JBL JBL Endurance Race TWS - Waterproof true wireless Review

The JBL Endurance Race TWS are workout champions, not audiophile darlings. You get shockingly good noise cancellation and a mic that competes with earbuds twice the price, all wrapped in a waterproof, sweatproof shell that locks securely in your ears. Just know the sound is bass-heavy and not super detailed. For $48, they're a steal if you need a rugged, reliable pair for the gym or trail.

Let's be real, most workout earbuds are either fragile or sound terrible. The JBL Endurance Race TWS tries to solve both problems. It's built like a tank with an IP67 rating, meaning you can sweat all over it or drop it in a puddle, and it'll just keep playing. The twist-lock design is a clever way to keep them secure, which is half the battle when you're running.

These are squarely aimed at the fitness crowd. If your main activities are running, lifting, or hitting the gym, and you need something that won't fall out or die from a little moisture, this is your jam. The feature set is tuned for that life, with ambient sound modes to keep you aware of traffic and quick-charge to get you back out the door.

What makes them interesting is the weird split in their performance. They score incredibly high in our database for active noise cancellation and microphone quality, landing in the 95th and 94th percentiles respectively. That's flagship-level tech. But then you look at the sound quality score, and it's down in the 40th percentile. It's a classic case of a product being brilliant at its specific job, but maybe not the all-rounder you'd want for all-day listening.

The numbers tell a clear story. That ANC score isn't a fluke. In testing, these do a shockingly good job of blocking out gym noise, treadmill hum, and city racket. It's one of the best we've seen for blocking consistent, low-frequency sounds, which is exactly what you deal with during a workout. The mics are equally impressive, using beamforming tech to pick up your voice clearly even in windy conditions, which is a lifesaver for taking a call mid-run.

Now, about that sound. Scoring in the 40th percentile means they're fine, but not great. JBL's 'Pure Bass Sound' branding is accurate—the bass is prominent and punchy, which is fun for high-energy music. But the overall tuning tends to sacrifice detail in the mids and highs to make that bass pop. If you're a critical listener who wants to hear every nuance in a complex track, you'll notice the limitations. For a workout playlist that's mostly about energy and rhythm, though, it gets the job done.

At a current street price of around $48, the value proposition is pretty straightforward. You're getting flagship-level ANC and mic performance at a budget earbud price. That's a wild deal if those are your priorities. Most earbuds with ANC this good start well over $100.

The trade-off, of course, is the average sound quality. You're not paying for audiophile tuning here. You're paying for a rugged, reliable, feature-packed tool for active use. Compared to something like the JBL Tune Buds 2 at a similar price, you're trading a bit of sound refinement for much better durability and a more secure fit.

The most direct competitor is probably the Nothing Ear (a). It offers stronger hybrid ANC (45dB) and generally better-reviewed sound for a similar price, but it lacks the intense waterproofing and ultra-secure fit of the Endurance Race. If your workouts are mild, the Nothing is a better all-rounder. If you're drenched in sweat or trail running, the JBL wins.

Then there's the CMF Buds Pro 2. It has a unique smart dial and excellent sound for the money, but its IP54 rating is just splash-proof, not submersible like the JBL's IP67. It's a better choice for someone who wants great sound and clever controls but doesn't need a true sport earbud. For pure fitness warriors, the JBL's ruggedness and fit are still the trump cards.

Audiophiles and anyone who prioritizes sound quality above all else should look elsewhere. With a sound score in the 40th percentile, these are tuned for energy, not accuracy. The bass-heavy signature lacks the detail and clarity you'd want for enjoying complex music genres. Also, if you need an earbud for all-day, everyday wear—commuting, office work, casual listening—the sporty fit might get uncomfortable, and the sound profile isn't versatile enough. In those cases, consider the Nothing Ear (a) for better-balanced sound or the CMF Buds Pro 2 for more features and comfort at a similar price point.

Buy the JBL Endurance Race TWS if your primary use case is sports and exercise. The combination of rock-solid fit, serious waterproofing, and best-in-class ANC for the price makes it a no-brainer for runners, gym-goers, and anyone with an active, sweaty lifestyle. Just don't expect them to double as your primary music-listening earbuds.

Skip them if you're looking for a balanced, all-day earbud. The sound profile is too bass-focused and the fit might be too sporty for extended comfort. Also, if total battery life is a huge concern, that 30-hour total (10 in buds, 20 in case) is on the lower end compared to many modern options. In those cases, look at the Nothing Ear (a) or spend a bit more for a more versatile performer.