In the ever-expanding universe of wireless earbuds, JBL has consistently delivered reliable audio products that balance performance with affordability. Released in 2024, the JBL Tune Beam 2 represents the brand’s latest effort to capture the mid-range market with a feature-packed offering that promises premium sound without the premium price tag. After spending two weeks with these earbuds, I’m ready to break down whether they deliver on that promise.
Pros/Cons Summary
Pros:
- Impressive sound quality with rich bass response
- Comfortable for extended wear periods
- Effective active noise cancellation for the price point
- Excellent battery life (up to 48 hours with case)
- IPX5 water resistance rating (read IP Rating Types)
- Reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connection
- Intuitive touch controls
- Affordable price compared to premium alternatives
Cons:
- Mediocre call quality in noisy environments
- Limited EQ customization in the app
- Case is slightly bulkier than some competitors
- No wireless charging capability for the case
- Occasional connectivity hiccups with certain devices
Technical Specifications
| Driver size | 10mm dynamic drivers |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Codecs supported | SBC, AAC |
| Water resistance | IPX5 (sweat and light rain resistant) |
| Battery life (earbuds) | Up to 8 hours (ANC off), 6 hours (ANC on) |
| Battery life (with case) | Up to 48 hours total |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Charging time | 2 hours (full charge), 10 minutes for 1 hour playback |
| Weight (single earbud) | 5.4g |
| Weight (case with earbuds) | 47.3g |
| Microphones | 4 total (2 per earbud) |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive panels on both earbuds |
| Colors available | Black, White, Blue |
Sound Quality Assessment
The JBL Tune Beam 2 earbuds continue JBL’s tradition of delivering punchy, bass-forward sound that makes genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop music shine. The 10mm dynamic drivers produce a surprisingly wide soundstage for earbuds in this price range, with adequate separation between instruments and vocals.
The bass response is robust without overwhelming the mids, though bass-heavy tracks can occasionally cause the lower midrange to sound slightly muddy. Vocal clarity remains good throughout most music genres, and the high frequencies are crisp without becoming harsh or sibilant at higher volumes.
Using the JBL app’s preset EQ options helps tailor the sound to different genres, though I found myself wishing for a more detailed custom EQ option. The “Balanced” preset offers the most neutral sound profile, while “Bass Boost” does exactly what you’d expect, adding significant thump that EDM and hip-hop fans will appreciate.
The active noise cancellation performs admirably for earbuds in this price category. While it won’t match the performance of premium options from Sony or Bose, it effectively reduces constant, low-frequency noises like air conditioners, airplane engines, or office hum. There’s a noticeable difference in ambient noise reduction when switching between ANC modes, and the transparency mode works well for quick conversations without removing the earbuds.
Comfort and Fit
JBL has clearly put thought into the ergonomics of the Tune Beam 2. The earbuds come with three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L), allowing most users to find a comfortable, secure fit. The earbuds themselves are lightweight at just 5.4g each, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions.
I wore them during several workout sessions and daily commutes without experiencing any significant discomfort or fatigue. The IPX5 water resistance rating means they can handle sweat and light rain without issue, making them suitable for fitness enthusiasts.
The earbuds stay firmly in place during moderate activity, though they might require occasional adjustment during more vigorous exercise. The secure fit also contributes to passive noise isolation, enhancing the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation.
Battery Life
Battery performance is a standout feature of the JBL Tune Beam 2. The earbuds themselves deliver approximately 8 hours of playback with ANC turned off, and about 6 hours with ANC activated—impressive figures for this price range. The charging case provides an additional 40 hours, bringing the total potential battery life to 48 hours before needing a wall charger.
In real-world testing, these numbers held up well. A quick 10-minute charge provides about an hour of playback time, perfect for those moments when you’re about to head out and discover your earbuds are running low. The case charges via USB-C, though it lacks wireless charging capabilities found in some competing models.
The battery level of both the earbuds and case can be monitored through the JBL app, which provides percentage readouts rather than the vague LED indicators found on many earbud cases. This precision is appreciated when planning longer listening sessions away from power sources.
