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India Today
24-05-2025
- India Today
JBL Tune Beam 2 review: Dapper looks, clear sound for less than Rs 6,000
Getting a decent pair of wireless earphones at around Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 is a tricky affair. Brands usually promise big but end up skimping on the basics. Options galore but none stand out as true value for money. JBL wants to change this notion with the new Tune Beam 2. These earphones pack a lot of cool technology including active noise cancellation (ANC), LDAC support, dual device pairing, and guarantee of outstanding battery life, at a price of Rs 5,999. But does the new JBL audio product deliver something special in the real world or add to the crowd, we try to find out in this India Today Tech and fit: Clean, functional, comfortableThe JBL Tune Beam 2 earphones have a clean and functional design, a far cry from competition, most of which are loud and flashy. The charging case has a rounded rectangular shape with soft, curved edges. It is compact and fits comfortably in the palm, making it easy to carry around — whether in your hand or slipped into a pocket. JBL is using plastic, but the build quality feels surprisingly robust. It showed no visible signs of wear and tear even after multiple drops. The lid offers a secure grip holding up well to prevent the buds from popping out in the event you drop it accidentally. You get a trio of LEDs on the front, to indicate the battery level which is a nice touch that adds much-needed convenience otherwise missing on most of the competing products. On the flip side, the case is prone to smudging easily. advertisement The earbuds themselves offer a snug fit staying firmly put even during workout and brisk runs. The default silicone tips provide a comfortable seal. Three additional tip sizes are included in the box so most users should be able find the right fit. These can be worn for hours at a stretch without any significant discomfort. Touch sensors onboard let you play, pause, skip tracks, and even activate the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. They are a bit overtly sensitive in my experience but not to the extent of being a deal-breaker. Lastly, the JBL earbuds come with an IP54 rating, meaning they can survive a light drizzle or sweat (as well as dust) without any trouble. However, this ability is not extended to the case. This is fine because cases in its price range don't offer an IP about sound quality?For a pair of wireless earphones that cost under Rs 6,000, the Beam 2 can crank out pretty enjoyable sound. The inclusion of LDAC support is a big win for those seeking more detail and less compression, provided your phone supports this Bluetooth codec. On compatible devices, you will notice sharper instrument separation and finer textures in vocals and background elements. Even when falling back to AAC or SBC, which most phones use by default, the earphones deliver a consistently pleasing audio experience. The sound profile is balanced when using JBL's preset equalizer modes which are accessible through the JBL Headphones app. Modes like Extreme Bass and Club instantly add extra punch and energy to tracks like Martin Garrix's "Animals" or "Carry You," Alphaville's "Forever Young," and Major Lazer's "Lean On." If you enjoy EDM or hip-hop, these presets make these earphones a satisfying choice in the sub-Rs 6,000 bass hits well enough for casual listening without overpowering the soundstage, making these earphones great for genres like house, trance, or pop-EDM. However, if you prefer heavy trap or dubstep with deep sub-bass, these earphones may feel a little light at the lowest my listening tests with Metallica's "All Nightmare Long," the earbuds handled fast guitar riffs, aggressive drums, and intense vocals quite well. While not targeting audiophiles craving every detail and spatial nuance (which larger over-the-ear headphones excel at), these earphones offer an energetic and enjoyable experience in their price range. They are also well-suited for modern Bollywood tracks with punchy beats and rich and call qualityActive Noise Cancellation (ANC) on these earphones works mostly as advertised. It's not class-leading, but it does a good job of cutting out office chatter, AC hums, and low-level street noise. The JBL app gives you control over ANC levels and includes Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes. The former lets in environmental sounds, so you are not completely cut off, while the latter lowers the volume and amplifies speech, which is handy for quick conversations. Call quality is another area where JBL has made improvements. The Tune Beam 2 earphones have six microphones, up from four on the previous model, and the difference is noticeable. Background noise like wind or honking autos is handled impressively. Even during outdoor walks and rides, my voice came through clean and clear, with minimal interruption from the life: Surprisingly dependableBattery life is another area where the JBL Tune Beam 2 earphones quietly excel. With ANC turned off, the earbuds (with the case) easily lasted me about 9 days on a single charge, with an average of 3 to 3.5 hours of daily use. Even with ANC enabled, I got a solid 7 days of usage, impressive for a pair