JBL JBL Reflect Aero Noise-Canceling True Wireless Review

The JBL Reflect Aero true wireless earbuds are built for tough workouts, with an IP68 rating and a secure fit. However, their sound quality and noise cancellation are just average for the $100 price. They're a solid pick for gym rats, but not the best choice for everyday listening.

If you're looking for a pair of workout earbuds with decent noise cancellation for around $100, the JBL Reflect Aero is probably on your radar. They're built for sweat and water, with an IP68 rating that means they can survive a dunk in the pool. The oval-shaped eartips and Powerfins are designed to keep them locked in during a run, and the adaptive noise cancellation is meant to help you tune out the gym. But are they good for more than just exercise? We dug into the data to find out.

The sound quality lands in the 40th percentile compared to other wireless earbuds in our database, which is a polite way of saying it's fine, but not amazing. The 6.8mm drivers deliver a bass-forward sound that's energetic for workouts, but it can get a bit muddy if you're listening to anything complex. The adaptive noise cancellation is in the 39th percentile, so it'll take the edge off a treadmill hum or background chatter, but don't expect it to completely silence a busy commute. Call quality, with its six beamforming mics, scores in the 36th percentile, meaning your voice will come through, but it might sound a bit thin or distant in noisier environments.

At around $100, the Reflect Aero is in a crowded field. You're paying a premium for the IP68 rating and secure fit. If those are your top priorities, it's a justifiable spend. But if you want better sound or stronger ANC at this price, there are alternatives that make you compromise on the ruggedness instead.

The Nothing Ear (a) is a direct competitor at a similar price and offers a more balanced, detailed sound profile and generally better ANC, but it's not as rugged. The Google Pixel Buds Pro can often be found on sale near this price and offer superior ANC and integration for Android users, though their fit isn't as sport-focused. If you're willing to spend more, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is in a different league for sound and noise cancellation, but you'd be crazy to take those for a sweaty run. The Reflect Aero's main advantage is being a dedicated gym rat, while the others are better all-rounders.

Skip these if you're not an athlete. If you want earbuds primarily for commuting, office use, or critical music listening, the average sound and ANC will disappoint. Audiophiles should look elsewhere, and gamers should avoid them entirely—they scored a dismal 7.5/100 for gaming in our tests. For a better all-around experience at a similar price, check out the Nothing Ear (a) or look for sales on the Google Pixel Buds Pro.

Should you buy the JBL Reflect Aero? Only if your primary use case is sweating. They're built like tanks for the gym, track, or pool, and they'll stay in your ears. But for everything else—commuting, office use, just enjoying music at home—they feel like a compromise. The average sound and middling ANC hold them back from being a great daily driver. We'd recommend them specifically to athletes who need that IP68 security above all else, and suggest everyone else look at the competition.