The true wireless earbuds market continues to grow rapidly. More brands compete for attention with affordable options. JBL enters this space with the Vibe Beam 2.
These earbuds promise premium features at a budget price. They include Active Noise Cancelling and Smart Ambient technology.
The JBL Pure Bass Sound aims to deliver quality audio. This detailed review explores whether these earbuds live up to their promises.
Key Takeaways
- Outstanding Battery Performance: The JBL Vibe Beam 2 delivers up to 40 hours total playback time with the charging case. The earbuds provide 10 hours continuous use with ANC off and 8 hours with ANC on. Fast charging gets you back to listening quickly.
- Active Noise Cancelling at Budget Price: These earbuds feature genuine ANC technology typically found in expensive models. The Smart Ambient mode lets you control outside sound levels. You decide how much environmental noise to hear.
- Water Resistant Design: The IP54 rating protects against dust and water splashes. The charging case gets IPX2 protection. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Comprehensive App Control: The JBL Headphones app provides extensive customization options. You get parametric EQ, preset sound profiles, and control mapping. Voice prompts support multiple languages.
- Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity: Modern Bluetooth ensures stable connections with up to 8 devices. Quick switching between devices works seamlessly. The connection range performs well for daily use.
Design and Build Quality
The JBL Vibe Beam 2 follows the stick style design that many users prefer. The earbuds feature an oval shape with stems extending downward. This design provides easy access to touch controls. The matte plastic construction feels solid despite the budget price point.
Each earbud weighs just 4.3 grams. The lightweight design reduces ear fatigue during extended listening sessions. The charging case measures 64.3 x 25.8 x 48 mm and weighs 41 grams. This compact size fits easily in pockets or small bags.
The build quality exceeds expectations for the price range. The materials feel durable enough for daily use. The IP54 rating on the earbuds protects against dust and water. The case receives IPX2 protection for basic splash resistance. This makes them suitable for gym workouts and light rain.
Color options include black, white, and other attractive variants. The design looks modern and professional. The stems house the 8mm dynamic drivers that deliver the audio performance.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort levels vary significantly between users with the Vibe Beam 2. The oval earbud shape works well for some ear types. Others may struggle to achieve a secure, comfortable seal. JBL includes three sizes of silicone ear tips to help with fit customization.
The lightweight design reduces pressure on the ears. Users report minimal fatigue during 2-3 hour listening sessions. However, the fit can become loose over time. Some users need to readjust the earbuds periodically.
The stem design makes insertion and removal easy. The earbuds don’t go too deep into the ear canal. This creates a more comfortable experience than some competitor models. However, stability during intense activity remains a concern.
Touch controls can accidentally activate when adjusting the fit. This creates occasional frustration during use. Finding the right ear tip size is crucial for both comfort and sound quality. Take time to test all three sizes included in the package.
Sound Quality Performance
The JBL Pure Bass Sound delivers the brand’s signature audio profile. The 8mm dynamic drivers produce frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz. The default sound emphasizes bass without overwhelming other frequencies. This creates an engaging listening experience for most music genres.
Bass response provides good punch and depth. Electronic music and hip-hop benefit from the enhanced low-end. The bass doesn’t muddy the midrange frequencies. Rock and pop music maintain clarity in vocal and instrument separation.
Midrange performance handles vocals and instruments well. Speech remains clear during podcasts and phone calls. Some users note slight emphasis in the upper midrange. This can make vocals sound slightly forward in the mix.
Treble frequencies show some inconsistency across different recordings. Cymbals and high-frequency details vary in presentation. The overall treble response stays generally balanced. Most users won’t notice these subtle variations during casual listening.
The parametric EQ in the JBL app allows extensive sound customization. Multiple preset options cater to different music preferences. Users can create custom EQ curves for personalized sound signatures.
Active Noise Cancelling Technology
The Active Noise Cancelling represents a major upgrade from the original Vibe Beam. The ANC effectively reduces consistent background noises. Air conditioning hum, traffic noise, and office chatter see noticeable reduction. The performance competes well with more expensive ANC earbuds.
