The wireless earbud market has matured significantly since Apple launched the AirPods in 2016. Today's premium earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages, with features that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Let's dive into two compelling options that showcase just how far we've come.
Modern wireless earbuds need to excel across multiple use cases - from casual music listening to video calls, gaming, and even home theater use. The core technologies that matter most are:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($129.99) launched in August 2022 as Samsung's flagship earbuds, while the JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) arrived around the same time as a premium offering from one of audio's most respected names.
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio quality, but they take different approaches. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro uses a dual-driver system (meaning separate speakers for high and low frequencies) that produces crisp, detailed sound. When paired with Samsung devices, they support the Samsung Seamless Codec, which allows for higher quality audio transmission than standard Bluetooth.
The JBL Tour Pro+ takes a single-driver approach but extends deeper into bass frequencies (down to 10Hz versus Samsung's 20Hz). In practice, this means the JBL delivers more impactful low-end for genres like hip-hop and electronic music. I've found the JBL's sound signature more enjoyable for casual listening, while the Samsung's dual-driver setup shines with classical and acoustic music where instrument separation matters more.
For home theater use, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a slight edge thanks to its 360 Audio feature, which creates a more immersive soundstage when watching movies. The low latency gaming mode also helps keep audio and video in sync.
Active Noise Cancellation has become a must-have feature, and both models implement it well. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro uses an intelligent system that adapts to your environment, and I've found it particularly effective at blocking low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and bus rumble.
The JBL Tour Pro+ offers solid ANC but doesn't quite match Samsung's performance in challenging environments. However, JBL's ambient sound mode (which lets you hear your surroundings) sounds more natural, making it better for conversations without removing the earbuds.
Battery life remains a key differentiator in 2024. With ANC enabled:
Both support wireless charging and quick charging features, but JBL's extra hour per charge makes a noticeable difference during long workdays or flights.
This is where the biggest differences emerge. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro integrates deeply with Samsung's ecosystem, offering:
The JBL Tour Pro+ takes a more universal approach:
Both models are comfortable for extended wear, but the Galaxy Buds2 Pro's smaller size and lighter weight (5.5g vs 6.2g per earbud) make them slightly more comfortable for longer sessions. The JBL's larger size provides more surface area for controls, making them easier to operate.
At $129.99, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers exceptional value for Samsung users, with features and integration that rival Apple's AirPods Pro. The JBL Tour Pro+ at $149.94 justifies its higher price through better battery life and universal compatibility.
The choice largely depends on your device ecosystem and usage patterns:
Choose the Galaxy Buds2 Pro if:
Choose the JBL Tour Pro+ if:
Both models have received software updates since their release, improving features and stability. Samsung has added features like head tracking for 360 Audio, while JBL has enhanced their noise cancellation algorithms.
The wireless earbud market continues to evolve, with newer models pushing boundaries in areas like battery life and spatial audio. However, both these models remain competitive in 2024, offering features and performance that satisfy most users' needs.
Remember that personal preference plays a huge role in audio equipment choices. If possible, try both models before deciding, as sound signature preferences can be highly individual. Many retailers offer generous return policies for this reason.
Whether you choose the ecosystem-integrated approach of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro or the versatile performance of the JBL Tour Pro+, both represent excellent choices in today's wireless earbud market. The key is matching their strengths to your specific needs and usage patterns.
| Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro | JBL Tour Pro+ |
|---|---|
| Price - Base cost before considering value-add features | |
| $129.99 | $149.94 |
| Battery Life with ANC - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 5 hours (20 hours with case) | 6 hours (24 hours with case) |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout or outdoor use | |
| IPX7 (fully waterproof) | IPX5 (splash resistant) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and clarity | |
| Dual driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) | Single 6.8mm driver |
| Bluetooth Version - Newer versions offer better range and stability | |
| 5.3 (latest standard) | 5.0 (slightly older) |
| Codec Support - Critical for audio quality, especially with high-res content | |
| Samsung Seamless + AAC/SBC | AAC/SBC only |
| Device Switching - Important for users with multiple devices | |
| Samsung devices only | Any two Bluetooth devices |
| Weight Per Earbud - Affects long-term comfort | |
| 5.5g (more comfortable) | 6.2g (slightly heavier) |
| Special Features - Additional value considerations | |
| 360 Audio, head tracking, Samsung ecosystem integration | Better bass extension, universal compatibility |
| Best Use Case - Who should buy these | |
| Samsung device users wanting premium features | Multi-device users needing versatility |
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are better for movies due to their 360 Audio feature and lower latency. They create a more immersive soundstage and keep audio perfectly synced with video content.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro costs $129.99, while the JBL Tour Pro+ is priced at $149.94, a $20 difference.
The JBL Tour Pro+ lasts longer with 6 hours (ANC on) compared to Galaxy Buds2 Pro's 5 hours. Including charging cases, JBL provides 24 total hours versus Samsung's 20 hours.
Yes, both work well but the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has an advantage with its dedicated low-latency mode and better codec support for Samsung devices.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth, but the JBL Tour Pro+ offers easier switching between TV and other devices thanks to its multi-point connectivity.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has superior noise cancellation, particularly useful for blocking out household sounds during movie watching.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is better for gaming due to its lower latency and Gaming Mode feature. The JBL Tour Pro+ has slightly more lag.
Both offer excellent sound, but Galaxy Buds2 Pro has better clarity with its dual-driver system, while JBL Tour Pro+ provides deeper bass response.
Both are suitable, but the Galaxy Buds2 Pro has better water resistance (IPX7 vs IPX5) and a more secure fit.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is lighter and more comfortable for extended viewing, weighing 5.5g versus the JBL Tour Pro+ at 6.2g.
No, but you'll get the best features (360 Audio, seamless codec) only with Samsung devices. The JBL works equally well with all devices.
For home theater use, choose the Galaxy Buds2 Pro if you want the best movie experience with spatial audio and low latency. Choose the JBL Tour Pro+ if you need to frequently switch between TV and other devices.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com - digitaltrends.com - harmanaudio.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - seriousinsights.net - mm.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - bigapplebuddy.com
