Wireless earbuds have become an essential accessory for many, providing the convenience of untethered audio experiences. In this detailed comparison, we’ll delve into the intricacies of two prominent models in the market – the JLab Epic Lab Edition and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. By examining various aspects such as design, features, sound quality, and overall performance, we aim to help our readers make an informed decision based on their preferences and requirements.
 |  |
|---|---|
| JLab Epic Lab Edition | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
| PROS | PROS |
| Exceptional Sound Quality. Smart Active Noise Cancelling. Extended Battery Life. Dual Charging Options. Wear Detection and AutoPlay. | Hi-Fi Audio Quality. Active Noise Reduction. Battery Life Up to 29 hours. Game Mode. 360° Sound Capture |
| CONS | CONS |
| Basic design. Triple-tap touch controls challenging. | Water Resistance. |
Design and Build Quality
The JLab Epic Lab Edition boasts a sleek and modern design, emphasizing a balance between style and functionality. Priced at $200, it stands as a flagship model in the JLab lineup. The earbuds themselves feature a peek-a-boo window, providing users with a subtle view into the inner workings of the device. The inclusion of three gel and three foam ear tips adds a commendable level of customization.
The case, while maintaining a quality build, showcases a slight wobble on the lid. However, its shiny black plastics are easy to clean, and the case’s shallow design allows for easy access and cleaning of contact points. With an IP55 rating, the earbuds are resistant to dust and water, enhancing their durability. The case’s positive features include a rubberized bottom for improved grip and a secure lock at an almost 90° angle, contributing to an overall well-made feel.
In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro maintains a consistent design with its predecessors, embracing a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The case, like the JLab Epic Lab Edition, exhibits a quality build. Samsung has adhered to the same proportions across its Galaxy Buds lineup, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories.
Both models opt for a semi-in-ear design, but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro takes it a step further by incorporating a design that fits less deeply into the ear. This design choice aims to enhance comfort and mitigate the potential discomfort associated with deep in-ear formats. Additionally, Samsung’s design philosophy emphasizes a neutral and sophisticated appearance, making the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro visually appealing.
Both earbuds showcase commendable design aspects, with the JLab Epic Lab Edition providing a slightly more futuristic aesthetic, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro opts for a neutral and sophisticated appearance.
Connectivity and Additional Features
One standout feature of the JLab Epic Lab Edition is the inclusion of a USB-C dongle that supports Bluetooth LE. This dongle addresses the issue of low latency during gaming and media consumption, providing a unique solution for users who prioritize minimal delay in audio playback. However, it’s essential to note that this feature requires compatibility with specific phones.
The JLab app complements the device, offering touch control customization for single, double, triple taps, and holds. The active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, transparency mode, and the ability to customize the equalizer settings contribute to the overall feature set. Additionally, the earbuds are compatible with spatial audio, adding a layer of immersion for users with supported content.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, designed to seamlessly integrate into the Samsung ecosystem, comes equipped with SmartThings compatibility. This feature enhances the overall user experience by providing easy tracking options in case of loss, aligning with Samsung’s commitment to a cohesive ecosystem.
The touch control palette on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers versatility, allowing users to pause, change tracks, adjust volume, and access voice assistants. The inclusion of a game mode, which reduces latency for gaming, caters to users who prioritize a responsive audio experience. Additionally, the earbuds feature 360° sound capture, a unique binaural recording option that adds an immersive element to audio capture.
The JLab Epic Lab Edition excelling in providing a USB-C dongle for low-latency scenarios, while the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers seamless integration into the Samsung ecosystem with features like SmartThings compatibility.
Sound Quality
The JLab Epic Lab Edition features a dual-driver setup, with a balanced armature handling the highs and a 10mm dynamic driver managing the lows and mids. This combination aims to deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile, offering a versatile audio experience across various genres.
Sound quality is customizable through the JLab app, allowing users to fine-tune the equalizer settings. The earbuds provide a detailed and immersive audio experience, with spatial audio support enhancing the overall sense of directionality in supported content.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro takes a neutral approach to sound, aiming for a balanced and faithful representation of audio. Customization options are available through the Galaxy Wearable app, allowing users to adjust the audio profile to suit their preferences. The earbuds provide a versatile sound signature suitable for various genres of music.
Both models deliver a satisfying sound experience, but individual preferences may influence the choice between the slightly more customizable JLab Epic Lab Edition and the neutral sound signature of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
The sound quality comparison yields a draw, as both models offer commendable audio experiences with unique features.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The JLab Epic Lab Edition features active noise cancellation (ANC) to block out external sounds. The transparency mode allows to stay aware of the surroundings while wearing the earbuds. The wind management aspect is evaluated for its effectiveness in maintaining a natural audio experience.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s noise cancellation and transparency mode are designed to provide users with control over their audio environment. Wind management is a notable feature, ensuring that wind interference is minimized for clear audio capture and playback in outdoor settings.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro takes the lead in this category with its effective wind management, enhancing the overall user experience during outdoor use.
