The battle of true wireless earbuds continues, and this time, we have the JBL Tour Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2 squaring off. Both priced at $250, these contenders promise exceptional audio experiences and unique features that cater to different user preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into their differences and similarities, helping you decide which pair suits you best. Let’s dive right in!
 |  |
|---|---|
| JBL Tour Pro 2 | Airpods Pro 2 |
| PROS | PROS |
| Unique case with an LCD display Good battery life with display functionality Customizable EQ presets with an impressive app Versatile sound tuning catered to different genres | Improved ANC Adaptive Transparency Mode Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity Longer battery life |
| CONS | CONS |
| Might not have the most refined ANC performance Fit might not be ideal for everyone | higher price than other alternatives No EQ presets or app for advanced sound adjustments |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
JBL Tour Pro 2
The JBL Tour Pro 2 is a standout set of true wireless earbuds with a 1.45-inch touchscreen smart charging case. Its innovative design allows for easy control of various functions directly from the case, eliminating the need for constant reliance on a smartphone app. The earbuds offer excellent sound quality, call performance, and noise cancellation, making them a great choice for music enthusiasts and active individuals. The JBL Headphones app further enhances the experience with customizable settings. Overall, the JBL Tour Pro 2 is a feature-rich and impressive option for true wireless earbuds.
JBL Tour Pro 2 Key Features
- Smart Case: The case features a 1.45-inch touchscreen that allows users to control various functions of the earbuds directly from the case itself. Users can access settings like playback controls, volume adjustment, EQ presets, and even find my earbuds function. The case also displays battery life percentages for both earbuds and the case.
- Sound Quality: The JBL Tour Pro 2 provides smooth and crisp sound tuning with a tight, punchy bass. It is compared favorably to popular earbuds like Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 in terms of sound quality.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The earbuds feature effective ANC, especially after calibration, and are considered more effective than many other current-day earbuds. It can effectively cancel out noise in various environments like cafes, malls, buses, and trains.
- Transparency Mode: The transparency mode of the JBL Tour Pro 2 allows ambient sounds like speech to be amplified, enabling users to interact with others seamlessly while wearing the earbuds.
- Personalization: The earbuds can be customized through the JBL Headphones app using Personi-Fi, which adjusts the sound sensitivity according to individual ear characteristics. The app also offers EQ presets and a graphic EQ, providing users with ample options to personalize their audio experience.
- Fit and Comfort: The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds offer a snug fit and a good seal, ensuring consistent ANC performance. They are considered more comfortable compared to AirPods Pro 2.
- Six Microphones: The earbuds are equipped with six microphones, which contribute to excellent call quality and noise reduction during phone calls.
IPX5 Water Resistance: The earbuds are rated IPX5, making them water-resistant and suitable for use during workouts and outdoor activities. - Wireless Charging: The charging case supports wireless charging, making it convenient for users to charge the earbuds.
- Smart Ambience: The earbuds feature adaptive noise-cancelling technology that uses four noise-sensing microphones to adjust the surrounding noise in real-time, minimizing distractions and optimizing sound quality.
- Voice Assistant Support: Users can easily access voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or others with the touch controls on the earbuds.
- Bluetooth 5.3: The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 for stable and efficient wireless connections to compatible devices.
Airpods Pro 2
The Airpods Pro 2, or Airpods Pro 2nd generation, is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. With improved sound quality, longer battery life, volume control on the stem, and an innovative H2 chip powering advanced features like adaptive transparency mode and personalized spatial audio, they offer a compelling package. Despite the use of a Lightning port, their wireless charging option and excellent noise cancellation make them a top choice for Apple enthusiasts. Waiting for Airpods Pro 3 might not be necessary, as the Airpods Pro 2 already deliver a great experience at a reasonable price.
Airpods Pro 2 Key Features
- Improved Sound Quality: The Airpods Pro 2 features an entirely new driver and amplifier, providing better sound quality, especially in terms of lows and mids, making them the best-sounding earbuds Apple has made.
- Longer Battery Life: The Airpods Pro 2 offers 33% longer battery life, providing up to 6 hours on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled, and up to 30 total hours with the battery case.
- Redesigned Case: The charging case has a new lanyard loop on the side, making it easier to attach to something. It also has a built-in speaker to play a sound when needed, and it is now compatible with both MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers.
- Improved Active Noise Cancellation: The new H2 chip enables improved active noise cancellation, removing more background noise than the previous generation.
- Adaptive Transparency Mode: The Airpods Pro 2 offers adaptive transparency mode, which adjusts the level of outside sound when there are loud or harsh noises, providing a more comfortable listening experience in noisy environments.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: The earbuds use the Face ID depth sensors to measure your head and ears, creating a personalized spatial audio mix for a better immersive experience.
