JBL JBL Tune Flex - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Review
The JBL Tune Flex offer insane battery life and solid noise cancellation for just $60. But is the mediocre sound quality a deal-breaker? We break down who should buy them.
The 30-Second Version
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.
Overview
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.
Performance
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong battery (99th percentile) 99th
- Strong comfort (86th percentile) 86th
- Strong anc (84th percentile) 84th
- Strong social proof (80th percentile) 80th
Cons
- Below average mic (17th percentile) 17th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | True Wireless |
| Wearing Style | Rounded or ergonomic shape |
| Ear Tips | l |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 12 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Impedance | 32 |
| Sensitivity | 98 |
| Codecs | Lightweight, Noise Cancellation |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Wired Connector | USB |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 48 |
| Charge Time | 2 |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 18 |
Microphone
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant |
Value & Pricing
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.
vs Competition
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.
| Spec | JBL JBL Tune Flex - True Wireless Noise Cancelling | Technics Technics EAH-AZ100 Reference-Class True Wireless | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation Apple - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 48 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 18 | 11 | 16 | 25 | 18 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IPX4 | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Is the noise cancellation good for flights?
It's decent for constant engine rumble, but it won't completely silence chatty seatmates. For the price, it's better than you'd expect.
Q: How's the fit for small ears?
Excellent. The comfort score is in the 97th percentile, and the lightweight stick design works well for most people, even during long sessions.
Q: Can you use one earbud at a time?
Yes, both earbuds work independently, which is great for taking calls or staying aware of your surroundings.
Who Should Skip This
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.
Verdict
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.