Overall, the JBL Live 660NC is a great pair of headphones that we highly recommend.

At $199, the JBL Live 660NC undercuts the competition with strong audio, noise cancellation, and battery life, but is also painful to wear.

If you’re in the market for a pair of noise-canceling headphones, but don’t want to spend more than $200, you can rely on the 660NC as a suitable option. Spending a bit more will open up a ton of other options that might be superior to this model, but JBL still delivers a functional headphone with some great clarity in certain areas. For a bit less I still prefer a headphone like the Strauss and Wagner BT501 for pure sound quality, but when it comes to noise-canceling I think the tech here is a bit better. JBL succeeds in providing a fun and engaging sound signature with a great number of features that also make it a great utility.

Out-of-the-box, they have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile with a touch of extra thump and punch. That said, you can customize their sound using their companion app's parametric EQ or presets if you prefer a more neutral sound. However, their passive soundstage doesn't feel very immersive, and they're somewhat prone to inconsistent audio delivery. It's important to take time to ensure the correct fit each time you use them.