- Chelsea Tang
All-Day listening in a Sleek Design: JBL Tour One M2 Headphones
With an insane 50 hours of battery life, luxurious build quality and 5 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of quick charging, Could these be your first " bang for the buck " headphone options?
Full video review:
Audio Quality
The audio quality on the Tour One M2 is excellent. It has 40mm dynamic drivers and a frequency response of 10Hz to 40kHz, which easily covers the entire range of human hearing. When we tested these headphones, we discovered that the sound was detailed, with an emphasis on the mid and treble ranges. The tones of the instruments and vocals are distinct and clear. In fact, the treble exceeded my expectations because it was lively and airy, and we never felt the need to use the in-app equaliser to adjust the sound. The bass is tight and punchy without being overpowering, but it sounds modest in comparison to its competitors due to the excellent treble.
Design
The Tour One M2 has a simple appearance that looks and feels high-end. In comparison to other headsets, the combination of plastic construction and metal hinges feels durable. Despite the fact that it is not the lightest at 268g, I have not felt any discomfort during my extended listening sessions. The headphones are well-made and are available in silver or black. There is no rattling or creaking, which is especially noticeable when adjusting the headband. Thanks to the robust but smooth movement, it inspires confidence in its build quality and construction. As the earcups fold flat and pivot inward, they are easy to store in the included carrying case. Although the 'memory foam-like' earcups and soft faux leather padding on the headband keep my ears comfortable, it does become a little warm after extended use.
Battery + Connectivity
The JBL Tour One M2 connects via Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology, which has a range of up to 30 feet. They are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Battery life is an impressive 30 hours with ANC enabled, or up to 50 hours without it. After a quick 10 minute charge via USB-C, you'll have five hours of playback. A 3.5mm audio cable is also included for wired listening.
Microphones
It has four built-in microphones for noise cancellation and crystal-clear calls. Voice assistant controls are available via the designated button or touch panels on the right earcup. Thanks to JBL's True Adaptive ANC technology, you'll be completely immersed in your audio without interruptions. The headphones can also be used in "SilentNow" mode without being connected to your device to save battery life while using noise cancellation. To maintain awareness, the external microphones transmit ambient sounds. Smart talk mode reduces the volume during conversations without pausing playback. Voices sound crisp and clear in this mode.
Conclusion
The Tour One M2 is aimed at audiophiles looking for decent noise cancellation and audio quality in a premium design. At S$399, they are slightly more affordable than others headphones in this category. It looks and feels more premium thanks to its subtle metal finishing. However, those additions also made the headphones a little heavier and not as suitable for frequent users or working out.