“JBL Vibe Beam Black” Review
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The JBL Vibe Beam models are the perfect companion for your daily entertainment needs, allowing you to bring your sound wherever you go. These splash-proof and dust-proof earbuds provide up to 32 hours of battery life, ensuring that your music never stops.
Featuring JBL deep bass sound, these earbuds deliver high-quality audio that will elevate your music listening experience. The 8mm drivers enhance the bass performance, allowing you to truly feel the music.
But the Vibe Beam models aren’t just about sound quality – they also prioritize comfort. With their ergonomic, embroidery-closed design, they fit seamlessly into your ears. You’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Plus, the closed design effectively blocks out external noise, further enhancing the bass performance.
Another impressive feature of these earbuds is the VoiceAware technology, which enables hands-free calls on the go. You can easily balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking to others, ensuring clear and uninterrupted conversations.
Furthermore, these earbuds are water and dust resistant, with an IP54 certification for the earphones and an IPX2 certification for the charging case. This means you can confidently take them to the beach or on a bike ride without worrying about damage from water or dust.
While the JBL Vibe Beam models offer a range of impressive features, it is important to approach them with some skepticism. Although they claim to provide a comfortable fit, the actual experience may vary from person to person, as comfort is subjective. Additionally, while the IP54 and IPX2 certifications offer some level of protection against water and dust, it is always wise to exercise caution in extreme conditions.
Technical Specifications
- Sound Quality: JBL DEEP BASS SOUND
- Battery Life: Up to 32 hours
- Design: Secure and comfortable stick-close design
- Splash-proof: Yes
- Dust-proof: Yes
- Driver Size: 8mm
- Fit: Ergonomic, embroidery-closed design for comfortable wear
- Noise Exclusion: Closed design excludes external noise
- Hands-free Calls: VoiceAware feature for balancing own voice during stereo calls
- Water Resistance: IP54 certified earphones
- Dust Resistance: IPX2 certified charging case
Unpacking the JBL Vibe Beam: A Close Look at Portable Audio Contenders in Australia
The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds promise to bring an on-the-go auditory experience to the Australian market, touting features like superior bass, a comfortable fit, and impressive battery life. But how does it really stack up against competing products in this fiercely competitive segment? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of these new earphones and dissect its virtues and shortcomings vis-à-vis its rivals.
Audio Quality and Bass
With 8mm drivers engineered for JBL’s deep bass sound, the Vibe Beam certainly holds its ground in the audio department. Indeed, anyone looking to elevate their daily rituals with a rich, bass-heavy soundtrack will appreciate what JBL brings to the table. However, while the Vibe Beam delivers immersive lower frequencies, it may fall short when compared to the all-round soundstage balance offered by premium competitors like Sony’s WF-1000XM4 or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3. Both of these alternatives serve a more rounded audio experience, catering to those who value clarity across the spectrum as much as booming bass.
Battery Life
The promise of up to 32 hours of battery life is undoubtedly a standout feature of the JBL Vibe Beam, making it a formidable option for long journeys or all-day use. That said, a critical look reveals juggernauts like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and the Apple AirPods Pro—which both offer less overall battery life but compensate with features like adaptive noise cancellation and superior integration within their respective ecosystems.
Durability and Resistance
Boasting IP54 certification for dust and water resistance, and an IPX2 charging case—a welcome feature for outdoor enthusiasts—the JBL Vibe Beam is clearly designed to endure the elements. However, the competition becomes fierce here as well. Consider the Jaybird Vista 2, which not only features full IP68 waterproofing but also an Earthproof encapsulated construction, making it a more appealing option for extreme sportspersons or those frequently caught in erratic weather conditions.
Fit and Comfort
JBL’s focus on a comfortable, stick-close fit is laudable. Their ergonomic design aims to keep users comfortably disconnected from external noise, ideal for a solitary experience in a public setting. Yet, competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, which are famed for their comfort, offer customizable ear tips for a better fit, thus potentially providing more versatility for different ear shapes and sizes.
Special Features
Another commendable feature is VoiceAware for hands-free calls, allowing users to balance how much of their own voice they hear during conversations. While this feature is unique, its practical benefits in daily usage might not be enough to outshine the higher call quality and noise isolation offered by the likes of the Jabra Elite 85t, which consistently receive high marks for their microphone quality and overall calling performance.
Ideal Audience
So, who benefits most from the JBL Vibe Beam? With its robust battery life, decent audio quality, and durable design, the Vibe Beam is primed for active individuals looking for dependable daily entertainment, especially those who enjoy bass-heavy music on the go. However, audiophiles and tech enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality and advanced features may find better options within Australia’s rich array of alternatives.