of budget wireless earbuds. My listening volume mostly hovered around 50 to 60 per cent, which is the sweet spot for both sound clarity and battery charging is supported too, and it works well. A quick 15-minute top-up delivers about 4 to 5 hours of playback time, making it perfect for those last-minute dashes out of the door. There is no wireless charging which is understandable given the price point. JBL also includes power-saving features like auto-standby and auto power-off, though in daily use, I rarely found the need to manually toggle and JBL App: Reliable and user-friendlyWhen it comes to connectivity, these earphones get most of the basics right. Pairing is straightforward; just open your phone's Bluetooth settings, flip open the lid with the earbuds inside, and you are ready to connect. There is no dedicated pairing button though which could have made things easier for non-tech-savvy users. Once paired, the earphones automatically connect to the phone without any problem. advertisementThere is no in-ear detection feature, which means your music won't automatically pause when you remove the earbuds. That might disappoint some, but JBL redeems itself with a handy dual connection feature. You can stay connected to your phone and laptop simultaneously without constantly switching or unpairing devices. During my time using it, this feature worked flawlessly with no dropouts or JBL Headphones app ties everything together with a clean, intuitive user interface. It gives you access to all the expected features, customisable touch controls for playback and calls, ANC adjustment, and even a "Find My Buds" option. The EQ section deserves a mention too. JBL offers a few presets like Jazz, Vocal, Extreme Bass, Studio, and Bass but you can also create your own custom EQ by tweaking frequency Tune Beam 2: Should you buy them?For Rs 5,999, the JBL Tune Beam 2 gets all the basics right — good sound, strong ANC, solid battery life, and reliable call quality. The support for LDAC is a big plus, while the dual device pairing and responsive app controls add real value. It skips a few extras like wireless charging and in-ear detection, but those are easy to live with, considering their price. If you want dependable earbuds with great audio and everyday convenience, the JBL Tune Beam 2 is an easy recommendation.
Tom's Guide
11-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
5 signs you need to upgrade your wireless headphones
Portable audio products lose their luster over time. Need a reminder? Look at your damaged and outdated wireless headphones. It's not just about the daily wear and tear you're putting these cans through that cause long-term impact to overall performance. The lack of modern specs also affects usability. All of this is common among consumers who have owned headphones for several years or purchased an inexpensive pair built from cheap parts. They'll start to experience connectivity cutting in and out more often because their headphones aren't running the latest recommended Bluetooth version (Bluetooth 5.3 or higher). Excessive wear begins to deteriorate materials such as the faux leather on the ear pads and headband, causing discomfort and slippage. Most importantly, sound becomes heavily distorted due to overdriving. That's just an audiophile term for saying your drivers have been put through the wringer by listening to music at very loud volumes. Those aren't the only general indicators to ditch your old wireless headphones for a new pair of the best wireless headphones. With the category evolving so quickly, your next headphone purchase should be up to date with the latest components, special features, and wireless technologies. This will ensure optimal performance for years to come. Here are 5 warning signs you need to upgrade your wireless headphones, ASAP. Hi-res audio is immensely popular in the music streaming world, with services like Tidal and Qobuz leading the way, while Amazon Music Unlimited and Apple Music progressively expand their initiatives. In order to hear more detail and nuance at higher bitrates, you'll need headphones that either come with Hi-Res Audio certification or upscaled audio codecs like aptX Adaptive/Lossless and LDAC. Both codecs support 24-bit audio for richer sound reproduction and wider dynamic range. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. There is a workaround if you have wireless headphones that don't come with these sound-enhancing technologies. It requires headphones with a 3.5mm AUX or USB-C audio jack and buying a portable DAC that is tethered to your headphones and media device. The smarter and more practical investment would be new wireless headphones. Your headphones aren't holding a charge the way they used to, and that's not by accident. This is known as battery degradation. It means the internal battery is draining faster due to repeated charging and discharging cycles. Other factors can affect battery life, including active noise cancellation, high volume, hot temperatures, and continuous listening over long stretches. So, if you're an AirPods Max user who has witnessed their below-standard battery life (20 hours) drop even lower over the course of two years, check your AppleCare+ status to see if the headphones are covered, because if so, you're