They wont work if you go swimming with them, but they wont be damaged by it either. The design of these in-ears means they have to be twisted into the ear, which at first requires a certain amount of care and attention, but the right way can soon be learned. There are also ANC and Ambient Aware mode controls in the app, which well discuss in the next section. Despite decent endurance, the total runtime of this compact set was rather low because the battery reserve of the transport case, which serves as a charging station, was already 75% exhausted by the time the in-ears were fully charged. Phone calls, which have satisfying speech intelligibility, can also be accepted or ended by double-tapping, and this can be done on either the left or right side. Still, as a workout companion, they couldnt be more on point soundwise. Inside, youll find the earbuds, their charging case, a USB-C charging cable, a total of three sizes of silicone eartips and wing-tips, and paper documentation including a quick-start guide. Theres no volume control by default, but thats not unusual many true wireless earbuds lack this function. The mic offers strong intelligibility. Sport wireless earbuds are made of hard plastic with silicone tips and fins. Activating voice assistants or services can be done via pressing and holding the control surface. True Wireless in-ears not just for sports enthusiasts, Lightweight, extremely compact True Wireless in-ears with adjustable transparency mode. They do their job wonderfully, providing a secure fit.
Compared to Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 and JBL Live Pro+, these true wireless earbuds are far behind. Its a legitimate question, because we couldnt hear a notable difference when moving the fader in testing, and furthermore, wed adjust it, leave the menu, and then come back immediately to find the fader in a different spot than we left it. While 7 hours of battery life per charge is more than enough, therere only two extra charges in the bulky case. I didnt notice a lot of difference between these modes, but I like that theyre included if you need them. You can even run a marathon before draining all the juice. The $200 Jabra Elite Active 75t offer better sound quality (though not as much bass) and controls, as well as longer battery life, while still offering excellent water and dust protection.
Safety is always first, and you can also enable Ambient Aware, which helps you hear traffic noise. Even the song Duende by Bozzio Levin Stevens sounded great on these, and this track has brutal bass guitar lines. With touch controls, there are two issues; you have to hit the exact spot to register them, and there are locked gesture presets. Your email address will not be published. Meaning you can easily dunk them underwater to clean off accumulated sweat.
Excellent sounding wireless headphones with active noise cancelling, Sustainably-made True Wireless in-ears with Noise Cancelling. That same low-end rumble is perfect for action movies, too. It isnt the best Bluetooth range Ive seen, but quite good, nevertheless.
Theres adjustable, savable EQ, as well as presets to choose from. A 10-minute quick charge nabs you an extra hour of playback time, though this is at the very low end for true wireless earbuds. As far as audio performance, on tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knifes Silent Shout, the earphones deliver thunderous low-frequency depth that doesnt distort at top, unwise listening levels. But this is only my speculation. I asked JBL why the controls seem to be set up like a bundle of channels on cable TV, but I never got a satisfying answer. Nevertheless, I have yet to encounter a situation where these earbuds battery would let me down.
You can adjust the intensity of active noise cancellation, but theres no audible difference. Transparency mode is good too, but with two minor drawbacks: Unlike ANC, you cant adjust how much sound transparency mode lets in, and theres no way to flip back and forth between ANC and transparency modes without passing through an ANC off mode two more customizations JBL should consider adding. Like more and more earbuds these days, the Reflect Mini NC have an auto play/pause feature that halts your tunes when you remove an earbud. When it comes to ANC (active noise cancellation), the app allows for some degree of fine-tuning, but its unclear what you're actually changing. So when youre outside at night, you should be more visible to passing cars. Dynamics and timing are great, too, which is always pleasant to hear. If you're searching for earbuds with the beefiest bass, you've come to the right place. Plus they are sweatproof, have lots of features, and have an amazing sound. Instead of letting you pick which functions go with which gestures, youre forced to pick from presets. Nevertheless, there is obvious potential for using the personalisation options, which include an EQ that enables custom sound settings and offers ready-made presets. The EQ is excellent, giving you control over many frequency bands. Despite an in-ear fit that feels exceptionally stable, the ANC performance seems inconsistentsometimes even the low frequencies dont sound all that dialed back. In the default configuration, one tap on the right side controls playback, while double-tapping is used to skip forward and triple-tapping to skip back. The earbuds are also solidly built, and true to their name, theyre a little smaller than the Reflect Flows though not by a lot. Ransomware victims are refusing to pay but is it working? To hear how the audio presets sound like, see the video below: If you want durable, true wireless earbuds for sports activities that sound amazing, these have to be on your list. Smart Audio Modes supposedly make for a more stable wireless connection by prioritizing stability over quality. The $150 JLab Epic Air Sport are one of our favorite Powerbeats Pro competitors. Tips dont go too deep into the ear canal, which is why you dont feel too much pressure. The JBL Live Pro+ model has many more problems with that, despite using the same app.
