Having access to quality sound while on the go has become essential in our daily lives. Finding earbuds that balance comfort, sound quality, and functionality can be challenging.
The JBL Tune Flex wireless earbuds promise to deliver exceptional audio performance with versatile fit options.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore whether these earbuds live up to their promises and if they deserve a spot in your tech collection.
Key Takeaways: JBL Tune Flex at a Glance
- Unique Dual Fit System: The JBL Tune Flex comes with both open-style and sealing ear tips, allowing you to choose between awareness of surroundings or enhanced noise isolation.
- Battery Performance: Get up to 32 hours of total playback time – 8 hours from the earbuds and 24 additional hours from the charging case (or 6 hours with ANC on plus 18 hours from the case).
- Sound Quality: Features 12mm drivers with JBL’s signature Pure Bass Sound for enhanced low-frequency response, though sound quality varies between the open and sealed fit options.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Includes customizable ANC levels (1-6) through the app, though effectiveness depends on the ear tip style used.
- Smart Features: Offers Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes to stay connected to your surroundings without removing earbuds.
- Water Resistance: IPX4 rating makes these earbuds resistant to splashes and sweat, suitable for workouts.
- Connectivity: Uses Bluetooth 5.2 for stable connection, supports AAC and SBC codecs.
- Customization: The JBL Headphones app provides extensive personalization options including equalizer settings and touch control customization.
- Price Point: Retails for $99.95, positioning the Tune Flex as a mid-range option in the true wireless market.
- Microphone System: Features 4-mic technology for call clarity, though performance is average compared to premium models.
Design and Comfort: Finding Your Perfect Fit
The JBL Tune Flex earbuds stand out from the crowd with their innovative approach to fit customization. Unlike most earbuds that force you to choose between an open design or a sealed fit, the Tune Flex gives you both options in one package. This level of versatility is rare, especially at this price point.
The earbuds feature a stem-style design similar to Apple AirPods but with JBL’s distinctive branding engraved on each stem. They’re available in several color options, including Black, Blue, and White, plus special Ghost Edition variants with transparent plastic construction in Purple, Black, and White.
When it comes to comfort, the Tune Flex delivers a pleasant wearing experience for most users. The earbuds are remarkably lightweight at just 4.8 grams per earbud, allowing for extended wear without discomfort. The package includes three sizes of silicone “Sealing” tips (S, M, L) and one pair of “Open” tips. This dual-fit system is where the “Flex” in the name truly shines.
The open-style fit sits outside your ear canal, allowing you to maintain awareness of your surroundings – perfect for office environments or outdoor activities where situational awareness matters. Meanwhile, the sealed fit provides better sound isolation and bass response – ideal for commuting or focusing in noisy environments.
However, some users report that the long stems can occasionally interfere with earrings or winter headwear. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall design balances style and functionality effectively.
Sound Quality: Pure Bass with Customizable Profiles
Sound quality is where JBL’s expertise truly comes into play with the Tune Flex. The earbuds house 12mm dynamic drivers that deliver JBL’s signature Pure Bass Sound. This sound profile is particularly noticeable when using the sealed ear tips, which create a better acoustic chamber for low frequencies.
The bass response is impressively deep and punchy without overwhelming the mix. When listening to bass-heavy tracks like The Knife’s “Silent Shout” or Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty,” the sub-bass frequencies come through with substantial rumble that you can physically feel. This makes the Tune Flex an excellent choice for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and modern pop.
In the midrange, the Tune Flex presents a full-bodied sound with good clarity. Vocals and instruments have a rich presence without sounding muddy or recessed. The upper mids avoid harshness while maintaining enough presence to keep vocals clear and detailed. This balanced approach makes for an engaging listening experience across various musical genres.
The high frequencies are smooth and well-controlled, avoiding the piercing quality that can lead to listening fatigue. While audiophiles might wish for more sparkle and air in the treble, the average listener will appreciate the non-fatiguing presentation that allows for hours of comfortable listening.
It’s worth noting that sound quality varies significantly depending on which ear tips you use. With the open tips, you’ll experience reduced bass impact and volume consistency between ears. The sealed tips provide a much more consistent and robust sound profile with better bass extension and overall volume.
The JBL Headphones app enhances the listening experience with a customizable equalizer featuring presets and the ability to create your own sound profile. This flexibility allows you to tailor the sound to your preferences or optimize it for specific content types.
Noise Cancellation: Adaptable Ambient Sound Control
The Tune Flex includes Active Noise Cancellation technology with customizable intensity levels. Through the JBL Headphones app, you can adjust the ANC power from levels 1 to 6, though the relationship between these numbers and actual noise reduction isn’t strictly linear.
