The JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are in-ears equipped with an active noise cancelling (ANC) system. Like their sibling product, the JBL Tune 130NC TWS Truly Wireless, they have a comfortable fit, a good build quality, and are rated IPX4 for water protection. Out of the box, they have a bass-heavy sound profile, but you can customize their sound using their companion app's parametric EQ and presets. They have over eight hours of continuous battery life, and their carrying case holds roughly three additional charges if you need it. However, their ANC offers a mediocre overall performance and won't block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines, which is disappointing.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are decent for neutral sound. Out of the box, they have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that delivers extra thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. That said, their companion app offers a parametric EQ and presets that you can use to help customize their sound to suit your tastes. They have outstanding frequency response consistency, so you shouldn't experience deviations in bass and treble delivery.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are good for commute and travel. These headphones have a lightweight and very portable design, which makes it easy to take them with you on the go. They also have a comfortable fit, and their continuous battery life of over eight hours with an additional three charges in their carrying case should last through long days on the road without too much of an issue. However, although they have an ANC system, they still struggle to block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are great for sports and fitness. These lightweight in-ears have a comfortable and stable in-ear fit suitable for jogs in the park or working out at the gym. They're also certified IPX4 for protection against splashes of water, have over eight hours of continuous playback time, and have easy-to-use controls.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are satisfactory for office use. They have a comfortable fit, and their over eight-hour continuous playback time should last through a shift at the office. That said, their carrying case supplies an extra three charges, which is handy in a pinch. While their ANC struggles to block out bass-range noise, they do a better job of cutting down office chatter.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs. However, their latency is likely too high to be suitable for gaming. While they have a low latency 'Video Mode' that can help reduce audio lag, it may not be enough to prevent syncing issues between your audio and visuals.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are wireless earbuds, and you can't use them wired.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are passable for phone calls. Unfortunately, their integrated mic has a sub-par recording quality, so your voice sounds dark and muffled. While the mic can separate speech from moderate ambient noise well, if there are very loud sounds around you, your voice is also drowned out, which can be frustrating if you need to take a call from a busy street. That said, even though their ANC offers a mediocre overall performance, it can help block out ambient chatter around you if you're taking calls from the office.
The JBL TUNE 230NC come in three color variants: 'Black', 'Blue', and 'White'. We tested the 'Black' variant, and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
The JBL TUNE 230NC are a sibling of the JBL Tune 130NC TWS Truly Wireless and have an ear stem design rather than an oval earbud look. Overall, they have a very similar performance to the TUNE 130NC, with very good battery performance and a customizable sound. However, they offer a mediocre noise isolation performance, falling short compared to other budget-friendly in-ears like the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Truly Wireless.
Check out our picks for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the best noise cancelling earbuds, and the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $100.
The Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless and the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are similarly performing headphones. Both headphones are comfortable, well-built, and stable. That said, the Jabra can block out more background noise passively and have better controls. However, the JBL have longer-lasting continuous battery life.
JBL Live Pro 2 TWS True Wireless have a slight edge over the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless. The Live Pro 2 have a significantly better noise isolation performance, thanks to their ANC system, and they support multi-device pairing, meaning you can connect them with up to two devices at a time. However, the TUNE 230NC have a more comfortable and stable fit. Their sound profile is a bit more neutral, which some people may prefer.
The JBL Tune 130NC TWS Truly Wireless are similarly performing in-ears as the JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the 230NC have a more stable in-ear fit and better battery performance. The 130NC have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC can block out more ambient noise.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple are better-built, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and a significantly better noise isolation performance. They also have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices. However, the JBL have a companion app that offers a parametric EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking. They also have significantly better battery performance.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless. The Sony are better-built, can block out significantly more ambient sound, and their mic offers better overall performance. They also support NFC pairing. However, the JBL have a more comfortable and stable in-ear fit. Their battery performance is better, too.
The JBL Live Pro+ TWS True Wireless and the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are similarly performing in-ears with a few differences. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Live Pro+ have a significantly better noise isolation performance, and their mic has a slightly better recording quality. However, the TUNE have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they have longer continuous battery life.
