Travel test

WHAT: Jlab Epic Lab Edition Earbuds, £199.99, uk.jlab.com, amazon.co.uk, argos.co.uk WHERE: British Airways flight from Heathrow to Nairobi, Kenya, and various bus and 4x4 rides in Kenya’s coast and national parks. EXPERIENCE: Setting up was a doddle with an app downloaded to my Android smartphone and linked via Bluetooth. The most fiddly part was choosing the right size from five provided silicone and cloud foam ear grommets.

This is a premium product and features IP55 water resistance and hybrid dual drivers for both rich bass and high frequencies, plus three levels of Smart Active Noise Cancelling.

Translated in use, that meant virtually eliminating the sound of the jet engines on the Airbus A350 plane (I was sat right by one) and from the galley.

Also, previously unaware that Spatial Audio was a thing, I watched the Sandra Bullock/ Channing Tatum/daniel Radcliffe action ‘comedy’ movie The Lost City on my phone and the spatial sound effects were impressive with a notable surround feel.

Music also plays superbly well and, from 70s disco with Donna Summer to some Noughties bass from Muse, it’s a quality listen and took the sting out of a back-numbing 4x4 journey on dirt roads that are probably too cratered for Army tank training.

The battery life is up to 13hrs in each bud (around 9hrs using ANC), boosted to 56hrs with the extra power in the sleek metal charging case (wireless charging or USB-C). The battery capacity was a little more than billed, and the case charged quickly.

The touch/tap controls took practice but worked fine. I made one test call – it was problem-free. QUIBBLES: Not the easiest to work out which is right/left ear, the marker is small and not so clear. VERDICT: Top quality kit.