Find the ones that suit your need and enjoy the music with extra bass. If I have to nitpick, theres minor distortion in the high-end that even EQ cant fix. So, the left earbud can control noise canceling, for example, or playback functions, but not a mix of these functions.
Their passive noise isolation is great, but you have to play music if you want to get completely rid of external sounds. Ive yet to see a JBL product with aptX or even LDAC. For $130, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 earphones are your best alternative, though if you're more interested in a waterproof, sport-friendly design than you are in noise cancellation, we also recommend the $170 JBL True Wireless Flash X. This turns the system on and automatically puts it into pairing mode while placing them back in the charger turns them off. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Boasting massive bass, the JBL Reflect Mini NC are also well-priced and feature-heavy, making them an ideal set of workout companions. Is moving the fader left lowering the level of ANC, or focusing on lower frequencies? A built-in lanyard loop is handy for toting the headphones along when you have no pockets, or securing it to a gym bag or backpack. None of the best noise-cancelling earbuds have such a high IP rating. Since its quite sharp, it might result in injury. Theres a bass-forward sound signature that you can feel through your whole body. After all, its the beat that keeps most of us going, whether were out for a serious walk or trying to set a new personal best at the gym. On the other hand, there are no effects on the Ambient Aware and Talkthru functions, both of which fulfil their purpose and cleanly amplify outside noises via the integrated microphones without creating a perceptible background noise. For pairing, you have to download the free JBL Headphones app. Seven hours is plenty for a decent workout or two. With an impressive list of features, excellent water-resistance, and a price thats surprisingly accessible, it makes you wonder: Whats the catch? You can tweak EQ to your hearts content inside the JBL app, with a few presets but also your own collection of custom settings. What will it be?
They took out a wide swath of lows, comparable with some of the better budget models weve tested. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. JBL enforced both earbuds and case, so they both feel sturdy. It has probably something to do with the fact that these buds have an IPX7 rating. And if youre looking for our favorite noise-cancelling true wireless models, you'll have to spend quite a bit more on either the $250 Apple AirPods Pro or the $280 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.
You can configure the Reflect Mini NC to access Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa instead of your phones built-in assistant, but if you use this very cool feature, it takes over an entire earbud. There was an occasional wobble as the noise suppression dealt with car and wind sounds, but overall, these earbuds are impressively clear. When it comes to a set of workout earbuds, big, bold bass is arguably one the most important elements. But if you can get the same level of security without an earhook, I think thats a plus, and the Reflect Mini NC definitely deliver.
For some reason, it requires both Bluetooth and GPS enabled.
True wireless earbuds designed for workouts often use an ear-hook design to ensure a secure fit. If you like skipping between devices, this is a handy feature to have. You can dial in the specific set of frequencies you want to cancel using a slider adjustment within the JBL app its not quite as convenient as the presets youll find from Sony, Jabra, or Soundcore, but its still very handy for fine-tuning ANC performance to your specific environment. After a few moments, you dont even see it anymore. While these in-ears have a fairly high level of passive shielding, the active noise cancellation in the default setting shows weaknesses, especially with high-frequency and complex noise sources. The Powerbeats Pro are the poster child for this feature. The best way to listen to music without worrying about water. Although at higher volumes there is a tendency to overemphasise sibilants, on the positive side, the high-frequency range does not drop noticeably in the upper regions but is reproduced with stability and clarity. The tape hiss on this track also takes a step forward, telling us that the deep lows and brightest highs are both boosted and sculpted dramatically. Only two Bluetooth codecs are SBC and AAC. I hope JBL makes this process a bit more customizable like Sennheiser did in their app. The app connected to these in-ears does not seem fully developed at the moment. Their performance is excellent when in a quiet room, with no distortion whatsoever. The assignment of the precise and reliable touch control can also be adapted to your personal needs within a predefined framework, so that title navigation can be replaced by volume control, for example. The rounded bass foundation reaches down quite deep, which benefits electronic music or hip-hop. In terms of audio codecs, these wireless headphones support Bluetooth standard SBC as well as the higher-quality AAC format, but they lack aptX. That small plastic fin can start poking your ears. Bluetooth signal doesn't work in water, but the point is, you can wash these off under a faucet, get them soaking wet or sweaty, and they'll still work.
