TL;DR
JBL will bring three open-design earbuds to the US in March 2026: the feature-rich Sense Pro, the pared-down Sense Lite, and the Soundgear Clips. Prices start at $149.95, with the Sense Pro at $199.95 and wider availability slated for early March.
What happened
JBL announced U.S. availability and pricing for three open-ear audio products that were first shown in 2025. The new entries join the original Sense and use JBL’s OpenSound approach to deliver sound without sealing the ear canal. The Sense Pro is the premium model, packing 16.2mm drivers, spatial audio support, hi‑res playback with adaptive bass boost, bone‑conducted voice pickup sensors and an AI-trained algorithm to enhance call clarity. It supports Bluetooth 6.0, offers up to 38 hours of total runtime (eight hours from the buds plus 30 from the case), wireless charging and rapid top-ups that yield four hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. The Sense Lite trims several features — no spatial audio, hi‑res, wireless charging, voice pickup sensors or Personi‑Fi tuning — but still advertises up to 32 hours of runtime, quick charging and IP54 resistance for the buds. JBL is also releasing the Soundgear Clips, which include bass boost and the AI call algorithm, carry an IP54 rating and match the Lite’s 32‑hour playback figure. All three products will be offered in the U.S. starting in March 2026.
Why it matters
- Open‑ear designs provide ambient awareness without relying on transparency modes, appealing to users who want situational awareness.
- The Sense Pro brings higher‑end audio features and custom tuning (Personi‑Fi 3.0) to an open‑ear form factor, expanding choices for listeners who dislike in‑ear seals.
- Faster charging and multi‑day battery claims address common complaints about wireless earbud longevity.
- Competitive pricing ($149.95–$199.95) positions these models as midrange options against both sealed true wireless buds and other open‑ear alternatives.
- Inclusion of AI call processing and bone‑vibration voice pickup on some models targets users who prioritize call clarity in noisy environments.
Key facts
- Release window: All three models will be available in the U.S. in March 2026.
- Pricing: Sense Pro — $199.95; Sense Lite — $149.95; Soundgear Clips — $149.95.
- Sense Pro highlights: 16.2mm drivers, spatial sound support, hi‑res audio with adaptive bass boost, JBL Voice Pickup Sensor, AI call algorithm, Bluetooth 6.0, wireless charging, Personi‑Fi 3.0 tuning.
- Sense Pro battery: up to 38 hours total (eight hours from the buds, plus 30 hours from the case); 10‑minute quick charge provides about four hours playback.
- Sense Lite highlights: no spatial/hi‑res support, no wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.4, IP54 rating, quick charge gives about three hours from 10 minutes.
- Sense Lite battery: up to 32 hours total (24 hours with the case).
- Soundgear Clips: bass boost, the same AI call algorithm as the Pro, up to 32 hours playback, IP54, offered in four translucent colors.
- All Sense models support Dual Connect and Fast Pair; adjustable ear hooks and touch control customization via the JBL app are included.
- OpenSound technology: uses air conduction and phase cancellation to direct audio into the ear while allowing ambient sounds to remain audible.
What to watch next
- Independent listening and call‑quality reviews to verify JBL’s claims about spatial sound, hi‑res playback and the AI call algorithm — not confirmed in the source.
- Real‑world battery and charging performance compared with advertised runtimes and quick‑charge figures — not confirmed in the source.
- Retail availability details (which stores and channels will carry each model) beyond the March launch window — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Open‑ear: Earbud designs that do not seal the ear canal, allowing ambient sounds in while delivering audio via directed drivers or air conduction.
- Fast Pair: A Bluetooth pairing protocol that simplifies and speeds up initial connection between supported Android devices and accessories.
- Bluetooth 6.0 / 5.4: Versions of the Bluetooth wireless standard; newer iterations generally offer improvements in efficiency, range and data throughput.
- IP54: An ingress protection rating indicating limited dust ingress protection and resistance to water splashes from any direction.
- Personi‑Fi: An in‑app personalization system that adjusts equalization based on a user’s hearing profile or test.
Reader FAQ
When will these earbuds be available?
JBL says all three models will reach U.S. availability in March 2026.
How much do they cost?
Sense Pro is $199.95; Sense Lite and Soundgear Clips are each $149.95.
Do the Sense Pro support wireless charging?
Yes — the Sense Pro can be charged wirelessly, per the announcement.
Are these buds water‑resistant?
Sense Lite and Soundgear Clips are rated IP54. The source does not confirm an IP rating for the Sense Pro.
Do these earbuds include active noise cancellation?
Not confirmed in the source.
TECH GADGETS NEWS JBL expands open-ear lineup with new buds coming to the US in March Three open-design earbuds announced in August get US release and pricing details. by John…
Sources
- JBL expands open-ear lineup with new buds coming to the US in March
- JBL introduces Sense PRO headphones: Open-ear audio …
- JBL Soundgear Sense | True wireless open-ear headphones
- JBL SoundGear Sense – True Wireless Open-Ear …
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