JBL expands open-ear lineup with new buds coming to the US in March

JBL has announced wide availability of three new open-style earbuds in early 2026. The JBL Sense Pro and Sense Lite join the original Sense, which came out in 2024. The new Sense Pro and Lite use JBL’s OpenSound technology, support Dual Connect and Fast Pair, have an adjustable ear hook for better comfort, and allow for touch control customization through the JBL app. We first heard about the earbuds in August 2025, but at the time there wasn’t any indication of when they’d make it to the US.

What sets the Sense Pro apart are 16.2mm drivers, support for spatial sound, hi-res audio with adaptive bass boost, and JBL Voice Pickup Sensor technology (which uses bone vibrations to hone in on your voice) and the use of an AI-trained algorithm for improved call quality. The Pro support Bluetooth 6.0, have up to 38 hours of playtime (eight with the buds and an additional 30 with the case). They can be charged wirelessly, and a short charge of 10 minutes will get four hours of playback. JBL’s Personi-Fi 3.0, found in its high-end earbuds like the Tour Pro 3, allow you to fine-tune your equalization preference by going through an in-app hearing test. Available colors include only black and gray.

The Sense Lite are lighter on features (no spatial sound, hi-res support, wireless charging, Voice Pickup Sensor tech, or Personi-Fi), but still offer up to 32 hours of playtime (24 hours with the case instead of 30 on the Pro), a quick charge of 10 minutes gets three hours of playback, they use Bluetooth 5.4, and the buds are rated IP54. The Lite will be available in black, white, and purple.

In addition to the new Sense models, JBL is also releasing the Soundgear Clips. They include bass boost and the AI algorithm for improved calls, offer up to 32 hours playback like the Sense Lite, and are also IP54 water and dust resistant. They’ll be offered in four translucent color options: copper, blue, purple, and white.

The OpenSound technology JBL developed for its open-ear earbuds uses air conduction — a fancy way to describe how sound moving through air always works — which directs the sound into your ear while using phase cancellation to reduce dispersion. And since the buds don’t seal in your ears, you’re still able to hear the world around you without the need for a transparency mode.

All of the earbuds will be available starting in March 2026. The Sense Pro are priced at $199.95, while the Sense Lite and Soundgear Clips will both be $149.95.

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