JBL Endurance Race 2

The JBL Endurance Race 2 is a rugged pair of true wireless earbuds built for swimmers and heavy sweaters. The IP68 waterproof rating and secure fit are best-in-class, but the sound quality and mic performance are mediocre. At $90, it's a great choice for durability-focused athletes, but not for audiophiles or frequent callers.

Let's talk about what these numbers actually mean. The build quality is top of the charts, sitting in the 99th percentile in our database. That's the absolute best right now for durability, and it shows in the IP68 rating and the overall tank-like feel. The ANC is solid, landing in the 74th percentile, which means it's well above average for blocking out gym noise or traffic. But the sound is where things get interesting. The 6.8mm drivers deliver that punchy JBL bass, but the overall sound profile ranks in the 29th percentile. That's mediocre, and it means if you're an audiophile, you'll notice the lack of detail in the mids and highs. The bass is fun, but it's not a balanced listen. The mic quality is a weak spot, coming in at the 12th percentile. Despite the four mics, call quality in windy or noisy conditions is disappointing. And the battery, despite the 48-hour claim, ranks in the 2nd percentile in our database. That's one of the worst we've seen for this category, which is a real letdown for a sports-focused product.

Stacked against the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation, the JBL Endurance Race 2 wins on durability and price. The AirPods Pro are not IP68 rated, and they cost significantly more. But the AirPods Pro absolutely crush the JBL on sound quality, mic performance, and ANC. If you're an iPhone user who wants the best all-around experience, the AirPods are the clear choice. The JBL is for the person who runs in the rain and doesn't want to think about it. Compared to the Sony WF-C700N, the Sony offers better sound and a more balanced profile, but it's not as rugged. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is in a different league for audio quality, but it's also much more expensive and not designed for heavy sweat sessions. The Soundcore P31i is a budget alternative that's fine, but it doesn't have the IP68 rating or the secure fit of the JBL.

At $90, the JBL Endurance Race 2 is a tough sell if you're looking for the best sound or call quality. You can get better audio from the Sony WF-C700N or the EarFun Air Pro 4+ for similar money. But if your priority is a pair of earbuds that can survive a monsoon, a pool dunk, and a dusty trail run, the value proposition shifts. The IP68 rating alone is worth the price for swimmers and triathletes. Just don't expect flagship sound or battery life. You're paying for durability and fit, not audio excellence.

The JBL Endurance Race 2 sits in that crowded true wireless earbuds space, but it's aimed squarely at people who sweat. We're talking runners, gym rats, and anyone whose earbuds have died a tragic death from moisture. At around $90, it's not trying to compete with flagship buds on pure audio fidelity. It's trying to be the pair you don't have to worry about. The IP68 rating is the headline here, and it's a big one. These things are fully dustproof and can handle being submerged deeper than a meter in fresh or salt water. That's rare at this price point. JBL pairs that durability with their signature Pure Bass sound, ANC, and a claimed 48 hours of total battery life. It's a compelling pitch for the active crowd.

Skip the JBL Endurance Race 2 if you care about sound quality or make a lot of phone calls. The audio is bass-heavy but lacks detail, and the mic is one of the weakest we've tested. If you're an audiophile, look at the Sony WF-C700N or the Technics EAH-AZ100 instead. If you're an iPhone user who wants seamless integration and great call quality, the AirPods Pro 3rd Generation is the obvious pick. And if you don't need the extreme waterproofing, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ offers better sound and ANC for similar money.

Should you buy the JBL Endurance Race 2? If you're a swimmer, a trail runner, or someone who has killed multiple pairs of earbuds with sweat, yes. The IP68 rating is the real deal, and the Twistlock fit is genuinely secure. The ANC is good enough for the gym, and the Smart Ambient mode is handy for outdoor runs. But if you care about sound quality or making phone calls, look elsewhere. The audio is bass-heavy but muddy, and the mic is a letdown. The battery life claim of 48 hours is misleading when you look at real-world performance. This is a niche product that nails its niche. For everyone else, there are better all-around options at this price.