JBL Tune Flex – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black), Small Review
In a market saturated with true wireless earbuds, finding the perfect balance between sound quality, comfort, and features can be a challenge. Today, we’re diving deep into the JBL Tune Flex – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black), Small, a popular choice for those seeking an everyday audio companion that doesn’t break the bank.
Detailed Review
The JBL Tune Flex earbuds aim to deliver a premium listening experience in a compact and user-friendly package. Let’s start with the sound: the 12mm drivers, coupled with JBL’s Pure Bass Sound technology, provide a rich and punchy audio profile. The bass is definitely emphasized, making these earbuds ideal for genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. While audiophiles might find the sound signature slightly biased, the average listener will appreciate the added depth and energy. The open stick design contributes to a more natural sound awareness, which is a plus when you’re walking around and want to stay connected to your surroundings without completely removing the earbuds.
One of the standout features is the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) with Smart Ambient. The ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, making these earbuds suitable for commutes, noisy offices, or even plane rides. It’s not the most powerful ANC on the market, but it does a decent job of minimizing distractions. The Smart Ambient mode, which includes Ambient Aware and TalkThru, is a welcome addition. Ambient Aware allows you to hear your surroundings without pausing your music, while TalkThru lowers the music volume and amplifies voices, making it easy to have a quick conversation without taking the earbuds out. These features are easily accessible with a simple touch control on the earbuds.
Call quality is another area where the JBL Tune Flex shines. With four microphones, these earbuds ensure clear and crisp voice transmission. The VoiceAware feature lets you adjust how much of your own voice you hear during calls, which is a useful feature to prevent you from accidentally shouting. The earbuds are also comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their ergonomic design. The IPX4 water resistance rating means you don’t have to worry about sweat or light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 32 hours of total playtime (8 hours in the earbuds and 24 hours in the charging case). With ANC enabled, you can expect around 6 hours in the earbuds and 18 hours in the case. The speed charge feature is a lifesaver, providing 2 hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge.
Finally, the JBL Headphones app allows you to customize the sound profile, adjust the ANC settings, and remap the touch controls. This level of personalization is a significant advantage and enhances the overall user experience.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| JBL Pure Bass Sound | Bass-heavy sound signature might not appeal to all listeners |
| Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient | ANC could be stronger |
| 4 mics for perfect calls | |
| Up to 32 hours of battery life | |
| Water resistant and sweatproof (IPX4) | |
| Customizable via JBL Headphones App |
Excellent Alternatives
Sony WF-1000XM4 – Offers superior noise cancellation and sound quality, but at a higher price point.
Google Pixel Buds Pro – Seamless integration with Android devices and excellent call quality.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro – Comfortable fit and great sound quality, especially for Samsung users.
Final Verdict
The JBL Tune Flex are a solid pair of true wireless earbuds that offer a good balance of features, performance, and price. While the ANC could be stronger and the sound signature is bass-heavy, the overall package is compelling. The comfortable fit, long battery life, clear call quality, and customizable settings make these earbuds a great choice for everyday use. If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile pair of earbuds, the JBL Tune Flex are definitely worth considering.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5
