Skip to main content

JLab’s Epic earbuds bring epic bass without the epic pricetag

jlabs epic earbuds bring bass without pricetag jlab header
Image used with permission by copyright holder

JLab approaches its product designs with a “go big or go home” attitude, which has resulted in products like the Bombora headphones and Crasher Bluetooth speaker. This time, the folks at the California-based audio company have announced a new set of earbuds with a name as audacious as its attitude: the Epic. Though touted as “earbuds reimagined,” the Epic sport more of a half in-ear design – similar to what we’ve seen with some of Phiaton’s in-ear offerings – which we’ve found helps block more noise, keep the ‘phones in place, and enhance bass. 

On those three points, the Epic are successful. In fact, these buds’ bass response is arguably their most epic attribute. The half in-ear design helps, but most of the credit for the bombastic bass should probably go to the Epic’s massive 13mm drivers. Second to the bass response is the Epic’s selection of ear tips (6 pair) and “Cush Fins” (4 pair) which team up to offer a secure fit and excellent noise isolation. The Epic also feature a tangle-resistant flat cable and a single-button inline control microphone. Included in the box is a surprisingly sturdy travel case with a mesh pouch for toting along extra ear tips. JLab Epic case and accessories

Recommended Videos

Lest you think we were kidding about the big bass thing, let us reiterate: JLab’s Epic in-ear headphones will crush your cranium with eardrum-pounding, ultra-deep bass response. We can’t recall testing an in-ear in the last couple of years that can best them in that regard. Thankfully, the highs still make it through with some solid clarity while the midrange, though somewhat outpaced, is still present enough to make vocals intelligible and instruments like horns sound warm. There’s even some decent dynamics at play; surprising, considering how bass-centric the Epic tend to be. 

Sure, we’ve got a few gripes: There’s some occasional sibilant sharpness that comes to the treble from time to time; plus, the 13 mm drivers are so large, it’s impossible to forget you’re wearing these earphones. Still, for $50, the Epic manage to offer a relatively decent level of fidelity. Plus, did we mention that they  crank out some serious bass? 

You can pick up a pair of JLab’s Epic earphones at Amazon in either black or blue colors right now.

Caleb Denison
Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…
What is Bluetooth multipoint and why your next earbuds or headphones should have it
Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 seen side-by-side.

Wouldn't it be great to quickly and easily switch between audio sources with your Bluetooth headphones without manually disconnecting and pairing them to one device at a time? As with most consumer tech wonders, the dream has become a reality. In this deep dive, we'll explore an excellent audio feature known as Bluetooth multipoint.

Introduced in 2010 with the rollout of Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth multipoint was a game-changer for those using Bluetooth headsets in the workplace. It allowed for a second phone line's unanswered calls to be instantly placed on hold, and this was only the beginning of Bluetooth multipoint's capabilities and its compatibility with various devices.

Read more
JLab mimics Bose’s open-ear design with the $50 Flex Open
JLab Flex Open Earbuds.

JLab's new Flex Open Earbuds may look a little familiar if you took note of Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds, which launched earlier in 2024 for the hefty price of $299. Thankfully, even though the Flex Open's clip-style has a certain Bose-like vibe, JLab's price is far more accessible at just $50.

JLab's first set of open-ear earbuds come in your choice of black or teal, and you can order them from jlab.com, Target, or Amazon.

Read more
Jabra will no longer make its Elite wireless earbuds or headphones
Jabra Elite 10 earbuds in front of case.

On the same day that Jabra announced its latest generation of wireless earbuds, the company has unexpectedly called it quits for the entire consumer audio category. In a press release that cites the rising costs of competition, GN (Jabra's parent company) announced its intent to "gradually wind-down its Elite and Talk product lines to further increase focus and resources on more attractive parts of GN’s business."

The new Gen 2 products -- the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 Generation 2 -- will be the last two product introductions in this product line, but they will remain available through 2024 and beyond. A Jabra spokesperson told Digital Trends that "customers will be able to buy them in the usual online and retail channels, as well as Jabra.com, and products will still be supported throughout their lifetime, as normal."

Read more