I remember those long road trips with kids in the back, the constant “Are we there yet?” and the inevitable squabbles. The noise, the distraction – it made driving stressful, to say the least. Keeping passengers, especially younger ones, quietly entertained seemed like an impossible dream. Without a reliable way to provide individual audio experiences, these trips could quickly devolve into chaos, making it hard to focus on the road and eroding everyone’s patience.
Before You Buy: What to Look for in Car Entertainment Headphones
The primary reason someone seeks car entertainment headphones is to allow rear-seat passengers to watch movies or listen to audio content from the vehicle’s DVD or video system without broadcasting the sound throughout the car. This provides a much-needed respite for the driver and front-seat passengers, enabling a quieter environment for conversation, music, or just peace of mind. The ideal customer for these headphones is anyone with a factory or aftermarket in-car video system that uses infrared (IR) technology, particularly families with children who spend significant time on the road. If your vehicle doesn’t have an IR-based video system or if you primarily need headphones for devices like phones or tablets *without* using a car’s built-in screen, then traditional Bluetooth or wired headphones might be a better fit. Before purchasing, consider factors like compatibility with your specific vehicle make and model and the type of video system it has (ensuring it’s IR and not digital), whether you need one or two audio channels, comfort for different head sizes (especially for kids), battery requirements (if wireless), the option for wired use, and overall build quality for durability.
Introducing the Joanbro IR Wireless Headphones
The Joanbro IR Wireless Headphone is designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with many common car rear entertainment systems that utilize infrared technology. Its core promise is to provide wireless audio freedom for passengers, allowing them to enjoy movies or music from the car’s system privately, thereby creating a quieter and more pleasant environment for everyone else in the vehicle. When you purchase these car DVD headphones, you typically receive the headphones themselves and a 3.5mm AUX cable for wired use. While not a direct comparison to market leaders like Sony or Bose (which aren’t primarily focused on IR car systems), the Joanbro headset targets a specific niche, offering a cost-effective replacement or addition to factory IR headphones. This particular model is best suited for individuals or families who own one of the many compatible vehicles listed by Joanbro (like certain Honda, Chrysler, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, etc., models with IR DVD/video systems) and need a straightforward, functional solution for passenger audio. It is not for those whose car system uses digital IR or is a seatback screen system incompatible with this specific model (like the Pacifica Dual Seatback Screens mentioned).
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Wide compatibility with many factory IR car entertainment systems.
* Wireless freedom via IR technology.
* Includes a 3.5mm AUX cable for wired use with any device.
* Dual-channel support for switching audio sources.
* Lightweight and designed for comfort over long periods.
* Auto shut-off feature saves battery life.
Cons:
* Requires line-of-sight to the IR transmitter in the car.
* Wireless functionality requires 2 AAA batteries (not included).
* Does not support digital IR systems.
* Compatibility can be tricky; requires checking the specific vehicle list.
* Sound quality, while good for car entertainment, may not satisfy audiophiles.
Diving Deep: Key Aspects and Advantages
Having used the Joanbro IR Wireless Headphones on numerous road trips, I’ve gotten a real feel for how they perform and the benefits they bring to the driving experience. They’ve become an indispensable part of our family travel gear.
Wireless IR Connectivity & Compatibility
The primary function of these headphones is their wireless capability using infrared signals. This is crucial because it means no messy wires running across the car seats, which is a huge plus for safety and convenience, especially with active kids. The setup is generally straightforward: pop in two AAA batteries (a minor downside that they aren’t included or rechargeable), turn on the switch, select the correct channel (A or B), and they automatically connect to the car’s IR transmitter, typically located in the overhead console near the screen.
Compatibility is key here, and Joanbro provides an extensive list of vehicles they are tested to work with, covering many years and models of Honda, Chrysler, Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Toyota, and others. It’s absolutely vital to check this list before buying, as not all car systems are compatible. Specifically, they mention that the headphones *don’t support digital IR systems*, which is an important distinction. Also, they note some specific incompatibilities, like certain Chrysler Pacifica seatback screens, even while working with ceiling-mounted ones on newer models.
The dual-channel option (Channel A and Channel B) is a significant advantage if your vehicle has two screens capable of showing different content or if the same content is broadcast on two different IR channels. This allows two passengers (or groups of passengers using different channel headphones) to listen to independent audio sources simultaneously. For example, one child could watch a movie on a rear screen using Channel A, while another listens to music or a podcast through a different source or screen using Channel B. This flexibility is excellent for keeping multiple passengers happy with their preferred entertainment. The dependence on line-of-sight for the IR signal means users need to be positioned correctly, usually in the rear seats, without obstructions between the headphones and the car’s IR transmitter. While generally reliable in the specified range (optimum within 6 feet directly in front), occasional signal drops can happen if someone leans back too far or an object blocks the path, which is a common characteristic of IR technology, not necessarily a flaw of this specific product.
