JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise Cancelling Review

Incredible battery life and solid ANC for just $60, but the sound is merely 'good enough.' Perfect for workouts and commutes, not for critical listening.

The JBL Tune Flex are the ultimate 'good enough' earbuds. For $60, you get battery life that puts $200 models to shame, solid noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit that lasts all day. But here's the one thing you need to know: the sound quality is just okay. It's a classic JBL bass-heavy profile that's fun for the gym but gets muddy if you're a music snob.

The battery life is genuinely shocking. In our testing, it landed in the 98th percentile, meaning you'll almost never think about charging these things. The ANC is also surprisingly competent for the price, sitting in the 87th percentile. It won't drown out a screaming baby on a plane, but it handles a busy coffee shop or a loud gym just fine. The real letdown is the microphone quality, which ranks in the bottom half. For calls, you'll be heard, but don't expect crystal clarity.

At $60, these are a no-brainer if your priorities are battery and comfort over pristine audio. You're getting features that typically cost twice as much. It's a fantastic value, full stop.

Compared to the Anker Soundcore P3i at a similar price, the Tune Flex has better battery life and ANC, but the P3i often has clearer sound. If you step up to the Sony WF-1000XM5, you're paying over three times as much for vastly superior sound and ANC, but you lose the insane battery life of the JBLs. The Tune Flex sit in a sweet spot: they do the core job of wireless earbuds (connect, cancel noise, last all day) better than most cheap options, even if they don't excel at the finer points.

Skip these if you're an audiophile or need a great microphone for work calls. The bass-heavy, muddy sound profile will disappoint you. Instead, look at the Nothing Ear (a) or spend more for the Sony WF-1000XM5.

We recommend the JBL Tune Flex for anyone who needs a reliable, comfortable, long-lasting pair of earbuds for the gym, commute, or workday and isn't an audiophile. If you just want to block out the world and not charge your case every night, these are a steal. If your main goal is to get lost in a beautifully mixed album, look elsewhere.