When using the sealed ear tips and ANC set to level 5 (which testing shows provides better bass-range isolation than level 6), the earbuds offer moderate noise reduction. The system works best against consistent mid-frequency sounds like office chatter or air conditioning hum. However, it struggles with low-frequency rumble from engines or subway noise, which may still be noticeable during commutes.
The open-style fit, as expected, provides minimal passive noise isolation, and even with ANC activated, environmental sounds remain quite audible. This is actually a benefit if you want to maintain awareness of your surroundings while enjoying music.
Beyond standard noise cancellation, the Tune Flex offers two helpful ambient sound modes:
- Ambient Aware mode allows you to hear your surroundings naturally while listening to audio – perfect for outdoor activities or situations where safety requires environmental awareness.
- TalkThru mode temporarily reduces your music volume and enhances external voices, making it easy to have quick conversations without removing your earbuds.
These features add valuable versatility to the Tune Flex, though the overall noise cancellation performance falls short compared to premium models like the Sony WF-1000XM4 or even some similarly priced competitors.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power
Battery performance is a crucial factor for wireless earbuds, and the JBL Tune Flex delivers respectable results in this department. According to JBL’s specifications, the earbuds provide 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled and 8 hours with ANC disabled. The charging case adds another 18-24 hours depending on your usage of noise cancellation features.
In real-world testing, the earbuds slightly exceed these estimates, offering around 6.5 hours with ANC activated. This is sufficient for most daily use scenarios, though it falls short of some competitors in the same price range.
The charging case is compact and portable, easily fitting into pockets or small bags. It features three LED indicators on the front to display the remaining battery level. A full recharge of the earbuds takes approximately 45 minutes, and a quick 10-minute charge provides around 2 hours of playback – a handy feature when you’re in a hurry.
The case charges via USB-C, which is standard for modern electronics. However, unlike some similarly priced options, the Tune Flex case does not support wireless charging, which may disappoint some users who have integrated this convenience into their charging routines.
Smart Features and Controls: Intuitive Interaction
The JBL Tune Flex earbuds feature touch-sensitive controls on both earpieces. By default, the control scheme is intuitive and comprehensive:
On the left earbud:
- Single tap: Cycles between ANC and Ambient Aware modes
- Double tap: Toggles TalkThru mode
On the right earbud:
- Single tap: Play/pause
- Double tap: Skip forward
- Triple tap: Skip backward
For calls and voice assistants:
- Double tap (either side): Answer/end calls
- Tap and hold: Activate voice assistant or reject calls
The responsiveness of the touch controls is good, though they can sometimes be too sensitive, leading to accidental activations when adjusting the fit. Fortunately, the JBL Headphones app allows you to customize the control scheme to better suit your preferences, including the option to add volume controls if desired.
The companion app is a standout feature, offering extensive customization options beyond just the controls. You can:
- Select ear tip type to optimize sound (Open or Sealing)
- Adjust ANC intensity and ambient sound modes
- Fine-tune audio with a graphic equalizer and presets
- Customize touch controls
- Locate lost earbuds with the “Find My Buds” feature
- Adjust call settings and voice feedback
This level of customization is impressive for earbuds in this price range and adds significant value to the overall package.
Connectivity and Compatibility: Smooth Wireless Experience
The Tune Flex utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 technology for wireless connectivity, providing a stable connection with compatible devices. During testing, the connection remained reliable with minimal dropouts, even in crowded environments with potential interference.
The wireless range is excellent, extending up to approximately 80 meters (265 feet) in line-of-sight conditions, though real-world performance with obstacles will be more limited.
The earbuds support the AAC and SBC codecs but lack compatibility with higher-resolution options like aptX or LDAC. This is typical for earbuds in this price range but may disappoint audio enthusiasts looking for lossless wireless audio quality.
One notable limitation is the absence of multipoint connectivity, meaning you can’t connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is available on some competing models, including JBL’s own Tune Buds.
Latency performance is acceptable with most content types, though there can be noticeable audio-video sync issues when watching videos or playing games. The JBL Headphones app includes a “Smart Audio & Video” feature with a dedicated Video mode that helps reduce latency with mobile devices, improving the synchronization considerably.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance: Clear Communication
The JBL Tune Flex features a four-microphone system designed to capture your voice clearly while suppressing background noise during calls. In practice, the call quality is adequate but not exceptional.
Your voice comes through with sufficient clarity for normal conversations, though some users report a slightly muffled or “robotic” quality to the sound. The microphones do a reasonable job of focusing on your voice in quiet to moderately noisy environments.
The noise suppression system takes a few seconds to adjust when you enter a noisy area, but once calibrated, it effectively reduces moderate background noise. However, in very loud environments like busy streets or subway stations, the system struggles to completely isolate your voice, and brief cutouts can occur during extreme noise events.
