JBL has created a solid lineup of true wireless earbuds to suit a variety of listening styles and budgets. With the JBL Wave Buds, Wave Beam, and Tune 230 NC, you get three different options that cater to everyday users, music lovers, and those looking for premium features.
But with their differences in design, sound quality, and features, choosing the right one can be a challenge. In this guide, we’ll explore each model’s strengths and help you decide which is best for you.
Table of Contents
Build and Design
Each of these JBL earbuds has a unique design that affects both their comfort and functionality:
JBL Wave Buds: Small and sleek, the Wave Buds skip the stem, making them an understated choice that’s easy to wear. The main drawback? The case doesn’t have a lid, which can leave the buds exposed to dust or lint when they’re in a pocket or bag.
JBL Wave Beam: This model has a stem design with a rounded case and a USB-C charging port on the bottom. The lid has a stiffer opening mechanism, which gives it a solid feel, but it’s a bit more effort to open compared to other earbuds.
JBL 230 NC: The most premium option here, the 230 NC comes with a slightly larger case and a flat bottom that lets it sit upright. Its spring-loaded lid opens with ease, automatically turning on the earbuds. It also includes three LED lights on the case to indicate battery life, adding a touch of convenience.
Comfort is key, especially if you wear earbuds for extended periods. The Wave Buds’ compact size makes them snug without being uncomfortable. The Wave Beam, however, may feel bulky over time. Meanwhile, the 230 NC manages a larger build without causing discomfort, thanks to its lighter weight.
Features
All three models come with Bluetooth 5.2, touch controls, and JBL app support. Here’s where they differ:
JBL Wave Buds and Wave Beam: Both rely on passive noise isolation, meaning they don’t actively block out background noise. This is fine for casual listening, but if you’ve used active noise-canceling (ANC) before, you may miss it.
JBL 230 NC: This model is equipped with ANC, effectively reducing noise from fans, traffic, and other ambient sounds. It’s a great choice if you frequently use your earbuds in busy settings. Additionally, the 230 NC has three LED lights for battery level indication, while the Wave Buds and Wave Beam each use a single LED.
Each model also includes JBL’s Smart Audio & Video mode, which enhances audio for music or reduces latency for video playback. However, some users have noted a slight latency lag with the 230 NC, which could be more noticeable in earlier batches.
Sound Quality
JBL has tuned each of these earbuds differently to match a range of listening preferences:
Bass: If you love deep bass, both the Wave Buds and 230 NC are solid options. The Wave Buds offer a warm, punchy bass that’s perfect for workouts or high-energy music. The 230 NC takes it further, delivering deeper bass while keeping the mids and highs clear.
Mids: The 230 NC excels here with a balanced, rich midrange, making vocals and instruments sound full and natural. In comparison, the Wave Beam sounds slightly thinner in this range, while the Wave Buds offer a natural and rounded tone that sits comfortably between the two.
Highs: The Wave Buds and Wave Beam are on the bright side in the treble, which can feel harsh after long listening sessions. The 230 NC, however, is well-tuned in this area, giving a smooth treble that doesn’t become overwhelming. For fans of acoustic or classical music, the 230 NC delivers the most refined experience.
While the driver size differs (8mm in the Wave Buds and Wave Beam, 6mm in the 230 NC), each delivers a unique sound profile suited to different listeners. The 230 NC stands out for its clarity and sharp detail, while the Wave Buds and Beam offer enjoyable sound with a slightly less polished edge.
Call Quality
For call performance, the JBL models vary quite a bit:
JBL Wave Buds: With one microphone per earbud, call clarity is decent in quieter spaces but struggles with background noise in louder areas.
JBL Wave Beam: Similar to the Wave Buds, the Wave Beam has a single microphone setup, which limits its noise-reduction ability in calls.
JBL 230 NC: With two microphones on each earbud and environmental noise-canceling technology, the 230 NC is much clearer on calls, effectively filtering out background noise and making it ideal for use in public or outdoor spaces.
Battery Life
Battery life is a major factor for users on the go. Here’s a quick look:
JBL Wave Buds: Offers up to 8 hours on a single charge, plus an extra 24 hours from the case.
JBL Wave Beam: Similar to the Wave Buds, with 8 hours per charge and an additional 24 from the case.
JBL 230 NC: The ANC feature reduces battery life to about 6 hours per charge, with the case providing up to 24 hours in total. Turning off ANC extends battery life slightly.
The Wave Buds and Beam are close in battery performance, while the 230 NC trades a bit of battery for its ANC. All models support fast charging, giving you around an hour of playtime with a quick 10-minute charge.
JBL Wave Buds vs JBL Wave Beam vs JBL Tune 230 NC: Specs Comparison
| Feature | JBL Wave Buds | JBL Wave Beam | JBL Tune 230NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear, no stem | In-ear, stem design | In-ear, stem design |
| Driver Size | 8mm Dynamic Driver | 8mm Dynamic Driver | 6mm Dynamic Driver |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | 8 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours (6 hours with ANC) |
| Battery Life (With Case) | 32 hours | 32 hours | 24 hours |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Microphones | 2 per earbud | 2 per earbud | 2 per earbud |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App Support | JBL Headphones App | JBL Headphones App | JBL Headphones App |
| Weight (Earbuds) | 4.5g each | 4.4g each | 5.1g each |
Which JBL Earbuds Are Right for You?
JBL Wave Buds: If you’re looking for something compact and comfortable for daily use, the Wave Buds are a solid choice. They deliver good bass and midrange for casual listening and are ideal for commuting or workouts.
JBL Wave Beam: The Wave Beam works best for listeners who enjoy lighter music genres like acoustic, jazz, or classical. Its emphasis on the highs makes it a good pick for quieter, more detailed sound, but it’s not as bass-heavy as the Wave Buds.
JBL 230 NC: This is the premium option with ANC, richer sound, and superior call quality. If you need a reliable pair for work calls, travel, or everyday use in noisy settings, the 230 NC is the best choice. It’s a versatile all-rounder with a balanced sound profile and is worth the investment if you value these added features.
Overall, each JBL earbud model is designed to cater to different needs, ensuring you get the most value from the option that best matches your lifestyle and preferences.
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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.
