The JBL Vibe 100TWS True Wireless are budget-friendly in-ears. They're quite simple in design but deliver a versatile sound profile that adds just a touch of extra bass to mixes. They can also block out a decent amount of ambient noise around you, although they struggle to cut down the low rumble of bus and plane engines. However, their continuous playback time of five hours isn't anything to write home about, and they lack volume controls. On the upside, their carrying case holds roughly three charges if you need it.
Our Verdict
The JBL Vibe 100 TWS are decent for neutral sound. They have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that delivers a touch of extra thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. They still sound neutral enough for most content, though. However, they lack any EQ features to help adjust them to your liking, and their passive soundstage is closed-off, so audio feels like it's coming from inside your head rather than from speakers placed around you.
- Decently comfortable and well-built.
- No EQ or presets.
The JBL Vibe 100 TWS are good for commute and travel. Thanks to their truly wireless design, they're very lightweight and portable, meaning you can carry them in most pockets or bags without an issue. They also have a decently comfortable and well-built design. However, they lack ANC and struggle to block out bus and plane engine rumble. Their continuous battery life of five hours may not be enough to get you through long trips without pausing to recharge them.
- Can passively block out ambient chatter.
- Decently comfortable and well-built.
- Low leakage at high volumes.
- Struggle to block out bass-range noise.
- Sub-par battery performance.
The JBL Vibe 100 TWS are very good for sports and fitness. They're small, lightweight, and have a breathable fit. They're also decently well built and comfortable. However, they may fall out of your ears with high-intensity activity. They also lack an IP rating for water resistance.
- Decently comfortable and well-built.
- Breathable, stable fit.
- No EQ or presets.
The JBL Vibe 100 TWS are satisfactory for office use. These in-ears have a decently comfortable, breathable fit. They can also block out ambient chatter around you and don't leak audio at high volumes. However, their 5-hour continuous battery life may not last through your 9-5 shift unless you recharge them. Luckily, their carrying case holds roughly three additional charges.
- Can passively block out ambient chatter.
- Decently comfortable and well-built.
- Low leakage at high volumes.
- No EQ or presets.
- Sub-par battery performance.
- No multi-device pairing.
The JBL Vibe 100 TWS aren't recommended for wireless gaming. While you can connect them to a Bluetooth-enabled PC, the latency is likely to be too high for gaming. They also aren't compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
The JBL Vibe 100 TWS are Bluetooth-only headphones and can't be used wired.
The JBL Vibe 100 TWS are alright for phone calls. These headphones have an integrated mic, which does a good job recording your voice, so you sound clear. However, if you're talking in a noisy environment like a busy street, your voice can be drowned out. On the upside, even though the buds lack ANC, they can block out a decent amount of ambient noise.
- Can passively block out ambient chatter.
- Decently comfortable and well-built.
- Struggle to block out bass-range noise.
- Mic struggles to separate speech from noise.
Changelog
- Updated Dec 20, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless in App Support.
- Updated Jul 31, 2023: Added market comparison with the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless in the App Support box.
- Updated Oct 01, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Sep 28, 2021: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The JBL Vibe in three different color variants: Black, Purple, and Blue. We tested the Black variant and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The JBL Vibe 100TWS are simple, budget-level, truly wireless headphones. While they lack features like a companion app or active noise cancelling, they have a versatile sound profile well-suited for lots of audio content. They can also block out a decent amount of ambient noise around you. However, like other truly wireless headphones in this price range like the Skullcandy Dime True Wireless, their 5-hour continuous battery life leaves a lot to be desired.
Check out our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $50, the best earbuds under $50, and the best cheap wireless earbuds.
The JBL Vibe 100TWS True Wireless and the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless are similar buds, but the Vibe Buds have a slight leg up. While both buds look and feel very similar, the Vibe Buds have a rating of IP45 for dust and water resistance, a longer continuous battery life, and companion app support, including a graphic EQ and presets.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are better in-ears than the JBL Vibe 100TWS True Wireless. The Samsung are more comfortable and stable, equipped with an ANC system to block out a great amount of ambient noise, and their companion app offers EQ presets to help you adjust their sound. However, the JBL have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer.
The TOZO T6 Truly Wireless and the JBL Vibe 100TWS True Wireless are similarly performing in-ears. While both in-ears are comfortable and well-built, the TOZO have a more stable in-ear fit and can passively block out more background noise. The JBL have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they have a better battery performance.
The Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless are slightly better headphones than the JBL Vibe 100TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Anker have a more stable fit, can passively isolate you from more ambient noise, and have a better overall battery performance. However, the JBL have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.
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