JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds: A Budget-Friendly Pair of Truly Wireless Earbuds
Published on June 13, 2023, 9:57 a.m.
In the flourishing market of truly wireless earbuds, JVC brings a budget-friendly option with the JVC HAB5TB. This lightweight and compact pair of earbuds promises a total of 12 hours of battery life, easy Bluetooth connectivity, and satisfying audio performance. But how does it stack up for the affordable price point? Let’s dig into the details in this JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds review.
Overview
The JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds sport a sleek and minimalist design with an all-black color scheme. The charging case is equally compact with a pocketable form factor. Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.0 for quick pairing. Touch controls and built-in microphones allow for call and playback management directly from the earbuds.
Key Features
- Ultra compact and lightweight design
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Total 12 hours battery life
- USB-C charging
- Touch sensor controls
- Voice assistant support
- 13mm dynamic drivers
Design and Fit
Weighing in at only 2.4 ounces, the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds are designed for portability and all-day wearing comfort. The earbuds feature an in-ear design with oblique angled nozzles to deliver a secure fit. The matte black finish gives them a stylish and modern look. The charging case has a smooth pebble-like shape that easily slides into pockets.
Features and Controls
Connecting to your device is a breeze with Bluetooth 5.0. The JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds supports audio codecs including SBC and AAC for high quality streaming. Onboard controls include touch sensors on each earbud to control playback, volume, calls, and voice assistants. Physical buttons on the case provide battery status at a glance.
Sound Quality
Each earbud contains a 13mm dynamic driver tuned to deliver pleasing sound across various genres. The JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds produces clean mids, bright highs, and punchy bass. Detail and soundstage are good for true wireless in-ears.
Volume can go sufficiently loud for casual listening but falls short of more powerful drivers. Still, the lively sound should satisfy most at this price point.
Microphone Quality
Performance for voice calls is merely average. The built-in mics capture decent clarity in quiet environments but struggle in noisier backgrounds.
Voices sound thin and hollow on the other end. The mics also peak if you speak too loudly. Still, they are usable for quick calls.
Noise Isolation
With an in-ear fit, the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds block a fair amount of ambient sound passively. Listening at moderate volumes smothers background chatter and office noise. However, low frequencies still seep through.
Activation voice assistants requires cranking the volume to overcome noisy environments. Overall, decent isolation for the price but not on par with ANC models.
Battery Life
The earbuds can last up to 5 hours on a single charge, with an additional 7 hours from the charging case for a total of 12 hours of battery life. This is decent for casual daily use. The case also supports USB-C charging for quick top-ups. 15 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of playtime.
Water Resistance
The JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds have an IPX5 rating making them sweat and splash resistant. You can exercise with them without worry, but submerging them or exposing them to high pressure water is not recommended.
Use Cases
The JVC HAB5TB earbuds are ideal for people on the go. Their lightweight and secure fit make them perfect for activities like commuting, working out, or just jamming to music around the house. The lengthy 12 hour battery life means you can keep them in your ears all day long without worrying about the battery dying. The compact charging case also makes it easy to top up your earbuds when you’re out and about.
User Feedback Analysis
Reviews for the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds are decidedly mixed. When it comes to true wireless earbuds under $25, buyers have to temper their expectations. Still, audiophiles on a strict budget may find these hit the sweet spot.
Positive experiences praise the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds’s strong value proposition. For less than your typical dinner out, you get a slick-looking pair of pocketable Bluetooth earbuds with impressive 12-hour battery life. The JVC delivers lively sound with emphasized bass that’s enjoyable for pop and hip hop listeners. While not the most detailed, the audio outperforms other budget competitors.
Critical reviews mainly take issue with two aspects - maximum volume and fit. Some users report disappointing loudness, saying the drivers lack power and need to be cranked near full to be heard over subway noise. This not only impacts enjoyment but battery life as well. Others dislike the smooth, shallow earbud shape which fails to form a tight seal in their ears. This contributes to a lack of bass and noise isolation.
Comfort and secure fit seem to come down to personal ear anatomy. Those with smaller ears may need to try different sized eartips. When properly sealed, the angled bud shape provides a discreet, stable fit suitable for working out.
Users note a few other quirks like finicky touch controls and occasional Bluetooth pairing issues. But these are common in cheaper true wireless models. Given the bargain price, most agree the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds punches above its class in core features. Just be aware of the potential downsides before purchase. For the budget-conscious, the pros seem to outweigh the cons.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Ultra compact and lightweight
- Good battery life
- USB-C fast charging
- Simple Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Sound quality isn’t stellar
- Low maximum volume for some
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Difficult to remove from charging case
Value
At around $20, the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds deliver surprising value. The combination of long battery life, pocketable charging case, and IPX5 sweat resistance packs a punch not typically found at this price point. While audio quality and loudness leave room for improvement, casual listeners will be very pleased with what they get for the money. If you’re looking for an affordable pair of truly wireless earbuds, the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds should be on your radar.
Verdict
For the budget price, the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds check the key boxes of portability, easy controls, and lengthy battery life. They make a solid choice for casual listeners and commuters looking for an affordable pair of truly wireless earbuds. Just keep your volume expectations in check and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the value.
Specifications
- Earbud weight: 2.4 oz
- Battery life: up to 5 hrs (earbuds), up to additional 7 hrs (charging case)
- Driver diameter: 13mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Codecs: SBC, AAC
- Water resistance: Not water resistant
- Charging port: USB-C
- Charging time: Unknown
- Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Impedance: 16 ohms
Box Contains
- JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- Extra eartips (sizes may vary)
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
How to Use
To use the JVC HAB5TB Ultra Compact True Wireless Earbuds:
- Charge the earbuds and case fully before first use.
- Remove earbuds from case - they will power on automatically.
- On your device, go to Bluetooth settings and select “HAB5TB” to pair.
- Insert earbuds into ears and adjust until secure and comfortable.
- Use touch controls to manage music playback and calls.
- Place earbuds back in charging case when not in use to power off and recharge.
