Compare JBL Endurance Race 2 Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds

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 performance is polarized: several reviewers find it strong and effective, while others rate it merely average and still behind the best-in-class models, especially for certain environments. The buds offer multiple noise modes and adaptive behaviors. Some like the options, but multiple reviews describe adaptive switching as inconsistent or not clearly different from other modes.

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

Android compatibility is strong overall, and the experience is best on recent Samsung phones where the newest codec and AI features are available.

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 app unlocks core features like EQ, noise modes, and Find My tools. Reviews repeatedly warn that iPhone support is limited and some features are Samsung-only.

Several reviewers explicitly note there is no aptX support, which is a drawback for some Android users who want broader high-quality codec compatibility.

Video and gaming latency is generally reported as good, helped by a low-latency or game mode in some setups, though availability can depend on device and 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 frequently described as boosted and punchy. Many enjoy the impact, but a few reviewers call it thumpy or overcooked without EQ.

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

Battery life varies noticeably by reviewer and settings: some measured around 4.5 to 5 hours with ANC, while others report closer to 6 hours or more, and some tests cite longer runtimes. Reviews note the battery is not designed to be user-replaceable, so long-term serviceability is limited compared to more repairable designs.

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

Bluetooth stability is generally strong, with few dropouts reported and solid range, though occasional stutters or device-specific quirks are mentioned.

Build quality is generally good with strong water resistance, though early QC chatter and fragile or finicky ear-tip swapping show up repeatedly.

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 clear-lid case is generally compact and convenient, but a few reviewers dislike the feel, one-hand opening, or the fussiness of seating stems correctly.

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

Charging is well rounded with USB-C and wireless charging. Some sources highlight fast top-ups or convenient reverse wireless charging support on compatible phones.

Codec support is solid for Samsung owners via Samsung Seamless Codec options, but limited for everyone else, with common fallbacks to AAC or SBC.

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

Long-wear comfort is widely praised thanks to the stemmed design and reduced ear pressure, but side sleeping can be uncomfortable and fit still varies by ear shape.

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

Design is divisive: many like the blade-stem look and lights, while others view it as too AirPods-like or slightly plasticky.

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.

Ear tips come in three sizes. Several reviews mention the swap process can be annoying and early units had tearing complaints.

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

EQ options are unusually deep for mainstream earbuds, with a 9-band equalizer and presets called out as a major advantage for tuning the sound.

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

Find My and tracking features are improved with lights and alerts, but some reviewers still want UWB-grade precision and note occasional quirks.

Measured tuning is often reported as close to a modern target in mids and treble, with extra bass energy that can be dialed back via EQ.

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 strong, with multiple reviewers noting they can track individual elements in busy mixes more easily than on older Galaxy Buds.

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

Multiple reviews point out there is no LDAC option, limiting hi-res codec flexibility outside of Samsung’s proprietary codec path.

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

Maximum volume is generally ample for typical listening. No major complaints surface, though the loudest levels can sound a bit strained in some accounts.

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

Noise reduction for calls is mixed: some tests show strong background suppression, while others struggle to pull much reduction without the right client or conditions.

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

Call mic quality is usually rated good to excellent, with clear voice reproduction in many tests; a few reviewers still describe it as only fine or slightly unnatural depending on device and 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 is typically clean and articulate with good vocal detail, though some describe it as slightly recessed in a V-shaped tuning.

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

These earbuds work on many devices, but cross-platform value depends on how much you rely on Samsung-only features and the lack of a full iOS app experience.

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 often limited to the Samsung ecosystem. Some reviews praise seamless Galaxy-to-Galaxy switching, while others note weak or missing multipoint for mixed-device setups.

Passive isolation is decent with a good seal, but it varies by fit and ear tips; some reviewers say it lags behind foam-tip competitors for blocking high-pitched noise.

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.

Sensors enable wear detection and convenience features in supported apps, with some reviews highlighting automatic pausing and posture or voice-detect behaviors.

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

Setup is usually straightforward, helped by quick pairing and clear in-app controls, but some reviewers find the interface non-intuitive or note feature lock-in outside Samsung.

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 reviews, sound quality is a standout: a lively, detailed presentation with strong clarity and a generally wide, engaging mix that can compete with top-tier earbuds, especially after EQ tuning.

Soundstage is commonly praised as wider than average for in-ears, helping music feel more open and layered.

Spatial and 360 audio features are included and can be fun, but reviews are mixed on immersion, head tracking accuracy, and real-world usefulness.

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.

Stability is often improved versus older Galaxy Buds, with many reporting a secure fit for workouts, but some testers still experienced easy dislodging depending on ear shape.

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

Controls are a frequent talking point: many find pinch and swipe gestures responsive and precise, while others dislike the stem shape and the learning curve for consistent pinches or swipes.

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 mode is a highlight for many, described as natural and very clear, though a few note slight hiss or less realism than the very best implementations.

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

Treble is crisp and revealing with good sparkle and detail. It can lean bright or forward for sensitive listeners, and some note a bit less refinement with ANC engaged.

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.

Voice controls and assistant integration are widely mentioned, including hands-free commands. Reliability is often praised, but setup and feature depth can vary by device and preferences.

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.

With an IP57 rating, water and sweat resistance is consistently positioned as a strong point for workouts and daily use.

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