Review: JBL Tour Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

In an era where true wireless earbuds are becoming increasingly common, the JBL Tour Pro 2 stands out with its impressive array of features and technologies. These earbuds are not just another addition to the market, but rather a comprehensive audio solution for individuals who demand exceptional sound quality, noise-cancellation, voice control, and customization options. In this review, we will delve into each feature and benefit of the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what they have to offer.

Design

The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds have a sleek and elegant design that matches their premium price tag. We thought the following were their standout design features.

Fit: The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to the ergonomic shape and the three sizes of silicone eartips included in the box. They also have wingtips that help them stay in place during vigorous movements. We wore them for up to six hours at a time without feeling any discomfort or fatigue.

Controls: The earbuds have touch-sensitive controls that let you play/pause music, adjust volume, skip tracks, answer/end calls, activate voice assistant, and switch noise cancellation modes. The touch controls are responsive and easy to use, but they can also be accidentally triggered by your hair or clothing. You can also customize the touch controls with the JBL Headphones app, or disable them altogether if you prefer.

Appearance: The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds have a minimalist and classy look, with a matte black finish and a subtle JBL logo on the outer surface. They are also available in white, if you prefer a lighter color. The earbuds are relatively small and discreet, but they do protrude slightly from your ears.

True Adaptive Noise Cancelling

The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds feature True Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology that can be best described as a game-changer. Equipped with six noise-sensing microphones, these earbuds automatically adjust to your surroundings in real-time. Whether you’re on a noisy commute or seeking some peace and quiet, the ANC adapts flawlessly, allowing you to focus on your audio or embrace the serenity of silence. The level of customization offered through the JBL Headphones app for ANC mode control is truly impressive. You can fine-tune the noise-cancellation settings to match your preferences, making these earbuds versatile for various situations.

Smart Case

The innovative smart charging case accompanying the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds is a standout feature that enhances the overall user experience. It not only charges your earbuds but also serves as a control center for various functions. From managing calls and playback to adjusting audio settings and setting alarms, you can accomplish all this through the 1.45-inch display on the charging case. This smart case is particularly handy when you don’t want to take out your phone or use the JBL Headphones app. The case supports wireless charging and fast charging, giving you an extra hour of playtime in just 10 minutes.

Call Quality and Voice Control

One of the standout features of the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds is their crystal-clear call quality. With a 6-microphone setup, these earbuds excel in providing superior call clarity even in noisy or windy environments. The VoiceAware feature allows you to control the level of ambient sound you hear during calls, offering a personalized experience. Voice control is seamless, with support for popular voice assistants like Google and Alexa. Just say the wake word, and you can control your earbuds with ease. This hands-free experience is a valuable addition for busy individuals who need to stay connected on the go.

Smart Ambient Technology

Smart Ambient technology is a welcome feature for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music. A simple touch of a button allows you to activate this feature on the JBL Tour Pro 2, and it can be further customized using the JBL Headphones app. It’s a useful addition, especially for outdoor activities or when you need to be aware of announcements or conversations without removing your earbuds. However, there’s room for improvement in terms of fine-tuning the ambient sound, as the adjustment options are somewhat limited.

Legendary Pro Sound and JBL Spatial Sound

JBL’s reputation for delivering exceptional sound quality holds true with the Tour Pro 2 earbuds. The legendary Pro Sound curve ensures precise, accurate audio with minimal distortion, even at high volumes and in noisy environments. The JBL Tour Pro 2’s 10mm dynamic drivers, powered by JBL Pro Sound, deliver rich, deep bass that elevates your listening experience. Moreover, the JBL Spatial Sound technology is a true gem. It creates an immersive audio environment that makes you feel like you’re in a theater, concert hall, or recording studio. This proprietary technology adds depth and dimension to your audio, regardless of the source or device you’re using.

Personal Sound Amplification

The Personal Sound Amplification feature of the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds is a handy addition for individuals who may have difficulty hearing conversations or announcements clearly. With the ability to adjust the L/R balance and amplify conversation volume by 15-20dB, this feature ensures that you won’t miss out on important information. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that caters to a wide range of users, particularly those with hearing impairments.

Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio

The use of Bluetooth 5.3 technology in the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds is a significant advantage. It provides a more stable and secure connection, enhancing the overall wireless experience. With the ever-evolving landscape of Bluetooth technology, the Tour Pro 2’s use of the latest standard ensures that these earbuds remain relevant and compatible with future devices. This forward-thinking approach is commendable.

JBL Headphones App

The highly-rated JBL Headphones app serves as a powerful companion to the Tour Pro 2 earbuds. It allows for extensive customization, from adjusting the EQ and enabling Adaptive Noise Cancelling to fine-tuning ambient sound control settings and finding the perfect fit. Additionally, the gesture customization and the ability to adapt sound output to audio or video content are impressive. This level of control ensures that users can tailor their listening experience to their preferences. The app also provides support for multiple voice assistants, adding to the convenience of hands-free control.

IPX5 Water Resistance

The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds are splash-proof and sweat-proof, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

Battery Life

The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds have an excellent battery life of up to eight hours with noise cancellation on, and up to ten hours with noise cancellation off. The case provides an additional thirty-two hours of charge, giving you a total of forty hours of playtime.

Conclusion

In summary, the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds are a formidable contender in the true wireless earbud market. They excel in multiple aspects, including True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, crystal-clear call quality, exceptional sound, and extensive customization options. The smart charging case and compatibility with voice assistants further enhance the user experience. While there are minor areas for improvement, such as the size of the touch screen on the case and the fine-tuning of ambient sound, these earbuds offer a compelling package for those seeking a premium audio solution. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone who values seamless integration with your digital world, the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds are worth serious consideration. With their combination of cutting-edge technology and impressive audio performance, they represent a significant step forward in the world of true wireless earbuds.