JBL TUNE235BT

The JBL Tune 235BT delivers best-in-class sound and 25-hour battery for around $40. Call quality is weak and there's no real ANC, but for pure music listening, it's hard to beat at this price.

Sound is the headline here. Our database puts these at the 97th percentile for audio quality, which is wild for a budget pair. The 12.5mm drivers punch out serious bass and the EQ customization helps if you want to dial things back. Comfort is also a standout at the 95th percentile, and battery life lands at 94th, so you're getting 25 hours of playtime with Speed Charge for quick top-ups. Connectivity is solid at 88th percentile with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint, so switching between your tablet and phone works without drama. The weak spot is calls. The single mic scores a mediocre 40th percentile, and ANC is basically nonexistent at the 31st percentile. Don't expect much noise isolation beyond what the earbud tips physically block.

Against the Soundcore P31i and Sony WF-C700N, the JBL wins on raw sound quality and battery life but loses on call performance and noise cancellation. The Sony WF-C700N has better ANC and a more modern true wireless design, while the Soundcore P31i offers similar battery but weaker audio. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ and Nothing Ear (3) are both true wireless with better mics and ANC, but they cost more. If sound is your priority and you don't mind the neckband, the JBL is the value pick.

At $40 USD, this is a lot of sound for the money. You're getting top-tier audio performance and battery life that beats plenty of buds costing twice as much. The trade-off is call quality and the neckband form factor, which some people love and others can't stand. If you mainly want music and don't care about taking calls on these, it's a steal.

The JBL Tune 235BT is a neckband-style wireless earbud set that leans hard into JBL's Pure Bass sound. You get a pair of 12.5mm drivers, a 25-hour battery, and a tangle-free cable with a three-button remote. It's not true wireless despite what some listings imply, but the connected design means you can just pop them out and let them hang when you're not listening.

Skip these if you take a lot of calls or need noise cancellation for commuting. The mic is weak and there's no real ANC, so you'll struggle in noisy environments. Also pass if you hate neckband designs and want true wireless buds instead.

Buy these if you want big bass, long battery life, and don't care about taking calls. They're perfect for commuting, working out, or just zoning out with music. Skip them if you need reliable call quality or active noise cancellation.