JLab Epic Lab Edition Review: The best headphones from JLAB!
The JLab Epic Lab Edition has taken the audio world by surprise, defying expectations with its $199 price tag from a brand known for its budget-friendly offerings. JLab, recognized for delivering quality earbuds without breaking the bank, has ventured into the higher-end market with these true wireless earbuds, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
One standout feature that justifies the elevated price point is the inclusion of hybrid dual drivers. Combining a 10 mm dynamic driver with a Knowles balanced armature driver, JLab has crafted a powerful audio experience.
Adding to the appeal, the earbuds are high-res audio wireless certified, supporting LDAC playback.
Connectivity options are equally impressive, with Bluetooth 5.3 supporting multi-point connection. This means users can effortlessly connect to more than one device simultaneously. Moreover, the inclusion of a USB-C dongle, cleverly housed in the earbud case, provides an alternative connection method, reducing lag when using the earbuds with gaming devices, laptops, or smartphones.
JLab Epic Lab Edition: Video Review
| Specs | JLab Epic Lab Edition |
| Form Factor | In Ear |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | ACC / LDAC / SBC / LC3 |
| Protocols | HSP/HFP/A2DP/AVRCP |
| Speakers | Knowles Balanced Armature Driver and 10mm dynamic driver |
| Output | 98 +/-3 dB |
| Freq Response | 20–20 kHz |
| Impedance | 16Ω |
| Microphone | 3 MEMS -38dB+/-1dB |
| IP Rating | IP55 (earbuds only) |
| Battery | 13+ hours (single), 56+ hours (total), 9+ hours (ANC single), 36+ hours (ANC total) |
| Earbud Battery | 85mAh lithium polymer |
| Earbud Charge Time | 2 hours (in case) |
| Rapid Charge | 15 mins of charging = 1 hour battery life |
| Charging Case Battery | 820mAh lithium polymer |
| Case Charge Time | 2 hours |
| Charge Cord | USB-C to USB-C |
JLab Epic Lab Edition: Design
The JLab Epic Lab Edition represents a significant departure from JLab’s previous true wireless Bluetooth headphones, featuring a redesigned shape that emphasizes a more fashionable and premium aesthetic. The design overhaul aims to eliminate the perceived cheap plastic feel of earlier models and establish the Epic Lab Edition as the brand’s flagship offering.
One notable feature is the use of a translucent shell on the lower half of the headset, providing users with a glimpse of the internal components. This design choice marks a departure from JLab’s previous approaches, adding a touch of uniqueness to the overall look and feel of the earphones.
Despite the incorporation of dual driver units, contributing to a slightly larger size, each earpiece weighs a mere 5.5 grams. The short nozzle design ensures a comfortable fit without penetrating the ear canal too deeply, making it ideal for extended wear. To enhance user customization, JLab includes silicone and sponge earplugs in various sizes, offering flexibility to find the most suitable and stable combination for individual preferences.
Moreover, the Epic Lab Edition headphone boasts an IP55 protection level, providing resistance against sweat, rain, and dust intrusion. This durability ensures that the earphones can withstand various environmental conditions, making them suitable for active lifestyles.
The charging box of the Epic Lab Edition adds to the overall premium feel with its metallic luster surface. Notably, the box’s design maintains a compact size and lightweight construction, even with the inclusion of an extra groove to store the USB-C transmitter. This thoughtful design ensures convenience, allowing users to easily carry the charging box in a pants pocket without sacrificing portability.
Control
The JLab Epic Lab Edition not only dazzles with its striking design but also impresses with a sophisticated touch control system placed on the top of the earpieces. These touch buttons offer a responsive and quick interface without being overly sensitive. Users can seamlessly navigate through various functions such as play/pause, call management, volume adjustment, noise reduction/ambient sound switching, and EQ switching with single-click, double-click, triple-click, and long-press commands.
For those who prefer a more personalized touch, the JLab app provides a high degree of freedom, allowing users to customize the combination of commands and functions according to their preferences. The automatic play/pause function adds a layer of convenience by reducing unnecessary power consumption. If this feature isn’t your cup of tea, it can be easily disabled through the app.
Bluetooth connection
Equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3, the JLab Epic Lab Edition supports LE Audio and a range of audio codecs including SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 encoding. The pairing process is swift, with Google Fast Pair ensuring a quick connection with Android phones. Even on iPhones, the pairing process is efficient, making it a hassle-free experience.
The multi-point connection functionality is another standout feature, allowing the Epic Lab Edition to connect to two devices simultaneously. This feature facilitates seamless switching between devices, enhancing the overall user experience.
USB low latency transmitter
A standout highlight of the JLab Epic Lab Edition is the inclusion of a USB-C transmitter. When connected directly to the headset, this transmitter provides lower latency compared to standard Bluetooth connections.
This feature is particularly beneficial for mobile gamers, eliminating delays and ensuring that crucial moments in games are not missed.
The USB-C transmitter can be conveniently stored in the charging box when not in use, making it a portable and accessible accessory for gaming enthusiasts on the go.
APP
JLab Epic Lab Edition offers users the ability to customize various features through the official JLab app. This app allows you to customize control commands, EQ modes, and noise canceling/ambient sound intensity, providing a personalized sound experience that suits your individual preferences.
A notable feature within the app is the inclusion of a Safe Hearing function. Users can set the maximum volume at either 85 decibels or 95 decibels, or choose not to set it, with the default being an option. This safety feature enhances user control over their listening experience, promoting responsible and comfortable use of the headphones.
Audio and video delay
One of the outstanding characteristics of the JLab Epic Lab Edition is its remarkable synchronization when connected to devices via Bluetooth. When streaming dancing videos on platforms like YouTube, users can enjoy a seamless and satisfying experience with no noticeable time difference between the picture and sound.
