JLab’s new JBud’s Frames – a cheaper alternative to the Bose

Bose were first with their Bose Frames, a pair of sunglasses with inbuilt Bluetooth headphones. A revolutionary product but at $400 and the need to buy a new pair of sunglasses, it was unnecessary for many. Introducing JLab Audios JBuds Frames that clip on to a pair of existing sunglasses.

The JBud Frames will cost significantly less than the Bose Frames, roughly $70 and are set to be released this year. The JBuds Frames are essentially open-ear true-wireless earbuds that clip on to your existing sunglasses.

JLab says its JBuds Frames are comprised of “two independently operating Bluetooth true wireless audio devices, which can be affixed to the temples of sunglasses, eyeglasses, and similarly styled blue light blocking eyewear.” 16mm drivers are on board and JBuds claim that music “can’t be heard by people close by”, a claim that will indeed need to be tested.

Battery life is rated at 8 hours and have a water resisitance rating of IPX4, meaning they are splash resistant.

You can use them for making calls. “Conveniently located button controls let the user accept or decline phone calls, adjust volume, and switch between JLab’s Signature and Bass Boost EQ settings,” JLab says.

It’s doubtful they will match the Bose for audio quality but the freedrom to clip these on to any pair of sunglasses is no doubt appealing and they come at a fraction of the price of a pair of Bose Frames. A product perfect for people that don’t like earbuds in the ear or need that extra awareness around them.

Key specs

• Over 8 hours of play time
• Two hooks secure the JBuds Frames to almost any type of eyeglasses, with two sets of silicone sleeves ensure a tight fit on styles with smaller temples
• 16.2 mm drivers
• Output: 120 +/- 3dB
• Codecs: AAC / SBC
• 20 to 22 kHz frequency response
• Impedance: 22 ohms
• Dual connect allows either JBuds Frame device to be used independently
• Two different EQ settings
• Input power: 5V 90mA
• 120-mAh lithium polymer battery
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Standby time: 100 hours
• Range: 30+ ft. (10m)
• Weight: 11.7 grams per frame component
• IPX4 water-resistance rating
• Two-year warranty
• Price: $70 approx
• Australian availability unknown

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