- Voice Isolation Feature: Airpods Pro 2 allows for voice isolation, making your voice clearer during phone calls, even in noisy environments.
- Find My Functionality: The earbuds have a built-in AirTag-like feature, allowing you to easily find them if they’re misplaced or lost.
- Compatibility and Convenience: Airpods Pro 2 is compatible with various Apple devices and supports features like wireless charging and adaptive transparency.
| Specifications | JBL Tour Pro 2 | Airpods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear | In-ear |
| Ingress Protection (IP) Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Weight | 12.2g | 10.6g |
| Sweat Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Yes | No |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Passive Noise Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Lowest Frequency | 20Hz | 20Hz |
| Highest Frequency | 20000Hz | 20000Hz |
| Battery Life | 10h | 6h |
| Battery Life of Charging Case | 30h | 30h |
| USB Type-C | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Sound Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Find Earbuds Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Mute Function | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Microphones | 6 | 4 |
| Noise-Canceling Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| PRICE | CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
JBL Tour Pro 2 VS Airpods Pro 2 Detailed Comparison
Charging Case
The most significant difference between the JBL Tour Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2 lies in their charging cases. JBL has introduced a smart display design on their case, allowing users to control various earbud settings directly from it. This eliminates the need to access the JBL app on your phone and offers convenience, especially when connected to a computer or TV. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2’s case includes a speaker, enabling you to locate it easily using an iPhone with a high-pitched sound.
Size and Charging Options
Both cases are compact and easily fit in your pocket. The AirPods Pro 2 case is slimmer, while the JBL Tour Pro 2 case boasts the smart display feature. Both support wireless charging, making them convenient for users who prefer this option.
Controls
The JBL Tour Pro 2 uses touch controls, while the AirPods Pro 2 employs squeeze controls. Both are user-friendly, but the AirPods offer more options, including volume control, unlike the JBL, which requires users to choose between playback, volume, and ambient sound controls.
Bluetooth Connection
The JBL Tour Pro 2 supports multi-point connection, enabling you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, seamlessly switch between Apple devices, which may be sufficient for multitasking.
Battery Life
With noise cancellation activated, the JBL Tour Pro 2 provides around 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours from the case. The AirPods Pro 2 offer approximately 6 hours of playtime with an additional 30 hours from the case. So, the JBL offers more playtime per charge, while the AirPods provide better reserve battery life.
Water Resistance
Both earbuds are water-resistant, with the JBL having an IPX5 rating and the AirPods Pro 2 an IPX4 rating. This means they can withstand sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for active individuals.
Fit and Comfort
The fit of both earbuds is similar, but the AirPods Pro 2 may be slightly more comfortable due to their curved design. For daily activities, both are suitable, while the AirPods Pro 2 are preferred for workouts and gym sessions.
Sound Quality
Both earbuds offer balanced sound straight out of the box. However, the JBL Tour Pro 2 shines in terms of customization. Through the JBL app, users can create custom presets and fine-tune the sound to their preference. This gives the JBL a more versatile sound signature compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The AirPods Pro 2 has stronger noise cancellation, while the JBL Tour Pro 2 features adaptive noise cancellation, adjusting based on surrounding noise levels. The AirPods also have an advantage with their adaptive transparency feature, reducing loud sounds to protect the ears.
Phone Calls and Microphone Performance
Both earbuds perform well in quiet environments. In windy conditions, the AirPods Pro 2 are better at reducing wind noise. However, the JBL Tour Pro 2 has good call quality, making it suitable for clear conversations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the JBL Tour Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2 depends on individual preferences. If you prioritize sound quality and customization, the JBL Tour Pro 2’s versatile sound signature and smart display case make it an excellent choice. However, if you prefer stronger noise cancellation and seamless integration with Apple devices, the AirPods Pro 2 is a compelling option. Ultimately, both earbuds offer great features, and the decision comes down to which qualities matter most to you.
JBL Tour Pro 2 and Airpods Pro 2 Alternatives
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
- Advanced ANC with adaptive noise adjustment
- Long-lasting battery life, up to 10 hours with ANC on, 15 hours with ANC off
- Customizable EQ presets with an intuitive app
- Improved fit with adjustable ear fins and multiple ear tip options
- Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity for enhanced stability and range
- Improved build quality with durable materials
- Wireless charging and quick charging support
- IPX6 water resistance rating for added protection against water and sweat
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2
- Enhanced ANC with adjustable intensity
- Improved spatial audio with 360-degree sound experience
- Long battery life, up to 9 hours with ANC on, 13 hours with ANC off
- Customizable EQ presets and graphic equalizer
- Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity for better performance
- Enhanced touch controls with gesture support
- Wireless charging support and quick charging capabilities
- IPX7 water resistance rating for better water protection
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.