Compare JBL Endurance Race 2 Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

ANC is useful for taking the edge off treadmills, office chatter, and travel noise, but every detailed reviewer said it falls clearly short of premium earbuds. ANC and ambient tuning are adjustable in the app, but reviewers generally felt those sliders and sport-mode tweaks made only modest real-world differences.

ANC is usually rated as strong and clearly improved, but not universally best-in-class; it excels more with steady noise than sudden sounds and remains behind the very top Bose, Sony, or Apple options for some listeners.

Android support looks solid thanks to Google Fast Pair support and no reported compatibility red flags, though direct Android testing was limited.

These earbuds pair especially well with Samsung and Android devices, and many reviewers frame that ecosystem fit as one of the product's biggest selling points.

The JBL app adds meaningful tuning options, sports modes, and control customization, but several reviewers found some mode behavior inconvenient or not especially impactful.

The Galaxy Wearable experience is feature-rich and useful, but several reviews note that the best tools remain most valuable on Samsung devices.

One review notes that enabling the highest-quality Samsung audio mode can hurt lip-sync performance, making video playback less precise than standard settings.

Bass is decent and workout-friendly, but multiple reviews suggest it benefits from EQ boosting rather than sounding especially punchy on the default tuning.

Bass is widely described as deep, punchy, and well-controlled, but a minority of reviewers thought the low end could overpower some tracks without EQ tweaks.

Battery life is a standout strength, with reviewers consistently praising the long single-charge runtime and strong total endurance with the case.

Battery life is serviceable rather than standout. Most reviews land around six hours per charge and see that as fine for everyday use, but short versus the longest-lasting rivals.

Connection stability was excellent in testing, with easy room-range use during workouts and no reported dropouts.

Bluetooth stability is generally solid, with good range and few disconnect complaints, though one review did note occasional dropouts.

The case is functional but not a highlight: it is on the larger side, only lightly protected against moisture, and can pick up wear in a gym bag.

The redesigned case earns mostly positive marks for pocketability, easier docking, and the translucent lid, though a few reviewers found it blockier or more scratch-prone than ideal.

Charging performance is strong, with quick-charge support and reasonable full-charge times repeatedly called out as practical positives.

Charging convenience is strong thanks to USB-C and wireless charging support, and reviewers generally liked the case's day-to-day practicality.

Codec support is strong for Samsung owners thanks to SSC and UHQ options, but the experience is less compelling outside the Galaxy ecosystem where higher-end features are restricted.

Long-session comfort is unusually good for winged sports buds, with reviewers noting they stayed comfortable through runs, workouts, and daily use.

Long-session comfort is a major positive. Many reviewers wore the earbuds for hours on flights, work sessions, or daily use without significant fatigue.

The design is sporty and available in appealing colors, but the buds are still noticeably chunky and protrude more than slimmer everyday earbuds.

Samsung's new look is broadly seen as more polished and premium, with the flatter metallic stem and refined case helping the Buds 4 Pro feel more distinct and mature.

The included three ear-tip sizes were a useful fit aid, though one reviewer still felt the overall shell size may be too large for smaller ears.

Samsung includes multiple tip sizes, but fit outcomes still vary widely; some reviewers got a strong seal quickly while others could not find a great match.

EQ customization is a real plus, letting users add extra bass or adjust the sound for workouts without needing third-party tools.

EQ customization is a clear strength, with reviewers frequently praising the custom bands and the ability to tune the sound away from the stock profile.

One reviewer explicitly noted that there is no Find My-style locating feature, which limits convenience compared with some rivals.

Accessory support is good for the class, with extra ear tips, wing options or covers, and a charging cable included in the box.

Instrument separation is frequently cited as a standout, with cleaner layering and better distinction between elements than earlier Galaxy Buds generations.

The earbuds include an onboard multi-mic setup that works well enough for routine calls and general hands-free use.

At higher volumes, clarity drops off and upper-range detail compresses, so these do not stay especially clean when pushed hard.

Call noise handling is respectable rather than exceptional, keeping traffic and background noise fairly controlled without fully erasing it.

