Skullcandy Jib True 2 Review: Budget Bass with Caveats
The surprising takeaway from extensive user feedback is that the Skullcandy Jib True 2 Wireless Earbuds deliver battery life and bass performance far above their low price point, but their comfort and charging reliability divide opinions. Across platforms, they score a conditional 7.8/10 — loved by bass-heavy music fans and budget-conscious buyers, yet frustrating for those seeking flawless ergonomics or long-term durability.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong bass impact appreciated by workout and commute users | Comfort issues for small ear bowls; can cause ear fatigue |
| 33-hour total battery life matches or exceeds claims | Charging case and earbud contact reliability problems |
| Tile™ tracking tech helps locate lost buds | No active noise cancellation; ambient noise leaks in |
| IPX4 splash resistance handles sweat and light rain | Micro-USB charging feels outdated |
| Affordable price with frequent deep discounts | Fit can be unstable during vigorous activity |
Claims vs Reality
One of Skullcandy’s headline claims is 33 hours of total battery life — 9 hours in the buds plus 24 hours in the case. Digging deeper into user reports, this specification holds up well. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "Battery life is much better than expected… easily lasts me through the day without recharge." Twitter user feedback also confirms gym-goers enjoy uninterrupted sessions, with one review stating: "It’s a cheap pair with good battery life, a good fit, and good sound for workout."
Another marketing promise is the IPX4 water resistance, positioned as workout-ready protection against sweat and rain. While most buyers found it adequate — Reddit reports mention walking through drizzle without damage — some Twitter reviewers exposed its limits: "Not very waterproof… easily scrapped due to sweat or rain during workouts." Here, the official spec is accurate but misinterpreted by users expecting submersion resistance.
The Tile™ finding technology is advertised as “worries not included.” This feature genuinely impressed forgetful owners. Amazon reviews praise how quickly they can “ring” a misplaced bud. However, multiple Twitter accounts complained about buds staying connected while in the case, undermining the benefit if a lost earbud continues draining battery.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery longevity is the most consistent win. For commuters and travelers, the extended playtime means a full day of use without a charger. Reddit user feedback highlights this for binge listening: "Better make a longer playlist… enough battery life for 33 hours of music, movies and podcasts." Gym enthusiasts on Twitter repeatedly mention finishing multiple workouts before needing a recharge.
Bass response is another standout, especially for workout playlists heavy on EDM or hip-hop. Trustpilot’s ByteReview calls it a “bass bonanza… ideal for bass-heavy music lovers.” This character appeals to casual listeners who prioritize energy over analytical detail. A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up: "Bass sounds beautiful… keeps me motivated at the gym."
The budget pricing, often under $30 on eBay, makes the Jib True 2 approachable for backup or travel sets. Twitter users advise buying multiples for gym use, anticipating the risk of loss: "At this price point, buy several… have a backup pair ready."
Common Complaints
Fit and comfort issues dominate the negative camp. Consumer Reports notes that for small ear bowls, "the earphone body feels bulky… might lever out of place" and causes discomfort. Twitter user frustration echoes this: "No matter which size ear piece I attach they hurt after about 20 minutes." This is a critical flaw for marathon listening or small-eared users.
Charging reliability is another recurring pain point. Some buyers resorted to DIY fixes, like a Twitter reviewer admitting: "I’ve put a piece of toilet paper… just so my left earphone will charge." This undermines the product’s long-term value, especially when coupled with reports of buds staying connected in the case, draining power.
Control precision also frustrates. The single-button interface demands exact presses, which ByteReview warns "might take some getting used to." This hampers quick adjustments mid-workout or on commutes.
Divisive Features
Sound signature splits opinion. Bass lovers celebrate the thump, but audiophiles and podcast listeners find mids and highs lacking clarity. Consumer Reports describes "midrange… somewhat hazy and grainy" and treble as "smeared and sizzly." For spoken word or acoustic music, this can be fatiguing.
Noise isolation is another mixed point. While the seal blocks some ambient noise, there’s no active cancellation. Amazon buyers accept this as fair for the price, but Twitter reviewers in noisy gyms found "ambient noise seeps in, impacting listening."
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability stories are mixed. Reddit and Twitter reveal that while some pairs last years, others fail within months. One Twitter user replaced theirs after two years but complained about the new set’s charging dock failing after days. Consumer Reports does not rank Skullcandy’s non-noise-canceling models high in predicted reliability, reinforcing caution for buyers seeking multi-year use.
Trustpilot and Twitter patterns show no widespread scam issues, but frequent warranty claims suggest manufacturing consistency could be tighter. The 12-month parts and labor warranty is a safety net, but community advice leans toward testing all functions immediately upon purchase.
Alternatives
The only competitor mentioned in user data is the Wissonly Hi Runner bone conduction headphones, recommended on Twitter for workouts. They offer IPX8 waterproofing, 32GB storage for offline MP3 playback, and an open-ear design. For athletes worried about sweat damage or ear canal discomfort, these address the Jib True 2’s two biggest flaws — fit and water protection — albeit at a higher cost.
Price & Value
Current pricing shows deep discounts from the $79.99 MSRP, with eBay listings between $24 and $42 depending on seller and colorway. This positions the Jib True 2 as a high-value impulse buy for backup earbuds. Resale value is low given widespread availability and discounting, so community advice is to buy new rather than second-hand.
Buying tips from Amazon and Twitter emphasize watching for holiday sales and bundling with other Skullcandy models. One gym-goer on Twitter recommended: "Buy several… you’re going to lose them when working out."
FAQ
Q: Does the Jib True 2 have active noise cancellation?
A: No. It uses a noise-isolating fit only, which muffles but doesn’t cancel ambient sound. This is sufficient for moderate environments but won’t block loud gym music or traffic noise.
Q: Can I use one earbud at a time?
A: Yes. Solo mode allows either bud to be used independently, with its own microphone for calls or media playback.
Q: How water-resistant are they?
A: They are IPX4 rated, meaning they resist splashes and sweat but are not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to rain or submersion can cause damage.
Q: How accurate is Tile™ tracking?
A: Users report it works well for locating misplaced buds nearby, but it doesn’t prevent battery drain if buds stay connected in the case.
Q: What charging connection do they use?
A: Micro-USB, which some users find outdated compared to USB-C.
Final Verdict: Buy if you are a bass-loving, budget-conscious user who prioritizes battery life over sonic precision, and need a gym-ready backup set. Avoid if you have small ears, require flawless charging reliability, or expect waterproofing beyond light rain. Pro tip from community: test fit and charging immediately, and consider buying a spare pair during sales.
