (opens in a new tab)https://leclaireur.fnac.com/test/682857-test-labo-du-jbl-tune-680nc-une-reduction-de-bruit-surprenante-a-prix-mini/
Independent lab found isolation a strength and the bass less forceful than expected.