Fully wireless headphones (the concept popularized by Apple with its AirPods in 2016) are a now crowded market. Between the experts and pioneers (Sony in the lead) and all the brands of smartphones (Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Xiaomi…), we must add all the brands specializing in audio. I have spoken to you several times regarding Sennheiser, it is time to mention JBL, another big name in the field, belonging by far to the Samsung group, and which has a whole range dedicated to the general public. If I am talking regarding the Tour Pro 2 today, it is because these headphones fit into a charging case which – this is new – is equipped with a color and touch screen. The price of these headphones considered top of the range is logically quite high: 249€. For comparison, Apple’s AirPods Pro cost €299, the Sony WH-1000XM4 reference was released in 2021 at €279 and the spectacular Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are also displayed at €249. So we’re on average.
Why a screen?
JBL is right: to stand out in a saturated market, it is no longer enough to offer good sound quality and excellent active reduction of ambient noise (deaf noise from public transport, bass, vibration, etc.). And what might be more original and attractive than a storage and charging case with a 1.45″ diagonal, touchscreen and color screen? Once the surprise effect has passed, you should ask yourself: what is it for? Well, for a lot of things, in fact, because it’s a remote control for functions and music. You can, in order:
- Control music (pause, next, previous)
- Change volume
- Adjust the management of ambient noise (reduce it, let it pass or amplify voices)
- Play with the EQ (there are several cool presets)
- Set a timer
- Activate and manage “spatial sound”, which gives volume to the sound. A pretty cool software function that “detaches” frequencies for a “concert hall” effect.
- Manage listener secondary settings
And it’s very smart, following all. Because the defect of these miniature headphones is that the controls that can be put there, generally tactile (you have to touch or pinch this or that area on this or that side of the headset), are limited and not very intuitive. . With what can be considered a small remote control, we simplify all that. And since we always have the case at hand, it turns out to be devilishly practical.
And the sound?
The Tour Pro 2 are the most expensive headphones in JBL’s lineup, so they’re loaded with options. The initial configuration allows for example to make a test of the tightness of the ear canal, in order to know if the rubber tips play their role of passive insulation, and if the maintenance is ensured in the ear. A great idea. Another test ensures that the active noise reduction is well calibrated for your ears. As for the case, it is compatible with wireless charging and, when its integrated battery is at 100% as well as that of the headphones, you can count on 40 hours of listening time in total (without active noise reduction). Also count on 6 microphones and a good algorithm for crystal-clear conversations (audio or video calls), thanks to the reduced ambient noise and thanks to the amplification of your voice! Finally, if you can’t find the case, be aware that there are touch controls on the ear cups.
There remains the question of sound quality. The level becomes so good, even on earphones at 79€, that it becomes difficult to judge the quality of the sound on a pair of intras at 249€. There is the spatial sound option, which really allows an accentuated immersion if it is activated for music, games or videos. The bass is present, the voices stand out perfectly. But without being able to objectify it, and even by fiddling in the many sound settings of the JBL Headphones application, I would still say that we remain a notch below the Sennheiser Momentum, whose sound reaches an additional dimension. , spectacular. But it’s light… As for the active noise reduction, it’s hefty given the very limited size of the Tour Pro 2 (Sony and Bose do better, but the headsets are less discreet and less light).
In conclusion: it is above all the new options, and not at all “gadget”, provided by the intelligent charging case, which make the Tour Pro 2 a pair of wireless headphones that intelligently stand out from the competition. If you want to put 249€ in wireless headphones, do not hesitate…
