JBL has made a name in the budget true wireless earbuds category, and the JBL Wave Buds 2 are one of their latest offerings. Promising punchy sound, long battery life, and easy everyday use, these earbuds aim to deliver the JBL experience without a premium price tag. But are they really worth it? Here’s our honest review.
Design & Comfort
The JBL Wave Buds 2 feature a stemless, rounded design that sits snugly in the ear. Unlike in-ear models with silicone tips, these are semi-in-ear buds, which means they don’t seal completely but provide a more natural fit.
- Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Because of the semi-open fit, passive noise isolation is limited—you’ll still hear some background noise on a busy street or jeepney ride.
- The case is compact and pocket-friendly, with a smooth matte finish that feels solid for the price.
Verdict: Comfortable, minimalist, and easy to carry, but not the best if you need strong noise isolation.
Sound Quality
JBL is known for bass-heavy sound, and the Wave Buds 2 don’t disappoint.
- Bass: Punchy and satisfying, especially for pop, hip-hop, and dance tracks.
- Mids & Highs: Clear enough for podcasts and vocals, though they can sometimes get overshadowed by the bass.
- Volume: Gets loud, but at max levels the sound can feel a bit harsh.
Don’t expect audiophile-grade detail, but for the price, the sound is fun and energetic.
Verdict: Great for bass lovers, but if you want balanced, studio-like sound, you may need to look elsewhere.
Features & Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3: Stable and quick pairing with both Android and iOS devices.
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours per charge plus an additional 24 hours from the case, giving a total of 32 hours.
- Fast Charging: 10 minutes of charge = up to 2 hours of playback.
- Controls: Touch-sensitive, easy to use for music, calls, and voice assistants.
- Water Resistance: IP54 rating—splash- and sweat-resistant, so good for workouts or commutes.
- Microphone: Decent for calls indoors, but background noise can be an issue outside.
Verdict: Feature-packed for budget earbuds, with excellent battery life and sweat resistance.
Price & Value
In the Philippines, the JBL Wave Buds 2 usually retail around ₱3,000 – ₱3,500, depending on promos. For that price, you’re getting JBL’s signature bassy sound, long battery life, and reliable build quality.
Competitors like Anker Soundcore or realme Buds Air series offer similar features, sometimes at slightly lower prices, but JBL’s brand trust and tuning give it an edge for many buyers.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Strong, bass-forward sound
- Long total battery life (32 hours)
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Sweat- and splash-resistant (IP54)
- Compact charging case
❌ Cons:
- Limited noise isolation due to semi-in-ear design
- Bass can overpower vocals and highs
- Call quality struggles in noisy places
- Touch controls can be too sensitive at times
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the JBL Wave Buds 2?
If you’re after budget-friendly true wireless earbuds with powerful bass, solid battery life, and the reliability of the JBL brand, the Wave Buds 2 are a strong contender. They aren’t perfect—noise isolation and mic performance could be better—but for everyday listening, workouts, and commuting, they’re a great deal.
Rating: 4.2 / 5 ⭐ (Fun sound, great battery, but not for those seeking balanced audio)
