The JBL wireless in-ear headphones have gained traction, performing impressively within their lineup.
Meanwhile, Apple AirPods have long dominated the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones market, known for their convenience and seamless iPhone pairing.
With JBL’s emergence, the TWS market has become highly competitive, with numerous brands vying for Airpods’ audience.
This intensifying competition prompts a comparison between JBL TWS and Apple AirPods to aid consumers in making informed choices.
JBL Earbuds
JBL’s Bluetooth earphones, exemplified by the JBL TWS 4, have heightened competition in the TWS market.
Harman Kardon’s tuning adds to their quality, setting them apart from Apple AirPods by providing a diverse range of options for JBL earbud users.
The latest JBL offerings ensure seamless connectivity with their advanced Bluetooth chip.
Some models will also include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), akin to AirPods Pro.
Battery life varies across JBL TWS, surpassing Airpods 1st Gen in some cases and aligning closely with Airpods 3rd Gen and Airpods Pro in overall comparison.
JBL earbuds vs Airpods (which one is better)
Are JBL earbuds better than Airpods? JBL earbuds and Apple Airpods, prioritizing JBL’s offerings is wise if you’re not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
JBL often excels in sound quality, but Airpods maintain an edge in convenience, making it a tough competition for JBL’s TWS in terms of ease of use.
Are JBL earbuds better than Airpods?
The article is about Are JBL earbuds better than Airpods? both priced at $250, highlighting their distinct features and audio experiences.
It aims to aid users in determining the best fit based on their preferences through an exploration of their differences and similarities.
Let’s compare both of them with pros and cons.
Airpods PROS
The AirPods Pro 2 boasts enhanced sound quality with improved lows and mids, longer battery life, and a redesigned case compatible with MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers.
Its upgraded active noise cancellation via the H2 chip surpasses the previous model, while the adaptive transparency mode adjusts sound levels for comfort in noisy settings.
Additionally, it offers personalized spatial audio, voice isolation, a Find My function similar to AirTag, and convenient compatibility with Apple devices, including wireless charging and adaptive transparency features.
JBL PROS
Smart Case boasts a touchscreen for easy earbud control and battery monitoring.
It delivers excellent sound quality, tight bass, and adequate ANC, outperforming many rivals. Transparency mode enhances interaction, while personalization through the app allows tailored sound settings.
The earbuds offer a comfortable fit and exceptional call quality with six microphones, IPX5 water resistance, wireless charging, adaptive noise-canceling, voice assistant support, and stable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
Airpods CONS
- Bass performance varies for different users.
- Lacks EQ options or presets.
- Inadequate noise isolation.
- Restricted control scheme.
JBL CONS
- Long time to charge.
- Lacks bass
- Poor noise isolation.
- Inexpensive appearance and feel.
Some other comparision of Airpods vs JBL
1. Neutral sound
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen delivers a neutral sound with detailed instruments and vocals, but an emphasized treble creates a bright and harsh sound.
Their bass lacks depth, and the sound experience can vary based on the fit. However, they lack customization options via an EQ app.
On the other hand, the JBL TUNE 220 offers a bright sound profile with accurate mid and treble but severely lacks bass.
They also lack EQ customization due to the absence of a companion app.
2. Commute travel
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen offers a mediocre commuting experience due to their open-back design, which allows outside noise in, especially low-frequency sounds like engine rumbles.
However, they’re portable, lightweight, and comfortable, with a decent four-hour battery life, suitable for most commutes.
On the other hand, the JBL TUNE 220 performs subpar for commuting and travel, with a short 2.3-hour battery life and over 1.5 hours to recharge.
They also lack noise isolation, failing to reduce background noise like bus or plane engines or nearby conversations.
3. Sports Fitness
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are suitable for sports but might offer better stability for some users due to their one-size-fits-all design.
Their open-back style allows awareness of surroundings during outdoor activities but lacks noise isolation for crowded gym environments.
However, the control scheme for adjusting playlists or volume while on the move is limited.
On the other hand, the JBL TUNE 220 performs well as sports headphones, feeling stable during light workouts or runs despite lacking stability fins.
They also allow awareness of surroundings due to minimal noise isolation.
However, their bass-deficient sound profile might be better for intense gym sessions.
4. Office purpose
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen offers a mediocre experience for office use due to their open-back design that allows ambient noise in and leaks audio at high volumes, potentially disturbing coworkers.
Their roughly four-hour battery life falls short of an entire workday, but their quick recharge can provide another four hours after a break.
Conversely, the JBL TUNE 220 performs poorly in office settings, lacking noise isolation and leaking audio.
With a short 2.3-hour battery life and over 1.5 hours to recharge, they require long breaks without music during the day.
5. For Gaming
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen, being Bluetooth-only, needs to be compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles and might not be ideal for gaming due to high latency with Bluetooth-enabled PCs and Android phones, especially for mobile gaming.