entitled to a battery replacement. Everyone else without an AppleCare+ warranty will have to splurge on a new pair. Coverage plans and warranties are different among all audio brands. Ever heard of multipoint technology? You should have it by now. This feature has been around for several years and allows users to pair their headphones to two devices simultaneously. Certain models like the AirPods Max don't offer this. Does that make them obsolete? Absolutely not. All AirPods models come with auto-switching, which automatically pairs your headphones or buds to your most recently used Apple device. However, if you're someone who juggles multiple devices throughout the day and hates having to unpair from one to pair to the other, then multipoint technology can relieve you of this frustration. Category leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 make transitioning between your laptop and smartphone, and vice versa, a seamless task. Spatial audio is now a norm in the wireless audio space. Almost every major headphone maker has developed its own 3D sound format, and if it hasn't, it's licensing the technology from other companies. You want the engaging and immersive sound that spatial audio provides for concerts, music, movies, sports events, and all other content. Headtracking also adds a level of realism by positioning sound accurately to your head movements. It's the most intimate way to enjoy audio. Most current wireless headphones have a companion app to personalize performance across multiple verticals (e.g., connectivity, controls, sound). If yours don't, well, that's a heavy indication to swap them out for something more modern. You don't want to miss out on functional perks that keep your cans future-proof. Those who already own headphones with app support must monitor their firmware updates. This is important because when you stop receiving them, it's likely the manufacturer of your headphones has completely abandoned the software. That means no additional features through OTA (over the air) updates. Any bugs or issues you encounter in the app won't be fixed either, which may restrict access to popular features that can't be enabled directly on the headphones.
Business Upturn
07-05-2025
- Business Upturn
Soundcore Launches Liberty 5 With Stronger Voice Reduction, Adaptive ANC 3.0 And Immersive Dolby Audio
Bellevue, WA, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Soundcore, Anker Innovations' premium audio brand, today launched the Liberty 5. This device features Soundcore's most advanced Adaptive ANC system while improving on audio quality. The Liberty 5 uses four of the six microphones, as well as an A.I. algorithm to help identify and block outside noise surrounding the user. Soundcore's Adaptive ANC 3.0 algorithm with an acoustic cavity, adapts to the user's ever-changing environment three times per second, ensuring the strongest and most seamless noise reduction as well as blocking voices twice as effectively as previous models. However, to help reduce background noise during phone calls, all six microphones are utilized. The Liberty 5 offers an impressive high-fidelity experience, by utilizing a newly designed 9.2mm flexible wool-paper driver, providing the most accurate playback of all frequencies. To ensure the lowest bass frequencies are properly recreated, Soundcore has added dual bass-enhancing tubes that amplify the low frequencies resonance while increasing air flow to offer more powerful, yet balanced bass reproduction. Additionally, users with compatible Android devices can enable LDAC for the highest-quality audio transmission with high resolution playback. Ensuring the Liberty 5 are ready to go at a moment's notice, charging the earbuds in the case for just ten minutes provides up to five hours of playtime. Additionally, users can take advantage of the 12 hours of playtime with ANC turned off and 8 hours with ANC enabled. When both the earbuds and case are fully charged, the Liberty 5 offers a total of 48 hours of battery life with ANC off and 32 hours with ANC on. Finally, for individual customization capabilities, the Liberty 5 will be compatible with the Soundcore app, as well as the newest version of HearID to help consumers tailor the sound to their hearing profile. An 8-band customizable EQ is also available, as well as a number of preset sound profiles. Pricing and Availability The new Liberty 5 comes in four colors in the US – Cloud White, Ink Black, Abyss Blue and Rose Apricot. and will be available starting today on and from select retailers for $129.99 in the US, £99.99 in the UK and €99.99 in DE markets as well as $169.99AUD in Australia. Additional availability throughout Europe will be announced at a later date. Additional Product Features Audio Features: Supports Hi-Res Wireless and Hi-Res Audio Immersive Dolby Audio modes – Music Mode, Movie Mode and Podcast Mode Additional Features: Soundcore HearID 4.0 (with hearing test) EQ Customization / ANC modes selection/activation IP55 Dust and Water Resistance Environmental Considerations: Liberty 5 packaging is made from 100% FSC-certified paper-based materials Dimensions and Weight: Earbuds: Dimensions – Earbuds: 33.11mm x 21.96mm x 24.99mm Case: Dimensions: 59.24mm x 59.26mm x 28.71mm # # # About Soundcore Soundcore, an Anker