JVCFlats On-Ear Wired Headphones - Flat Foldable Design - 30mm Driver for Powerful Sound - Soft Ear-Pads for Comfort – Steel Headband - Lightweight & Portable - PC/Laptop/Gaming - 3.5mm Slim Plug

I bought these along with the somewhat coveted JLabs Rewind ( gen 2 ) Bluetooth headphones. I bought both because I've been looking for something that won't cause me physical ear fatigue or hurt immediately upon wearing.I REALLY wanted to love the JLabs because they offer something that the JVC Flats cannot.... No wires. I LOATHE wires.That said. I will take the cables on these JVC Flats ANY day of the week because of what they offer over the JLabs Rewind. Before I state what that is exactly, let me just say that the JLabs are about as comfortable as the JVC Flats. Maybe more... But not quite, without modifications. I'll explain, because it's relevant.I have small ears. And small ear canals. This is why I can't wear in-ear buds for too long, and is also why certain headphones hurt my ears or skull, depending upon how where and how they sit on my head and ears. It's a freaking curse.I started looking for headphones where one of the main selling points is being lightweight and comfortable. Both these JVC'S and JLabs seemed to fit the bill when looking at their descriptions and reviews. So, I bought both.I went into buying the JVC Flats knowing there was no mic or volume control, which I am actually fine with. So I won't ding ding a star for it.What I wasn't expecting from the JVC Flats though.... Was how freaking good the sound quality would be! I have had several pairs of JVC marshmallow in ears, and now that I think about it, those sounded great, and are like fifteen bucks, so... Maybe I shouldn't be surprised?I should not that I also primarily wanted these for podcasts. But when I heard the JVC Flats, I put on some music and was kind of floored.They instantly reminded me of Koss PortaPros, but with a tad more forward low and mid bass, maybe? I used the PortaPros A LOT in my 20s and 30s and am now 53, so I've lost frequency range throughout the years.And they're LOUD! I don't need them to be this loud, but this is a terrible issue with the JLabs Rewind. They're incredibly low. Maybe lower voltage to increase battery life, but it's horrible.I'd have to put the volume to about 85% on the JLabs for basic, comfortable listening levels, whereas with these JVC'S, it's about 40% or less. Fantastic. And again, loud means nothing if it's loud and garbage. These are loud and clear with no real bass mushiness even at uncomfortably loud levels. Crystal clear. Awesome.They fit snug on my ears, and the ear pads are cushy and fairly soft. The outer layer is that faux leather material that always seems to eventually tear on headphones, so we'll see on that one....My only wish is that the actual driver housing was a TAD wider because while the driver seems to be positioned perfectly against my ear canal, the housing edges kind of hit the edges of my ear, causing some minor discomfort.Someone with normal, non-freakishly small ears, (which is most people), won't be bothered by this I guess. What else. The head band, even though it has no padding, is barely noticeable. Likely due to how light the frame is. The band adjustment gives you a really pleasing tactile single groove click when adjusting. Nice touch.I might give the JLabs a slight win in comfort, but ONLY if changing the foam pads on them, to something more foamy/cushy and soft. As they are, the JLabs driver housing is very rigid and my ears really feel that. If I kept them, I'd modify them with some extra foam. Otherwise, they're lighter than the JVC 's with a smaller earpiece frame.I might actually try to modify these JVC ear ups to make them wider. I'll likely also buy a few spare sets because this pair is a gem.Great job JVC.If there's one negative thing I can say about them, it's that they're not being made with USB-C instead of just the 3.5mm input plug. I hate having to use dongles. I already had one, but I hate cables as it is, so....Anyway, if you're cool with cables, don't have freak ears, and want something super comfortable and want very good sound quality at a STEAL of a price...( Get a few now before the tariffs double their price), GET THESE!P.S.PortaPros are more detailed and have better soundstage. But for $13 bucks, these are the ONES to beat.

I bought these specifically for an international flight because the little ear buds they give you make my ears hurt. They were perfect!! Folded nicely into my little backpack purse, didn’t take up a whole lot of room and they are cute too! Highly recommend!

If you are looking for one of the best kept secrets in headphones for both audiophiles and general listeners? Here she is, the Flats. Been around for many years, this has been a staple for me in my headphone journey. I’ve used a couple pairs on/off from 2012-as I write.With that said, the Flats aren’t for all. Let’s get that out of way! Big bass lovers, you look elsewhere. Need really great isolation, nah you can hear babies crying with these. Want a modern, sleek look? These have been around long enough to be retro now and kind of look it!That said, the sound and comfort are punching well above the price and looks would suggest. These cans provide a sound I would describe as: well balanced, mostly smooth but some sparkle in the treble. Clarity is slightly above average thanks to air and the treble crispness. Mid range feels a tad recessed but timbre is natural. Out of box they might sound somewhat metallic, let them play for several hours. That should go away. Bass, good punch, mostly a mid bass type of sound. Somewhat thick sounds but not rumbly or dark. A subtle V shape sounding headphone, which pleases most listeners.The comfort is top shelf. Due to their minimal design and weight, all cheap does help some things; I can wear these hours and no fatigue. Cushions on the ear are just decent but keeps a loose seal to keep sound rich. But they rest on ear and are about the size of an average ear. So you should feel comfy and ears not too hot!At 12$, you are getting a killer value in headphones. Simple, basically timeless sound and design, and easy on the wallet?! It’s an easy recommendation! Remember, it’s not for those wanting Dre bass. It’s a balanced and clean set of cans. It will suit most genres other than those demanding pumping bass. Rock, metal, pop, mainstream, country; they all sound so crisp. Pick the color you like, and enjoy. The Royale blue color, it really pops in person.

If you are looking for audio on a budget these little guys are hard to pass on. The Flats nearest competitor are the classic Koss Porta Pros. Both provide fantastic sound at great prices, but differ in two big ways. Firstly the JVCs cost 1/3 to 1/4 of a pair of Pros(which honestly makes them so hard to pass on) and secondly the sound. The Flats really live up to their name and have a great flat tone across genres vs the Pros. If you don't want to shell out the extra 20-30 for a warmer tone buy them and regret nothing. As a side note on durability you could probably break a pair of Porta Pros with a pair of Flats. I know that's not saying a heck of a lot(Porta Pros are held together by 2 plastic nubs and dreams), but you can expect them to survive a bag or a tumble without burning 30-40 for a new set

Great

Was thinking of buying “retro” style headphones for my cassette player and landed on buying these! The reviews made me hesitant but I ended up buying them anyways and they came in great condition, beautiful color in red, the size doesn’t fit over your ear entirely but enough to sit on your ear. I was blasting my cassette through the headphones and thought everyone could hear but they were noise canceling and I had no idea! They play loud and clear but no one can hear! Hopefully they stay this great while in my care:)

Very basic, lightweight stereo earphones. Acceptable for non-audiophile level listening. Very fragile and easily damaged, but very inexpensive so still a good deal for podcasts, telephone extensions, ipod listening etc.