JBL Tune 230NC Review - Are They Worth the Hype?

The JBL Tune 230NC are the latest addition to JBL’s lineup of true wireless earbuds. These earbuds aim to deliver JBL’s signature sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) at an affordable price point under $100. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the features, specifications, pros, and cons of the Tune 230NC to help you decide if they’re the right earbuds for your needs.

Design and Comfort

The JBL Tune 230NC have a sleek and compact design that’s available in four colors: black, white, blue, and sand. The earbuds have a stem-style design similar to the Apple AirPods Pro, but with a slightly larger body that houses the 10mm dynamic drivers.

Each earbud has a touch-sensitive control panel on the outside that allows you to play/pause music, answer calls, and toggle the ANC mode with a tap or press. The controls are responsive but require a firm press, which can be a bit uncomfortable, especially when you’re wearing the earbuds for extended periods.

The earbuds come with three sizes of silicone ear tips to help you find a secure and comfortable fit. Thanks to their ergonomic shape and lightweight design (each earbud weighs just 5.5g), the Tune 230NC are comfortable to wear for hours without causing fatigue or discomfort. They also have an IPX4 splash-resistant rating, which means they can withstand sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

The charging case is compact and lightweight, with a flip-top lid and a USB-C port for charging. It has a battery indicator light on the front that shows you the remaining charge. The case provides an additional 25 hours of battery life, bringing the total playtime to 30.5 hours with ANC off.

Sound Quality and Performance

The JBL Tune 230NC are equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers that deliver JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound. The earbuds have a bass-heavy sound profile that emphasizes the low frequencies, making them ideal for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. The bass is punchy and powerful without overwhelming the mids and highs.

The mids are well-defined and clear, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through. The highs are crisp and detailed, with good separation and no noticeable sibilance or harshness. The soundstage is relatively wide for earbuds, with good instrument separation and positioning.

However, the bass-heavy sound profile may not suit all preferences, especially if you prefer a more neutral or balanced sound. Some users may find the bass to be too overpowering, especially on tracks with already heavy bass.

The active noise cancellation on the Tune 230NC is decent for earbuds in this price range. It can effectively reduce low-frequency sounds like airplane cabin noise, traffic, and air conditioning hum. However, it struggles with higher-frequency sounds like voices and keyboard typing. The ANC also introduces a slight hiss when enabled, which may be noticeable in quiet environments.

The earbuds also have an ambient aware mode that allows you to hear your surroundings without taking off the earbuds. This mode is useful when you need to be aware of your environment, such as when crossing the street or talking to someone.

The JBL Tune 230NC have Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, which provides a stable and reliable connection with compatible devices. The earbuds support the SBC and AAC codecs, but not higher-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC. The wireless range is about 10 meters (33 feet), which is standard for Bluetooth earbuds.

The earbuds also have a dual-microphone system that helps with noise reduction during calls. The call quality is decent, with clear voice transmission and minimal background noise, but it may struggle in windy or noisy environments.

Battery Life and Charging

The JBL Tune 230NC have impressive battery life for true wireless earbuds. The earbuds themselves last up to 5.5 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, and up to 8 hours with ANC off. The charging case provides an additional 25 hours of playtime, bringing the total battery life to 30.5 hours with ANC off.

The earbuds also support fast charging, with a 10-minute charge in the case providing up to 2 hours of playtime. The case itself takes about 2 hours to fully charge via the USB-C port.

The JBL Headphones App

The JBL Tune 230NC are compatible with the JBL Headphones app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to customize the sound profile of the earbuds using a graphical EQ, check the battery levels of each earbud and the case, and update the firmware.

However, the app is relatively basic compared to other companion apps like Sony’s or Sennheiser’s. It lacks features like customizable touch controls, noise cancellation levels, or sound presets.

Pros And Cons

Pros

Good audio quality with punchy bass and clear mids and highs
Effective noise cancellation for the price
Comfortable and secure fit, suitable for workouts
Impressive battery life and fast charging
Affordable price under $100

Cons

Bass-heavy sound profile may not suit all preferences
Noise cancellation isn’t as strong as pricier competitors
No multipoint Bluetooth pairing or higher-quality codecs
Touch controls require firm presses, which can be uncomfortable
Basic companion app with limited features

Our Verdict

The JBL Tune 230NC are a solid pair of true wireless earbuds that offer good value for money. They deliver JBL’s signature sound quality with powerful bass and clear mids and highs, along with decent noise cancellation and long battery life.

