The short answer: The JBL Soundgear Frames are audio-first smart glasses that stream music and take hands-free calls through open-ear speakers hidden in the temples. At an RRP of $169.95 AUD — and frequently discounted below $100 — they’re one of the most affordable ways to try smart glasses in Australia. They don’t have cameras or AI assistants built in; what they offer is high-fidelity audio in a frame you’d actually want to wear.
I was keen to try smart glasses, but I wasn’t ready to invest in an expensive pair. So I was pleased to discover a genuinely affordable option and purchased a pair of JBL Soundgear Frames. After several weeks of wear, here’s what I found.
What are JBL Soundgear Frames?
JBL Soundgear Frames are Bluetooth audio glasses developed by JBL, a brand owned by Harman International, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. Launched under the tagline “Reframe Your Life”, these audio glasses promise not only to change the way you hear the world, but how you’re seen in it.
Unlike camera-equipped smart glasses, the Soundgear Frames focus on doing one thing well: delivering music, podcasts and phone calls through ultra-thin speakers concealed in the arms of the glasses, leaving your ears completely open to the world around you. JBL calls this OpenSound Technology.
They come in square or round frame styles, in three colourways — Onyx, Pearl and Amber — with semi-transparent lenses that block UV A/B rays.
How do they work?
The design is refreshingly simple. Open the arms of the glasses and you’ll hear “connected” — no power button, no fuss. From there, you select what you’d like to listen to via your phone. I paired mine with Spotify. Close the arms, and they disconnect.
Each temple conceals a 25mm x 9mm rectangular speaker with a three-layer diaphragm and a bass-enhancement algorithm — impressive engineering for something hidden inside a pair of specs. A tap on the JBL logo on either arm adjusts volume, answers a call or skips a track.
For calls, a two-microphone beamforming array with environmental noise cancellation keeps conversations clear, and a wind-proof design reduces distortion when you’re outdoors.
Customising the sound: the JBL Headphones app
You can use the free JBL Headphones app on any mobile device to tweak the sound and customise gestures to suit you. Choose from six EQ presets or a fully customisable 10-band equaliser to adjust highs, mids and lows until your music sounds just right.
Battery life and charging
The Soundgear Frames deliver up to 8 hours of playtime — enough for a full workday of music and calls. If you run low, a 10-minute quick charge adds another 2 hours. Both temples charge simultaneously via the USB-C Y-shaped cable included in the box.
Are they comfortable and durable?
Yes. The frames are lightweight, stylish and comfortable enough to wear all day. They’re also IP54-rated water resistant, so a little rain or a sweaty walk won’t cut your listening short.
Can you fit prescription lenses?
Yes — prescription lenses can be fitted by a professional optician, which turns the Soundgear Frames from a novelty into a genuine everyday accessory.
Price and where to buy in Australia
JBL Soundgear Frames retail for $169.95 AUD, though they’re regularly discounted — at the time of writing, JBL’s Australian site had them for $99.95. They’re available from JB Hi-Fi, jbl.com.au and other major Australian electronics retailers.
The verdict
JBL Soundgear Frames are a clever way to enjoy high-fidelity audio while staying on-trend. They won’t replace camera-toting smart glasses for early adopters chasing the full wearable-AI experience — but for anyone curious about smart eyewear without the four-figure price tag, they’re an easy, stylish entry point.
FAQ: JBL Soundgear Frames
Do JBL Soundgear Frames have a camera or AI assistant? No. They’re audio-only smart glasses for music, podcasts and hands-free calls.
How long does the battery last? Up to 8 hours of playtime, with a 10-minute quick charge adding 2 hours.
Are JBL Soundgear Frames waterproof? They’re IP54-rated water resistant — fine for rain and sweat, but not for swimming.
Can other people hear your music? The open-ear speakers are designed to direct sound towards your ears. At moderate volumes in everyday settings, they’re discreet, though at high volume in quiet rooms some sound leakage is possible.
How much do JBL Soundgear Frames cost in Australia? RRP is $169.95 AUD; they are frequently discounted to around $100 or less.
JBL Soundgear Frames are available exclusively through JB Hi Fi and at jbl.com.au.
