JBL Tune Beam 2: A Comprehensive Review
The true wireless earbuds (TWS) market has become one of the most competitive segments in consumer tech. Every few months, brands refresh their lineups with promises of better sound, smarter features, longer battery life, and more immersive audio experiences. JBL, a name long associated with professional audio and consumer sound gear, has entered this crowded space once again with the JBL Tune Beam 2.
Launched in April as part of JBL’s Tune Series 2, the Tune Beam 2 is positioned squarely in the mid-range price segment, retailing at ₹5,499 in India. At this price, JBL is targeting users who want active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio, personalised sound profiles, and reliable brand-backed tuning—without stepping into premium pricing territory.
But does the Tune Beam 2 truly stand out, or does it get lost among countless competitors from smartphone brands and audio specialists alike? Let’s take a deep dive.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the JBL Tune Beam 2 follows a familiar design language. The charging case adopts a vertical oval shape, often described as “soap-like.” While not particularly eye-catching, it is compact, sturdy, and easy to pocket.
The matte finish helps resist fingerprints, and the lid feels firm with no noticeable wobble. The overall design is practical rather than stylish—but that’s not necessarily a drawback in this segment.
Earbuds Design
The earbuds themselves feature a stem-style design, similar to many modern TWS earbuds. JBL has added LED indicators on the stems, which are useful for quick status checks during pairing or charging.
Comfort is a strong point here:
- Soft silicone ear tips provide a secure seal
- Lightweight design allows for long listening sessions
- Minimal ear fatigue even after extended use
Durability
With an IP54 rating, the Tune Beam 2 is protected against:
- Dust exposure
- Sweat during workouts
- Light rain splashes
This makes it suitable for gym use, outdoor walks, and daily commuting, though it’s not designed for heavy water exposure.
Controls and Everyday Usability
JBL has implemented gesture-based touch controls on both earbuds. These controls allow users to manage:
- Play / pause
- Track skipping
- Call answering and rejection
- Switching between ANC, Ambient, and Talk-through modes
The touch responsiveness is generally accurate, though occasional accidental touches can occur when adjusting the earbuds. Thankfully, the controls are customisable through the JBL Headphones app, allowing users to fine-tune gestures according to preference.
JBL Headphones App: Features and Limitations
The JBL Headphones app (available on Android and iOS) plays a crucial role in unlocking the Tune Beam 2’s full potential.
App Structure
The app is divided into three main sections:
- General
- Audio
- Others
While the app offers a wide range of features, the overall experience can feel sluggish, especially during:
- Initial pairing
- Navigation between menus
- Reconnecting after app minimisation
These issues don’t make the app unusable, but they do affect the overall polish.
Audio Customisation & Personi-Fi 3.0
One of the standout features is Personi-Fi 3.0, JBL’s personalised sound technology. It works by:
- Running a short hearing test
- Mapping how your ears perceive different frequencies
- Creating a custom sound profile tailored to you
When it works well, Personi-Fi noticeably enhances clarity and balance, especially for vocals and midrange-heavy tracks.
However, the setup process can be slow, and occasional app connectivity hiccups may interrupt the experience.
Audio Section Highlights
The Audio section is where most users will spend their time. It includes:
- Custom equaliser
- Spatial Sound toggle
- Sound Balance
- Volume limiter
- Sound level optimisation
The equaliser is flexible enough for most users, though audiophiles may find it less granular than premium offerings.
What’s Missing?
Despite its strong feature set, the Tune Beam 2 lacks some premium JBL tools, such as:
- Check My Best Fit
- Smart Talk (automatic ambient mode during speech)
Their absence isn’t a dealbreaker at this price, but power users may notice.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
At its core, sound quality is what truly matters—and here, the JBL Tune Beam 2 performs solidly.
Drivers and Codecs
- 10mm dynamic drivers
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Codec support: SBC, AAC
- No LDAC or high-resolution codec support
While the lack of LDAC might disappoint enthusiasts, AAC performs well enough for streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Sound Signature
The Tune Beam 2 delivers JBL’s signature tuning:
- Punchy bass, without overwhelming mids
- Clear vocals
- Balanced treble that avoids harshness
Genres like pop, EDM, hip-hop, and casual rock sound energetic and enjoyable. Audiophile-grade detail is not the goal here—but for everyday listening, the experience is satisfying.
Spatial Audio
JBL’s Spatial Sound adds a sense of width and immersion. While it doesn’t fully replicate Dolby Atmos or Apple’s Spatial Audio ecosystem, it does:
- Improve soundstage perception
- Make movies and live recordings more engaging
The effect works best with compatible content but can feel artificial with some tracks.
Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Modes
The ANC on the Tune Beam 2 is effective for its price range:
- Reduces low-frequency noise like traffic and AC hum
- Less effective against sudden or high-pitched sounds
It’s not flagship-grade ANC, but it’s more than adequate for commuting and office use.
Ambient Sound & Talk-Through
- Ambient Mode allows surrounding sounds to pass through naturally
- Talk-Through mode lowers music volume to help with conversations
Both modes work reliably and are easy to toggle via touch controls or the app.
Connectivity and Stability
Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, connectivity is stable and efficient. Highlights include:
- Multipoint connectivity (connect to two devices simultaneously)
- Smooth switching between phone and laptop
- Minimal audio latency during video playback
This makes the Tune Beam 2 practical for users who frequently juggle work calls and entertainment.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is decent, but not class-leading:
- With ANC off: competitive runtime
- With ANC on: reduced but still usable daily endurance
Charging is done via USB Type-C, which is now standard and convenient. Wireless charging is not supported, which is expected at this price.
Who Should Buy the JBL Tune Beam 2?
The JBL Tune Beam 2 is best suited for:
- Users seeking ANC at a mid-range price
- Fans of JBL’s balanced, bass-forward tuning
- Those who value custom sound profiles
- Daily commuters and casual listeners
It may not satisfy hardcore audiophiles, but it’s not trying to.
The JBL Tune Beam 2 is a well-rounded, value-driven TWS that delivers on most of its promises. It combines ANC, spatial audio, personalised sound, solid comfort, and reliable connectivity into a package that feels appropriate for its price.
While the app experience could be smoother and high-resolution codecs are missing, the overall offering remains strong—especially for users upgrading from basic TWS earbuds.
If you want a trusted audio brand, modern features, and dependable everyday performance without overspending, the JBL Tune Beam 2 is a worthy contender.
Join the Conversation
Would you choose the JBL Tune Beam 2 over competitors in the same price range?
Is spatial audio a must-have feature for you, or just a bonus?
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