While they may not have the most balanced sound profile or the most advanced features, they perform well for their price point and are a good choice for bass lovers and commuters on a budget. The comfortable fit and splash-resistant design also make them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

However, if you prioritize a more neutral sound, stronger noise. However, if you prioritize a more neutral sound, stronger noise cancellation, or more advanced features like multipoint pairing or wireless charging, you may want to consider pricier options like the Sony WF-1000XM4 or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2.

Comparison to Competitors

The true wireless earbud market is highly competitive, with many options across various price points. Here’s how the JBL Tune 230NC compare to some of their closest competitors:

Anker Soundcore Life P3

The Anker Soundcore Life P3 are another pair of ANC true wireless earbuds in the sub-$100 price range. They have a similar stem-style design and touch controls as the Tune 230NC. The Life P3 have a more balanced sound profile with less emphasis on bass, but their noise cancellation isn’t as effective. They also have slightly shorter battery life at 7 hours per charge (35 hours total with the case).

Jabra Elite 3

The Jabra Elite 3 are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that prioritize sound quality over features. They have a comfortable and secure fit, with a balanced sound profile that’s suitable for various genres. However, they lack active noise cancellation and have shorter battery life at 7 hours per charge (28 hours total with the case).

1More ComfoBuds Pro

The 1More ComfoBuds Pro are another strong contender in the affordable ANC true wireless earbud market. They have a comfortable fit, good noise cancellation, and a balanced sound profile with punchy bass. They also have longer battery life at 8 hours per charge (28 hours total with the case). However, they lack an IP rating for water resistance and have limited customization options in the companion app.

Product Specifications

JBL Pure Bass sound
Active Noise Cancelling
Smart Ambient
4 mics for perfect voice calls
Up to 40 hours of battery life
Water resistant
Sweat Proof

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Conclusion

The JBL Tune 230NC are a compelling option for anyone looking for affordable true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation. They offer a comfortable and secure fit, good sound quality with punchy bass, and long battery life.

While they may not have the most advanced features or the strongest noise cancellation, they perform well for their price point and are a solid choice for commuters, students, or anyone who wants to enjoy their music without breaking the bank.

If you prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation above all else, you may want to consider more expensive options like the Sony WF-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. But if you’re looking for a good balance of performance and value, the JBL Tune 230NC are definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the battery last on the JBL Tune 230NC?

The earbuds last up to 5.5 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, and up to 8 hours with ANC off. The charging case provides an additional 25 hours of playtime, bringing the total battery life to 30.5 hours with ANC off.

Are the JBL Tune 230NC earbuds waterproof?

The JBL Tune 230NC have an IPX4 splash-resistant rating, which means they can withstand sweat and light rain but should not be submerged in water.

Can I use either earbud independently?

Yes, you can use either the left or right earbud independently in mono mode. This is useful for taking calls or listening to podcasts while keeping one ear free.

How well does the noise cancellation work on the JBL Tune 230NC?

The active noise cancellation on the Tune 230NC is decent for earbuds in the sub-$100 price range. It can effectively reduce low-frequency sounds like airplane cabin noise or traffic hum, but it struggles with higher-frequency sounds like voices or keyboard typing.

Is there a companion app for the JBL Tune 230NC?

Yes, the JBL Headphones app (available for iOS and Android) allows you to customize the sound profile using a graphic EQ, check battery levels, and update the firmware. However, the app is relatively basic compared to other companion apps and lacks features like customizable controls or sound presets.

How do the JBL Tune 230NC compare to the AirPods Pro?

The Apple AirPods Pro are a popular choice for iPhone users, with excellent noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and seamless integration with Apple devices. However, they are significantly more expensive than the Tune 230NC. The JBL earbuds offer better battery life and a bassier sound profile, but they lack features like spatial audio and wireless charging.

Can I use the JBL Tune 230NC for phone calls?

Yes, the Tune 230NC have a built-in microphone system that allows you to take calls hands-free. The call quality is decent, with clear voice transmission and minimal background noise. However, like most true wireless earbuds, they may struggle in windy or noisy environments.

Do the JBL Tune 230NC support wireless charging?

No, the charging case of the Tune 230NC does not support wireless charging. You need to charge the case using the included USB-C cable.

What Bluetooth version do the JBL Tune 230NC use?

The Tune 230NC feature Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a stable and energy-efficient wireless connection. They have a wireless range of about 10 meters (33 feet) and support the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.

Can I use the JBL Tune 230NC with multiple devices simultaneously?

No, the Tune 230NC do not support multipoint Bluetooth pairing, which means you can only connect them to one device at a time. To switch between devices, you need to manually disconnect from one device and connect to another.

JBL Tune 230NC Review – Are They Worth the Hype?