JBL Endurance Race TWS, IE, Black Review
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The JBL Endurance Race TWS Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
In the ever-evolving world of wireless headphones, the JBL Endurance Race TWS promises a blend of usability and ruggedness. Boasting an extensive battery life of up to 30 hours, these headphones claim to keep pace with your all-day music cravings. Their waterproof and dustproof build suggests reliability but beware, trusted durability often comes at a steep price. While the encompassing JBL Pure Bass Sound vows a musical experience that resonates beyond auditory reception, let’s remember that claims of musical nirvana can sometimes hit a sour note in reality. Noise isolation and ambient sound enhancement offer a dynamic listening environment, but whether these features are revolutionary or just recycled, well, that’s up for discussion.
Key Technical Specifications
Driver size: 6 mm / 1/4 inch
- Dynamic driver power supply: 5V 1A
- Headphones weight: 6.2g per headphone (12.4g combined) / 0.014lb per headphone (0.028lbs together)
- Charging box weight: 44.9g/0.099lbs
- Headphone battery type: lithium-ion battery (70 mAh/3.85 V)
- Charging box battery type: lithium-ion battery (550 mAh/3.7 V)
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Music playback time at BT: 10 hours
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Sensitivity: 99 dB SPL @ 1 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 93 dB
- Microphone sensitivity: -38 dBV/Pa@1kHz
- Bluetooth version: 5.2
- Bluetooth profile version: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.7
- Bluetooth transmitter frequency range: 2.4 GHz – 2.4835 GHz
- Bluetooth transmitter performance: 10dBm
- Bluetooth transmitter modulation: GFSK, 4QPSK, 8DPSK
- Maximum operating temperature: 4.5 Degree
JBL Endurance Race TWS vs The Competition: Are They Truly Endurance Ready?
The JBL Endurance Race TWS wireless headphones make a strong case in the crowded Australian market for true wireless earbuds with impressive battery life and rugged durability. Compared to other competitors in the same price range, their 30-hour battery life is a standout feature, placing them ahead of most, such as the Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, which offer lesser playback times. This makes them a solid option for users prioritizing extended use, especially outdoors.
Importantly, the IP67 dust and waterproof rating represents a significant competitive edge for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, who might typically look towards other sport-focused brands like Jaybird or Beats for resilience against the elements. This robust design ensures they’re well-suited for unpredictable weather conditions, which is a particular advantage in Australia’s varied climate.
However, while the JBL Endurance Race stands tall in endurance, it may not appeal to audiophiles who prioritize sound clarity and breadth. Despite boasting JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound, the emphasis on bass can sometimes overshadow the mids and highs, limiting the overall audio experience compared to rivals like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which offer a more balanced sound profile.
The ergonomic Twistlock design promises comfort for extended wear, yet its fit might not be universally ideal. Users with smaller ear canals may find the fit somewhat intrusive or bulky compared to the more universally comfortable design of Sony WF-1000XM4. Customisation through the My JBL Headphones app offers some remediation, allowing personalization in EQ settings that could enhance the user experience better tailored than some competitors that do not offer similar features.
Incorporating modern conveniences like TalkThru and Voiceaware, JBL Endurance Race ensures seamless interaction without having to remove the earbuds, a feature particularly beneficial for busy urbanites who frequently must navigate between conversations and music. Although handy, the functionality is comparable to industry standards, such as those found in Apple’s and Samsung’s offerings.
For tech-savvy users, the voice assistant compatibility might be slightly limited by requiring Android 6.0 and above for accessing full functionalities. Nonetheless, this reflects a broader industry trend towards minimal seamless integration with AI assistants.
In summary, JBL Endurance Race TWS headphones offer a formidable option for users needing robust durability and extensive battery life, at the cost of some sound detail and universal comfort. They are best suited for active users or busy professionals who live life on the go and value a hands-free, enduring companion through their day-to-day hustle.