JBL Tune 230NC TWS Review: Entry-level ANC

Pure bass zero noise, this is JBL’s advertising slogan for the new Tune 230NC wireless noise cancelling headphones. It shows us the importance JBL has placed here. According to the manufacturer, we have strong bass and also noise cancellation. It is under $100 but not overly expensive for a branded noise cancelling headset. But what does it look like in practice? Let’s find out in the JBL Tune 230NC TWS review!

Design

Like all true wireless earphones, the Tune 230NC also comes in a small charging/carrying box. It’s not that small though at 62 x 47 x 30mm. However, we wouldn’t call it a big transport box.

JBL uses a distinctive matte plastic, and our JBL Tune 230NC TWS review unit is in black. However, JBL also offers it in white and blue colors. The charging box makes a great impression! It seems to be high quality, even if we don’t place it in the “premium” category.

On the front side of the charging box, we find three status LEDs, which tell you about the charge level. The charging box can charge the Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones up to 3 times on the go! You’ll have to connect it to the network yourself, for which there is a USB C port on the back.

The active noise cancelling headphones themselves use a bridge design. At least that’s what we call it because there is a kind of bridge attached to the earbuds, which runs down the ears. This design undoubtedly popularized Apple to some extent.

However, unlike Apple, JBL uses a classic in-ear principle. We have silicone tips that keep your ear sealed. It is not entirely unimportant for the ANC.

Comfort

We can only describe the wearability of the JBL Tune 230NC as good. The earbuds are a great size for your ears, and the fit has been chosen well.

Due to the bridge design, the earbuds’ center of gravity is relatively close to the body, which helps with grip.

Is the Tune 230NC also suitable for sports? Yes, but the noise reduction headphones don’t sit as tightly as other models with ear hooks. The earphones instead fit a bit more comfortably!

Active noise cancelling

The JBL Tune 230NC TWS features active noise cancelling. It works too, but don’t expect miracles!

The passive noise canceling does more with the Tune 230NC than the active one. Simply by having earbuds in your ears, a lot of ambient noise is filtered out.

The ANC does this a little better, but the effect is less impressive than with large headphones.

We also have reverse ANC, where the mics actively forgo outside noise, but we found that to be less convincing here.

Sound

Let’s come to the most important point, the sound. JBL has chosen a very attractive sound signature for the Tune 230NC.

But let’s start from the beginning, that is, with the highs. The JBL Tune 230NC TWS has pleasantly clear and sharp highs, which is definitely a nice glow. We’d describe the highs as fairly airy, but the earphones have a bit of bass focus that can push itself further. Depending on the song, the highs can still yield a good balance for the bass, but the beat is less in the foreground. Still, we’d describe high as good!

The mids are unspectacular. Vocals sound clean, and the general sonority is okay, but we have a slight high/low focus. Here and there, slightly louder female voices sound a little thinner than they actually should. But this is criticism on a high level!

As advertised by JBL, the bass of the Tune 230NC is a highlight! The bass is powerful and pleasantly round. Even the draft leaves nothing to be desired. If you are a bass fan, then you will love the bass of the Tune 230NC! However, the earphones also avoid going too extreme.

The bass can push itself forward a bit, especially with titles with a fairly aggressive bass line. However, the JBL Tune 230NC TWS doesn’t sound hot or dull, quite the contrary! We would describe the general sound signature as clean or quiet.

This in combination with strong bass makes the earphones very pleasing. 99% of people will be able to find themselves in the sound signature of the earphone.

Final line

Yes, the JBL Tune 230NC TWS is a totally recommended Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones. JBL has managed to make a really good true wireless noise cancelling headset without any real weaknesses.

So here, we have a very pleasant sound signature with a definite bass focus. The Tune 230NC doesn’t sound dull, it has strong bass and good highs. This high/low contrast gives the earphones a very vibrant and dynamic sound signature that will appeal to most users.

While the ANC is nothing special, it is good so far. Wearing comfort is good, not great!

In short, if you are looking for good budget earphones with a vibrant sound and top wearing comfort, you will not go wrong here! Especially since the JBL Tune 230NC TWS isn’t too expensive at $99.95 on Amazon.com, or with a huge offer on Amazon.co.uk at just £49.99 (at the time of writing).

It might be worth buying these active noise cancelling headphones purely for their functionality. Its stable connectivity and the perfect fit are also plusses. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, it’s worth considering the Tronsmart Apollo Air+ (REVIEW) noise reduction headphones which is priced at $49.99 (at the time of writing) and sound just a similar.