Review: JBL WAVE 200TWS – A Solid Budget Performer

Every year there is a ‘darling’ product vertical that all the major consumer electronics companies fall in love with, and invariably, the market is flooded with options for consumers.

In 2020 that was anything to do with video calls – thanks to COVID restrictions and lockdowns. Lights, cameras, screens, microphones – you name it – there was a new product every other week outdoing the product from the week before.

In 2021 that darling is any form of wireless earphones & headphones.

We have reviewed more wireless ear candy this year than in 2020 and 2019 combined – and I think we’ve not yet reviewed about 30% of the market.

The two standout companies that have been working night and day in this space are Jabra and JBL.

This week it was JBL’s turn to launch a new set of sub-$100 Bluetooth wireless earphones – the WAVE 200TWS. These true wireless earphones are a tribute to 75 years of JBL’s legendary sound and are an impressive expansion of the True Wireless lineup, named after its uniquely ergonomic, wave-like free-flowing design.

A little more angular than the JBL LivePro+ TWS earphones we reviewed earlier in the year, the WAVE 200TWS are packed with a number of features that are more likely to be found on products double or even triple the $99.95 RRP now $75 for a limited time!

Available in Black, Blue and White the WAVE 200TWS look as good as they sound.

Key Features

JBL Pure Bass Sound: Featuring the renowned JBL Pure Bass sound, which can be found in the most famous venues all around the world.

20 Hours of Combined Playback: With 5 hours in the earbuds and 15 hours in the case, the JBL WAVE 200TWS can keep up with your rhythm all day long.

Dual Connect Using Either Ear, or Both: The power of Dual Connect gives you the choice to seamlessly enjoy music or make calls with either one or both buds. 

Calls and Voice Assistant with Touch Control: Just a touch of the earbud is what you need to control calls, sound, your device’s voice assistant and stay in touch with your world.

Comfort-Fit: Ergonomically shaped, the JBL WAVE 200TWS fit gently and comfortably in your ears thanks to their in-ear stick form, for hours of listening pleasure. 

Action Ready: Featuring IPX2 rating, the JBL WAVE 200TWS follows your flow, whether you chill or move, enduring light drops and a little sweat.

Pocket Friendly: They go where you go. Discrete and lightweight in and out of the case, the JBL WAVE 200TWS easily fits in your pocket. Choose the colour that fits your mood.

Verdict

These are well made, robust true wireless earphones with a collection of features that is super impressive. Battery life for one is excellent. However, the angular form factor made them hard to get out of the case if you have wet/sweaty hands and the deep bass sound was nothing like I was expecting which was disappointing.

The JBL WAVE200TWS (and 100TWS) are great options if you’re looking for sub-$100 earphones and you get what you pay for.

Available from JBL.com.au and JB Hi-Fi.