Battery Life and Charging
The JLab Epic Lab Edition boasts competitive battery life, with approximately 8.5 hours on SBC at 65% volume, 7.3 hours with LDAC, and 10.1 hours on LC3. The inclusion of wireless charging adds convenience, and the case’s design, while slightly shallow, facilitates easy cleaning.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers approximately 5 hours of battery life on a single charge, which may be considered on the lower side. However, fast wired and wireless charging options mitigate concerns about battery longevity during daily use.
The JLab Epic Lab Edition outperforms the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in terms of battery life, providing extended usage times across different codecs. The inclusion of wireless charging adds an additional layer of convenience.
Should you buy JLab Epic Lab Edition?
Reasons to Consider Buying
Exceptional Sound Quality: The JLab Epic Lab Edition earbuds offer an amazing audio experience, with hybrid dual drivers providing an audiophile-grade listening experience.
High-Resolution Audio Support: Enjoy high-resolution audio with LDAC support on Android and AAC on iOS, delivering superior sound quality for music enthusiasts.
Versatile Connectivity: The inclusion of a USB-C dongle in the box allows for enhanced audio quality when connected to compatible devices, providing an alternative to traditional Bluetooth connections.
Smart Active Noise Cancelling: Benefit from smart active noise cancelling with three noise control modes, including awareness mode to stay attuned to your surroundings.
Customizable Sound Experience: Use the JLab app to personalize your sound preferences, adjusting the equalizer settings and choosing from various audio modes like JLab signature sound, balanced, and more.
Bluetooth LE Audio Compatibility: The earbuds support Bluetooth LE audio, offering a power-efficient connection and improved sound quality when used with the included dongle.
Extended Battery Life: With up to 56 hours of playtime (including the case), the JLab Epic Lab Edition provides long-lasting usage, suitable for extended listening sessions.
Everyday Proof Design: The earbuds have an IP55 rating, making them resistant to dust and water, ensuring durability against rain splashes and everyday wear.
Dual Charging Options: The earbuds feature a dual-charging case, supporting both USB-C and wireless charging, providing convenient options for keeping your earbuds powered.
Bluetooth Multi-Point: Seamlessly switch between multiple devices with Bluetooth multi-point functionality, enhancing versatility and ease of use.
Wear Detection and AutoPlay: The earbuds come equipped with wear detection, automatically pausing playback when removed from the ears and resuming when placed back in.
Considerations Before Buying
Design Preference: The design of the JLab Epic Lab Edition may be considered basic, and personal preferences for aesthetics may vary.
Control Challenges: Some users may find the touch controls, especially the triple-tap gesture, a bit challenging to activate accurately. However, alternative control options are available through the app.
Price: While the JLab Epic Lab Edition offers an array of features, it’s essential to consider the price point, especially when compared to other earbuds in the market.
Touch Control Customization: Users may experience occasional inaccuracies with touch controls, particularly with the triple-tap function. However, control alternatives are available through the app and device settings.
Should you buy Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro?
Reasons to Consider Buying
Audio Quality: Samsung promises hi-fi quality with 24-bit sound, the seamless Samsung codec, and two-way coaxial speakers, providing a rich and detailed audio experience.
Active Noise Reduction: The active noise reduction feature works well, providing a good listening experience even in noisy environments.
Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity: Allows for connection to multiple devices simultaneously, making it convenient for various usage scenarios.
Battery Life: With up to 29 hours of listening time, the headphones offer a long-lasting battery performance.
Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem, allowing easy switching between devices like smartphones, smart TVs, and wearables.
Considerations Before Buying
Price: Priced at $180, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are in the high-end range, so consider your budget and compare with other options.
Personal Preference: Audio preferences vary, so it’s advisable to test the headphones to ensure they match your preferred sound profile.
Touch Controls: While touch controls are available, individual preferences may vary, and users might need some time to adapt or customize them according to their liking.
Water Resistance: While resistant to perspiration, it’s essential to avoid submerging the headphones in water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the JLab Epic Lab Edition and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer compelling features and performance, catering to different user preferences. The JLab Epic Lab Edition stands out with its futuristic design, unique USB-C dongle supporting Bluetooth LE, and competitive battery life. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro excels in seamlessly integrating into the Samsung ecosystem, providing SmartThings compatibility, effective wind management, and a neutral sound signature.
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.