The Anker SoundCore Life P3 Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears for most users than the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Anker have a significantly better noise isolation performance, and their integrated mic has a better recording quality. However, the JBL have a significantly better battery performance.
The JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are more versatile in-ears than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. While both are comfortable, the JBL have a more stable in-ear fit, a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, more consistent audio delivery, and their companion app offers a parametric EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking. They also have a better battery performance and are equipped with an ANC system that can block out more background noise. However, the Apple feel better built and have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices.
The JBL Live Free NC+ TWS True Wireless and the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are similarly performing headphones. While they're both comfortable and well-built, the Live Free NC+ have a more stable in-ear fit and somewhat better controls. However, the TUNE 230NC have a better noise isolation performance and a longer continuous battery life.
The JBL LIVE 300TWS Truly Wireless and the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are similarly performing headphones and you may prefer either one. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the LIVE 300TWS have a more stable in-ear fit, can passively isolate you from somewhat more ambient noise, and their mic has a significantly better recording quality. However, the TUNE 230NC have a superior battery performance, and their mic has a better noise handling performance.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Truly Wireless and the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless have different strengths, and you may enjoy either one. The Anker have a superior noise isolation performance, and they come with nine pairs of ear tip sizes to help you get the best fit possible. On the other hand, the JBL are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have significantly better battery performance.
The Jabra Elite 75t Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Jabra are better-built, have a significantly better noise isolation performance, and their mic has a better recording quality. They also support multi-device pairing so that you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone at the same time. However, the JBL have a superior battery performance with longer-lasting continuous battery life, and their default sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer.
The Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2 Truly Wireless and the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are similarly performing headphones with different strengths. While both are well-built, the JBL are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their battery performance is better. However, the Anker have lower latency on iOS and Android devices as well as a significantly better noise isolation performance.
The JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are better in-ears than the JBL Tune 225TWS True Wireless. The TUNE 230NC are more comfortable, better-built, and can deliver audio much more consistently. Their default sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer, can block out significantly more ambient noise, and have superior battery performance. You can also customize their sound using their companion app's parametric EQ and presets.
The JBL TUNE 230NC have a similar design to the JBL Tune 225TWS True Wireless and the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Truly Wireless with a sleek ear stem design, and there's a manufacturer's logo and indentation on both stems. They come in three color variations: 'Black', 'White', and 'Blue'.
The JBL TUNE 230NC have okay touch-sensitive controls. Their commands are similar to the JBL Tune 130NC TWS Truly Wireless. There are audible tones when pairing the headphones and cycling between the ANC on, ambient mode, and off. However, if you use the buds in mono mode, you lose some controls as the command layout is split between the left and right earbuds.
On the left earbud:
On the right earbud:
On either earbud:
These headphones are very portable, which is to be expected for in-ear headphones. They're small and compact, so you can easily fit them in most pockets or bags without an issue, even when they're inside their carrying case.
The carrying case is good. It's very similar to the JBL Tune 130NC TWS Truly Wireless, although the inside of the case is molded to specifically fit these earbuds. The case is made of plastic, and there's a magnet to help hold the buds in place. There are LED lights to indicate the battery life of the case. However, the plastic feels a little cheap, and the lid feels flimsy compared to the body of the case.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's build quality is good. They're mostly made of plastic and feel sturdy enough to survive a couple of accidental drops without taking too much damage. They're also rated IPX4 for protection against splashes of water. However, the plastic used on the buds seems like it could mark or scratch easily. The carrying case also seems cheap, and its lid feels flimsy.
The JBL TUNE 230NC have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that delivers a touch of extra thump, rumble, and boom. That said, vocals and lead instruments are still clear and detailed in your mixes. If you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a parametric EQ and preset to help you adjust their sound to your liking.
