JBL Endurance Peak and JBL Free bring truly wireless tunes to your ears

You can't turn a corner at IFA 2018 in Berlin without stumbling across a pair of true-wireless earbuds, the sort that comprise two individual pieces, connected only by the magical power of Bluetooth, one for each of your ears.

JBL is doubling down on the format this year with two new models: the JBL Endurance Peak and the JBL Free.

First up, the JBL Endurance Peak, pictured at the top. They're aimed at sporty types, and are well suited to swimmers with their IPX7 waterproof rating.

Designed to comfortably fit most ear types without falling out, they feature "PowerHook" technology that allows them to intelligently turn on or off when you put them on or take them out.

Complete with a charging case that offers a speed charge mode that gets you an hour's worth of playback from ten minutes charge time, you get 28 hours of battery life overall, with 4 stored in the earbuds themselves and 24 in the portable case.

They'll go on sale in November for £129.99 (roughly $170, or AU$230).

JBL Free

The JBL Free are up next, and are more focussed on pleasing commuters.

They're again truly wireless, with a charging case that can provide 24 hours of playback when combined with the buds themselves.

Though they're not as rugged, but they're splashproof too thanks to an IPX5 rating.  Both the JBL Free and JBL Endurance Peak offer hands-free calling with an integrated mic, though the more discreet oval design of the JBL Free might make them better suited to everyday use.

Available in black or white, the set is available now, priced £119.99 (around $155, AU$210).

  • IFA 2018 is Europe's biggest tech show. The TechRadar team is in Berlin to bring you all the breaking news and hands-on first impressions of new phones, watches and other tech as they're announced.
Gerald Lynch

Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press.

Latest in Earbuds & Airpods
Pedro Pascal in Apple's Someday ad promoting the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Pedro Pascal cures his heartbreak thanks to AirPods 4 (and the power of dance) in this new ad
FCC filing for the Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus
Waiting for new Nothing cheap earbuds to go with the Phone 3a? It won’t be long – but audiophiles should skip 'em
Close-up of woman using AirPods Pro 2
AirPods could catch up with Samsung buds with a live translation free upgrade in iOS 19
The JLab JBuds Open Sport in their case at a 3/4 angle, in front of a pink background.
I reviewed JLab’s budget open-ear buds – and their affordable price requires one major sacrifice
The Apple AirPods 4 on a blue background with text saying Lowest Price.
AirPods 4 are down to $99 again, but there's a better AirPods Pro 2 deal that I'd buy
AirPods Pro 2 out of their case on a wooden surface
Camera-toting AirPods with Apple Intelligence said to be in active development – but the idea may be too flawed to take off
Latest in News
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Friday, March 21 (game #1152)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, March 21 (game #383)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, March 21 (game #649)
Lock on Laptop Screen
Data breach at Pennsylvania education union potentially exposes 500,000 victims
Boston Dynamics all electric Altas
This robot can do a cartwheel better than me and now I'm freaking out – but in a good way
A image of Saros character Arjun
Housemarque’s boss is surprisingly positive about Sony’s acquisition – and it’s good news for Saros