Wireless earbuds have come a long way since their early days. When I first tried them in 2016, they were plagued with connection issues and mediocre sound. Today's models, like the JBL Tour Pro 3 ($249.99) and JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94), show just how far we've come.
Released in early 2024, the Tour Pro 3 represents JBL's latest flagship wireless earbuds. The Tour Pro+, launched about two years earlier, set the foundation for many features we see refined in the newer model. Let's explore what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
The Tour Pro 3 introduces a hybrid dual-driver system - think of it like having both a subwoofer and tweeter in each ear. The 10mm dynamic driver handles the low frequencies (bass) while a smaller balanced armature driver tackles the higher frequencies (treble). This separation allows each driver to focus on what it does best.
The Tour Pro+ uses a single 6.8mm driver that handles all frequencies. While this more traditional approach can still deliver excellent sound, it requires more compromises in how it reproduces different frequencies.
A significant upgrade in the Tour Pro 3 is support for LDAC - Sony's high-quality Bluetooth codec that can transmit about three times more data than standard Bluetooth. This means you can hear more detail in your music, provided your phone supports LDAC and you're streaming high-quality audio.
Both models offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out. However, the Tour Pro 3's ANC 2.0 is more sophisticated, measuring your environment 50,000 times per second to adjust its noise cancellation.
I've tested both in various environments, and the difference is noticeable:
Perhaps the biggest differentiator is the Tour Pro 3's smart charging case. It features a touchscreen display that lets you:
The Tour Pro+ has a traditional charging case that, while perfectly functional, only charges and protects the earbuds.
Here's how they compare:
Tour Pro 3:
Tour Pro+:
Both support quick charging, but the Tour Pro 3 is more efficient, providing three hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.
For home theater use, the Tour Pro 3 has a significant advantage: its case can act as a Bluetooth transmitter. This means you can:
The Tour Pro+ lacks this feature, making it less versatile for home entertainment.
Both models support multipoint connection (connecting to two devices simultaneously), but the Tour Pro 3's Bluetooth 5.3 offers improved stability and lower power consumption compared to the Tour Pro+'s Bluetooth 5.0.
The Tour Pro 3 also adds:
At $249.99, the Tour Pro 3 commands a premium over the Tour Pro+'s $149.94 price tag. The question is: do the improvements justify the $100 difference?
For most users, it comes down to these factors:
Choose the Tour Pro 3 if:
Choose the Tour Pro+ if:
Both models are excellent choices, but they target different users. The Tour Pro 3 represents JBL's vision for the future of wireless audio, with its smart case and advanced features setting it apart from not just the Tour Pro+, but most competitors. However, the Tour Pro+ remains a solid choice for those who want reliable performance without the premium features.
For my personal use, I find the Tour Pro 3's smart case and transmitter function particularly valuable when traveling, as it solves the common problem of using wireless earbuds with airline entertainment systems. However, for daily commuting or office use, the Tour Pro+ offers everything most users need at a more attractive price point.
| JBL Tour Pro 3 True Wireless Earbuds | JBL Tour Pro+ True Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines sound quality and clarity | |
| Dual drivers: 10mm dynamic + balanced armature | Single 6.8mm dynamic driver |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) - Crucial for all-day listening | |
| 11 hours (buds), 44 hours total with case | 8 hours (buds), 32 hours total with case |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Advanced Adaptive ANC 2.0 with 50k/sec sampling | Basic ANC with standard adaptation |
| Charging Case Features - Affects daily usability | |
| Smart case with touchscreen display and transmitter function | Basic charging case |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection stability and range | |
| 5.3 with LDAC codec support | 5.0 with standard codec support |
| Spatial Audio - Enhances immersive listening | |
| Advanced with head tracking | Basic spatial audio |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout use | |
| IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $249.99 (Premium features justify cost) | $149.94 (Better value if basics suffice) |
The JBL Tour Pro 3 ($249.99) is significantly better for home theater use because its smart case can function as a Bluetooth transmitter. This means you can connect it directly to your TV or AV receiver, solving audio delay issues common with wireless earbuds.
For most users, the JBL Tour Pro 3's premium features justify its $249.99 price versus the Tour Pro+ at $149.94. The improved sound quality, smart case, and transmitter functionality make it a more versatile choice, especially for home theater enthusiasts.
The Tour Pro 3 offers superior battery life with 11 hours per charge (44 hours total with case) compared to the Tour Pro+'s 8 hours (32 hours total with case).
Yes, both the Tour Pro 3 and Tour Pro+ support multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
The Tour Pro 3 features more advanced ANC 2.0 technology, making it better at blocking external noise during movie watching. It's particularly effective at handling sudden volume changes and dynamic noise.
Both models can connect to Bluetooth-enabled TVs, but the Tour Pro 3 is superior due to its case's transmitter function, which reduces audio lag commonly experienced with standard Bluetooth connections.
The Tour Pro 3 has superior call quality with its updated 6-microphone system and enhanced wind noise reduction, compared to the Tour Pro+'s basic microphone setup.
While both support spatial audio, the Tour Pro 3 adds head tracking capability, creating a more immersive experience when watching movies or TV shows.
The Tour Pro 3 delivers superior sound quality with its dual-driver system and LDAC codec support, compared to the Tour Pro+'s single driver configuration.
Both models are excellent for private listening, but the Tour Pro 3 offers better isolation and more precise volume control through its smart case.
Both models offer similar comfort levels, but the Tour Pro 3 comes with more ear tip options for a more customizable fit during extended viewing sessions.
The Tour Pro+ requires a Bluetooth-enabled TV, while the Tour Pro 3 can connect to any TV or receiver through its case's analog or USB inputs, making it more versatile for home theater setups.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - sweetwater.com - news.jbl.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - jbl.com - krazykileys.ca - jbl.com - shop.menshealth.com - sweetwater.com - digitaltrends.com - harmanaudio.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - seriousinsights.net - mm.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - bigapplebuddy.com
