HARMAN's audio range balances affordability with genuine performance, but not every product deserves your money. JBL headphones and speakers dominate the lineup, offering noise cancellation and waterproofing at competitive price points, though speaker pairs can feel pricey for casual listeners.
Why HARMAN?
HARMAN International, owned by Samsung since 2017, designs audio products under its JBL and PartyBox brands. JBL specialises in consumer audio — headphones, earbuds, and portable speakers — while PartyBox targets party-focused speakers with built-in lighting and microphone inputs. The company has been manufacturing audio gear since 1946, giving them deep expertise in driver tuning and acoustic design. What sets HARMAN apart is accessibility: they offer noise-cancelling headphones at under £80, which rivals typically charge £150+ for.
Top Picks
JBL Live 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones — £79.95
Best for budget-conscious commuters needing noise cancellation. At under £80, these deliver active noise cancellation (ANC), 35-hour battery life, and touch controls — specs that would cost double from Sony or Bose. The trade-off is comfort on longer sessions due to lighter padding, but for office-to-train daily use, they're unbeaten value.
JBL Live Flex Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — £119.00
Best for everyday convenience with IP54 dust and splash resistance. These true wireless earbuds include ANC, spatial audio, and multi-device pairing. At £119, they're £30-50 cheaper than Apple AirPods Pro 2 while matching most practical features. Battery is adequate at 8 hours with case, not class-leading.
JBL Xtreme 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Red) — £299.98
Best for solo travellers wanting ruggedness at a fair price. The Xtreme 2 is waterproof to IP67, built from rubberised material, and designed to handle drops. Two units in the pair can link wirelessly for stereo. Red model is £100 cheaper than camouflage, making it the smartest choice unless you specifically want camouflage.
JBL Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker (Blue) — £399.95
Best for longer outdoor trips requiring serious battery life. The Xtreme 3 matches the Xtreme 2's waterproofing but adds 15+ hours of battery (vs. 10 on the 2), improved bass, and a larger driver array. At £400 for a pair, it's a significant jump in cost — only upgrade if you genuinely need all-day outdoor audio without recharging.
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 with Microphone — £389.90
Best for small gatherings (under 30 people) with basic lighting needs. The Encore Essential 2 combines a 100W speaker system with LED lighting and a wireless microphone. It's overkill for home listening but brilliant value for garden parties or small events. Setup is straightforward: aux-in or Bluetooth, and the mic connects via 2.4GHz wireless.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | JBL Live 670NC | £79.95 | Budget ANC headphones | 35-hour battery | | JBL Live Flex | £119.00 | Daily earbuds | IP54 dust/splash resistance | | JBL Xtreme 2 (Red) | £299.98 | Rugged travel speaker | IP67 waterproofing + wireless linking | | JBL Xtreme 3 (Blue) | £399.95 | Outdoor all-day use | 15+ hour battery | | PartyBox Encore Essential 2 | £389.90 | Small events | 100W + LED lighting + wireless mic |
What to Look For
- Battery life matches your use case: JBL headphones offer 35 hours (Live 670NC) vs. 8 hours on earbuds. Speakers range from 10 to 15+ hours. Check your typical listening window before upgrading to higher-capacity models.
- Waterproofing rating matters for environment: IP54 (earbuds) resists splashes indoors; IP67 (Xtreme 2/3) handles full submersion up to 1 metre. Don't pay for IP67 if you only use speakers at home.
- ANC quality scales with price: The £79.95 Live 670NC offers decent noise cancellation for commuting but won't match £300+ Bose or Sony models in passive isolation. Acceptable for trains and planes, not concert-level blocking.
- Pair pricing adds up fast: The Xtreme 2 and 3 are priced per pair, meaning two units. For casual listening, a single speaker is often sufficient — check if your model is sold individually (some retailers offer this).
The Bottom Line
For most people, the JBL Live 670NC at £79.95 is the standout value — noise-cancelling headphones under £80 simply don't exist elsewhere. If you need earbuds, the Live Flex at £119 offers better everyday durability than rivals. For speakers, only buy the Xtreme 3 at £399.95 if you genuinely need 15+ hour battery and outdoor waterproofing; the Xtreme 2 at £299.98 is sufficient for weekend trips. The PartyBox Encore Essential 2 is niche — skip it unless you're hosting regular small events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HARMAN good value for money?
Yes, particularly in the under-£120 headphone and earbud range. The Live 670NC and Live Flex undercut major competitors by £50-100 while matching core features like ANC and connectivity. For speakers above £300, HARMAN competes on ruggedness and battery life rather than pure sound quality — if you prioritise audio fidelity, you'll find better options from Sonos or Marshall at the same price.
Are JBL headphones better than Sony or Bose?
Not at the same price point, but better value. Sony WH-CH720N and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II both outperform JBL in noise cancellation and sound clarity, but cost £150-200+. The JBL Live 670NC trades some ANC finesse for an £70 price advantage — it's a smart choice if budget is your limit, not if you want premium noise cancellation.
How long do JBL batteries actually last?
JBL's battery claims are conservative and generally accurate. The Live 670NC genuinely achieves 35 hours (with ANC off, 40). Earbuds with cases typically deliver 24-32 hours total. Speakers vary: Xtreme 2 achieves 10-12 hours at moderate volume, Xtreme 3 hits 15+ hours. Real-world battery is 10-20% less than claimed if you use ANC, max volume, or heavy Bluetooth strain.
Should I buy two PartyBox Encore Essential 2 units for stereo?
Only if you're genuinely hosting frequent events for 20+ people. A single unit is loud enough for 15-person garden parties and costs £194.95 (half the bundle price, if available separately). Buying two makes sense for weddings or festivals, not everyday home use.
