JBL Advances Open-Ear Audio with Sense Pro and Sense Lite
In an era where professionals juggle constant connectivity and environmental demands, open-ear headphones have emerged as a practical solution. These devices allow users to maintain situational awareness—crucial for executives navigating urban commutes, hybrid meetings, or on-site operations—without sacrificing audio fidelity. At CES 2026, JBL unveiled the Sense Pro and Sense Lite, leveraging proprietary OpenSound air-conduction technology to deliver rich sound while keeping ear canals unobstructed. This development addresses a persistent challenge in the $30 billion global wireless audio market, where traditional in-ear buds often compromise safety and comfort for immersion.
Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN, emphasized the engineering focus: the lineup achieves bass-rich audio through air conduction, a feat uncommon in open designs. As remote and hybrid work solidifies—projected to encompass 32% of the workforce by 2027 per Gartner—such innovations gain strategic relevance. They enable seamless transitions between professional calls and ambient awareness, potentially boosting productivity in dynamic environments.
JBL Sense Pro: Precision Engineering for Demanding Users
The Sense Pro targets high-performance needs, integrating advanced air conduction with an Adaptive Bass Boost Algorithm. Equipped with 16.2mm drivers, it supports Hi-Res Audio Wireless, producing clear highs and enhanced lows typically elusive in open-ear formats. This matters for C-suite leaders who rely on nuanced audio during strategy sessions or client negotiations, where distortion-free playback underscores attention to detail.
Call quality stands out, powered by four microphones and JBL’s Voice Pickup Sensor. This AI-trained system isolates the user’s voice amid urban noise—think crowded cafes or subway platforms—ensuring clarity without wind interference. Ergonomics further elevate its utility: adjustable ear hooks accommodate prolonged wear, distributing weight to minimize fatigue during 12-hour days.
Strategic implications extend to enterprise adoption. In sectors like finance or consulting, where professionals field calls while moving between meetings, the Sense Pro reduces cognitive load. Bluetooth 6.0 enables stable multipoint connections, while Dual Connect and Google Fast Pair streamline pairing across devices.
Key specifications include:
- Up to 38 hours total playtime (8 hours per charge, 30 hours from case), with 10-minute Speed Charge yielding 4 hours.
- Personi-Fi 3.0 for personalized sound profiles via the JBL Headphones app.
- Wireless charging and customizable touch controls.
- Spatial Sound for immersive, directional audio.
Priced at $199.95, the Sense Pro launches on JBL.com in March 2026, available in black and grey. Its premium build positions it as a tool for executives valuing reliability over novelty.
JBL Sense Lite: Streamlined Comfort for Daily Integration
For those prioritizing simplicity, the Sense Lite offers a lightweight alternative without skimping on essentials. Its silicone-finished ear hooks, featuring memory wire, adapt to diverse ear shapes, promoting all-day wear across work calls or casual listening. Enhanced Beamforming Technology pairs with the Adaptive Bass Boost Algorithm to minimize sound leakage, preserving privacy in shared spaces like open-plan offices.
Dual beamforming microphones deliver crisp calls, while IP54 water and dust resistance suits active lifestyles—relevant for field executives in logistics or sales. With up to 32 hours of playtime (8 hours per charge, 24 hours from case) and 10-minute Speed Charge for 3 hours, it aligns with unpredictable schedules. Bluetooth 5.4, intuitive touch controls, and app customization round out its profile.
In broader market context, the Lite addresses accessibility in the open-ear segment, which McKinsey forecasts to grow at 15% CAGR through 2030. It appeals to mid-level managers integrating audio into workflows without premium overhead.
Notable features:
- JBL OpenSound Technology for unobstructed listening.
- Four microphones for clear communication.
- Adjustable, lightweight design for extended comfort.
At $149.95, launching in March 2026 on JBL.com in black, white, and purple, the Lite democratizes quality open-ear audio.
Strategic Positioning in the Competitive Landscape
JBL’s Sense series arrives amid intensifying rivalry from Shokz, Bose, and Sony, where open-ear designs increasingly cater to safety-conscious users. Air conduction—directing sound via bone or cartilage vibration—sidesteps ear canal blockage, reducing risks in transit-heavy roles. Yet JBL differentiates through bass enhancement and call-focused AI, areas where competitors often lag.
For business leaders, adoption hinges on ROI: enhanced focus yields measurable gains, like fewer miscommunications in high-stakes calls. Integration with apps like Personi-Fi allows data-driven sound tuning, mirroring enterprise personalization trends in wearables.
Challenges persist—battery life under heavy use and fit variability—but JBL’s specs suggest robustness. As 5G and Bluetooth evolve, expect iterative improvements, cementing open-ear as a boardroom staple.
| Feature Comparison | JBL Sense Pro | JBL Sense Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 | $149.95 |
| Playtime (Total) | 38 hours | 32 hours |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Microphones | 4 + Voice Pickup Sensor | 4 (Beamforming) |
| Audio Tech | Hi-Res Wireless, Adaptive Bass, Spatial Sound | OpenSound, Adaptive Bass |
| Other | Wireless charging, Personi-Fi 3.0 | IP54, Memory wire hooks |
| Colors | Black, Grey | Black, White, Purple |
This matrix highlights trade-offs: Pro for power users, Lite for everyday reliability.
Implications for Enterprise Audio Strategies
Procurement teams should evaluate these against total cost of ownership, including durability and scalability. Pilot programs could test real-world efficacy, measuring call drop rates or user satisfaction. As audio intersects with productivity tools, JBL’s focus on awareness positions it well for sectors like professional services and tech.
Ultimately, the Sense lineup underscores a shift: audio gear as enablers of human performance, not distractions. Executives equipping teams with such devices signal investment in balanced, aware workforces.
ABOUT JBL
For over 75 years, JBL has shaped life’s most memorable moments at the intersection of music, lifestyle, gaming and sports. JBL elevates listening experiences with superior audio quality and product designs that encourage individuality and self-expression. With unmatched professional credentials and industry-leading innovation, JBL is a trailblazer in the audio industry because of passionate and talented engineers and designers around the globe. JBL Pro Sound is the foremost technology pushing culture forward through major pop culture events and partnerships with the world’s top talent across music, sports and esports.
ABOUT HARMAN
HARMAN is a global leader in Lifestyle Audio and Automotive technology. We create intelligent experiences that enrich people’s lives on the road, in their homes, on the stage, and everywhere in between. Our iconic audio brands — including JBL®, Harman Kardon®, AKG®, Bowers & Wilkins®, Denon®, and Marantz® — bring premium sound to consumers and audio/visual professionals worldwide. More than 50 million vehicles globally rely on HARMAN’s technologies to deliver safer, smarter, and more intuitive in-cabin experiences. HARMAN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and has approximately 30,000 employees around the world.
