The JBL Tune 125TWS Truly Wireless are simple, truly wireless headphones. They have a well-balanced sound profile, decent passive noise isolation capability, and a compact, lightweight design that makes them easy to carry around. Unfortunately, they lack any sound customization features and have a very limited control scheme, not to mention high wireless latency with PCs as well as Android and iOS devices. Still, if you're looking for a pair of truly wireless headphones that you can use to listen to most types of audio content, they're a good option.
Our Verdict
The JBL Tune 125 TWS are satisfactory for neutral sound. They have a well-balanced sound profile with just a touch of extra bass, which should give EDM and hip-hop tracks a bit of extra thump and rumble without overwhelming delicate vocals or instrumentals. Unfortunately, they have a very closed-off passive soundstage and don't have a companion app with an EQ to fine-tune your listening experience.
- Well-balanced sound profile.
- Remarkably consistent audio delivery.
- Closed-off soundstage.
- No sound customization features.
The JBL Tune 125 TWS are decent for commuting and traveling. They're lightweight and easy to carry around and feel reasonably well-made. While they may not block out the low rumble of bus or plane engines, you shouldn't hear much chatter from other commuters. Unfortunately, their control scheme doesn't support on-the-fly volume adjustments, and their deep in-ear fit may not suit all listeners.
- Well-balanced sound profile.
- Compact, lightweight design.
- Decent passive noise isolation.
- No on-board volume controls.
- No standby mode to extend battery life.
The JBL Tune 125 are a very good option for sports and fitness. They're very lightweight and easy to carry around. While they should stay in place during light workouts, they're liable to fall out during intense exercise sessions due to their lack of stability fins. They also don't have any IP rating for dust or water resistance.
- Well-balanced sound profile.
- Compact, lightweight design.
- Remarkably consistent audio delivery.
- No on-board volume controls.
- No IP rating.
The JBL Tune 125 TWS are satisfactory for office use. They should block out the chatter of nearby coworkers and leak very little audio. However, they don't have any sort of standby mode to extend their battery life and lack any multi-device pairing capability. They also have high wireless latency on PCs, which could be an annoyance while watching videos.
- Well-balanced sound profile.
- Decent passive noise isolation.
- Low audio leakage.
- High wireless latency on PCs.
- No standby mode to extend battery life.
- No multi-device pairing capability.
The JBL Tune 125 TWS aren't compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles. They work with Bluetooth-enabled PCs as well as iOS and Android devices, but their latency is too high to be suitable for gaming.
The JBL Tune 125 TWS are Bluetooth-only headphones, and you can't use them wired.
The JBL Tune 125TWS are a fair choice for making phone calls. Their integrated microphone makes your voice sound clear but thin, and struggles to separate it from loud background noise. The headphones also lack ANC and don't do a good job of blocking out noises like rumbling engines, so you may have trouble hearing a call you take on the bus.
- Decent passive noise isolation.
- Sub-par microphone noise handling capability.
Changelog
- Updated Dec 15, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Aug 04, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Nov 19, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Nov 13, 2020: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The JBL Tune 125 TWS come in four color schemes: 'Black', 'White', 'Blue', and 'Pink'. We tested the 'Black' variant, and you can see its label here. That said, we expect the other color variants to perform similarly.
If someone comes across a different variant of these headphones, let us know in the discussions below so that we can update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The JBL Tune 125 TWS are basic truly wireless headphones but represent a marked improvement over the similarly-designed JBL Tune 120 Truly Wireless. They have a fairly well-balanced sound profile, decent passive noise isolation capability, and reasonably sturdy construction. Unfortunately, they have a very simple control scheme, and they lack any sort of companion software.
If you're considering alternatives, take a look at our recommendations of the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the best true wireless earbuds, and the best cheap wireless earbuds.
The Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless are slightly better overall than the JBL Tune 125TWS Truly Wireless. The Anker are better-built, more stable in the ear, block out more ambient noise, and leak less audio. They have a much longer total battery life of almost 100 hours, not to mention a battery-saving standby mode. However, the JBL have an easier-to-use control scheme and a better-balanced sound profile.
The JBL LIVE 300TWS Truly Wireless are better mixed usage headphones than the JBL Tune 125TWS Truly Wireless. The 300TWS have a more comfortable and stable fit, a more comprehensive control scheme, sturdier build quality, and a companion app with a parametric EQ. However, the 125TWS have a longer continuous and total battery life, lower wireless latency, and a slightly more neutral sound profile.
The Sony WF-XB700 Truly Wireless and JBL Tune 125TWS Truly Wireless are closely-matched headphones, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your preferences. The Sony headphones have onboard volume controls, a better build quality, and a longer continuous battery life. On the other hand, the JBL come with a case that can store additional three additional charges, while the Sony's case can only hold one. The JBL also have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and a better-integrated microphone.
The JBL Tune 125TWS Truly Wireless are more versatile than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation). The JBL block out far more ambient noise, have an easier-to-use control scheme, deliver a better-balanced listening experience with greater consistency, and last longer on a single charge. However, the Apple are better built, are more comfortable, and charge substantially faster. Thanks to their open-back enclosure, they provide a far more expansive listening experience.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
Test Results
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