JBL Live Free 2 True Wireless Earbuds review with noise cancelling and 35-hour battery life

Description

Unpacking the Experience with JBL Live Free 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The JBL Live Free 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds came into my life with promises of crystal-clear sound, seamless calls, and a snug, comfortable fit. Being someone who uses earbuds daily—whether for commuting, working out, or just zoning out with music—I was curious to see if this product could live up to the hype. Spoiler alert: It performs admirably, but it’s not without a few quirks.

Design and Comfort

One of the first things that stood out to me was the rounded pill-shaped design of these earbuds. They feel premium in hand, not at all bulky, and fit snugly in my ears. The oval-shaped tubes are a game-changer. I’ve used earbuds in the past that either fell out during a jog or left my ears aching after prolonged use. This wasn’t the case here. They stayed put, even when I tested them during an intense workout session.

Their IPX5 waterproof rating is another highlight. I didn’t hesitate to wear them in light rain or during sweaty gym sessions, and they held up perfectly. However, if you’re someone with smaller ears, like my sister, you might need a bit of adjustment to get that perfect seal for optimal noise isolation.

Audio Quality and Noise Cancellation

I can confidently say that the JBL Signature Sound delivers. The 11mm dynamic drivers produce rich, balanced audio with punchy bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. Listening to bass-heavy tracks like “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson felt immersive, yet delicate acoustic tracks like “Blackbird” by The Beatles retained their charm.

The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling feature is impressive. I tested it during a noisy subway ride, and it blocked out most of the distractions, leaving me with uninterrupted music. On the flip side, the Smart Ambient mode came in handy when I needed to stay aware of my surroundings, like crossing busy streets. Switching between these modes is seamless, though it did take me a few tries to get used to the touch-sensitive controls.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is where these earbuds truly shine. With up to 35 hours of playback (7 hours in the earbuds and 28 hours from the case), I rarely found myself reaching for the charger. The Qi-compatible wireless charging is a handy feature, especially if you already have a wireless charger lying around. I also appreciated the speed-charging capability; just 15 minutes of charging gave me around 4 hours of playtime, which saved me a couple of times when I forgot to charge them overnight.

Perfect Calls or Missed Opportunities?

The six beamforming microphones are designed to ensure clear calls with minimal noise interference. I tested this feature during a windy day at the park, and my voice came through clearly on the other end. However, one thing to note is that VoiceAware—the feature that lets you hear your own voice during calls—can take some getting used to. It’s a nifty feature, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Key Benefits

• Long Battery Life: With 35 hours of total playback, these earbuds last longer than many competitors.
• Rich Audio Quality: The JBL Signature Sound ensures clear highs, mids, and strong bass.
• Waterproof Design: The IPX5 rating makes them suitable for workouts and light rain.
• Adaptive Features: Both Noise Cancellation and Smart Ambient mode offer flexibility depending on the environment.

Caveats

• Fit Adjustments: Smaller ears might require some fiddling to get the perfect fit.
• Touch Controls: While functional, they can sometimes be overly sensitive or unresponsive.
• Price: Though feature-packed, it’s not the most budget-friendly option out there.

Market Rivals

Comparing these earbuds to other popular options like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Pro, I found that the JBL model holds its own, especially in terms of audio quality and battery life. The Sony earbuds are known for their superior noise cancellation, but they’re bulkier and pricier. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, excel in ecosystem compatibility for Apple users but lack the same bass depth I experienced with the JBL product.

Where the JBL earbuds shine is their waterproof rating and overall comfort. Many competitors don’t offer the same combination of durability and fit. However, those looking for a more intuitive touch control system might lean towards the Sony or Apple options.

Quality for Price

Considering the features packed into this product—adaptive noise cancellation, wireless charging, water resistance, and long battery life—it offers excellent value for the price. While it’s not the cheapest option on the shelf, the performance I experienced justifies the investment. It’s ideal for someone who prioritizes audio quality, comfort, and durability over budget-friendly alternatives.

After spending time with these earbuds, I can confidently say they’re a solid addition to JBL’s lineup. While there are minor areas for improvement, the combination of sound clarity, noise cancellation, and long-lasting battery life makes them a strong contender in the wireless earbuds market.

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