For regular calls in typical environments, the Tune Flex performs adequately, but if call quality is your top priority, there are better options available, albeit usually at higher price points.
Durability and Build Quality: Ready for Active Lifestyles
The JBL Tune Flex earbuds feature a solid plastic construction that balances lightweight comfort with durability. While they don’t have the premium feel of more expensive models, they appear robust enough for daily use.
With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the earbuds are protected against sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. However, they shouldn’t be submerged in water or exposed to heavy water pressure.
The charging case is lightweight and functional, with a satisfying magnetic closure that keeps the earbuds secure. The hinge mechanism seems reliable, though some users note that the overall case doesn’t feel as premium as some competitors.
The silicone ear tips are made of standard materials and may show wear over time with regular use, but replacements are readily available if needed.
Overall, the build quality is appropriate for the price point, offering sufficient durability for everyday use while maintaining a lightweight, comfortable design.
Value for Money: Competitive Features at Mid-Range Price
At a retail price of $99.95, the JBL Tune Flex positions itself in the competitive mid-range segment of the true wireless earbuds market. When evaluating value, we must consider what you get for this investment.
The Tune Flex offers several features typically found in more expensive models:
- Dual fit system with both open and sealed options
- Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
- Ambient sound modes
- Comprehensive app with customization options
- Reliable build quality with water resistance
This feature set compares favorably to similarly priced competitors, though there are some trade-offs to consider. The noise cancellation isn’t as effective as some alternatives in this price range, and the battery life, while adequate, doesn’t set any records.
For buyers who value versatility in fit options and JBL’s signature sound profile, the Tune Flex represents a solid value. However, if your priorities lean heavily toward noise cancellation performance or extended battery life, you might want to explore other options like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC or JBL’s own Tune Buds, which excel in these specific areas.
Who Should Buy the JBL Tune Flex?
The JBL Tune Flex is ideal for:
- Versatile listeners who want the option to switch between open and sealed fits depending on their environment
- Bass enthusiasts who appreciate JBL’s signature Pure Bass Sound
- Active users seeking sweat-resistant earbuds for workouts
- Commuters who want moderate noise cancellation but also need awareness modes
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for premium features at a mid-range price point
The Tune Flex may not be the best choice for:
- Audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity wireless sound
- Frequent travelers who need maximum noise cancellation
- Power users requiring extended battery life beyond 6-8 hours
- Multi-device users who need seamless switching between connections
Final Verdict: Flexible Audio Solution for Modern Lifestyles
The JBL Tune Flex earbuds deliver on their promise of versatility with the innovative dual-fit system. This unique approach to customization allows these earbuds to adapt to different listening scenarios, making them more versatile than many competitors in the same price range.
Sound quality is a strong point, particularly when using the sealed ear tips, with the signature JBL bass response providing an engaging listening experience. The comprehensive app extends this strength with personalization options that cater to various preferences.
While the noise cancellation and battery life are merely adequate rather than exceptional, they’re sufficient for most everyday scenarios. The overall package represents a good value for users who prioritize flexibility and sound quality over maximum noise isolation or extended playtime.
The JBL Tune Flex earns a solid recommendation for users seeking versatile, good-sounding earbuds at a reasonable price point. Their adaptability to different environments and listening preferences makes them a practical choice for today’s dynamic lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the JBL Tune Flex earbuds last on a single charge?
The earbuds provide approximately 8 hours of playback with ANC off and 6 hours with ANC on. The charging case adds another 24 hours (ANC off) or 18 hours (ANC on) of battery life.
Are the JBL Tune Flex earbuds waterproof?
They have an IPX4 rating, which means they’re resistant to splashes and sweat but not fully waterproof. They shouldn’t be submerged or exposed to heavy water pressure.
Can I use just one earbud at a time?
Yes, both earbuds can function independently for music playback and calls.
Does the JBL Tune Flex have wireless charging?
No, the charging case charges via USB-C only and doesn’t support wireless charging.
Can I adjust the volume directly from the earbuds?
By default, no, but you can customize the touch controls through the JBL Headphones app to include volume control functionality.
How effective is the noise cancellation?
The noise cancellation is moderate, working best against mid-frequency sounds. It’s not as powerful as premium models but provides reasonable reduction in typical environments.
What’s the difference between Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes?
Ambient Aware lets you hear your surroundings while listening to music. TalkThru temporarily reduces music volume and enhances external voices for quick conversations.
Do these earbuds support high-resolution audio codecs?
No, they support only the standard AAC and SBC codecs, not higher-resolution options like aptX or LDAC.
Can I connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
No, the Tune Flex doesn’t support multipoint connectivity for simultaneous connection to multiple devices.
How do I switch between the open and sealed fit options?
Simply replace the ear tips with your preferred style and select the corresponding setting in the JBL Headphones app to optimize the sound accordingly.
