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  1. Home
  2. Headphones
  3. Compare

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless

Which Headphones Are Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      StyleComfortControlsBreathabilityPortabilityCaseBuild QualityStabilityHeadshots 1Headshots 2TopIn The Box
    Sound
      Sound ProfileFrequency Response ConsistencyRaw Frequency ResponseBass AccuracyMid AccuracyTreble AccuracyPeaks/DipsImagingPassive SoundstageVirtual SoundstageWeighted Harmonic DistortionTest Settings
    Isolation
      Noise IsolationLeakage
    Microphone
      Microphone StyleRecording QualityNoise Handling
    Active Features
      BatteryApp Support
    Connectivity
      BluetoothNon-Bluetooth WirelessWiredPC CompatibilityPlayStation CompatibilityXbox CompatibilityBase/Dock
    Comments

Products

Apple AirPods (2nd generation)
JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless

Tested using Methodology v1.5

Updated Oct 28, 2025 05:21 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.5

Updated Jul 29, 2025 06:40 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Picture

Track

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Picture

Track

TypeEarbuds
EnclosureOpen-Back
WirelessTruly Wireless
TransducerDynamic
Noise CancellingNo
MicYes
TypeIn-ear
EnclosureClosed-Back
WirelessTruly Wireless
TransducerDynamic
Noise CancellingYes
MicYes

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods (2nd generation)

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless

The JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless are more versatile in-ears than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation). While both are comfortable, the JBL have a more stable in-ear fit, a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and more consistent audio delivery. Also, 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.

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Variants

  • AirPods (2nd generation) (With charging case)
  • AirPods (2nd generation) (With wireless charging case)
  • TUNE 230NC TWS (Black)
  • TUNE 230NC TWS (Blue)

Review

See Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Review
See JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Review
0 
0 

Check Price

With charging case
AirPods (2nd generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
With wireless charging case
AirPods (2nd generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Blue
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
 
Sand
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
White
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Main Differences for
Neutral Sound

Threshold 

0.10

Neutral Sound 
 

0.0
0.0
JOIN NOW  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
Lock lbs
Show Text 

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
Locked

Feedback  

Locked
Locked

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
Locked

Channel Mixing 
 

Locked
Locked

Noise Cancelling Control  

Locked
Locked

Talk-Through 
 

Locked
Locked

Additional Controls  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Breathability 
 

N/A
N/A

Breathability After Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Avg.Temp.Difference  

Lock °C
Show Text 

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

L  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Transmitter Required  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

L  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Side Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Rear Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Top  

Top Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Consistency R  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Avg. Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Mid Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Treble Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Imaging 
 

N/A
N/A

Group Delay  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Phase Response Mismatch  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weighted Group Delay 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Frequency Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Passive Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Distance 
 

N/A
N/A

Openness 
 

0.0
0.0

Acoustic Space Excitation 
 

0.0
0.0
Show Text 

Virtual Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Virtual Soundstage  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Head Modeling 
 

Locked
Locked

Speaker Modeling 
 

Locked
Locked

Room Ambience 
 

Locked
Locked

Head Tracking 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked

Weighted Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted Harmonic Distortion  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

WHD @ 90 
 

Lock
Lock

WHD @ 100 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked
Locked

Power 
 

Locked
Locked

Connection 
 

Locked
Locked

Codec 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC 
 

Locked
Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Isolation

Noise Isolation 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Isolation Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
Locked

In-Line 
 

Locked
Locked

Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

LFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

FR Std. Dev. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

HFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Weighted THD 
 

Lock
Lock

Gain 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SpNR 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Gate 
 

Locked
Locked

Speech + Pink Noise Handling 
 

0.0
0.0

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample  

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Speech + Subway Noise Handling 
 

0.0
0.0

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample  

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW
Show Text 
Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Continuous Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Additional Charges 
 

Lock
Lock

Total Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Charge Time 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
Locked

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Charging Port  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

App Name  

Locked
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

macOS  

Locked
Locked

Windows  

Locked
Locked

Equalizer 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic Control  

Locked
Locked

Room Effects 
 

Locked
Locked

Playback Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Button Mapping  

Locked
Locked

Surround Support 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Bluetooth 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
Locked

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

NFC Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Line Of Sight Range 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

PC Latency (SBC) 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

PC Latency (aptX) 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (aptX HD) 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (aptX-LL) 
 

N/A
N/A

iOS Latency 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Android Latency 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Show Text 

Non-Bluetooth Wireless 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Wired 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Analog Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable  

Locked
Locked

Length  

N/A
N/A

Connection 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog/USB Audio Latency 
 

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

PC Compatibility 
 

Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

PlayStation Compatibility 
 

PS4 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PS4 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PS4 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Compatibility 
 

Xbox One Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Base/Dock 
 

N/A
N/A

Type 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Line In 
 

Locked
Locked

Line Out 
 

Locked
Locked

Optical Input 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Dock Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Power Supply 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

With charging case
AirPods (2nd generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
With wireless charging case
AirPods (2nd generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Blue
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
 
Sand
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
White
TUNE 230NC TWS
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Back to Top

Apple AirPods (2nd generation)

JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless: Main Discussion

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