JBL Tune 235NC

The JBL Tune 235NC are budget true wireless earbuds with surprisingly strong ANC and call quality for around $90 USD. Battery life is solid at 40 hours total, and the IPX4 rating makes them workout-friendly. But comfort is a real concern, and the bass-heavy sound won't appeal to everyone.

The ANC on the Tune 235NC is genuinely impressive for the price. Our database puts it in the 97th percentile for noise cancelling among all earbuds we track. That's best-in-class territory, not just good for a budget pair. It uses a 2-mic feedforward setup, and while it won't erase a subway screech completely, it takes a serious bite out of low-end rumble and office chatter. The mic quality is also a standout, landing in the 92nd percentile. Four mics with noise reduction mean your voice comes through clean on calls, even with background noise. Battery life is solid too, 10 hours in the buds and 30 more in the case, with a quick charge that gives you 2 hours from 10 minutes. Sound quality sits at the 78th percentile, which is above average but not remarkable. The 6mm drivers deliver that JBL bass thump, but the mids and highs can feel a bit recessed if you're not a bass head. Connectivity is the weak link at the 63rd percentile, which is about average, but we've seen occasional dropouts reported in crowded areas.

Against the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation, the JBLs obviously lose on overall polish, comfort, and ecosystem integration. But the AirPods cost several times more, so that's not a fair fight. The more interesting comparison is the Nothing Buds 2, which sit in a similar price range. The Nothing Buds 2 offer a more balanced sound signature and better comfort, but their ANC doesn't touch what JBL is doing here. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are another step up in price and performance, with better sound and a more secure fit, but again, you're paying for it. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is a premium option that beats the JBLs in nearly every category except price. If you want the best ANC under $100, the Tune 235NC is hard to beat. If you want better comfort and more balanced sound, the Nothing Buds 2 or Soundcore P31i might be a better fit.

At $90 USD, the Tune 235NC is priced to compete with budget champs like the Soundcore P31i and Nothing Buds 2. You're getting ANC that punches way above its weight class, which is the main reason to buy these over cheaper options. But the comfort issues and average connectivity mean you're making a trade-off. If you can find these on sale, the value proposition gets even better. For the price, the ANC and mic quality alone justify the cost for commuters and remote workers who take a lot of calls.

The JBL Tune 235NC sits in the budget true wireless earbud bracket, usually around $90 USD. These are stick-style buds with active noise cancelling, a feature that's still not a given at this price. JBL leans hard into their Pure Bass sound signature here, and the spec sheet backs that up with 6mm dynamic drivers tuned for low-end punch. You get the usual suspects: Bluetooth 5.2, IPX4 water resistance, and a charging case that pushes total battery life to 40 hours. For commuters and call-heavy users, the ANC and 4-mic setup are the headline acts. But the comfort score in our database tells a different story, and that's worth digging into before you hit buy.

Skip the Tune 235NC if comfort is your top priority. The 29th percentile comfort score means these aren't a great fit for everyone, and if you have smaller ears or are sensitive to pressure, you'll likely find them uncomfortable after an hour or two. Audiophiles who want a balanced sound signature should also look elsewhere, the Pure Bass tuning is fun but not accurate. If you need multipoint pairing to switch between devices, these don't have it. For better comfort and more neutral sound at a similar price, check out the Nothing Buds 2 or Soundcore P31i.

Should you buy the JBL Tune 235NC? If your top priorities are noise cancelling and call quality on a budget, yes. These earbuds deliver ANC performance that rivals options costing twice as much, and the mic setup is genuinely excellent for calls. The battery life is also a strong selling point. But if comfort is a dealbreaker for you, proceed with caution. The 29th percentile comfort score in our database is a red flag, and the stick-closed design doesn't work for everyone's ears. If you can try them before buying, do it. If not, make sure the retailer has a good return policy.