JBL Live Pro 2 - Mostly Perfect Buds

As the earbud wars continue to rage on, you could argue it's become more difficult than ever to choose the right True-Wireless option for your ear holes.

Because of the huge choice now available, doing a deep dive into the pros and cons of every single option out there is no longer practical. By the time you'd researched them all, some of them would already be obsolete - in all likelihood replaced by a new generation from the same manufacturer.

JBL is a prime example, with a constantly evolving range of wireless buds to suit every requirement and budget.

But even just navigating JBL's lineup alone can be rather overwhelming. Here's my suggestion; make a list of the things that matter most to you in a pair of earbuds and go from there instead. Rest assured, the buds you're looking for are out there. In fact, JBL probably has something that fits your particular bill.

Actually, let's start with the bill; if you think paying more than $300 for something you might leave in your pocket, only for it to go through an entire washer/dryer cycle undetected, you're certainly not alone. Luckily, at NZ$299.95 JBL's Live Pro 2 TWS buds sneak just under that threshold, despite boasting pretty much every premium feature you could ask for, to one degree or another.

For example, the battery life is at the very top end for devices like these; the idea of wireless earbuds lasting for 10 hours non-stop would have seemed preposterous just a few years back yet here we are - with another impressive 30 hours charge in the case.

That pillbox case, while not the smallest around is by no means the largest either and it meets my personal primary requirement; it charges wirelessly. I know I keep banging on about this but if ever there was a gadget suited to the convenience of wireless charging, surely it's a set of earbuds. Even if I wasn't getting that crazy ten hours playback out of them, by popping them down on a nearby wireless charging pad every time I'm not using them I know they're always ready to go.

Ready for anything too; the Live Pro 2s feature Multi-Point connection so I can have them paired to my Android phone and my MacBook Pro simultaneously. Unlike some other buds that make this claim, JBL's version works pretty seamlessly. As soon as you stop using one device and start using the other, your connection automatically switches over.

The Live Pro 2s are an excellent choice to pair with your laptop thanks to their ability to be switched from Audio Mode to Video Mode. This is a toggle within the JBL Headphones app, where you'll find a host of other tweaks and settings, not to mention the option to update your firmware when new software becomes available. In theory, Audio Mode provides a superior listening experience while Video Mode prioritises a more lag-free connection, ensuring convincing lipsync when watching video and of course, crucial, no-delay audio when gaming.

I say "in theory" because while there's definitely a noticeable improvement in terms of lag when in Video Mode (ie: virtually no lag) I'm not sure there's any perceivable drop in audio quality - not that I can perceive, anyway. So I just leave them in Video Mode all the time.

I'm a fan of the way JBL tunes things generally - critics often suggest the sound can be a bit bass-heavy, perhaps losing some accuracy around the mids and highs. To these critics I say, "It's all about that bass." I'm always impressed when tiny little things like earbuds can come up with any kind of believable bass response and the Live Pro 2 11mm drivers absolutely deliver. I'm currently listening to that old classic, "Run to Paradise" by the Choirboys. If you're familiar with this banger of a piece of pub rock, you'll know it starts quite acoustically, with the rest of the band thumping out double chords in unison at the beginning of each line. This startling trick of dynamic contrast sounds brilliant on these earbuds. Lots of space for the whole band and no distortion or muddiness.

For prolonged listening sessions, I find if things are pushed too hard in the upper registers, those crisp, treble tones can fatigue over time. So I prefer JBL's warmer, richer mix; a much more comfortable listen. That applies to talk too - I'm a passionate podcast listener and spoken programmes like these sound rich and full as well.

Except when I'm out walking the dog.

I've been experiencing dropouts when I'm out and about and I can't explain it. It doesn't happen all the time but enough to be pretty annoying. The really weird thing is I can't find any evidence of it happening to other users. It's possible it's my phone and not the earbuds at all of course. I've certainly tried just about every setting in the app anyway.

The Headphones app is one of the more feature-packed out there - you can test your fit, adjust the EQ, customise touch controls, select your voice assistant and tailor the Adaptive Noise Control settings to your individual needs.

My individual needs are as much noise cancellation as technically possible and that's basically what Live Pro 2 delivers - between the passive noise barrier of the comfy ear tips and the truly excellent ANC, the outside world can be falling down around you without you knowing - just the way I like it.

As comfortable and as quiet as I find these earbuds - perhaps thanks in no small part to their somewhat unique Oval TubesTM design, complete with oval silicon tips to match - they are far from the most secure fit I have experienced. In fact, the left bud has actually fallen out a few times which is not exactly ideal - this is despite the app assuring me the tip I have chosen is a "good fit."

As a result, I'm not sure I'd recommend these for rigorous exercise, despite their IPX5 water resistance rating. Not to worry, JBL has other models more suited to you gym-bunny/adventurers.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a lag-free connection, stellar battery life and a rich, warm, bass-capable sound stage - all for under $300 - the Live Pro 2 TWS might be the option for you.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the JBL Live Pro TWS.