FiiO Jade Audio JT3 Review: How Do $70 Open-Back Headphones Sound so Good?

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest review. The Metalverse is an independent website, and all opinions expressed are our own with no monetary incentive. We thank the team at FiiO for giving us this opportunity.

Cons:

• Detail retrieval could be better in treble region
• Not ideal for bass-heavy music preferences

Founded nearly 20 years ago, FiiO originally started with portable DACs and amplifiers and has since evolved into a full-spectrum audio brand offering IEMs, headphones, and a wide range of other audio products..

Jade Audio emerged as FiiO's budget-friendly subsidiary brand, specifically targeting younger listeners and those who want to start their audiophile journey at an affordable price point. The name derives from the Chinese "翡声" (Fei Sheng), meaning "the sound of Jade," conveying their mission to provide crisp, pleasant listening experiences while maintaining audio fidelity. Jade Audio products sit at lower price points than FiiO's main lineup but strive to maintain the company's commitment to quality and performance.

The JT3

The JT3 is an open-back headphone that allows music to naturally flow outward, helping to create a much more spacious sound than traditional closed backs. Open-back headphones have become much more widely accessible in recent years, previously with entry level options costing $200-500. The JT3 uses a 50mm dynamic driver and is FiiO's latest effort to make open-back headphones accessible to everyone.

The JT3 has a sound that leans slightly warm, with an engaging sound that has good detail but focuses more on a lively, musical sound than being perfectly analytical. FiiO also included a built-in microphone on the stock cable, making the JT3 a good choice for gaming as well as music listening.

Packaging

The JT3 packaging is fairly simple, with a box filled with a cardboard insert and the included accessories. FiiO focused their effort on the quality of the actual headphone rather than the unboxing experience, which, at $70, seems very logical.

What's in the Box?

• 1 x JT3 Headphones
• 1 x 3.5mm braided cable with built-in microphone
• 1 x 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter
• 1 x Storage Pouch
• 1 x Quick Start Guide
• 1 x Warranty Card

Build Quality and Design

For a sub-$100 headphone, the JT3's build quality immediately impresses. The outer shells feature lightweight metal construction with perforated grille designs that look sleek, while allowing sound to leak out, as is typical with open-back designs.

The headband construction combines stainless steel with zinc alloy materials, making a sturdy build. The metal-and-plastic hybrid approach works well here. While some might prefer all-metal construction, the reality is that thoughtful use of high-quality plastics can reduce weight while maintaining durability. The plastics used don't feel cheap or brittle. Earpads are detachable and washable—a practical feature that extends the headphones' usable life considerably.

Cable connectivity uses dual 3.5mm TRS connectors on the headphone side and a 3.5mm termination with an included 6.3mm adapter. The included 4N oxygen-free copper cable features palladium plating for improved conductivity and corrosion resistance. The cable includes an in-line microphone with controls for calls and media playback, adding versatility for gaming or communication use.

One notable omission is a hard carrying case—the JT3 ships with only a storage pouch. For headphones primarily intended for home use, this isn't a dealbreaker, but users planning to transport them frequently may want to invest in aftermarket protection.

Sound Quality

The JT3 has an overall lively and warm character, revealing good detail with a more musical leaning tuning rather than a reference sound. It has a sound that feels akin to a V or U-shaped tuning, with an energetic focus on bass and (mostly lower) treble.

Bass Response

With it's 50mm dynamic driver, the JT3 has good bass response with deep sub bass extension for an open-back model. The bass response is present and clear, with the JT3 feeling bass-forward but not so much so that I would call it a "bass-head" model.

Mid-bass provides the foundation, delivering good punch and note weight without bleeding into the lower midrange. Overall, the bass texture is clear and feels relatively fast, adding enough boom to the overall character while still letting the mids and treble shine.

Mids

The midrange comes across smooth but also slightly relaxed compared to other frequencies. With natural tonality and good transparency, the mids present vocals with a good sense of body and realism.

Instrumental presentation is also quite good with some subtle microdynamics being noticeable, like string plucks or breaths before vocal lines, which is generally less common at this price point.

The midrange tonality leans slightly toward the warmer side of neutral, which we found to feel musical and engaging without sacrificing detail. For listeners who prioritize natural vocal and instrumental reproduction, the JT3's midrange tuning hits a sweet spot between an accurate and musical presentation.

Treble

The treble extension reaches well into the upper frequencies, providing adequate air and sparkle for most genres. Cymbal crashes, hi-hats, and other percussion elements have presence and energy without becoming piercing or fatiguing.

Detail retrieval in the treble won't compete with the resolution of more premium headphones or IEMs, but it is certainly quite good for its $70 price point. The treble has a slightly soft presentation compared to analytical headphones, which some listeners will appreciate for reduced fatigue, while others may find it lacking in ultimate clarity.

Sibilance handling is rather good, with brighter tracks not coming across too sharply. The treble doesn't add a metallic character to the sound that is common in cheaper headphones. Instead, it maintains a relatively natural character that complements the rest of the frequency range. Overall, the JT3's treble is great for its price point, but I would say the bass and mids feel like more of the highlight.

Technical Performance

Timbre is impressive, with instruments sounding natural and organic. Dynamic driver technology often tends to excel at timbral accuracy compared to some other driver types when implemented well, which it is here.

The soundstage benefits tremendously from the open-back design. Width extends well beyond the physical ear cups, creating a genuinely spacious presentation. At $70, it's hard to find a headphone with a comparable soundstage.

Imaging is also excellent for the JT3's cost. Center-panned elements sit firmly in place, while left-right positioning maintains good accuracy. Individual instruments can be heard and pinpointed with good accuracy around the soundstage. The JT3 also handles gaming scenarios well, providing adequate positional audio cues for directional sound.

Comfort

The comfort level that FiiO creates here is exceptional. The combination of lightweight construction, well-padded earcups, and appropriate clamping force creates a wearing experience that practically disappears during use.

The velvet earpads contribute significantly to comfort, providing a pleasant contact surface that breathes reasonably well. Memory foam interiors mold to the head and contour over time, improving both fit and acoustic seal. The earcup openings are generous enough to accommodate larger ears without contact against the drivers, eliminating a common source of discomfort. The headband also features a thin layer of padding that distributes pressure nicely, preventing hotspots.

Final Verdict

The FiiO/Jade Audio JT3 surprised us with its quality for just $70 and is genuinely successful at delivering good open-back dynamic driver performance at a very accessible price.

With excellent comfort, solid build quality, a built-in mic, and impressive sound for the cost, we recommend the JT3 as a great entry-level headphone under $100 for anyone who wants to try an open-back dynamic headphone without the typical premium price associated.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Open-back, over-ear dynamic headphones
• Driver: 50mm dynamic driver
• Impedance: 80Ω @ 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 110dB/Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 35kHz
• Cable Connection: Dual 3.5mm TRS (detachable)
• Termination Plug: 3.5mm with 6.3mm adapter included
• Weight: Approximately 330 grams