Since the introduction of Bluetooth earbuds, we have seen a plethora of inexpensive to almost out of reach. JBL’s new Tune 225TWS in-ear Bluetooth Headphones are definitely in the reachable bracket at a modest £69 from most retailers, with quality included.
Who Are JBL?
The American manufacturer JBL (named after its Founder James Bullough Lansing) can thank the majority of its success to its range of speakers and sound engineering software. Owned by Harman International Industries a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics – JBL can also boast a reputation for sound quality.
Budding Design
The lightweight recharge transport case (60 grams with headphones) is accompanied by equally lightweight earbuds at 5 grams each bud. Even when wearing them all day, the ease on the ear is pleasingly unaffected.
I’ve never been a fan of canal intrusive buds, I’m usually on the run around town and not only do they feel awkward but they cut out too much of the environment around me. The bud design sits well in the ear and is surprisingly secure considering how clumsy I am.
Colours range from blue, grey, white, black, pink and gold, but depending on your style blue is best for me, if you’re in the mood go for gold. The design of the case means its best left flat on its back, as it took me 10 minutes to realise balancing it on the bottom was not a quirk in the design.
Features
When it comes to Bluetooth earbuds battery life has always been a deal-breaker for me, constantly being informed that the battery is low during my favourite podcast makes me want to slam down my frappuccino and storm out of my locally sourced trendy cafe. With four and a half hours charge life in the buds and up to 25 hours charge in the transport case, my stay in the cafe is joyfully prolonged.
However, if you don’t mind charging on location a useful USB-C port quick-charge function can get you back to true crime in no time. With a 15 minute quick charge and a 90-minute full charge, you may never run out of energy again, also the LED lights under the case cap give a helpful pointer to how much podcast time you have left.
Like many people I know, some earbuds have problems with pairing, the JBL Tune 225TWS has no such issue. Utilising a standard Bluetooth 5.0 used by most devices, it offers a nine-metre range from the device you wish to pair with, activating pair mode instantly upon removing the buds from the case.
The buttons on the side of the JBL buds also have some slick features, if you press the right button once – you start or stop the audio of choice. Pressing the right bud twice can activate Siri or Google Assistant if activated. You can ‘Skip a track’ by pressing the left bud once, and a double-tapping to go back a step.
Battery life isn’t the only intrusion on my audio extravaganzas, the ‘blip blip’ of an incoming call often rips me away from that beautiful moment of escape. Worry not, you can tap either bud to accept the call, and more importantly either one to end it. Also, the ability to turn off the inbuilt microphone by holding down either button on the bud is a handy feature.
Wireless for Sound
JBL has touted the Tune 225TWS as having impeccable bass, although I tested this on many a quality playlist, it was a little lacking in that respect but still not noticeably worrying. It was playing loud that caused the most issues, mid-level and low-level worked a treat.
However, putting aside the ‘JBL Pure Bass’ element the sound quality for earbuds was practically flawless. Perfect for listening to chilled music, podcasts or watching your favourite episode on the train home.
There is no noise cancellation in these buds, but for me, this is a plus. I want to hear my audio not block out the universe and due to the quality of sound, it isn’t an issue at all. The quality during a phone call, as well as the positive responses I had from those on the other end, was also a pleasant surprise.
Verdict
Considering the reputation of JBL I went into this with high expectations, on the whole, I wasn’t disappointed but for the bass, but in my tender years I tend to be easy on the ears. With an impressive reach from a device, long-lasting charge and quality sound I think £69 is a bargain for the lightweight quality of the JBL Tune 225TWS.
Product Rating:
Design: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Features: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Audio Performance: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
User Friendly: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Value For Money: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars 3.8 Stars
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