JBL Wave Beam 2 vs Soundcore P31i: Your ears deserve a better tune-up

Wireless earbuds2 products

Quick verdict

The quick dad verdict

If you want pure battery endurance and fancy translation tech, the Soundcore P31i is your winner. For those who prioritize a trusted audio brand and solid, punchy bass in a familiar package, the JBL Wave Beam 2 is the way to go.

Side by side

FeaturePhoto of JBL Wave Beam 2JBL Wave Beam 2Photo of Soundcore P31iSoundcore P31i
Price€50.45€36.99
Battery LifeThe Soundcore P31i edges out the competition with a significant 10-hour lead in total playback time.Up to 40 hours totalUp to 50 hours total (winner)
Noise CancellationSoundcore's adaptive tech claims a much higher decibel reduction, making it better for noisy commutes.Active Noise CancellingAdaptive ANC up to 52dB (winner)
ConnectivityThe JBL Wave Beam 2 includes multipoint support, which is a lifesaver for switching between phone and laptop.Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 (winner)Bluetooth 5.3

Product by product

JBL Wave Beam 2

Brand loyalists and casual listeners

These earbuds offer the classic JBL sound profile in a reliable, well-built design. They are perfect for daily use around the house or at the office.

What We Liked 👍

  • Reliable JBL Pure Bass sound
  • Handy multipoint connection feature
  • Solid IP54 water resistance

What Could Be Better 👎

  • ANC performance is basic
  • Lacks deep musical detail

Soundcore P31iOur pickBest value

Tech-savvy budget hunters

This set is packed with premium features like LDAC and AI translation that you rarely see at this price. It is an impressive piece of kit for the money.

What We Liked 👍

  • Exceptional 50-hour total battery
  • Advanced adaptive noise cancellation
  • Hi-Res LDAC audio support

What Could Be Better 👎

  • Generic plastic design aesthetic
  • ANC effectiveness depends on fit

Let's talk about the sound and the silence

When it comes to blocking out the sound of the kids arguing over the remote, both pairs put up a decent fight. The JBL Wave Beam 2 relies on their signature Pure Bass sound to keep you engaged with your music, which is great if you like your tracks to have a bit of a kick. It is a no-nonsense experience that keeps things simple for the average listener.

On the other hand, the Soundcore P31i feels like it is trying to win a spec war. With adaptive noise cancellation that claims to cut out a massive 52dB, it is surprisingly capable at quieting the world down. Plus, having LDAC support means you can get a higher quality signal from your phone, which is a nice treat for your ears when you have a spare moment to actually listen to them.

Features that make a dad's life easier

I have to tip my hat to the JBL Wave Beam 2 for including multipoint connectivity. Being able to jump from a work call on the laptop to a podcast on my phone without fumbling through settings is worth its weight in gold. It is a practical feature that shows they understand how we actually use our gadgets.

However, the Soundcore P31i brings some wild tech to the table with that AI-powered translation feature. While I am not sure I will be using it to order tapas in Tokyo every day, it is a fun piece of flair. When you combine that with a battery that lasts longer than most of my weekend yard work sessions, it is hard to argue with the value.

The final call for your ears

If you value a brand that has been rocking the party for decades and you want that reliable multipoint connection, grab the JBL Wave Beam 2. They are dependable, they sound punchy, and they just work.

If you want to stretch your euro as far as it can go and you care about battery life and noise-cancelling tech, the Soundcore P31i is the smarter play. It is loaded with features that usually cost twice as much.

Prices on amazon.es as of October 28, 2026. Prices may change.

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