JBL launches the premium headphone series JBL CLUB with three new on- and over-ear models. Ideal headphones should, therefore, be available for every area of life. We speak more precisely of the models CLUB ONE, CLUB 950NC, and CLUB 700BT. We have put the JBL CLUB 950NC under the microscope for you and would like to report on our experiences in everyday life. We specifically look at the optics, handling, and of course the sound.

We cannot make the decision between over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear headphones, but we would like to give you the best advice before you buy the new CLBL 950NC over-ear headphones. We already mentioned in the introductory words what we should pay attention to when testing the Bluetooth headphones. However, we would now like to start with the scope of delivery.

JBL CLUB 950NC - Scope of delivery & first impression of the headphones

The CLUB headphones are delivered in a JBL-style packaging, which simply shows the headphones on the front, but all around with information about the internal product. Even before unpacking, you know which sound miracle you might be dealing with. In addition to the CLUB 950NC over-ear headphones, the box contains an aux-in cable with remote control and microphone, as well as a USB-C cable to recharge the headphones - an instruction manual is also on board.

The hardshell case, which should not go unmentioned, takes a final position in revealing the scope of delivery. This is the first haptic feedback you get after opening the box and is therefore very important. Here JBL really does everything right and shows with its matt black case, which accepts the CLUB headphones with a perfect fit, that they have understood the "game". Because music has to be fun - even the feel. The zipper is a bit sluggish than you might be used to, but this underlines the robustness of the case and lets the premium headphones know in a safe environment. Incidentally, the lid of the box and the inside of the case are adequately padded.

Unpacking the JBL CLUB 950NC is quick. Now our hands make contact with the headphones for the first time and a high-quality impression is not slowly created. Not least because of the comparatively high weight of 370 grams. The materials work well together. The ear cups made of soft synthetic leather lie comfortably on the ears or enclose them with ideal contact pressure. So even after long use of over 4 hours, there was no annoying feeling on or around the ear.

Operation of the CLUB headphones from JBL - including app!

The headphones are put on with little fiddling and you can quickly find the right position for the ear cups. The adjustable bracket is also quickly set; so you can start listening to music after just a few simple steps. The operation takes place primarily on the earpieces - exactly where you want it most. Quick access via high-quality buttons that are not too easy to press and don't want to be pressed unintentionally. The left and the right auricle each offer practical buttons - the left auricle can even be pressed.

The left ear cup switches the JBL CLUB 950NC on and off and also provides a Bluetooth button, for example, to connect to new devices (max. 2 devices at the same time). The left shell can also be pressed and activates the voice assistant, which is then available as usual on a smartphone. The last button activates functions such as Ambient Aware or TalkThru mode. With the help of the built-in microphones, it is possible to speak to people or not to hear car honking in traffic while leaving the headphones on. Press and hold the button to activate and deactivate the noise canceling mode - more on that later.

The right ear of the CLUB headphones is used to actually control the music playback and allows the volume to be adjusted and the songs to be changed. The middle button also offers a play-pause function and can accept calls. By the way, the voice quality is really very good. You can hear the voice of the other person clearly and clearly, and your own voice also arrives in detail and clearly at the person you are talking to. A button below on the right side activates a bass mode that can really be heard. A clear difference for bass lovers!

And what about the app now? - My JBL headphones

The "My JBL Headphones" app plays a very special role in the JBL CLUB 950NC and can be used to change the sound profile of the headphones. So you can hear his music with the profile of Drake or Taylor Swift. JBL has also equipped its app with an equalizer function. The headphones are quickly adapted to your own audiophile needs. Ambient Aware or TalkThru mode can also be activated via the app.

CLUB 950NC and The Sound - Individual!

If you now expect a detailed description of the sound profile, you must be disappointed, because there is no fixed profile here. The fact that the headphones can be individually adjusted only makes it clear with the membrane data at which level the CLUB 950NC headphones play. The passive frequency range of the 40mm membranes is 16 Hz to 40kHz - the headphones actively create 22Hz. The sensitivity is 91 dB SPL at 1 kHz / 1 mW; the sound pressure level buzzes at 105 dB. The impedance is a strong 32 ohms!

For our taste, the 950NC turned out to be a real sound miracle. Bass-heavy music in the areas of hip hop, dance, house, and deep house were a real treat. But the headphones can also play classical music and oldies. The personal sound profile was quickly found, but the headphones also play incredibly detailed and full of the factory. The powerful bass does not boom in the ear and is often accompanied by fine highs and mids. The resolution is excellent and the sound profile from the factory is very balanced - even at high volume.

A lot of power, great sound, and battery life are lost - no!

Anyone who thinks that the battery life suffers from the excellent sound of the CLUB headphones is mistaken. JBL specifies a full 55 hours for the CLUB 950NC - with noise-canceling deactivated. 22 hours with activated NC. We tested as much as possible and achieved almost 30-32 hours with partially activated NC - an estimated, but quite realistic value. It feels like the USB-C cable can stay at home; should it still be used, the headphones will be fully charged again after less than two hours. Great values ?? for everyday use!

The Bluetooth connection was always excellent and the transmission quality was really good. The TalkThru mode works great and we don't want to be measured anymore. The headphones thus remain on the head longer; no more annoying weight loss, should the friend or someone on the street speak to you again. The comfortable fit on the head and around the ears is also worth mentioning. The JBL CLUB 950NC is actually the first over-ear headphone that doesn't give us any uncomfortable pressure points even after 4-5 hours of use - thanks for that! Even compared to Bluetooth headphones in general, it is at the top.

Conclusion on the CLUB headphones

The JBL Club 950NC is a successful headphone for everyday use and convinces with its individually adaptable sound. So there is something for everyone. The powerful bass is just fun - the price-performance ratio is right. The additional functions such as noise-canceling and the transparency function are amazingly accurate; only the NC has a slight background noise, which is no longer heard when playing music. We also want to criticize the proud weight. However, the headphones want to make up for this criticism with their comfortable fit and soft synthetic leather upholstery, and they can do it!

The battery life is excellent and the best in its class. The scope of delivery offers everything that is necessary for unrestricted operation, including a practical hard shell for safe transport in a backpack. The case is very compact and hugs the headphones very closely. This saves space in the backpack and ensures that the CLUB headphones are safe. All in all, the CLUB 950NC really convinced us, we also love the USB-C cable, which is finally becoming the standard for other manufacturers. The headphones are available for around $249.95 or €240 euros.