These headphones have very good bass accuracy. The response is overemphasized across the range, resulting in more thump, rumble, and boom to your mixes. However, it shouldn't overwhelm vocals and lead instruments.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's mid accuracy is fantastic. The range is very flat and neutral, ensuring that vocals and lead instruments are clear and detailed. However, a small dip in the mid-mid can nudge these sounds to the back of your mix.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's treble accuracy is great. The response is slightly underemphasized across the range, but it's still fairly even. Vocals and lead instruments are slightly veiled, but sibilants like S and T sounds are dull.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's peaks and dips performance is excellent. There's a slight peak in the low-bass that affects the left driver more than the right, adding thump and rumble to your mixes. A dip in the mid-mid nudges vocals and lead instruments to the back of your mix. A peak in the high-mid to low-treble affects the left driver more than the right, so vocals and lead instruments sound a bit harsh. A dip in the low-treble dulls sibilants like cymbals.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's imaging performance is outstanding. Their group delay falls below the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. The L/R drivers are also well-matched in amplitude, frequency, and phase response, which is important for the accurate placement and localization of objects like footsteps in the stereo image. However, our results are only valid for our unit, and yours may perform differently.
The JBL TUNE 230NC have a bad passive soundstage, which is to be expected from in-ear headphones. To create an out-of-head soundstage, your outer ear needs to be activated by sound resonances. However, these headphones bypass your outer ear, resulting in a soundstage that seems like sound is coming from inside your head. Since they also have a closed-back design, their soundstage also doesn't seem very spacious.
The JBL TUNE 230NC have a very good weighted harmonic distortion performance. There's a peak at normal and high listening volumes, but it shouldn't be audible for most people. As a result, all frequencies fall within good limits, resulting in clear and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test the JBL TUNE 230NC. Our results are only valid when used with these settings.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's noise isolation performance is mediocre. Although they have active noise cancelling (ANC), there's very little difference between ANC on and off. We also noticed subjectively that there wasn't much improvement between both modes. With the ANC on, they struggle to block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines and perform worse in this regard compared to the JBL Tune 130NC TWS Truly Wireless and JBL Live Pro 2 TWS True Wireless. They do a better job of reducing office chatter as well as the high-pitched hum of AC units, though.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's leakage performance is outstanding. The leakage is mostly concentrated in the treble range, and escaping audio sounds thin. That said, if you're listening to audio at a high volume in a moderately busy environment like an office, people around you shouldn't be able to hear it.
The JBL TUNE 230NC's noise handling is okay. The mic can separate your voice from moderate ambient noise. However, when there are loud sounds present like a train pulling into the station, your voice becomes hard to hear among the noise, and there's some distortion present.
The battery performance is very good. They're advertised to have eight hours of continuous battery life with their ANC on, and we measured just a bit more than that. However, battery life can vary depending on usage, and your real-life experience may differ. That said, their carrying case holds roughly three additional charges, and they're equipped with an always-active standby mode to help conserve battery life. It activates after 15 minutes of inactivity, regardless of whether the auto-off timer is on or off. You can adjust the auto-off timer to fit your needs via the app, though.
The JBL Headphones app is good. It offers a parametric EQ plus presets to help you customize their sound to your liking. You can also see the battery life of the headphones as well as the case, turn the ANC on and off, toggle between Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, and remap controls. You can adjust the auto-off's timer too, set the TalkThru level, and access Find My Buds. There are three different modes you can access: 'Normal' (for a stable connection), 'Audio Mode' (for better audio quality), and 'Video Mode' (for lower latency).
The JBL TUNE 230NC's Bluetooth connectivity is okay. Unfortunately, they don't support multi-device or NFC pairing. Their latency is also high on PCs as well as Android and iOS devices, meaning you may notice syncing issues between your audio and visuals. However, these headphones have a 'Video Mode', which is advertised to help lower their latency. Using this mode, they have 259 ms of latency on PCs, 182 ms on Android, and 248 ms on iOS, which still means they fall outside good levels. That said, some apps and devices compensate for latency differently, and your real-life experience may vary.
The JBL TUNE 230NC have full audio and mic compatibility with Bluetooth-enabled PCs. However, you won't be able to use them in any other way.
The JBL TUNE 230NC come with a plastic charging case that supplies roughly three additional charges. It doesn't support wireless charging, though, and it has a USB-C port for charging.