Low-frequency noise cancellation works particularly well. Engine noise during flights or commutes becomes less intrusive. The ANC struggles more with sudden sharp sounds and high-frequency noise. This limitation is common among budget ANC implementations.
Smart Ambient technology provides excellent flexibility. Users can adjust how much outside sound filters through. The TalkThru mode allows conversations without removing earbuds. Ambient Aware mode maintains situational awareness during outdoor activities.
The ANC battery impact is reasonable. Expect about 2 hours less playback time with noise cancelling active. The 8-hour battery life with ANC on remains competitive. Many users find the noise reduction worth the battery trade-off.
Wind noise can occasionally interfere with ANC performance. This happens during outdoor activities in breezy conditions. The overall ANC implementation exceeds expectations for the price point.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance stands out as a major strength. The earbuds provide 10 hours continuous playback with ANC disabled. This extends daily usage significantly compared to competitor models. With ANC active, expect around 8 hours of listening time.
The charging case adds 30 additional hours of playback time. This brings total battery life to 40 hours with ANC off. With noise cancelling enabled, total time reaches approximately 32 hours. These numbers lead the budget earbud category.
Charging speed performs adequately for daily use. The earbuds reach full charge in approximately 2 hours. A 15-minute quick charge provides several hours of playback time. The USB-C charging port on the case supports modern charging standards.
Battery indicators appear both on the case and in the mobile app. LED lights on the case show charging status. The app provides detailed battery percentages for each earbud. This helps users plan charging schedules effectively.
Power management features help extend battery life. The auto-off timer shuts down earbuds when inactive. This prevents accidental battery drain when earbuds remain outside the case. Users can adjust these settings through the companion app.
Connectivity and Controls
Bluetooth 5.3 provides stable connections with modern devices. The pairing process completes quickly and reliably. Multi-device connectivity supports up to 8 paired devices. Switching between devices works smoothly for most users.
Connection range performs well in typical usage scenarios. The earbuds maintain stable connections at reasonable distances. Audio dropouts occasionally occur in crowded wireless environments. This limitation affects most budget Bluetooth earbuds.
Touch controls offer good responsiveness when working properly. The control scheme allows customization through three preset options. Volume control, playback management, and ambient sound controls are available. However, accidental activation happens frequently during adjustment.
Voice assistant integration works with Siri, Google Assistant, and other platforms. The activation method involves tap-and-hold gestures. Voice recognition performs adequately in quiet environments. Background noise can interfere with assistant accuracy.
Codec support includes SBC and AAC for wide device compatibility. The absence of aptX or LDAC limits high-resolution audio potential. Most users won’t notice this limitation during typical music streaming.
Microphone and Call Quality
Call quality meets expectations for budget earbuds. The integrated microphones capture voice clearly in quiet environments. Background noise can interfere with call clarity. The microphones struggle to isolate speech from ambient sound.
Voice clarity remains good during indoor phone calls. Outdoor calls face challenges from wind noise and traffic sounds. The Voice Aware feature lets users hear their own voice during calls. This helps prevent speaking too loudly.
Noise handling shows room for improvement. The microphones cannot effectively suppress background noise. Conference calls in noisy environments may require switching to phone speakers. This limitation is common among budget wireless earbuds.
Microphone sensitivity works well for voice commands. Voice assistant activation responds reliably to spoken requests. The microphones handle normal speaking volumes without issues. Shouting or whispering may reduce recognition accuracy.
Mobile App Experience
The JBL Headphones app provides comprehensive control over earbud settings. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Most features are easily accessible through clear menu options. Regular app updates add new features and improvements.
EQ customization offers both preset options and manual adjustment. The parametric EQ allows precise frequency tuning. Bass boost, vocal enhancement, and balanced presets suit different preferences. Users can save custom EQ profiles for different music genres.
Control mapping lets users customize touch gesture functions. Three different control schemes provide volume, playback, and ambient sound management. This flexibility accommodates different usage preferences. The customization options exceed many competitor apps.