The right earbud is set to control play/pause and track skip forward/back. As long as youre OK with a very snug-fitting in-ear design and dont mind spending some time figuring out which controls you want to use, the JBL Reflect Mini NC are awesome workout earbuds.
Available in black, blue, or white models, the Reflect Minis sporty earbuds offer a secure fit, aided by earfins. After a lukewarm experience with JBLs ANC technology on its Club One wireless headphones, I was prepared for an underwhelming performance from the Reflect Mini NC as well. Once again, JBL has managed to surprise me the Reflect Mini NC have excellent call quality. This leaves you with Alexa (for example) and volume. Address: 2093 Philadelphia Pike #8750 Claymont, DE 19703 United States Phone number: +13023037578, JBL Reflect Mini NC ANC Test HeadphonesAddict, JBL Reflect Mini NC Sound Quality Test HeadphonesAddict, JBL Reflect Mini NC EQ Presets Comparison HeadphonesAddict. Find the best waterproof wireless earbuds you can get today. JBL also includes a find my earbuds function, which causes each earbud to emit a high-pitched beeping sound. While Qi charging isnt as important, fast-fill-up is a must. Therefore, if you use ambient controls on the left side and playback controls on the right, you have to use your phone to adjust the volume.
There was only a little bit of Bluetooth distortion in the mixless than we hear with most true wireless in-ears. The midrange is already pretty accurate out of the box, so there isnt much to tweak. You can use the earbuds individually (both can answer/end calls) and their wireless range is excellent. However, this was presumably due to the fact that the ANC setting in the app, which is supposed to allow flexible adjustment of the noise suppression, was not yet operational, but this could be remedied with an update. The active noise-cancelling performance of Reflect Mini NC is very disappointing. The housings protrude a bit, so if you want to wear these wireless headphones under a hat or cap, then it should not fit too tightly. However, its also smaller and more pocketable than many, so theres a trade-off. A single tap on the left ear toggles through ANC on, ANC off, and Ambient Aware modes. This is currently still limited by the app (as of early December), particularly with regard to noise cancellation, so we await an update. Keep an eye on your inbox! The feature-rich JBL app offers a good level of customizability, while the built-in microphone ensures great call quality. Those who love extra bass response will be pleased, but this is one of the more bass-forward sound signatures weve heard in a while. I think theyre more comfortable too, but without ear hooks or wing-tips, they arent as secure. To ensure a stable fit during sporting activities, these earphones are equipped with so-called EarWings, which, like Eartips, are supplied in three sizes and can be used in any combination. We like the Reflect Mini's waterproof build and ultra-secure fit, but ultimately, the $130 Anker Soundcore Liberty Air Pro 2earphones deliver better audio performance and noise cancellation for less money. You can hear a slight difference, but its nowhere near competition. At six hours and fifteen minutes, the runtime with active noise cancellation was also respectable. Initially, earbuds feel great, but after 2 hours of use, you start feeling a little bit of wearing fatigue. Music for testing your headphones: Our Spotify playlist, Eartips and wings in three sizes each (S/M/L). JBL doesnt confirm if these buds support quick charging. Theyre not the most nuanced set of earbuds Ive ever heard. These are worth exploring you can drastically change the Reflect Mini NCs signature. You get the picture. Even then, you might hear loud noises, which is actually practical when youre outside. Youll have zero concerns about an accidentally dislodged bud.
