JBL CLUB headphones proved that the JBL can make great headphones if it wants to. Now let’s look at what if nothing limits the engineers when creating a top model. Today we are comparing JBL CLUB 950NC vs JBL CLUB 700BT: Bluetooth Headset.
Pros and Cons
| JBL CLUB 950NC | JBL CLUB 700BT |
| Comfortable over-ear fit | Playtime of 50 Hours |
| Effective Noise Cancellation | Effective Noise Cancellation |
| Excellent battery performance | Outstanding Battery Life |
| Bass Boost mode is a little intense | Does not support quick charge |
General
| JBL CLUB 950NC | JBL CLUB 700BT | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | JBL | JBL |
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Battery life | 55 Hours | 50 Hours |
| Weight | 372 g | 283 g |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Bluetooth | Wireless, Bluetooth |
The JBL CLUB 950NC is also undeniably a member of the CLUB series, typically made with the same frame and metal mechanics as its smaller siblings. A fundamental change in appearance: the CLUB 700BT has been given oval, larger shells instead of round, ear-fitting shells. Despite the increase in size, it still has an ear-fitting design. The smaller model wasn’t a lightweight player either, but the CLUB 950NC is one of the heaviest in its category, at exactly 375 grams. This outperforms rival Sony, Beats, Bose models in weight.
Installation, as with the smaller model, is a two-step process. After switching on, use the separate Bluetooth key to switch to pairing mode. The established connection is stable and free of breaks. The Bluetooth version, in this case, also allows you to pair two devices, so you won’t miss out on incoming phone calls, even when watching a movie on your laptop. The range is max. 10 meters.Â
The JBL CLUB 700BT headphones could not deny that the solutions of the world of Pro headphones were important aspects in its design. It is characterized by almost robust construction, quality-radiating weight, durable, durable design: the folding metal frame and the earcups made of aluminum radiate above-average quality.
Installation is a simple, two-step process; after switching on, we switch the pairing mode with the help of a separate Bluetooth button. In our experience, the relationship is stable and uninterrupted. The range is max. 10 meters, but this can be drastically reduced as the number of obstacles increases.Â
Design
| JBL CLUB 950NC | JBL CLUB 700BT | |
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Dimensions earphone | 230 x 210 x 100 mm | 220 x 200 x 93 mm |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
JBL CLUB 950NC
The design is typical of the CLUB series in an elegant matte black design with thin steel inserts. The ear cushions are sufficiently soft. They dampen external noise well, and together with the slightly hard but still comfortable headband, they guarantee long-term, carefree wear – according to the manufacturer, in addition to the USB charging cable and the 1.2 m long microphone headphone cable.
The design of the frame is robust; the many on and off, as well as all-day use, is no problem; the mechanics do a great job. No traces of wobbling or crackling were found. The look is unchanged, with a power button and control LED on the left handset, a Bluetooth pairing button, and a controller for Talk thru and Ambient Aware functions. Here is the small 2.5 mm socket for using the wired mode.
JBL CLUB 700BT
The design fits in the ear, which is inconvenient despite its small size, and the soft ear pads also significantly reduce external noise. There are several control buttons on both sides to use the wireless functions. On the left, you will find the power switch, the separate Bluetooth pairing button, the activator for the Talkthru and Ambient Aware functions, and finally, the 2.5mm Jack socket for wired use. Also, we find the large voice assist activation button on the left, integrated into the middle of the handset.
The headphones, which can only be purchased in black, avoid eye-catching; the completely black surfaces are broken only by the thin chrome strip on the earcups. Dynamic speakers with a 40mm Graphene-coated membrane were used, tuned according to the JBL Pro Sound design philosophy, not incidentally with Hi-Res Audio certification.
Features
| JBL CLUB 950NC | JBL CLUB 700BT | |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Music Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Charge | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 16 Hz to 40 kHz | 16 Hz to 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms | 32 Ohms |
Battery
| JBL CLUB 950NC | JBL CLUB 700BT | |
| Battery Type | Li-Po | Li-Po |
| Capacity | 730 mAh | 610 mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 55 hours | Up to 50 days |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| DC Input Power | 5 VDC at 1 A | 5 VDC at 1 A |
| Qi Wireless Charging | No | No |
JBL CLUB 950NC
The active noise filter can be used in both Bluetooth and wired mode, so anyone who wants to save battery power can do so. Thus, instead of the 22-hour operating time of Bluetooth and ANC way, you get 30 hours of operating time.
JBL CLUB 700BT
The 50 hours of operation mentioned above can be real, although you need to pay close attention to the medium volume. At high volume or using the BassBoost function, the operating time is significantly reduced.
Connectivity
| JBL CLUB 950NC | JBL CLUB 700BT | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Device Connection | No | No |
| Transmitter Power | 6 dBm | 4 dBm |
| Maximum Power Handling | 1000 mW | 1000 mW |
| Connection | Wireless | Wireless |
| Range | 10 m | 10 m |
Conclusion!
JBL CLUB 950NC
Great headphones for the JBL CLUB 950NC. It is characterized by a long operating time and a well-functioning noise filter function—all with the good sound quality of the CLUB series. The speaker and Bluetooth chip are the same as in the smaller CLUB 700 BT, yet the sound quality lags. The difference is small; it may not even seem to some, but thanks to the larger earcup – so the larger inner chambers – and twice the input power of 2000 mW, the detailing ability and precise, proportionate deep imaging lag behind the smaller model. The overall picture is still better than the average JBL headphones.
It is a perfect companion as a long-term solution for listening to music in depth at home, commuting, public transport in noisy environments, possibly in the office. Bluetooth capabilities are even closer to the smaller model, but listening in wired mode lacks the freshness and lightness of the performance. A small remark, but that’s why I liked the CLUB 700 BT’s landline sound so much. So for anyone looking to tackle outside noise and mostly listen to electronic music over a wireless connection, the CLUB 950NC and its high-performance adaptive noise cancellation are great headphones.
JBL CLUB 700BT
The novelty of JBL presented at CES 2020 goes back to the manufacturer’s roots; the speech quality has finally become an important design aspect. Although we could not connect it to its sound here, unlike many of the JBL headphones we have had, what was promised is indeed clear and detailed. It’s no coincidence we like the 40mm speakers, plus the CLUB 700BTis made with Graphene amplification, so a great dynamic speaker is included. Perhaps the Bluetooth codec support is incomprehensible to us; that is, the lack of support was disappointing. He would have deserved at least an apt, or maybe an aptX HD codec, and then maybe Bluetooth playback wouldn’t have been mediocre either, but he would have tried to grow up to the great sound quality he heard in wired mode. Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s philosophy is more attractive when buying voice assistants and/or Talkthru and Ambient Aware services than enjoyable voice quality over Bluetooth.
The design is flawless, does not crack, is comfortable and stable to wear. The many wireless convenience features – Ambient Aware for enhanced external noise for better orientation and TalkTru when the music fades, and we can communicate comfortably with others – both services designed for everyday use. The use of voice assistant is not common in Hungary yet, but these CLUB 700BT also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa clients. Of course, you also have to compromise because the quality of the music you hear on Bluetooth is average; it’s not the fault of the headphones; you can obviously hear the significant difference between the wired and wireless sound quality.
Who do we recommend it to? Those who are primarily looking for sound quality are not averse to wired usage, even listening with a portable player. The Bluetooth function is an option; here, you have to sacrifice sound quality on the altar of comfort. The JBL CLUB 700BT is a great choice for those who want quality music listening and comfortable on-the-go entertainment with a headphone.