Innovations brand, creates audio products that help spark emotions through music. This includes premium noise-cancelling TWS earbuds and headphones, smart wearable audio devices, and Bluetooth speakers. For more information, please visit About Anker Innovations Anker Innovations is a global leader in charging and home energy storage technology and a developer of unique, consumer electronic products that support premium audio, mobile entertainment and the emerging smart home space. This innovation is being led by its key brands: Anker, Anker SOLIX, AnkerWork, eufy, Nebula, and Soundcore. More information on Anker Innovations and its various brands can be found at The Anker Logo is a registered trademark of Anker Innovations. DISCLAIMER Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may include forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, market acceptance for the company's products, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company's businesses. The actions referred to in this press release are not an admission or acknowledgement of any claim or allegation. The Company reserves all of its rights. Soundcore PR Contacts : For Images / Sample Requests Adam Weissman [email protected] For High-Res Product and Lifestyle Images – Click Here Attachments Liberty 5 – 4 Colors Liberty 5 Lifestyle Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Tom's Guide
07-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds have AirPods Pro 2 specs for half the price
(Image credit: soundcore) Soundcore has become a staple in the budget earbud field with some epic options that take the fight to the best wireless earbuds you can buy today. Now the firm is looking to reseat itself on the budget throne with the new Liberty 5 earbuds. They're an interesting-looking pair of buds — and they pack in specs that make flagship options from the likes of Sony and Apple blush. Perfecting the formula (Image credit: soundcore) I've long been a big fan of Soundcore's silicon eartipped $129-mark earbuds. They've always been packed with epic features, and the 5th generation version only looks to make things even better. You may like First and foremost is a new AI noise canceling algorithm, which Soundcore promises will offer "the strongest and most seamless noise reduction as well as blocking voices twice as effectively as previous models." Considering the ANC on my older Liberty Buds was pretty good, that's exciting news. Then there's all the hi-res goodies and spatial audio formats that Soundcore has packed in. You'll get different Dolby Atmos modes in the form of "Music Mode, Movie Mode and Podcast Mode." There's support for LDAC and other Hi-Res wireless connection modes thanks to Bluetooth 5.4. That also means Google Fast Pair, so you won't need to dip into 1 million different menus to connect them to your Android device. They hook up to the Soundcore app as well, where you'll find the Soundcore HearID 4.0 to tune them to your hearing profile. Sound wise things are looking rosy beyond the hi-res options as well, with new 9.2mm drivers made out of wool-paper "providing the most accurate playback of all frequencies." I'm looking forward to testing them out, especially when they only cost $129 — that's AirPods Pro 2 rivalling specs for half the price. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. You can buy a pair from the Soundcore website or Amazon now. More from Tom's Guide
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Sony's Best Earbuds Just Got a Massive Discount
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Sony's earbuds and headphones have long been a favorite among our audio-obsessed editors, and the brand's flagship noise-canceling WF-1000XM5 earbuds just got a major discount. Typically $300, the XM5 earbuds are 33% off, dropping the price to $200. The deal applies to the black, silver, and smoky pink colorways. More from Rolling Stone How to Watch the Allman Brothers Band Tribute Show at Madison Square Garden Online The Best Green Day Merch for Every Idiot Behind the Scenes 'Spinal Tap' Book Will Get Real About the Fake Band BEST DEAL $198.00 $299.99 34% off Buy Now On Amazon Buy Now at target The timeline of Sony's previous audio releases suggests that a successor to the XM5 headphones and earbuds may be coming soon, which might explain the discount. In the meantime, the XM5 earbuds are a great option thanks to their top-tier ANC performance and audio quality. Sony's XM5 earbuds are also impressively compact, thanks to the in-ear shape, making them a great option for taking on the go. The earbuds boast up to 8 hours of battery life and an extra 24 hours with the case, and a quick 3-minute charge can add an extra hour of listening time. Sony also utilizes its proprietary LDAC codec for high-res audio, improving the audio performance over a wireless connection. Sony claims LDAC transmits as much as three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio for greater detail. The XM5 earbuds also utilize bone conduction technology for enhanced phone call performance; the sensors detect when the wearer is speaking, isolating vocals from ambient sound and background noise. We don't know whether or not this is a flash deal, so it's a good idea to act fast. Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
