TL;DR
Curious about Skullcandy's budget-friendly Jib True Wireless earbuds after loving the Indy ANC? These offer surprisingly decent bass for the price and clear call quality, plus impressive battery life that lives up to its 22-hour rating. However, expect a slightly plasticky build, a bulkier design that might not fit everyone securely, and finicky physical buttons that can be uncomfortable to press. While not perfect, they deliver solid value for those on a tight budget. Want to know if they're the right fit for you? Dive into the full review!
Having reviewed the Indy ANC from Skullcandy a little over a month ago, and being impressed by its bass performance, battery life, and Bluetooth range, I was keen to examine the Jib True Wireless, the more budget-conscious variant, when it arrived for review.
Upon unboxing, the charging case immediately conveys a lightweight and somewhat plasticky feel. The earbuds themselves present a rather large and bulky design. Initial fitting proved less than ideal, giving the impression they might easily dislodge. However, they remained secure enough for pairing with my phone, which was achieved without issue. A voice prompt confirmed the connection, and testing commenced.
As is my standard practice, I began by evaluating the sound quality with The Other Side from The Greatest Showman. The audio performance was surprisingly robust. While the bass response didn’t quite match the intensity of the Indy ANC, it offered a more pronounced low-end than my current reference headphones. Overall clarity was somewhat diminished, and higher volumes introduced some harshness in the treble frequencies. However, given the price point, the sound quality remains commendable.
Next, I assessed the call quality. During phone calls, the audio in the headphones was clear and pleasant. My voice was transmitted effectively, without excessive ambient noise amplification. Consequently, the Jib True Wireless performs admirably as a hands-free device. Battery life is rated at 22 hours, and in practice, this claim held up well during both music playback and extended conversations.
Similar to the Indy ANC, the Jib True Wireless features buttons on each earbud. While the control scheme appears logical on paper, its implementation proves problematic. For example, a double-click on the left earbud is intended to decrease the volume; however, inconsistent execution often results in pausing the music or activating the voice assistant. Unlike the Indy ANC, the Jib True Wireless utilizes physical buttons instead of touch controls. The placement of these buttons necessitates pressing the earbud further into the ear canal, resulting in discomfort and irritation. Furthermore, the buttons require significant force to activate.
During interval training, I found myself needing to frequently readjust the Jib earbuds to prevent them from falling out. While individual fit is highly subjective and dependent on ear morphology, this experience highlights a potential concern regarding secureness during physical activity.
In conclusion, despite its shortcomings, the Jib True Wireless from Skullcandy offers an exceptionally affordable entry point into the true wireless earbud market, delivering acceptable sound quality and a reasonable feature set for its price. As such, it warrants consideration.
Review Highlights: Q&A
What is the sound quality like on the Jib True Wireless?
The Jib True Wireless offers robust audio performance with pronounced bass, though clarity is somewhat reduced and treble can turn harsh at high volumes. Overall, the sound quality remains commendable given the price.
How long does the Jib True Wireless battery last?
The battery life is rated at 22 hours, and this specification holds up well during both music playback and extended phone conversations. The lightweight charging case houses and charges the earbuds.
Are the Jib True Wireless earbuds good for phone calls?
These earbuds perform well as a hands-free device during phone calls. Audio in the headphones sounds clear and pleasant, while speech transmits effectively without excessive background noise amplification.
How do the physical button controls work on the Jib True Wireless?
The earbuds utilize physical buttons that require significant force to activate, which can push them uncomfortably into the ear canal. The control inputs can also be inconsistent, occasionally triggering the wrong command.
Are Jib True Wireless earbuds suitable for workouts and running?
The bulky earbuds may require frequent readjustment during physical activities like interval training to keep them from slipping out. The overall fit can feel insecure depending on individual ear shape.
