Creative Sound Blaster JAM V2

The Sound Blaster JAM V2 delivers best-in-class sound and comfort in a featherlight 84g package. It's a steal for budget buyers and gamers, but skip it if you need ANC or a rugged build.

Sound quality is the star here. It's in the 96th percentile, which puts it right up there with the absolute best we've tested. The bass is punchy, mids are clear, and highs are crisp without being harsh. Comfort is also a standout, 91st percentile, thanks to the light weight and plush earpads. Connectivity is top-tier too, with Bluetooth 5.0, aptX HD, and aptX Low Latency, plus multipoint so you can pair two devices at once. The mic is good, but not amazing. Battery life is decent at 22 hours, but the build quality is a weak spot. It feels a bit creaky and plasticky. And ANC? Forget it, it's just passive isolation.

Compared to the Soundcore Life Q20, the JAM V2 is lighter and has better sound, but the Q20 has ANC and a more robust build. The TOZO HT3 is cheaper but sounds worse. The JBL Live 770NC and Sony ULT WEAR are in a different league with ANC and better build, but they cost way more. The Truefree HF-10 is similar but lacks aptX HD. For pure sound per dollar, the JAM V2 beats them all, but if you need ANC, you'll have to spend more.

The price range across vendors is wild, from $32 to $8336, but that's clearly a mistake. Realistically, you can find these for around $30-50. At that price, the sound quality alone is worth it. It's one of the best budget headphones we've tested, and the comfort and connectivity are bonuses. If you're on a tight budget and want great sound, this is a no-brainer. Just don't expect premium build or ANC.

The Creative Sound Blaster JAM V2 (model EF0950) is a tiny, featherweight on-ear headphone that punches way above its weight class. At just 84 grams, you'll forget you're wearing it. It's got Bluetooth 5.0, aptX HD and aptX Low Latency, multipoint pairing, and a USB-C port that handles both charging and wired audio. The 32mm neodymium drivers deliver surprisingly rich sound for the size, and the dual mics with cVc 8.0 noise cancellation make calls decent. It's clearly aimed at gamers and budget shoppers, and it nails that brief.

We've seen a lot of budget cans, and this one stands out for its sound quality and comfort. The sound is among the best we've tested, and comfort is a standout too. Battery life is solid at 22 hours, and the 10-minute quick charge gives you 4 hours, which is handy. But it's not perfect: the build feels a bit flimsy, and there's no real ANC to speak of. Still, for the price, it's a killer deal.

If you need active noise cancellation, a rugged build, or over-ear comfort, look elsewhere. The JAM V2 is light and sounds great, but it's not built for heavy use or noisy environments. Also, if you have larger ears, the on-ear design might get uncomfortable after a while.

If you're a gamer on a budget, or just want a lightweight pair of headphones that sound fantastic for music and calls, the Sound Blaster JAM V2 is a great pick. It's not for audiophiles who need over-ear comfort or ANC, but for the price, it's hard to beat. We'd recommend it to anyone who wants a solid pair of wireless on-ears without breaking the bank.