The JLab JBuds Frames is an open-ear headphone that attaches to your glasses

JLab introduces a new Bluetooth audio device that can be snapped on your existing glasses or sunglasses. The JBuds Frames are two modules with downward speakers that place you right outside your ears. It is part of an emerging trend of open-ear sound, which was usually the domain of sunglasses with Bluetooth features and leg conduction.

They only sell for $ 50, which fits in with another trend: JLab’s history of offering surprisingly cheap headphones. Sometimes the headphones exceed their price point, and therefore the company hopes that it can pick up the trick again by interrupting Bose, Amazon, Aftershokz and others. So far, however, there is a fairly low ceiling on the sound quality for headphones with an open ear – so you should not expect sound file quality.

The JBuds Frames are two large modules that attach to the temples of the glasses you already own. Unlike integrated solutions, there is no attempt to hide the fact that you have headphones in your glasses. They are provided with various sizes of cuts so that it can fit more sizes.

For audio, each unit has a 16mm driver which, according to JLab, will not be “heard by those nearby.” This is the basic premise of open sound: although the sound plays just outside your ears, it is so directed that only you will hear it. You may not get the best fidelity, but your ears will not be covered, so you can pay attention to the world around you if you do not want to exercise.

The JBuds Frames have an IPX4 waterproofness, so it should be good for rain or sweat. They have buttons to control volume, accept or reject calls, and change EQ settings. JLab says they can be used as a pair or independently if you just want to attach and use one.

The battery life is calculated on more than eight hours of audio playback – and that should be good, given the size of these modules. Instead of coming with a drawer, send them with a special cable that is divided into two magnetic charging points.

I recently checked the Amazon Echo Frames and found that I was really comfortable accessing audio throughout the day. In theory, the JLab Frames offer the same convenience without asking me to exchange my glasses. However, there is competition in the form of the recently announced (and much more expensive) Bose Sport Open Earplugs, which rest on your ears instead of on your glasses.

Both will be available in the early spring of 2021, so we have the chance to test both out soon.