JBL Tune 230 NC earbuds Review: Tailored for bass lovers

tech.hindustantimes.com:

It is raining cats and dogs in the world of TWS earbuds these days; I wish it was the case for actual rains in Delhi NCR during this onset of summer! Every week or two, you will find some company launching another set of new earbuds with ANC, toting another AirPods clone design, and some gimmick to make you spend a large chunk of cash. This is more notable in the affordable segment, wherein the smartphone brands and local-bred brands are hyperactive. Hence, for a company like JBL, it needs something special to stand out and make people take notice! Something “hatke”! And they think the JBL Tune 230 NC is just the one we had asked for.

It costs Rs. 5,999 and on paper, it promises two things that customers in this price bracket yearn for — bass and Active Noise Cancellation. Another crucial thing that gets sidelined is tremendous battery life, which this pair of JBL offers in copious amounts.

But so do most other TWS earbuds from most other brands! How does the JBL Tune 230 NC hold up in the real world then? Let us find out.

When luxury audio brands do affordable entry-level products, the build quality or design on these products usually takes a back seat (for example, the iPhone SE that makes its lowest price possible with a dated design). JBL goes for an average build quality on the JBL Tune 230 NC that doesn’t seem reassuring. The plastic used to make the case is low quality and is prone to scratches. The “wannabe funky design'' looks cringe, especially with the battery indicator lights, and so does the bold “JBL” logo. The earbuds themselves are larger than usual in size and carry over the same cringe design, with the JBL logo stamped on the stems. The only relief comes from the orange accent in the ear tips, which is