As a perk for nighttime runners and walkers, the JBL logos on the touch surfaces have had reflective paint applied. Bill Callahans Drover, a track with far less deep bass in the mix, gives us a better sense of the general sound signature.
And if you love massive, booming bass, these in-ears certainly deliver on that front. The touch controls respond quickly, as long as you make contact with the logos surface and not just the edges. At the same time, the low bass is not too heavy and is compact enough to reproduce bass-driven productions powerfully making a powerful motivator for sports. The midranges can get a little overpowered by the strong lows and highs,and their soundstage isnt as wide or as open as youll get on models like the Jabra Elite Active 75t. The fit is exceptionally stable, making the earphones ideal for exercise.
Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. JBLs Reflect Mini NC cordless in-ears are punchily tuned, support Bluetooth 5.1, and offer noise-cancellation features which amplify outside perception as well as communication. The drums on this track are thunderous to an almost unnatural degree, and Callahans vocals get an extra helping of low-mid richness, as well. Another good feature is the in-ears automatic start/stop function, which pauses playback when an earpiece is removed; this can be activated and deactivated via the app as required. Earbuds are too bulky for users with small ears and can start hurting after 2 hours of use. One other cool thing to mention is that the JBL logo on earbuds is reflective (as the earbuds name suggests). While Ambient Aware works okay, the active noise-cancelling isnt worth mentioning. JBL Reflect Mini NC do a surprisingly clean job with phone calls. You can only pick a group, not a specific gesture. Since Reflect Mini NC are geared towards sportspeople, they need to be durable. JBL is a company that you associate with fun products for the general public. The silicone eartips and wing-tips will probably need to be replaced after a year of continuous use, but thats normal for these parts. The Reflect Mini NC, like most JBL headphones, come packaged in a box that is beautifully designed, but a recycling nightmare, with lots of plastic, foam, and embedded magnets. Earbuds come with long ear fins to help them stay in your ears securely. All in all, JBL Reflect Mini NC are stable and reasonably comfortable but not for long listening sessions. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Compared to JBL Live Pro+, the lids hinge on Reflects is noticeably more robust and doesnt wobble. The only thing missing here is wireless charging. But on the Reflect Mini NC, you get a big, bold LED bar to indicate the charging status of each earbud and the case itself. The 63 best movies on Hulu right now (August 2022), 5 (or more) foldable phones are still expected in 2022 heres what they may be, Europe just suffered its worst DDoS attack ever, but we dont know why. Pairing is also very quick and easy for both iPhone and Android phones. Replacing them is easy and they dont seem like they will tear easily. At least ear fins help stabilize them during rigorous movement. The charging case is a bit bulky and shaped like a pill. The waterproof JBL Reflect Mini NC TWS are seriously bass-boosted true wireless earphones that offer uninspiring active noise cancellation. Aside from the ANC tuning quirks, when we went through our low-frequency noise tests, the earphones performed decently. In addition to requesting information, messages can also be read out and answered. But if you're interested in audio accuracy and/or effective noise cancellation, you should definitely look elsewhere. Their bass-heavy and punchy sound fill you up with energy during workouts. Try the Nothing Launcher first, Surface review: an unrewarding psychological thriller. Reducing them with an equalizer helps a bit. Reflect Mini NC are made for those people in mind. However, there is a shortcoming: It is not apparent which mode is being used, even in the app, as the headphones do not provide any audible or visual notification as to whether noise cancellation, ambient mode or the Talkthru function is active. The end result is a sound signature that is wildly scooped, with the midrange frequencies on vacation for the most part. Most other charging cases, even JBLs own Reflect Flow, feel flimsy by comparison. It can even extend further than the one for JBL Live Pro+ (+-10dB compared to +-5dB). Pairing the in-ears, which offered a stable range of nine metres within an urban environment when paired with various Android and iOS devices, is done directly when the case is opened.
This provides flexible adaptability, promoting a comfortable fit, especially since the wings reduce the strain on the auditory canal. JBL Reflect Mini NC review: Almost perfect workout buds. However, if youre a person that doesnt like ear fin stabilizers, I have bad news: you have to use them.
However, a bilateral mono mode is supported, so there is a free choice between the left and right side when using the headphones. Premium Bluetooth headphones with first-class noise-cancelling and convincing sound.