Ever wanted earbuds with a touchscreen case? Even if you haven’t, JBL's affordable Live Buds 4 are worth a look; think stellar sound and top features

The JBL Live Buds 4 are a new generation of audio specialist's in-ears that come with a smart charging case, enabling users to adjust sound settings and adapt active noise cancellation without needing a companion app. This model is part of JBL's larger Live range, which includes other earbuds such as the JBL Live Beam and JBL Live Flex. The Live Buds 4 come with several claimed upgrades over their predecessor, such as enhanced ANC, new "fidelity drivers," and improved call quality.

Upon reviewing the JBL Live Buds 4 for three weeks, the charging case's touchscreen UI was found to be small but highly responsive, with clear menus for EQ tweaking, ANC modes, appearance options, and even tools like a flashlight and timer. The case also features fun functions like a smart-talk option for conversations and customizable touch controls for the buds themselves. The earbuds also boast six microphones and JBL's new Perfect Calls 2.0 tech, which utilizes AI to ensure clear voice calls.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) has been improved in the Live 4 series, but it still falls short compared to rival brands like Apple and Bose. While the ANC effectively muffles background sounds, there is still noticeable ambient noise during public transport or in offices. The sound quality is excellent for the price range, offering impactful bass, clean mids, and expressive highs, as well as good dynamics and attention to detail.

The buds also support higher-res Bluetooth codecs like LDAC for enhanced mid-range clarity and bass impact.

Design-wise, the JBL Live Buds 4 have a small, snug in-ear feel that is comfortable for extended wear and highly secure in the ears. They are IP55-rated for splash resistance and come in a wide range of colors. However, they offer the least battery life in the Live 4 lineup, with 8 hours of playtime with ANC on and up to 40 hours with the case. Despite these drawbacks, the JBL Live Buds 4 are worth the £179.99 / AU$269.95 (~$240) price tag, especially when compared to other well-known brands.