JLab has consistently impressed with its affordable audio products, and the Epic Lab Edition is no exception. Positioned as a premium offering, these earbuds deliver a remarkable audio experience, advanced features, and a comfortable fit. In this review, we will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value proposition of the JLab Epic Lab Edition.

The JLab Epic Lab Edition earbuds, priced at £199 (JLab or Amazon), offer a compelling blend of high-quality sound, advanced features, and a surprisingly affordable price tag. These earbuds are a testament to JLab’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology without breaking the bank.

Sound Quality: A Symphony in Your Ears

The Epic Lab Edition boasts a hybrid driver system, combining a dynamic driver for rich bass and a Knowles balanced armature driver for detailed highs and mids. This combination results in a soundstage that is both wide and immersive, with a level of detail that rivals much more expensive earbuds. The bass is deep and punchy, without overpowering the other frequencies. The mids are clear and articulate, and the highs are crisp and extended.

Whether you’re listening to classical music, rock, or hip-hop, the Epic Lab Edition delivers a consistently impressive performance. The earbuds also support high-resolution audio, ensuring that you can enjoy every nuance of your favourite tracks.

Active Noise Cancellation: Silence the World

The Epic Lab Edition’s active noise cancellation (ANC) system is surprisingly effective, blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. This is particularly useful for commuting, working in noisy environments, or simply enjoying some peace. The ANC can be adjusted to three different levels, allowing you to tailor the noise cancellation to your specific needs.

Spatial Audio: A 3D Listening Experience

One of the most exciting features of the Epic Lab Edition is its support for spatial audio. This technology creates a 3D soundstage that immerses you in your music, movies, and games. Whether you’re listening to a Dolby Atmos soundtrack or playing a game with spatial audio support, the Epic Lab Edition delivers a truly cinematic experience.

Comfort and Fit: All-Day Listening Pleasure

The Epic Lab Edition earbuds are incredibly comfortable to wear, thanks to their ergonomic design and lightweight construction. The earbuds come with a variety of ear tips in different sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for most users. The earbuds are also IPX4 water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and other activities.

Key Specs:

• Driver Configuration: Hybrid Dual-Driver (Dynamic Driver + Knowles Balanced Armature)
• Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with 3 Levels
• Spatial Audio:
• Battery Life: Up to 13 hours (without ANC), Up to 56 hours total with charging case
• Charging: USB-C, Wireless Charging
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3
• Codec Support: AAC, SBC, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive

Battery Life and Charging: Power to Last

The JLab Epic Lab Edition earbuds offer an impressive battery life, with up to 13 hours of playback time with ANC off and 56 hours total with the charging case. The touch controls are also intuitive and responsive.  The charging case also supports wireless charging, making it easy to keep your earbuds topped up.

LE Audio: The Future of Wireless Audio

The included USB-C dongle enables LE Audio, a new Bluetooth audio standard that offers lower latency, higher quality, and improved power efficiency. By bypassing the device’s Bluetooth and directly connecting to the earbuds, you can experience a more immersive and detailed listening experience.

JLab App: Customize Your Sound

The JLab app allows you to customize the sound of your Epic Lab Edition earbuds to your liking. You can adjust the EQ, enable or disable ANC, and even create custom presets. The app also provides access to firmware updates and other features.

Conclusion

At £199, the JLab Epic Lab Edition offers exceptional value for money. They deliver a premium audio experience, with features like spatial audio and advanced noise cancellation that are often found in much more expensive earbuds. If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Epic Lab Edition is worth considering.

Key Features:

• Hybrid dual-driver system for balanced sound
• Advanced active noise cancellation
• Spatial audio for immersive sound
• Comfortable and secure fit
• Long battery life with wireless charging
• JLab app for customization and control
• High-resolution audio support
• IPX4 water resistance

Potential Drawbacks:

• Some users may find the touch controls to be a bit finicky
• The ANC performance may not be as strong as some competing models

Conclusion

The JLab Epic Lab Edition is a strong contender in the mid-range wireless earbud market. It offers a compelling combination of features, including impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, long battery life, and comfortable fit. While it may not surpass the performance of premium options from Sony or Bose, it certainly delivers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that offer a premium audio experience without breaking the bank, the JLab Epic Lab Edition is worth considering.

Additional Considerations:

• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best earbuds for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Factors such as sound signature, noise cancellation performance, battery life, and comfort should be considered when making a decision.

TNC Score

4.2/5.0