Background-noise suppression during calls performs very well in most reviews, especially against wind, traffic, and loud ambient noise, even if the processed voice can sound a bit artificial.

Call quality is generally clear and usable, though voices can sound slightly hollow instead of especially rich or natural.

Call quality is good overall, with clear enough voice pickup for everyday use, but several reviewers heard some digitizing, fuzziness, or mild warble in tougher conditions.

Midrange performance is one of the stronger parts of the tuning, with vocals and core musical content coming through clearly for the price.

Midrange performance is a strength, with vocals and core instruments coming through clearly and without being swallowed by the boosted low end.

Compatibility looks broad, with successful use across phones, laptops, watches, and support for both Google and Microsoft quick-pair systems.

Outside the Samsung ecosystem, the Buds 4 Pro lose meaningful convenience and some premium features, so cross-platform users get a less complete product.

Multipoint was a meaningful win, with seamless switching between devices highlighted as one of the more premium-feeling features at this price.

Multipoint and device switching are a weak spot. Galaxy-to-Galaxy switching is convenient, but true cross-platform multipoint is missing or awkward.

Passive isolation depends heavily on fit: reviewers with a strong seal found it effective, while others said the tips failed to seal well enough for class-leading isolation.

Portability is only average because both the buds and especially the case are a bit bulky compared with more pocket-friendly alternatives.

The preset sports profiles are more interesting on paper than in practice, with reviewers often describing them as gimmicky or only mildly different.

Preset EQ options are generally well received, especially the Dynamic-style tuning, though they are not a full substitute for manual tweaking if you dislike the default balance.

Setup is straightforward, with easy pairing and uncomplicated day-one use standing out as low-friction strengths.

Setup is not difficult, but one review noted a small learning curve because some controls moved from the old app-centered flow into Samsung's system settings.

Overall sound quality is good for the money and enjoyable for workouts and casual listening, but it does not deliver premium detail, depth, or polish.

Across the review set, the Buds 4 Pro are consistently praised for rich, detailed, energetic sound, though a few reviewers found the tuning a bit bass-forward or Samsung-dependent at the top end.

When reviewers commented on staging, they found the presentation surprisingly open and spacious for true wireless earbuds, especially with Samsung's higher-quality audio modes.

Stability is one of the product's best traits, with the twist-lock wing design keeping the buds secure through running, gym work, and sweaty sessions.

Fit security is good for many listeners, but not universal. Several reviewers found the buds locked in well, while others reported slipping during movement or difficulty maintaining a seal.

Touch controls are usable but not ideal for exercise, with some lag and reduced reliability versus physical buttons, especially with sweat or gloves.

Pinch and swipe controls are usually considered responsive and easier to use than last generation, though a few people still found the gesture scheme awkward at first.

Transparency mode is the most divisive feature: one reviewer found it fairly natural, but the more detailed running-focused reviews said traffic awareness was still lacking.

Transparency or ambient mode is one of the most consistently praised features, sounding natural and useful for conversations, announcements, and day-to-day awareness.

Treble and upper-range clarity are only middling, with repeated comments about limited sparkle, detail, and openness up top.

Treble is generally clear and lively with good sparkle, though a few reviews mention occasional high-frequency leak-through in ANC mode or a slightly uneven top-end balance.

USB-C charging is included and treated as an expected but welcome convenience for everyday use.

Value is a major selling point, with every review framing the Endurance Race 2 as a feature-rich, sports-focused bargain that undercuts pricier rivals.

Voice assistant support is absent according to one review, which is a notable feature gap even at a budget price.

Maximum loudness is below average for the category, and multiple reviewers had to raise volume more than expected during outdoor runs.

The IP68 buds are extremely well-suited to sweaty training and rainy runs, making durability against dust and water one of the clearest strengths.

The IP57 rating is repeatedly highlighted as a useful advantage for sweaty workouts, rain, and general durability, even though the buds are not meant for swimming.

Even though the shells are fairly large, reviewers still described them as light enough to stay comfortable during movement and longer sessions.