JBL has consistently delivered quality audio products, and their new Tour Pro 2 earbuds are no exception. Building upon the popular Tour Pro+ model, the Tour Pro 2 refine the design while packing in improved audio drivers and noise cancelling tech.
After extensive testing, it\'s clear the Tour Pro 2 hit all the right notes for premium true wireless earbuds. Keep reading for the full rundown.
Design and Build Quality
Both the charging case and earbuds feature an understated, minimalist design with matte black finish (other tasteful colors available too). The oval charging case is futuristic looking, with cool reflective sides and compact footprint. Despite the small size, it provides a secure fit for the earbuds.
The earbuds themselves carry on the subtle design language with their stemless shape. This results in a low profile look when worn. The tapered oval shape allows them to sit flush in your ears for comfort and security during activity.
Build quality is excellent across both case and earbuds. Their IPX5 rating also makes them fully resistant to sweat and water. Overall the Tour Pro 2 have a refined, premium aesthetic ideal for all situations.
Comfort and Fit
Thanks to the angled oval shape minus any large external stems, the Tour Pro 2 offer a very comfortable fit that stays secure during activity. At around 5 grams each, the lightweight earbuds are barely noticeable when worn for extended periods.
Noise isolation isn\'t on par with models using full ear tips, but the ergonomic shape provides decent passive isolation. For commute, office and travel use, the JBL Tour Pro 2 are comfortable enough to wear for hours without irritation.
Sound Quality and Performance
Let\'s discuss the most important factor - sound quality. Featuring custom 6.8mm dynamic drivers, the JBL Tour Pro 2 deliver energetic, lively audio with nice punch and sparkle. The default tuning provides an engaging V-shaped sound signature.
Bass packs a real thump thanks to the drivers\' ability to push serious volume and sub-bass. The soundstage feels spacious, giving each instrument room to breathe. Highs are crisp and clear without veering into harsh territory.
Available in the app, there are four EQ presets to tailor the sound more to your taste. But most listeners will love the fun default tuning that brings music alive. For the form factor, the JBL Tour Pro 2 sound fantastic.
Features and Controls
Despite the compact size, JBL managed to cram a ton of useful features and controls into the Tour Pro 2. Onboard touch controls on each earbud allow you to handle playback, volume, calls, voice assistants and toggling hearthrough mode.
This gives you access to core functions without reaching for your phone. Each earbud also contains four microphones for super clear voice calls and advanced noise cancellation abilities.
Speaking of ANC, it\'s a real highlight here. Using adaptive technology, the Tour Pro 2 deliver excellent noise cancellation, especially considering their design. Options include maximum ANC, ambient awareness or amplifying speech. More below.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Leveraging four mics on each earbud, the JBL Tour Pro 2 implement very solid adaptive noise cancellation. For low rumbles like plane engines, the ANC effectiveness is extremely impressive. Even mid-range frequencies are significantly attenuated to keep music immersive.
Given the lack of full ear tips or large stems, the noise cancelling prowess is remarkable. While not quite on par with sets like the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Tour Pro 2 punch well above their weight in ANC performance. You can even amplify ambient sound when needed.
Battery Life and Connectivity
In terms of battery life, the JBL Tour Pro 2 deliver excellent endurance. You get around 6 hours of playback per charge with ANC enabled, increasing to 10 hours with ANC off. The oval charging case provides an extra 30 hours for a total of 40 hours listening time.
The case supports both USB-C and wireless charging, so topping up is very convenient. The earbuds also quick charge - 10 minutes in the case provides 2 hours of playtime. Battery life is competitive among premium true wireless options.
Connectivity is solid thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 support. Pairing is quick and seamless with Android devices via Google Fast Pair. The earbuds can connect to two devices simultaneously too, allowing easy switching between phone and computer for example.
Call Quality and App Support
Thanks to noise cancelling mics focusing on your voice, call quality on the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds is crystal clear. Callers reported very natural sounding voice pickup from my end, even when I was in noisier environments. The four mics in each earbud do an excellent job.
The JBL Headphones app allows you to customize sound via EQ presets, remap touch controls, toggle ANC modes and more. Available firmware updates also roll out over time to incrementally improve performance and add handy new features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lively, punchy sound with powerful bass
- Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Very comfortable and secure oval fit
- Intuitive touch controls on both earbuds
- Great battery life up to 40 hours total
Cons:
- Noise isolation could still improve
- Soundstage feels a bit narrow at times
- No wireless charging case option
Conclusion
With the Tour Pro 2, JBL has refined an already great pair of true wireless earbuds into an even more compelling overall package. They deliver on the fundamentals with dynamic sound, very capable ANC and long battery life.
Despite the subtle design, JBL still packed in advanced features like customizable noise cancellation modes, amplifying external sounds and touch controls. Considering the premium tech inside, the Tour Pro 2 provide stellar value.
If you want feature-rich earbuds with lively sound and noise cancellation, the JBL Tour Pro 2 are easy to recommend. Audiophiles and everyday listeners alike will find plenty to love about these versatile earbuds. They are worthy premium true wireless contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the fit for running and workouts?
A: The angled oval shape keeps the Tour Pro 2 very securely anchored during runs and intense workouts. They won\'t budge thanks to the ergonomic lightweight fit.
Q: Do they support wireless charging?
A: Unfortunately the case only supports USB-C charging at this time. But the battery lasts long enough between top-ups that it\'s not a major issue.
Q: Can you customize controls and sound via app?
A: Yes, the JBL Headphones app provides useful EQ presets and allows you to reconfigure touch controls. You can also toggle noise cancelling modes.
Q: What Bluetooth codecs are used?
A: The Tour Pro 2 feature Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs for consistent wireless audio quality.
Q: Can each earbud be used independently?
A: Absolutely, both earbuds can operate independently in mono mode. Onboard controls remain functional for music, calls etc when using a single earbud.