When you’re on a tight budget, JBL Tune earbuds and headphones are often a safe bet. Now, JBL is preparing to roll out the second generation of its affordable Tune lineup. Just don’t expect any earth-shattering upgrades.
JBL’s upcoming Tune Buds 2 feature 10mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, active noise cancelation, IP54 water and dust resistance, plus a 40-hour battery life with ANC enabled. However, these specs are identical to that of the original Tune Buds. The only upgrade, at least in terms of hardware, is a 6-microphone array to replace the old 4-mic array. Extra microphones should provide improved call quality, though it may also boost ANC performance, depending on how JBL utilizes the mics.
For those who want AirPods-styled “stick” earbuds, there’s the JBL Tune Beam 2. These earbuds pack 10mm drivers, a 6-microphone array for calls and active noise canceling, IP54 water and dust resistance, plus a 40-hour battery life with ANC enabled—so, yeah, they’re the Buds 2 but with stems. Once again, the only hardware upgrade is a 6-microphone array.
The JBL Tune Flex 2, another stick-styled earbud, offers the same noise canceling functionality as the Tune Buds 2 and Tune Beam 2. It simply uses larger 12mm drivers, which may improve audio quality, plus a shorter 32-hour battery life with ANC enabled. Presumably, this model is intended for those who are willing to trade battery life for sound quality.
And, finally, there’s the Tune 520C wired on-ear headphones. They connect via USB-C and feature an inline remote with a microphone, plus a set of 32mm drivers. There aren’t any bells and whistles like active noise cancelation, although JBL says that you can adjust the headphones’ EQ, which is unusual for wired headphones in the sub-$50 price range. Unfortunately, the Tune 520C headphones lack an IPX water- or dust-resistance rating. While the Tune earbuds are great for a trip to the gym, the Tune 520C headphones are intended for not-so-sweaty listening sessions.
JBL will launch its Tune 2-series earbuds and headphones in March 2025. The Tune Buds 2, Beam 2, and Flex 2 earbuds will sell for $100 each, while the on-ear Tune 520C will take on a more modest $40 price tag.
Source: JBL