JBL has built a reputation for delivering powerful audio performance in a wide array of price brackets, and its latest wireless earphones—the JBL Tune Beam 2—are no exception when it comes to sound quality and design. But while the hardware shows off JBL's engineering prowess, users may find their experience marred by an underwhelming and often problematic companion app that fails to live up to the standard set by the earphones themselves.

Strong Audio Performance with Rich Bass and Clarity

Out of the box, the JBL Tune Beam 2 impresses. These true wireless earbuds deliver rich, punchy bass that feels both refined and energetic, a hallmark of JBL’s audio signature. Mids are warm and natural, while highs come through with a crispness that avoids harshness. Whether you're listening to orchestral music, podcasts, or bass-heavy EDM tracks, the earphones remain consistently impressive.

JBL has also made improvements in call quality, with multiple microphones per bud helping to isolate the user’s voice and reduce background noise. Users report clear calls even in noisy environments—a significant leap from the previous generation.

Impressive Hardware and Comfort

From a hardware perspective, the Tune Beam 2 ticks nearly all the boxes. The buds themselves are ergonomically designed, offering a snug yet comfortable fit that stays put during workouts or long commutes. The IP54 rating provides solid dust and water resistance, making them suitable for both everyday use and exercise.

Battery life is competitive in its class, offering around 10 hours of playback from the earbuds and an additional 30 hours with the charging case. Fast charging support means just a 10-minute top-up gives you nearly two more hours of listening time.

Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures a stable and low-latency connection, especially beneficial for mobile gaming and video streaming. The inclusion of multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between devices—a feature that’s still uncommon in many mid-range TWS products.

App Woes: An Achilles' Heel

However, the experience begins to unravel once users engage with the JBL Headphones app, which is intended to unlock features like EQ customization, firmware updates, and gesture controls.

Users have reported widespread issues: frequent crashes, inconsistent connection with the earbuds, and sluggish response times. Some features, like the custom EQ or gesture remapping, fail to save settings or reset without warning. Firmware update attempts often get stuck midway or fail entirely—leaving some users in a limbo state.

Even more concerning, the app seems to perform inconsistently across devices, with certain Android versions faring worse than iOS. Several reviews on app stores echo the same frustrations, calling the app “half-baked” and “in desperate need of a full overhaul.”

This undercuts what is otherwise a premium experience. In an ecosystem where software is becoming just as vital as hardware, JBL’s weak app support becomes a significant liability.

Verdict: Great Earbuds Held Back by Poor Software

The JBL Tune Beam 2 could easily have been one of the standout wireless earbuds in the sub-$100 segment. With fantastic audio, dependable battery life, and thoughtful hardware features, they are poised to win over music lovers and casual listeners alike.

But the experience is tainted by a poorly executed app that undermines much of the added functionality. Unless JBL addresses these software issues in future updates, users may feel shortchanged on an otherwise stellar product.

Rating: 7.5/10

Pros:

• Excellent sound with strong bass and clarity

• Comfortable, secure fit

• Great battery life and fast charging

• Water and dust resistant (IP54)

• Multipoint and Bluetooth 5.3 support

Cons:

• Buggy companion app

• Firmware update issues

• Inconsistent user experience across devices

For those who prioritize sound and build over software extras, the Tune Beam 2 remains a solid option. But if you expect seamless app integration and advanced customization, these earphones might leave you disappointed.