Every time I travel, I put on some main character energy as I walk through the departure halls of an airport. I put a pair of wireless earbuds, play a music about charging onwards a new life, and marvel at the sight of airplanes taking off.

I sit by the lounge, read a novel, and occasionally observe the people while wearing my favorite sunnies. It’s a cool get up, ‘no?

The only downside? I’m stuck in my own little world. So when JBL unveiled the Soundgear Frames, the way I travel changed rapidly.

A pair of sunglasses with built-in speakers that only you can listen to? Sounds like I found the perfect travel accessory.

Pick the right shape and shade

I first got my hands on the JBL Soundgear Frames when I was in Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, a luxurious, exclusive five-star beachside resort in the heart of Cebu province in the Philippines. The place made it ideal for testing the new wearable.

The stylish pair of audio glasses come in two shapes: round and square. Knowing your face shape is important because choosing the right shape is just the same when you buy your specs and/or sunnies at an eyewear store.

I got mine in square, simply because I’ve been using square sunnies for the longest time. After choosing the right shape, you’d have to pick the right shade.

The Soundgear Frames come in three colors: Onyx, Pearl, and Amber. It’s basically black, white, and brown — but make it posh.

@hemjaye Unboxing the #jblsoundgearframes #foryou #fyp #fypシ #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypp ♬ original sound – The Macarons Project

Of course, the Amber shade worked for my skin tone, making it an easy pick versus the black and white options that might clash with any outfit I put on.

Versatility is important for a travel accessory, so it’s best to choose the ones that’ll work with you in the long-term.

Sun protection while listening to music and nature

Lounging around by the pool side or even by the beach sounds relaxing. You can listen to the peaceful humming of nature–waves crashing, water splashing, winds howling.

On a weekday, I found myself bathing under the sun wearing only the JBL Soundgear Frames. The glasses use UV-blocking lenses, which you can also replace with prescription lenses.

It’s also made from thermoplastic, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear even for hours. Or maybe, I’m just too strong to wear it for a long time. I believe my ears got stronger during the pandemic when I had to wear my specs, a face mask, and a pair of wireless headphones.

As I let myself relax by the pool, I had the JBL Soundgear Frames play Taylor Swift’s “Guilty as Sin?” which has been my anthem for a few weeks.

The music plays through an ultra-thin speaker mounted inside the left and right temples. JBL’s OpenSound Technology lets me enjoy my favorite song while listening to my surroundings. It made having my own little world sweeter, except this time, I’m aware of what’s happening around me.

I get to put on my main character energy to another level, especially when I use music to pump me up and boost my confidence. I mean, who wouldn’t feel a little bit extra when you also listen to “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan?

Made for the streets

After some sunny relaxation by the beach, I flew to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Saigon) to participate on the second leg of Spartan Race’s ASEAN North Series. I was competing in the Age Group Championship under the age bracket of 25-29, the toughest bracket of all ages.

It was also my first time to be in Vietnam, making me anxious especially when crossing the streets. It was quite chaotic: no pedestrian lanes, no traffic enforcers, minimal traffic lights. You’re really on your own.

Luckily, I wasn’t hit by any cars or motorcycles since I still get to put these words out. But what helped me cross streets safely is the JBL Soundgear Frames.

See, in Manila, I tend to put on a pair of wireless earbuds with ANC that doesn’t let you hear there’s an incoming motorist. Using an OpenSound technology allowed me to hear my surroundings, while still giving me that main character moment.

Since Saigon isn’t my territory, I had to be cautious about my belongings. Thankfully, the JBL Soundgear Frames came with hands-free functionality.

I like it hands-free

As long as the unit’s paired with your phone and through the app, just wearing the Soundgear Frames automatically turns it on and connects via Bluetooth. If you want to turn it off, just remove it and put it back to its case, or set it to power down through the app.

When walking along the streets of District 1, the busiest district of Saigon, I tend to adjust my music playback through the Soundgear Frames. I didn’t have to take my phone out of my Pacsafe anti-theft crossbody bag. I just have to tap the temples of the frame.

The touch controls allows adjusting the volume, setting the music to the previous or next track, or even answer or reject a call.

Even in a busy street or a noisy cafe, I get to have a clear conversation. This is because the Soundgear Frames use a two-mic array on its temple, along with noise cancellation features.

Sometimes, I look like a fool talking to myself when in reality, I was talking to someone over my audio glasses. They’ll never know and it’s my little secret.

Make it your own

Like most JBL wearables, the Soundgear Frames can be connected to the JBL Headphones app, which you can download on the App Store or via Play Store.

Through the app, you can get a preview of the device’s battery life, as well as the settings you can explore.

You can set the Equalizer to your liking. For instance, you can choose between Jazz, Vocal, Bass, Club, Studio, Extreme Bass, or you can create your own EQ.

Gestures can also be changed to your preference. Mine stayed in its default settings, though. But what I like about it the most is the adjustment of left and right sound balance.

When someone sat beside me on my left and engaged me in a conversation, I simply switched the sound balance to my right so I can listen on the hot goss while jamming to my favorite music.

It’s not waterproof, babe

Having enough quality time with the JBL Soundgear Frames, I brought it with me in Boracay Island to celebrate my birthday.

I spent most afternoons walking along the beach, enjoying the chatter of the crowd and the sound of the crashing waves. All while listening to Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” which is the perfect anthem when musing around.

I didn’t dare bringing the Soundgear Frames to the open water, though. Contrary to what most people claim on Instagram and TikTok, the Soundgear Frames isn’t waterproof.

It has an IP54 rating, meaning, it can only handle dust protection and offers splash resistance. It can withstand raindrops and sudden splashes from the pool, but do not ever submerge it.

Both sides of the frame has an open USB-C port for charging the device through a Dual USB-C splitter cable. So if you want the Soundgear Frames to last longer, keep it off the water (and perhaps, your sweat).

This is why I used a different pair of sunglasses during Paraw Sailing, which I lost to the seas when the waves engulfed me. In addition to that misfortune, I was also holding my iPhone the whole time which rendered my lightning port unable to charge due to the liquid detected inside.

Thank heavens I know I can’t bring the JBL Soundgear Frames there. Knowledge is key, people. But I was still stupid enough to carry my iPhone the whole time. Jokes on me.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The JBL Soundgear Frames is *hands-down* the best travel accessory this year. It’s an affordable option compared to high-end audio glasses that only a select few can relish.

Combine it with JBL’s technology, prominence in creating products with impactful bass and audio, and an innovative feat of mixing fashion and music in a device stylized in a new form factor — the Soundgear Frames is easily a device worth taking a look at.

Any traveler will surely fall in love with the experience, if they give it a try. Because I did, and I think I found my GadgetMatch for the year.

For only PhP 9,499, the JBL Soundgear Frames offers great value especially for those who love fashion, music, and technology. It deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.