Review: Jlab Epic Open Sport

We have previously tested several products from JLab, including the in-ear headphones Jlab JBuds Pods ANC and the over-ear model JBuds Lux ANC. In both cases, the conclusion has been similar: they are good headphones at a good price. They may not always reach the absolute highest top ratings, but you get a lot for your money.

Now it’s time to test the JLab Epic Open Sport. These are a pair of workout headphones that are “open” in the same way as, for example, Huawei FreeArc or JBL Endurance Zone. The market for open-ear has exploded, and the idea is that you should be able to hear your surroundings while listening to music.

JLab promises support for high-resolution audio via LDAC, good battery life, and a durable construction with an IP55 rating. All of this at a price just over a thousand kronor. Do they deliver on their promises? Let’s find out!

Design and comfort

When we pick up the case, we unfortunately don’t get an immediate premium feel. The lid feels a bit flimsy and unstable when opening and closing it. It’s not a disaster, but the feel of the hinge could definitely be better.

Just like with its competitors, the case is quite large. But since these are dedicated workout headphones, which usually end up in a gym bag rather than a tight jeans pocket, the size is of minor importance.

The headphones have the same form factor as competitors like Huawei FreeArc or JBL Endurance Zone, with a substantial hook that goes around the ear. Here, we have to say that JLab has truly succeeded.

Despite being quite heavy, with a weight of approximately 9 grams per earbud, they stay very well in place. No matter how you move your head, they sit rock-solid. We have worn them for many hours without feeling any discomfort. You barely notice you’re wearing them. Not having to worry about them falling off is worth its weight in gold for a pair of workout headphones.

Sound quality

Just like with the other headphones from JLab we have tested, these are preset to the “JLab Signature” sound profile right out of the box. And honestly, it sounds really good without us having to adjust any settings.

The bass in Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy is exactly where it should be—heavy and driving. The vocals in Cowboy Junkies’ Postcard Blues are presented clearly and distinctly. It sounds exactly as it should. JLab has equipped the headphones with large 14.2 mm drivers that do a good job of moving air.

Just like with all other open headphones, you don’t get that final physical punch in the deepest bass because the ear canal is not sealed. However, it still sounds surprisingly full and good.

Additionally, the headphones support LDAC, which is always appreciated for higher audio resolution. It might seem a bit odd that this feature is included on a pair of open sports headphones, when it might have been more appropriate in, for example, the JBuds Pods ANC that we tested earlier. But we aren’t complaining about better sound quality.

Another thing worth highlighting is the volume headroom. You can play LOUD. Not all workout headphones can handle that. It is especially important with open headphones that sit a short distance from the ear and need to be able to drown out the noise of a clattery gym.

Features and App

We have covered the app in our previous reviews of JLab headphones, and it still holds up. There is a proper EQ with a few preset modes and the ability to fully control how you want it to sound via a 10-band equalizer.

What is perhaps the greatest strength of the JLab Epic Open Sport is the controls. JLab has realized that touch controls are not always optimal. Therefore, in addition to touch surfaces on the logo, there is also a physical button on the top of each earbud.

In the app, you can set exactly which function you want for the touch surfaces and the physical buttons respectively. It is also possible to turn off one or the other completely. The physical buttons are worth their weight in gold when, for example, you are wearing gloves or when you are out running and have sweaty fingers. The touch controls, on the other hand, work excellently when using the headphones at home or in the office. This is a very smart hybrid solution from JLab that more manufacturers should emulate.

Naturally, there is support for Multipoint, which allows you to be connected to both a computer and a mobile phone at the same time. It works flawlessly in our tests.

Battery life and charging

JLab promises 7 hours of playtime in the earbuds and 23 hours in the case, giving a total of 30 hours. In our tests, we landed almost exactly on 7 hours before the battery ran out. That is perfectly fine and is sufficient for most long sessions.

A nice detail is that the case supports wireless charging. This is appreciated and is not a given in this price range. You can also fast-charge the headphones via USB-C if you’re in a hurry. 10 minutes of charging provides about 1 hour of playtime. This is slightly worse than many competitors who often provide more playtime for the same charging time, but it’s enough to save a workout session.

Call quality

The headphones are equipped with two microphones per earbud. Using so-called ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation), they attempt to limit ambient noise during calls.

It works reasonably well. In quieter environments, your voice is heard very clearly. In noisier environments, they perform significantly worse, and they have the most trouble when it’s very windy outside. In those conditions, the microphones really struggle. But for calls indoors or in the car, they work well.

Conclusion

Overall, we are very pleased with the JLab Epic Open Sport. They sound good, have a brilliant control solution with both buttons and touch surfaces, and fit like a glove during workout sessions. The fact that we also get wireless charging is a plus.

The recommended price is 1,190 kronor, but at the time of testing, they can be found for around 890 kronor. This makes them one of the more affordable options among serious workout headphones in the open-ear segment. You get a lot for your money. However, a somewhat plasticky case and battery life that is only acceptable lower the rating slightly.

Jlab sent review units for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.