Additional Features
The JBL Tune Beam 2 comes with several features that enhance the overall user experience:
Touch Controls: Both earbuds feature touch-sensitive panels that allow users to control playback, adjust volume, toggle between ANC modes, and activate voice assistants. The controls are customizable through the JBL app, allowing users to prioritize the functions they use most frequently.
Voice Assistant Integration: The earbuds work seamlessly with both Google Assistant and Siri, activated by a customizable touch gesture or voice command. Voice recognition is generally reliable, though it can struggle in very noisy environments.
JBL App: The companion app provides access to firmware updates, battery status, EQ presets, touch control customization, and ANC mode switching. While functional, the app lacks some of the more advanced features found in apps from competitors like Jabra or Sony.
Multipoint Connection: The Tune Beam 2 supports connecting to two devices simultaneously, allowing users to switch between, for example, a laptop and smartphone without re-pairing. This feature worked well in testing, with minimal delay when switching audio sources.
Find My Earbuds: The app includes a basic feature to help locate misplaced earbuds by playing a sound through them—useful for those inevitable times when an earbud disappears between couch cushions.
Price/Value Analysis
Priced at $99.95 (MSRP), the JBL Tune Beam 2 represents excellent value in the mid-range wireless earbud market. They offer several features typically found in more expensive models, particularly the effective ANC, long battery life, and solid sound quality.
When compared to similar-priced competitors, the Tune Beam 2 stands out for its bass response and battery longevity. However, some alternatives offer wireless charging cases or more comprehensive app customization at this price point.
For budget-conscious consumers who prioritize sound quality and battery life over premium features like wireless charging or aptX codec support, the Tune Beam 2 offers a compelling package that delivers where it matters most.
Comparison to Alternatives
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro ($129.99): The Liberty Air 2 Pro offers slightly better ANC performance and more extensive EQ customization, but the JBL provides better battery life and a more secure fit for active users.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ($149.99): Samsung’s offering provides better integration with Galaxy devices and a smaller charging case, but the JBL outperforms in battery life and has more impactful bass response.
Jabra Elite 3 ($79.99): The Elite 3 comes in at a lower price point but lacks ANC. The JBL justifies its higher price with superior sound quality, ANC, and significantly better battery life.
JBL’s own Tune 230NC ($99.95): The Tune Beam 2 offers improved battery life and more refined sound compared to its predecessor, making it a worthwhile upgrade for existing JBL users.
Premium options (AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5): While premium models offer better ANC, sound quality, and additional features, they cost more than twice as much. For many listeners, the performance gap doesn’t justify the price difference.
Who Should Buy This
The JBL Tune Beam 2 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious music lovers who want good sound quality without breaking the bank
- Commuters seeking affordable earbuds with effective noise cancellation
- Fitness enthusiasts who need sweat-resistant earbuds with a secure fit
- Frequent travelers who prioritize long battery life
- Bass enthusiasts who enjoy genres like hip-hop, EDM, and modern pop
These earbuds may not satisfy:
- Audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity sound reproduction
- Those who frequently take calls in noisy environments
- Users who consider wireless charging a must-have feature
- Apple ecosystem devotees who benefit from the seamless integration of AirPods
Takeaways
The JBL Tune Beam 2 earbuds successfully deliver on their promise of providing premium-adjacent features at a mid-range price point. They excel in the areas that matter most to everyday users: sound quality, comfort, battery life, and effective noise cancellation.
While they don’t quite match the performance of flagship models costing twice as much, they represent an excellent value proposition for the vast majority of listeners. The bass-forward sound signature will please most contemporary music fans, and the impressive battery life ensures they’ll keep the music going through even the longest days.
JBL has made smart choices about where to invest in premium features and where to make reasonable compromises. The result is a well-balanced product that feels like it should cost more than it does—perhaps the highest compliment one can pay to mid-range audio gear.
For anyone looking to upgrade from basic earbuds without venturing into premium pricing territory, the JBL Tune Beam 2 earbuds offer one of the most compelling packages on the market today. They prove that “affordable” doesn’t have to mean “compromised” when it comes to your daily audio experience.
