- Punchy bass, fun sound
- Strong ANC with six mics
- Feature-packed JBL app
- Clear calls in noise
- Durable, comfy design
- Limited touch control options
- Recessed mids, thinner vocals
- Narrow soundstage without spatial audio
The JBL Tune Buds 2 offer punchy bass, effective ANC, and clear calls in a comfy, durable bud-style design. With a feature-packed app and immersive spatial audio, they’re great for casual listeners. However, mids are slightly recessed, and touch control customization is limited.
The JBL Tune Buds 2 are another home run from JBL, a brand that’s been nailing audio for years. These earbuds are super similar to the JBL Tune Beam 2, just with a different vibe—think classic bud-style fit instead of stems or open designs.
I’m not gonna ramble too long here since the Tune Buds 2 share a lot with their sibling, but they’re built for folks who dig the snug, in-ear feel.
Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds worth your attention.
JBL Tune Buds 2 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 10mm Dynamic Drivers |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | Up to 48 hours (12h earbuds + 36h case, ANC off) |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive ANC with Smart Ambient |
| Microphones | 6 (2 beamforming + 1 inner per earbud) |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (earbuds only) |
| Audio Features | JBL Pure Bass, Spatial Sound, Personi-Fi 3.0 |
| Weight | 5.5g per earbud, 40.6g case |
Build and Style
Unboxing the JBL Tune Buds 2 feels like classic JBL—simple, no fuss. You get the earbuds tucked in their charging case (I got the sleek black version, but there are other colors too), plus small and large ear tips (mediums come pre-installed). There’s also a bright orange USB-C cable—love that JBL pop—and some paperwork.
The case has a matte finish that looks sharp and holds up well. Scratches? They’re more like faint thumbnail marks that don’t scream “worn out” like glossy cases do. It’s got that familiar Tune Beam 2 look, with a USB-C port at the bottom and “Tune Buds 2” stamped near the hinge. The lid’s spring-loaded, snapping open with a satisfying click, and it’s easier to pop open than older models thanks to a bigger lip.
The earbuds themselves are comfy right out of the gate. The medium tips fit me like a glove, but fit’s personal—what works for me might not for you. JBL’s got options, though: these bud-style earbuds, the stem-style Tune Beam 2, or the open-style Tune Flex 2 for those who hate sealed designs. The earbuds have clear L/R markings, a touch-sensitive JBL logo, and an LED that blinks when pairing. A smart touch? There’s mesh inside the ear tips to block dust or earwax, keeping the insides safe for the long haul.
Packed with Features
The JBL Tune Buds 2 are loaded with goodies, mostly thanks to the JBL Headphones app. It shows you battery life for the earbuds and case, which is handy. You can tweak Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to dial in just how much outside noise you want to block. Want to stay aware of your surroundings? Ambient Aware lets street sounds in. TalkThru drops your music volume so you can chat without pulling the earbuds out—perfect for quick convos.
The app’s Smart Audio and Video mode picks the best settings for watching videos or listening to tunes, keeping lag low. You can customize touch controls, but here’s the catch: picking one control (like skipping tracks) might mean sacrificing another (like volume). You gotta choose what matters most. The equalizer lets you tweak the sound to your liking—there’s a guide out there (not here, but worth a Google) to help you dial it in.
Spatial audio is a game-changer. I’ve tested tons of earbuds, and these deliver some of the best spatial sound in their price range. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or jamming to music, it feels immersive. The Personify feature is cool too—it takes a few minutes to map your ears for a custom sound profile. Do it in a quiet room for the best results.
There’s also a volume cap at 85 dB to save your ears, a relax mode with soothing sounds, and a Find My Buds feature that makes the earbuds chirp if you lose them. Auto-standby saves battery when you’re not using them.
The ANC is a big step up from older models. With six mics (three per earbud) and a hybrid setup, these block everything from deep rumbles to high-pitched chatter better than the four-mic setups of the past. You can adjust it if full noise-blocking feels too intense.
Call Quality That Holds Up
I tested calls on a crazy-busy street—think motorcycles, cars, trucks, and blaring horns. The six mics and noise-canceling tech worked hard, and my voice came through clear to the other side.
The app’s Sound Level Optimizer keeps incoming call audio balanced, so no one’s shouting in your ear. You can tweak how your voice sounds to others—Natural, Powerful, or Bright modes add different flavors.
The Voice Aware feature is a JBL exclusive, piping your own voice back so you don’t feel weirdly disconnected while talking. It’s crisp and natural, matching the Tune Beam 2’s stellar performance. In quieter spots like your home or office, calls sound even better. Trust me, these earbuds handle calls like champs.
How They Sound
Rocking 10mm drivers with a 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, the Tune Buds 2 support SBC and AAC codecs. At 45–50% volume, they’re plenty comfy, but crank them to 55–60%, and the bass kicks in hard, making things lively. Push past 70–75%, and they get loud—too loud for my taste—so that volume limiter’s a lifesaver.
These aren’t for audiophiles chasing every tiny detail, but they’re a blast for casual listening. The highs are boosted just enough to sparkle without stabbing your ears, unlike some brands that overdo it. The mids dip a bit in the lower range, so vocals can feel slightly thin, but they shine with high-energy tracks like rock or pop.
The bass? Oh, it’s the star. Mid-to-low bass hits hard, giving EDM and hip-hop serious punch. Unlike some earbuds with bloated bass that muddies everything, JBL keeps it tight, so the mids stay clear.
The soundstage is what you’d expect from wireless earbuds—a cozy bubble in your head with solid left-right separation. Turn on spatial audio, and things open up, making vocals and instruments feel wider and more dynamic. It’s awesome for gaming or spatial audio tracks. These earbuds are tuned for fun, not flat precision, so they’re perfect for bass lovers but might not wow classical or acoustic fans.
Wrapping It Up
The JBL Tune Buds 2 are a killer deal at under 100 bucks. They’re tough, stylish, and comfy, with a fit that works for most (though check out the Tune Beam 2 or Tune Flex 2 if buds aren’t your thing).
The app’s a powerhouse, packed with ANC, spatial audio, and customization options that rival pricier earbuds. Call quality is rock-solid, even in noisy spots, and the bass-heavy sound is a crowd-pleaser for anyone into lively genres.
If you’re curious about how calls sound or want to compare with the Tune Beam 2, dig into those details online. The JBL app’s equalizer guide is worth a look to make these earbuds sing for you. For the price, the Tune Buds 2 are tough to beat—loaded with features, built to last, and tuned for fun. Whether you’re jamming, gaming, or chatting, these earbuds deliver.
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
