JBL is no stranger to the audio industry , and although it offers a wide range of products that have been around for years, it still comes up with fresh products, like these new earbuds powered by JBL’s OpenSound technology. As you might have guessed, this is JBL’s reimagining of what open-ear headphones can be for the consumer. The JBL Sense Pro and the JBL Sense Lite, announced at CES 2026 this week, both feature the OpenSound Air Conduction tech that JBL says delivers high-quality audio without obstructing the ear canals. Meaning, users should have to sacrifice good sound just to hear their surroundings.
This unfortunate trade-off can sometimes be present in open-ear headphones, but JBL isn’t one to compromise where it isn’t necessary. JBL calls these new earbuds a “major leap in open-ear audio,” stating that “We’ve harnessed our deep audio expertise to deliver a full, bass-rich sound through air conduction, something previously unheard of in open-ear designs. Combined with all-day comfort, intelligent features, and a durable, refined design, it sets a new standard for the category.”
JBL’s new OpenSound earbuds will be available starting in March
With so many pairs of headphones and earbuds out there these days that highlight active noise cancellation, open-ear earbuds might seem like a strange prospect. The thing is, there are many consumers who prefer an open-ear style of earphone or headphone. Sure, transparency mode is a thing. Some transparency modes even provide a decent level of outside noise when you want it. However, it doesn’t replace the nature of true open sound, which is where the JBL Sense Pro and JBL Sense Lite come in.
They feature the open ear hook style design that has become more popular in the last few years. Which is also supposed to be quite comfortable. So there are two reasons why JBL is so confident in these earbuds. Great sound and comfort.
Starting with the Sense Pro, these are the earbuds for the user who wants that open sound but also wants the really high-quality audio. They support Hi-Res Audio with adaptive bass boost, so you can expect good sound clarity. They also have 4 microphones so that voice clarity is nice and crisp. These will retail for $199.95.
Then there’s the JBL Sense Lite. These are going to be $149.95. These lose the Hi-Res Audio with Bass Boost, and the battery life is up to 32 hours instead of up to 38 hours. They also lose the spatial sound. That being said, they’re more lightweight, and you save $50. Both pairs of earbuds will come in White and Black, while the Sense Lite will also come in Purple.
