JBL excels at making sports and water-friendly audio gear. The brand’s colorful beach speakers are probably their most famous outdoor equipment. But they make some good workout earphones too. The Endurance Peak 3 is the latest iteration of a sports model they’ve been working on for years. How does the Endurance Peak 3 perform with respect to comfort and sound? And could it be the ultimate sports earphone?
What’s in the Box?
Look and Feel
Although I wouldn’t say the Endurance Peak 3 are the most comfortable buds I’ve even worn, they certainly feel secure. And once I mastered the twisting action of JBL’s Powerhook Twistlock technology, there was no way these earbuds were going to fall out of my ears. The snug seal also means that the sound isolation is highly effective. But again, it’s hard to forget you’re wearing them, and after extended use, I kinda felt like taking them out. That being said, if you’re deep into a workout, you might be focused less on your ears and more on your breath. But if comfort is often an issue, it might be good to test this model out before you commit.
Design and Functionality
Controls
Equipped with touch sensors, both earbuds give you the power to command a plethora of functions. They allow you to navigate between ambient and ANC modes, skip tracks, initiate play/pause commands, manage calls, and engage with voice assistants. You can also switch to Ambient mode or Talk Thru mode. More about that below.
Battery
The Endurance Peak 3 delivers 10 hours of playtime with an extra 40 hours of charge in the case. This beats models from Sony and Sennheiser, which offer less than 30 hours of total charge. A quick 10 minute charge will also yield 1 hour of playtime.
Call Clarity
Although calls come out clearly, the caller noted that my voice sounded a little “tin canny”. But I experienced no drop-outs or interruptions.
Bluetooth
The Endurance Peak 3 employs Bluetooth 5.2, which is the second latest version. The signal was smooth, and even in the middle of the city, there were no interruptions in play.
Water Resistance
The Endurance Peak 3 has a rating of IP68, which means it can withstand a good amount of dust, as well as water; in theory, the Endurance Peak 3 can be safely submerged in over 1 meter of water for about 30 minutes. But I don’t recommend it. That being said, I’ve owned a JBL speaker for years. And it has withstood storms and many days left outside. So, JBL’s build quality seems unmistakably solid.
Extra Features
One of the most impressive extra features is the equalizer that comes with the accompanying app. Given the bass generous profile of the Endurance Peak 3, the option to adjust the low-end balance might be useful.The app also gives you control over the Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, which invite in sound from the surrounding environment.
Sound Impressions
Soundstage
While the soundstage of the Peak 3 might not be its standout feature (as the bass tends to envelop the sound), it does offer a solid sense of height. Instruments reach above the ears and descend to the depths, creating a somewhat multi-dimensional audio experience. Although the sense of depth may not be as pronounced, the combination of verticality and accurate instrument positioning ensures a reasonably immersive sonic party.
Low-End
The bass is both deep and velvety, creating a smooth and juicy sound throughout the low-end. Sub-bass frequencies pulsate, sending vibrations through your head and throat, creating a particularly immersive experience. Still, the bass remains mostly contained and controlled within its domain, delivering a forceful, yet mostly disciplined performance. So, it’s likely that even those who prefer a more balanced audio profile will not be offended by this bass-friendly sound signature. And those who are overwhelmed by the bass can easily moderate it on the equalizer.
Mids
The midrange delivers a robust and warm sound. The upper mids strike a good balance with the low mids, avoiding excessive prominence. As a result, vocals and sharper instruments blend comfortably without causing fatigue. Nevertheless, there is a touch of energy in the upper mids, creating an audio experience that’s not only lush but also dynamic. And despite its richness, the Tune Flex maintains the natural detailing of acoustic instruments, especially in the upper mids. That being said, the low-mids can feel heavy and veiled at times, given the significant low-end. But overall, the midrange, alongside the bass, contributes significantly to this appealing and highly popular sound signature.
Highs
Very smooth in the highs, bringing a sumptuous quality to vocals and strings. The peaks are never piercing, and in general this range is never fatiguing on the ears. You won’t get too much sparkle here, since the Peak 3 leans on the darker side. So, if you like your sound particularly crisp, you may want to look to other brands. Still, although the highs may not be the most transparent or revealing, the smoothness makes them a pleasure to listen to.
Summary
The Endurance Peak 3 delivers a solid design and crowd pleasing sound signature. And although they may not offer the most relaxing fit, these earbuds are so secure that not even backflips will force them off. Add to that some impressive battery life, and you’ve got a worthy product at 100 bucks. That being said, if you’re particularly averse to bass frequencies, then you may want to look into other brands. Or simply make the appropriate adjustments on the included equalizer. But taking all into consideration, there’s no question that the Endurance Peak 3 is one of the best sounding and most well-designed sports models on the market.
You can buy the JBL Endurance Peak 3 at Audio 46.
