Hey gang, Valkor here. Lately, I've been traveling a lot. And what I love most about it is when I can combine my journey with the chance to work on a review. In this next round in TechView, I was given the opportunity to check out the latest from JBL-JBL Tune True Wireless earbuds. And let's just say, next to the Skullcandy Crusher Evo, these are the best audio travel companions you can invest in.
At the outset, the JBL Tune Wireless looks like your standard earbuds. But packed under the hood you'll find the JBL Tune buds are stacked. To begin with, you have Bluetooth 5.3, which enables you to share audio from either smartphone or stream separate music to each bud. I tried this with my HP Omen 15 laptop and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It worked! However, there was a bit of a lag when switching between the two devices. Still, I think this a great feature where I can start my tunes on one device and finish with another. Updates are nevertheless needed in that area. And when JBL gets around to it, we'll see how well this feature improves as time progresses.
The next feature is that the buds are touch-based, meaning that you can tap to control most of their actions. For instance, tapping the right bud starts/stops/pauses music, while the left bud switches between noise canceling or ambient aware (which allows you to hear about your surroundings). Either bud can answer a call and you can even add voice assistance. You can also customize these functions through the JBL app, which hosts tons of features. For instance, if you don't use voice assist, you can swap it out for the volume. Next, there is an equalizer that allows you to adjust your audio to your preference. There's even an option to find your buds in case one is missing. Within the app, you press the corresponding ear and the bud will let out a sharp beep.
Finally, there's the case where it also doubles as a charger for the buds. The JBL Tune buds lock in magnetically, and the case has a solid hold where I've never experienced the buds popping out. There are indicator lights on the outside of the case that show how much battery life it has. And the unit charges with USB-C (cable included). So, after going through much of the JBL Tune features, how do they sound? Let's dive right in with the TOV Breakdown!
The Bang:
I've gone through my share of headphones between over-the-ear, true wireless, and beyond. And each set I've tested has its strengths and weaknesses. Your ears deserve an enjoyable listening experience, though, and the JBL Tune earbuds deliver just that. They produce a clear, crisp sound with amazing clarity and a rich bass. Noise cancellation comes next, and the JBL Tune does a fantastic job drowning out background noise. Once the beats hit, you're nearly immersed, which is most helpful if you commute. Voice aware is a well-added feature as it keeps you alert to the goings on around you. And you can switch back and forth with just a touch. Finally, JBL touts the JBL Tune with a ten-hour battery life. And that holds up as they lasted as long on my 14-hour Japan journey with charging in between. Ultimately, JBL Tune wireless earbuds provide exceptional sound in a compact design that is ideal for travel.
The Slack:
I noticed that the buds skipped from time to time. Not often enough to be distracting or to warrant tossing them in the trash. But it did take me out of my flow when it happened.
If you're in the market for a sweet set of earbuds, then I highly recommend investing in JBL Tune True Wireless. They're compact, offer amazing noise canceling, and the sound quality will blow your ears away. Hopefully, the skipping can be fixed with an update. But until then, out of TOV 5 stars, I'm giving JBL Tune true wireless earbuds a solid 4.