Wired Mode Flexibility
One of the standout features for me is the inclusion of a 3.5mm AUX port and cable. While the wireless function is great for the car’s DVD system, being able to plug these into other devices adds immense versatility. This means passengers can use the Joanbro IR Wireless Headphone with a tablet, smartphone, portable DVD player, or even an airplane entertainment system when they aren’t connected wirelessly in the car. This wired option is also a lifesaver if the AAA batteries die mid-trip or if you’re in a vehicle without an IR system. It essentially gives you two pairs of headphones in one – a dedicated car wireless set and a standard wired pair for general use. The included 1.5m (about 5 feet) AUX cord is a decent length, providing enough slack for comfortable use with a handheld device.
Comfort and Design
Long car rides demand comfortable headphones, and the Joanbro IR Wireless Headphone delivers reasonably well in this department, especially considering its price point. They are described as lightweight, and I found this to be true. This is crucial for children and adults who will be wearing them for extended periods, preventing that heavy, pressing feeling that can lead to discomfort or headaches. The ear placement is over-ear, which generally provides better sound isolation and comfort compared to on-ear styles, as they cup around the ear rather than pressing directly on it. The earpads are soft, contributing to comfort, and the headband is adjustable, allowing a good fit for both small children and adults. While they might not have the plush luxury of high-end headphones, for the purpose of keeping backseat passengers comfortable during a journey, they perform admirably. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of use and wearability over flashy aesthetics.
Battery Life and Auto Shut-off
The wireless headphones require two AAA alkaline batteries for wireless operation. The lifespan of the batteries will depend on the quality of the batteries used and how often the headphones are on. While it would be nice if they were rechargeable, standard AAA batteries are readily available, making replacements easy to find even on the road. A smart feature included is the automatic shut-off. After approximately 10 minutes of not receiving an IR signal, the headphones will turn themselves off. This is excellent for saving battery life, preventing the batteries from being drained if a passenger forgets to turn them off after the car’s system is shut down or the movie is over. This feature is practical and extends the usability of a single set of batteries significantly.
Audio Quality
For their intended use – listening to dialogue and audio from car DVD systems – the audio quality of the Joanbro headphones is quite sufficient. Reviews mention good sound, clear voices, and adjustable volume, which are the most important aspects for enjoying movies and shows in a noisy car environment. They aren’t designed for critical music listening or high-fidelity audio reproduction, but they effectively isolate the user from the car’s ambient noise and deliver the sound from the video system clearly. The frequency range is listed as 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz, which is standard and covers the audible spectrum. The ability to adjust the volume directly on the headset is also convenient, allowing each passenger to set their preferred listening level independently.
Dual Channel and Sharing
I touched upon the dual channel feature earlier, but it’s worth emphasizing its benefit for multi-passenger entertainment. With two channels, you genuinely double the flexibility of your car’s entertainment system if it supports broadcasting different audio sources. This is a game-changer for families with varying age groups or interests. Beyond the dual channels, the inclusion of a sharing jack (a 3.5mm AUX output on the headset itself) is a fantastic, thoughtful addition. This allows a second person to plug their standard wired headphones or earbuds into the Joanbro headphones, effectively sharing the audio source. This is perfect for siblings who want to watch the same movie and share one headset, eliminating the need for a separate splitter cable. It’s a simple feature that adds significant value and convenience.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking online, it’s clear that many users appreciate these headphones for their intended purpose. People frequently comment on how lightweight they are right out of the box. Many found them easy to use, requiring just batteries and selecting a channel to connect wirelessly. Users mentioned getting good sound quality from the car’s DVD system and appreciated the adjustable volume. The inclusion of the wire for wired use was also seen as a significant plus, adding versatility. Some noted that the material felt comfortable and durable for the price. Of course, as with any product, a few isolated instances of damaged units upon arrival were reported, but replacement units were sent, suggesting decent customer service. Overall, the sentiment appears largely positive regarding their functionality as replacement or additional car DVD headphones.
Final Thoughts: Enhancing Your Car Travel
Dealing with noise and disagreements over audio can quickly make a road trip feel much longer and more stressful than it needs to be. Ensuring passengers can enjoy their own entertainment in peace is vital for maintaining a calm atmosphere in the car. The Joanbro IR Wireless Headphone is a great fit for solving this problem for several reasons. Firstly, its wide compatibility with many popular vehicle entertainment systems makes it a convenient solution for numerous car owners. Secondly, the combination of wireless IR connectivity for the car system and a wired option for other devices provides excellent versatility. Lastly, features like dual channels and the sharing jack cater well to multiple passengers with different needs. If you’re looking to restore peace and quiet to your long drives while keeping the back seat entertained, these wireless IR headphones are definitely worth considering. To check them out further, click here.