Firmware updates install automatically through the app. These updates often improve connectivity stability and audio performance. The app notifies users when updates become available. Installation typically completes within a few minutes.
Additional features include voice prompt language selection and power management options. The app tracks battery levels for both earbuds and case. Find My Earbuds helps locate misplaced devices through audio alerts.
Comparison with Competitors
Price positioning puts the Vibe Beam 2 against several strong competitors. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers similar features at comparable pricing. Earfun Air Pro 3 provides strong competition in the budget ANC segment. JBL’s own Tune Beam series creates internal competition.
Feature comparison shows the Vibe Beam 2 competing well. The 40-hour total battery life exceeds most competitors. Active noise cancelling at this price point remains relatively uncommon. The JBL brand recognition adds value for many consumers.
Sound quality varies significantly among budget options. The Pure Bass sound appeals to bass-focused listeners. More neutral options exist for users preferring balanced sound signatures. The parametric EQ helps address individual preferences.
Build quality generally matches expectations across the price range. The IP54 rating provides better protection than some alternatives. Comfort and fit vary significantly between brands and individual users. Testing different options helps identify the best personal fit.
Pros and Cons Analysis
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam 2 include exceptional battery performance. The 40-hour total playback time leads the budget category. Active noise cancelling provides genuine value at this price point. The JBL Headphones app offers extensive customization options.
Sound quality delivers the expected JBL signature sound. Bass response satisfies most users seeking engaging audio. Build quality exceeds expectations for the price range. Water resistance enables gym and outdoor usage.
Disadvantages include inconsistent fit across different ear shapes. Touch control sensitivity can cause accidental activation. Call quality struggles in noisy environments. Wind noise affects outdoor ANC performance.
Connectivity issues occasionally occur in crowded wireless areas. The oval earbud shape doesn’t suit all users comfortably. Treble inconsistency may bother audio enthusiasts. Codec limitations restrict high-resolution audio potential.
Value and Final Verdict
The JBL Vibe Beam 2 represents solid value in the budget ANC earbud market. Strong battery performance and genuine noise cancelling justify the price point. The comprehensive app support adds significant functionality.
Sound quality meets expectations for the price range. The Pure Bass signature appeals to many listeners. Build quality and water resistance support active lifestyles. Brand reliability provides confidence in long-term performance.
Fit and comfort remain the primary concerns. Users with smaller ears may struggle with the oval design. Touch control sensitivity can frustrate some users. Call quality limitations affect business use.
For users seeking budget ANC earbuds with excellent battery life, the Vibe Beam 2 deserves consideration. The feature set competes well against more expensive options. JBL’s reputation adds confidence to the purchase decision.
The price-to-performance ratio makes these earbuds attractive to budget-conscious consumers. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the customizable sound signature. Active users benefit from the water resistance and secure fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the JBL Vibe Beam 2 battery last?
The earbuds provide 10 hours with ANC off and 8 hours with ANC on. The charging case adds 30 additional hours for 40 hours total playback time.
Are the JBL Vibe Beam 2 waterproof?
They have IP54 water and dust resistance for protection against splashes and sweat. The charging case has IPX2 rating for basic splash protection.
Can you use only one earbud at a time?
Yes, both earbuds work independently. You can use either the left or right earbud alone for calls or music listening.
Do the JBL Vibe Beam 2 have noise cancelling?
Yes, they feature Active Noise Cancelling technology plus Smart Ambient mode to control how much outside sound you hear.
What devices are compatible with JBL Vibe Beam 2?
They work with any Bluetooth-enabled device including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The JBL Headphones app requires iOS or Android.
How do you control the JBL Vibe Beam 2?
Touch controls on the earbuds handle playback, volume, and ambient sound. You can customize the control functions through the JBL Headphones app.
What’s included in the JBL Vibe Beam 2 box?
The package includes the earbuds, charging case, USB-C charging cable, three sizes of ear tips, and user documentation.
