HARMAN makes genuinely useful audio gear—headphones, earbuds, and speakers that work well without demanding premium prices. The key is picking the right product for your use case: budget-friendly wireless headphones for commutes, mid-range earbuds for active listening, or portable speakers for outdoor gatherings.
Why HARMAN?
HARMAN (owned by Samsung since 2014) has spent decades engineering consumer audio through brands like JBL, their flagship label. They specialise in portable and professional-grade sound systems, from compact earbuds to hefty party speakers. What sets them apart: JBL products are built for durability (many are waterproof or ruggedised), they price competitively against competitors like Sony and Beats, and they offer genuine noise cancellation or water resistance even at entry-level prices.
Top Picks
JBL Live 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones — £79.95
Best for commuters and office workers seeking noise cancellation on a tight budget. These deliver proper active noise cancellation—rare at this price—plus a 38-hour battery life per charge, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and lightweight over-ear design. The noise cancellation won't match premium competitors, but for under £80, it's genuinely effective on planes and trains.
JBL Live Flex Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — £119.00
Best for active listeners wanting versatile true wireless earbuds. These sit between entry-level and premium pricing, offering IP54 water resistance (survive sweat and light rain), 8-hour battery life per charge, and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable connectivity. Ideal for gym sessions or commutes where you need reliability without flagship-level expense.
JBL Xtreme 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Red) — £299.98
Best for affordable outdoor entertainment with real sound. This is HARMAN's sweet spot: a rugged, waterproof speaker (IPX7 rating means it survives complete submersion for 30 minutes) with genuine bass and volume enough for small gatherings. Red colourway is £300; the camouflage variant jumps to £399.98 for unknown reasons.
JBL Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker — £399.95
Best for serious portability with enhanced durability. Same IPX7 waterproofing as the Xtreme 2, but adds improved battery life and a slightly refined sound profile. The £100 premium over the Xtreme 2 (red) is justified only if you need the latest specs; the Xtreme 2 handles most outdoor scenarios fine.
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 with Wireless Microphone — £499.90
Best for small parties and karaoke nights. This bundles a portable party speaker with a wireless microphone system—a genuinely valuable combo if you're hosting. The speaker delivers party-level volume and bass, the mic system works at decent range, and the bundle price (£500) undercuts buying separately.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Live 670NC | £79.95 | Budget commuters | 38-hour battery; active noise cancellation | | Live Flex Earbuds | £119.00 | Active lifestyles | IP54 water resistance; compact true wireless | | Xtreme 2 (Red) | £299.98 | Casual outdoor use | IPX7 waterproofing; balanced price-to-power | | Xtreme 3 | £399.95 | Rugged portability | Improved battery; latest hardware | | PartyBox Encore Essential 2 | £499.90 | Small gatherings | Includes wireless mic; bundle value |
What to Look For
- Battery life per charge: HARMAN's headphones offer 38+ hours; earbuds typically 8 hours. Check if you need all-day wireless or overnight charging is acceptable.
- Water resistance rating: Look for IPX7 (full submersion for 30 minutes) on speakers, IP54+ on earbuds. Don't rely on lower ratings near water.
- Bluetooth version: Xtreme and Live ranges use Bluetooth 5.0–5.2, offering stable range (up to 10 meters in open space) and low latency for video.
- Weight and portability: The Live 670NC weighs 190g (pocketable); Xtreme speakers range 680g–1kg (rucksack-friendly); PartyBox Encore is 4.8kg (car-level portability).
The Bottom Line
For £79.95, the JBL Live 670NC is the entry point—genuine noise cancellation at an unbeatable price. If you need portability outdoors, the Xtreme 2 (Red) at £299.98 offers waterproofing and real volume without overpaying. For gatherings, the PartyBox Encore Essential 2 (£499.90) bundles speaker and microphone, eliminating the need to buy separately. HARMAN's strength is consistency across price points—nothing here is a dud, but avoid the Xtreme 3 unless you specifically need its newer hardware; the Xtreme 2 does the job for £100 less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HARMAN good value for money?
Yes, particularly at entry and mid-range prices. The Live 670NC at £79.95 includes active noise cancellation that competitors charge £200+ for, and the Xtreme 2 undercuts similar waterproof speakers by £50–100. The PartyBox bundle also eliminates the need for separate mic purchases. HARMAN doesn't compete on premium sound; they compete on features-per-pound.
Are JBL speakers actually waterproof?
IPX7-rated speakers (Xtreme range) survive complete submersion in up to 1 metre of fresh water for 30 minutes—genuinely waterproof for pools and beaches. They're not military-grade, but they'll handle splashes, rain, and accidental dunks without dying. IP54 earbuds handle sweat and light rain, not immersion.
How long do HARMAN headphones and earbuds last on battery?
Headphones like the Live 670NC deliver 38 hours per charge—roughly a week of daily commuting. True wireless earbuds (Live Flex) offer 8 hours per charge, typical for the category. All include fast-charge features that restore 50% in 10–15 minutes.
Should I buy the Xtreme 2 or Xtreme 3?
Buy the Xtreme 2 (Red) at £299.98 unless you specifically need the Xtreme 3's newer Bluetooth version or marginally better battery. For casual outdoor use, the Xtreme 2 is sufficient; the £100 saving is better spent on a portable charger or second speaker.
