JBL introduces 4 new true wireless headphones at CES 2019

JBL is going all in on truly wireless earphones with the new Endurance Peak, UA True Wireless Flash, Tune 120TWS and Reflect Flow.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.

Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials

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David Carnoy

Jan. 8, 2019 10:56 a.m. PT

3 min read

jbl-edurance-peak — The Endurance Peak are available now.
Amazon

With the increasing popularity of true wireless headphones, JBL is expanding its true wireless line up with four new models ranging in price from $100 to $170 (no word on international pricing yet). Here's a quick look at the line up. Two of the earphones are available now and two will ship later this year.

JBL Endurance Peak

The Peak is the newest addition to JBL's Endurance series line, which includes the Run, Sprint, Jump and Dive headphones. The Endurance Peak is a sports model with touch controls. I previously likened the Endurance Sprint (which has a wire between the buds) to a more affordable version of Beats Powerbeats3 headphones.

Four hours of battery life
TwistLock and FlexSoft technologies
PowerHook
IPX7 waterproof
Rugged charging case delivers six additional charges (for 24 hours of battery life)
Hands-free calling
Full-function touch control
Colors: Blue, back and red
Price: $120 (roughly converting to £95, AU$170)
Availability: Now

UA True Wireless Flash

JBL continues its partnership with Under Armour with the UA True Wireless Flash. I should be getting these in the next few weeks and will let you know how they sound, fit and perform as soon as I have a chance to play with them for a week. The TalkThru and AmbientAware feature are designed with runners and bikers in mind who want to let some sound in (such as traffic noise) for safety reasons.

5.8mm diameter dynamic drivers
Bionic Hearing with TalkThru and AmbientAware Technologies
UA Storm Proof sweat and waterproof technology with an IPX7 rating
Up to five hours of battery life
Rugged aluminum charging case delivers five additional charges
Three fitting options of the Sport Flex Fit Ear Tips included
Complimentary 12-month MapMyRun Premium membership included
Price: $170 (roughly converts to £135, AU$240)
Available: Now

JBL Tune120TWS

This is JBL's budget true wireless option that carries a list price of $100 (converts roughly to £80, AU$140). I handled it for a bit at CES and it was similar to other models at this price point (translation: it doesn't have a premium feel). The big question is how reliable the wireless connection will be and how good it sounds. I'll let you know as soon as I get my hands on a test sample this spring.

JBL Pure Bass Sound
Four hours of battery life (16-hours of combined playback time)
Compact 12-hour charging case
Hands-free stereo calling, connect to Google Now or Siri with a simple touch
Ergonomic fit and design
15-minute quick charge gives you one hour of battery life
Six color options: White, blue, black, green, yellow and pin
Price: $100
Availability: Spring 2019

JBL Reflect Flow

After getting a quick look at the Reflect Flow at CES, I'd say this may be the best of JBL's new true wireless earphones. Priced at $150 (roughly £120, AU$210), they're a little less expensive than the UA model and have similar features but stronger battery life. They'll be available this summer.