Similarly, the JBL TUNE 220 is not recommended for wireless gaming as it lacks compatibility with PS4 or Xbox One, and its Bluetooth connection to a PC might result in high latency, impacting gaming performance.
6. For Phone calls
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen shows subpar performance for calling when connected to a PC due to a microphone that produces thin and lacking voices.
While they handle moderate ambient noise adequately, louder sounds can overshadow your voice. When connected to an iPhone, voice clarity improves slightly, but noise handling worsens.
Similarly, the JBL TUNE 220 offers integrated microphones for calls on the go.
Still, their overall microphone quality could be better, and it becomes challenging for the caller to hear you in moderately noisy environments.
Airpods Pro 2 vs Jbl Tour Pro 2
In comparing the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless with the JBL TUNE 220TWS Truly Wireless, the AirPods excel in comfort, premium design, accurate sound with slightly more bass, longer battery life, and iOS customization options.
However, the JBL offers easier-to-use controls with better feedback and a more secure fit in the ear.
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1. Charging case
The main difference between the JBL Tour Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2 is their charging cases.
JBL’s case has a bright display, offering direct control over earbud settings without relying on a phone app, which is convenient, especially when connected to a computer or TV.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 case has a speaker that emits a high-pitched sound, aiding in locating it using an iPhone.
2. Size and charging options
The main difference between the JBL Tour Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2 is their charging cases.
JBL’s case has a bright display, offering direct control over earbud settings without relying on a phone app, which is convenient, especially when connected to a computer or TV.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 case has a speaker that emits a high-pitched sound, aiding in locating it using an iPhone.
3. Controls
The JBL Tour Pro 2 utilizes touch controls, whereas the AirPods Pro 2 uses squeeze controls.
Both are intuitive, but AirPods offer more functionality, including volume control, while JBL requires users to toggle between playback, volume, and ambient sound controls.
4. Bluetooth connection
The JBL Tour Pro 2 offers a multi-point connection, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 seamlessly switches between Apple devices, simplifying multitasking without multi-point connection capabilities.
5. Battery life
The JBL Tour Pro 2, with noise cancellation on, delivers about 8 hours of playtime from a single charge, backed by an extra 24 hours from the case.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 offer approximately 6 hours of playtime, with an additional 30 hours from the case.
JBL provides more playtime per charge, while AirPods offer better reserve battery life.
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6. Water Resistance
Both earbuds, the JBL Tour Pro 2 (IPX5) and AirPods Pro 2 (IPX4), offer water resistance, capable of enduring sweat and light splashes, catering well to active individuals.
7. Fit and Comfort
Both earbuds have a similar fit, but the AirPods Pro 2 might be slightly more comfortable because of their curved design.
Both are suitable for daily use, but the AirPods Pro 2 are preferred for workouts and gym sessions due to their enhanced comfort.
8. Sound Quality
Both earbuds initially provide balanced sound quality, but the JBL Tour Pro 2 stands out for its customization options.
Using the JBL app, users can create personalized presets and adjust the sound to their liking, offering a more versatile sound signature compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
9. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
The AirPods Pro 2 excels in robust noise cancellation, whereas the JBL Tour Pro 2 offers adaptive noise cancellation, adapting to ambient noise levels.
Additionally, AirPods’ adaptive transparency feature aids in reducing loud sounds for ear protection, giving them an edge in this aspect.
10. Phone call and micro phone
Both earbuds excel in quiet environments, but in windy conditions, the AirPods Pro 2 outshine the JBL Tour Pro 2 in reducing wind noise.
However, the JBL Tour Pro 2 boasts good call quality, ensuring clear conversations and making it a suitable option for communication.
JBL and Airpods alternative earbuds
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2
Best JBL earbuds
JBL offers a diverse range of wireless earbuds catering to various needs and preferences:
- JBL Free X: Compact, lightweight, sweat-resistant earbuds with 4 hours of playback time and a built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
- JBL Reflect Flow: Sweatproof earbuds with 10 hours of playback time, touch controls, and a carrying case for extra power on the go.
- JBL Under Armour Flash: Designed for workouts, these sweatproof and waterproof earbuds provide 5 hours of playback time and include a charging case.
- JBL Club Pro+: Premium design with 8 hours of playback time, touch controls, and noise-canceling technology for ambient noise reduction.
Conclustion
Choosing between Are JBL earbuds better than Airpods depends on individual preferences.
For those who value sound quality and customization, the JBL Tour Pro 2, with its versatile sound signature and smart display case, is an excellent choice.
Conversely, if more robust noise cancellation and seamless integration with Apple devices are preferred, the AirPods Pro 2 emerges as a compelling option.
Ultimately, both earbuds offer great features, and the decision hinges on prioritized qualities.