The Jaybird Freedom 2 Wireless 2017 are decent mixed usage sports headphones with a few more convenient design tweaks than the original Jaybird Freedom F5 Wireless 2016. They have the same build quality as the older model but are a bit more comfortable and adjustable thanks to their new earbud-like tips and cable management clip. They're stable in-ears for sports and block enough noise to be suitable for commuting. They also barely leak, which is good for noise-sensitive environments like the office. Unfortunately, they have the same battery performance and bulky charging clip as the original Freedom, which is a bit disappointing.
Our Verdict
The Jaybird Freedom 2 are decent for mixed usage. They have a sleek wireless in-ear design that's stable enough for working out and most sports. They also block enough noise to use on your daily commutes. They also do not leak much, which makes them an above-average option for the office. Unfortunately, they're not as sturdy as some of the other Jaybird models, and they have a relatively short battery life, and a bulky, cumbersome charging clip makes them a bit unstable when attached.
- Above-average passive noise isolation.
- Minimal leakage.
- Stable and portable design.
- Charging clip is bulky and inconvenient.
- Short battery life.
The Jaybird Freedom 2 are average for neutral listening. They have a decent audio reproduction with good but slightly overpowering bass that makes them sound a bit boomy. The slightly recessed mid-range and inconsistent treble also makes instruments and vocals sound a bit distant and lacking in clarity. However, due to their closed-back in-ear/earbud design, they have a poor soundstage, which won't be ideal for more neutral listeners. On the upside, their overall sound quality is good enough for most, and they come with a good parametric EQ so you can reduce a bit of the bass if it's too much for you.
The Jaybird Freedom 2 are above-average for commuting. They're portable and passively isolate better than some noise cancelling headphones. They also have easy to use controls and will easily fit into most pockets. Unfortunately, their charging clip is a bit cumbersome and limiting. If you forget the clip at home or lose it while commuting, then you won't be able to charge the headphones.
The Jaybird Freedom 2 are good headphones for sports. They have a lightweight and portable design that's easy to have on you at all times. They're comfortable, easy to use, and stable enough to workout with. Unfortunately, if you attach the bulky charging clip on the in-line remote, it will make them less stable and pulls on the right earbud, which might slip out of your ear during more intense workouts.
The Jaybird Freedom 2 are above-average for office use. They isolate noise well and barely leak. This makes them suitable to use in a lively or quiet office environment. Their battery life is relatively short, but on the upside, you can use them while they're charging.
The Jaybird Freedom 2 are below-average for gaming. They have a mediocre microphone and a bit too much latency to be suitable for gaming.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Aug 08, 2018: Review published.
- Updated Aug 06, 2018: Our testers have started testing this product.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Jaybird Freedom 2 are decent mixed usage sports headphones. They're fairly similar to the original Jaybird Freedom F5 Wireless 2016, only slightly changing the provided tips, which are now a bit more comfortable and closer in shape to earbuds than in-ears. They also have a new cable management clip and design that you can't remove but does make Freedom 2 a bit easier to adjust for different head sizes than the original. Overall, they're a lightweight and comfortable wireless in-ear with a good wireless range, a decent build quality, and a customizable sound.
Unfortunately, their charging clip is just as limiting as on the original, and if you lose it, you won't be able to charge your headphones. See our recommendations for the best closed-back headphones, the best cheap earbuds, and the best earbuds.
The Jaybird X3 are a slightly better wireless headphone than the Jaybird Freedom 2 Wireless 2017. The X3 have a slightly better build quality, stronger isolation against ambient noise, and a longer more practical battery life for everyday use. The Freedom 2, on the other hand, have a more comfortable earbud hybrid fit that most will prefer over that of the X3. The Freedom also have a more portable design when the charging clip is not attached. On the upside, both headphones benefit from the same customizable app and they're both great headphones for sports.
The Jaybird Freedom 2 Wireless 2017 are very close in performance to the Jaybird Freedom F5 Wireless 2016. They have the same overall design and build quality. The Freedom 2 have a slightly more comfortable earbud-like fit than the originals, and they also have better cable management. On the upside, the regular Freedom have a slightly better sound quality out-of-the-box and a more isolating in-ear fit, although both headphones can be easily EQed with the MySound app. They also both come with the same bulky charging clip that's a bit limiting and will prevent you from being able to charge your headphones if lost or damaged.
The Jaybird Run Truly Wireless are slightly better headphones for sports than the Jaybird Freedom 2 Wireless 2017. The Run are truly wireless headphones that are a lot more compact than the Freedom once out of their case. They also have a longer battery life overall, although they do not last quite as long on a single charge. The Freedom, on the other hand, have easier to use controls, better range, and a slightly more comfortable earbud-like fit. On the upside, both headphones are customizable thanks to the MySound app, and both headphones would be a good choice for sports.
The Jaybird Freedom 2 Wireless 2017 are a slightly better headphone overall than the Bose SoundSport Wireless. The Freedom have a better isolating fit which is more suitable for commuting and loud environments. They also have a customizable sound and easier to use controls. The Bose, however, are a bit more compact when not in their bulky charring case. They also have a better-balanced sound quality that may not even need an EQ on most tracks. They have a longer battery life overall, and a more typical earbud fit that some will prefer over that of the Freedom 2.
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