In specific applications, such as the iOS Gunshot Shake App, there might be a slight delay in the appearance of gunshots, although it is not overly pronounced. Switching to movie mode within the app reduces this time difference, bringing the gunshot and sparks into near-perfect synchronization.
For gamers seeking an optimal experience, the JLab Epic Lab Edition offers a solution through the USB-C transmitter. Connecting directly through this transmitter minimizes latency issues, providing a seamless gaming experience without delays.
Noise reduction
The JLab Epic Lab Edition introduces an impressive noise reduction feature, providing a commendable reduction in ambient noise, though it falls slightly behind competitors such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The noise reduction is particularly effective in suppressing low-frequency noise, creating a quieter environment for users.
While the Epic Lab Edition performs well in reducing overall ambient noise on bustling streets, its strength lies in suppressing low-frequency sounds. However, it may not be as robust in filtering high-frequency noise compared to some leading competitors. In scenarios where music is not playing, users may still perceive a faint background of car noises, albeit at a much lower and less intrusive level.
Conversely, the ambient sound mode of the Epic Lab Edition proves to be highly effective. It delivers natural-sounding ambient noise, allowing users to maintain awareness of their surroundings. This mode excels in clarity, enabling users to understand conversations even when listening to music at 80% volume. The app further enhances the user experience by allowing customization of the intensity of both noise reduction and ambient sound modes.
JLab Epic Lab Edition: Sound quality
The JLab Epic Lab Edition marks a significant milestone for JLab as it proudly introduces their first true wireless Bluetooth headset employing a dual-unit configuration. Notably, the Epic Lab Edition stands out as JLab’s model with the best sound quality, achieving a harmonious balance between various audio elements.
This headset features a Knowles moving iron driver, addressing the historical challenges of insufficient mid-treble detail and resolution that plagued earlier JLab headphones. Simultaneously, the moving coil driver maintains the brand’s tradition of delivering rich and powerful bass, creating a dynamic audio profile.
To cater to diverse listening preferences, the Epic Lab Edition provides three preset EQs. The original JLab Signature and Bass Boost presets offer unique sonic profiles. Knowles Preferred, utilizing the Knowles preferred listening response curve, stands out by providing a flatter response compared to the other two presets. This allows users to experience a soft bass curve alongside louder trebles without compromising clarity.
The JLab Signature EQ is recommended for those who desire a balanced audio experience, capturing the weight of drums and clear vocals simultaneously. On the other hand, the Bass Boost EQ caters to listeners who prioritize a powerful bass experience, sacrificing some vocal clarity for a more intense low-end. Each EQ preset offers a distinct audio signature, ensuring users can find a profile that suits their individual preferences.
In a nod to audio enthusiasts, JLab also provides a customizable EQ, allowing users to fine-tune the output of ten different frequencies according to their specific tastes. However, the editor finds that the Knowles Preferred and JLab Signature presets are more than sufficient for most non-audiophiles, rendering the need for manual adjustments negligible.
Adding to its audio versatility, the Epic Lab Edition supports multi-dimensional and immersive sound through spatial audio and is compatible with Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D AudioTech, and Windows Sonic. This compatibility enhances the overall audio experience, offering users a heightened sense of immersion in their favorite content.
Call quality
The Epic Lab Edition’s communication capabilities shine through its use of three MEMS microphones in one ear, ensuring clear and intelligent conversations in quiet environments. Even in noisy settings, background noise may be picked up, but the user’s voice remains audible and comprehensible to the other party. This makes the Epic Lab Edition a reliable true wireless Bluetooth headset for handling calls in various environments.
Battery life
The JLab Epic Lab Edition sets a new standard for battery life in the true wireless market, showing exceptional performance that surpasses many flagship headphones. With noise reduction turned on, these headphones boast an impressive 9 hours of usage, and the charging box extends the total playtime to an outstanding 36 hours. When noise reduction is turned off, the headset’s battery life is extended to an incredible 13 hours, resulting in a total battery life of 56 hours.
This remarkable battery life places the JLab Epic Lab Edition in a league of its own, outperforming renowned competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5, Apple Airpods Pro 2, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
The convenience doesn’t stop there, as the JLab Epic Lab Edition supports fast charging. In just 10 minutes, users can gain an impressive 2 hours of power, providing a quick top-up for those on the move. Both the earphones and the charging box can be fully charged within 2 hours, ensuring minimal downtime between uses.
Alongside the standard USB-C wired charging, the JLab Epic Lab Edition can also be charged through a wireless charging pad. This feature adds a layer of convenience for users who prefer the ease of wireless charging or have compatible accessories.
JLab Epic Lab Edition: Conclusion
The JLab Epic Lab Edition is a true flagship wireless Bluetooth headset. With a breakthrough in sound quality, the integration of a ring-iron hybrid monomer has elevated the audio experience to new heights. The mids and highs are now notably clearer and more detailed, showing a significant improvement over previous models.
Beyond just audio, the Epic Lab Edition excels in various aspects expected from a flagship true wireless device. The noise reduction and ambient sound effects, connection stability, control operations, and battery life all contribute to a stellar performance.
The headset’s support for LC3 encoding and LE Audio is a notable advantage, providing users with enhanced audio experiences on compatible mobile phones. This compatibility ensures that users can leverage the latest technologies to optimize their listening experience.
What’s especially noteworthy is the competitive pricing of the JLab Epic Lab Edition. Priced at $200 on the official website, it presents an attractive option for those seeking flagship performance without breaking the bank. While it may not surpass Sony and Bose in high-frequency noise filtering, its overall performance remains comparable, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a flagship experience at a more affordable price point.
You can also check out the best-selling True Wireless Earbuds on Amazon:
