The future is wireless and, like most things, the Bluetooth earphones market is booming with multiple options for all budgets. The question we answer today is whether the Skullcandy Jib True is worth your investment.
INSIDE THE BOX
The box that the earphones come in is fairly standard and the unboxing process is hassle-free. The earbuds come in a holder/charging case, which has a standard charge that allows you to start using the Jib True straightaway. Also available in the box are additional silicone ear cushions, apart from those already on the earbuds, and a standard USB charging cable sans the charging adapter.
DESIGN
The colour scheme of the Jib True is dynamic and the product is clearly aimed at a younger target group. With a combination of blue and yellow, the earbuds look attractive, and the holder/charging case complements them. The material is plastic, but it certainly does not feel flimsy to hold or use. The ear cushions are IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant, which is quite nice for a product at this price point.
CONNECTIVITY
The Jib True is fairly easy to connect. Opening the lid of the charging case activates the earbuds, which can then be paired with any Bluetooth device, allowing you to stream audio immediately. One bugbear is that, while pairing with additional devices, you have to press down on the buttons for a few seconds while the earbuds are in your ears to enable their entry into pairing mode. It can be slightly uncomfortable but not painful. The earbuds switch off automatically as soon as they are kept inside the charging case and the lid is shut. Magnetic grooves ensure that each bud fits seamlessly inside the respective slot.
PERFORMANCE
What is surprising is how clear the audio is while listening to a podcast. I listened to a variety of podcasts, ranging from home productions to those with higher budgets and properly mixed sound, but the Jib True did not disappoint with the performance. I could make out each word clearly and the enunciation and SFX were observable, almost at par with the performance one expects from a Sennheiser product.
On the music front, however, the Jib True was a slight disappointment. The audio seems a bit flat and the bass is slightly overpowering. Being a regular user of Skullcandy for a few years now, I was disappointed to note that the audio quality did not match what one experiences using the neckbands of the brand. The lyrics are clear but the entire experience is a bit underwhelming, considering that one would expect more punch from the music. The trebles are slightly difficult to discern as the bass overpowers much else, but I guess that is at par for the course for most budget options for listening to music.
The one positive is that the earbuds are fairly insulated, providing a certain degree of noise isolation rather than proper noise cancellation. With the volume on maximum, one can be fairly cut off from the noises around.
There is one button on each bud for tracking and volume control, but one needs to press long and hard to enable the features as there is no feather-touch control. It can cause slight discomfort so I would not recommend using these features often. It is easier to switch tracks or adjust volume using your connected device.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Priced at Rs 2,999, the Jib True is aimed at a price-conscious demographic that is looking for a slightly more premium option than the entry level competition but fails to justify the investment except for the bright colours, brand value and the sturdy holder, which easily fits inside any pocket. Any earphone/earbud should deliver a truly exclusive music experience that is enjoyable in all degrees. For someone who likes Bluetooth connectivity for convenience, I would advocate spending less on cheaper options that would deliver a similar music experience or to invest some more money and get a better pair of earbuds/neckband that can provide more bang for the buck. Another drawback is the poor performance of the in-built microphone that captures more of the ambient sound than the voice of the speaker, making these buds impossible to use for a video call or even a personal call.
BATTERY LIFE
The buds offer a battery life of 6 hours, plus 16 additional hours through the charging case, which is fine. One drawback is that the pods start charging automatically as soon as they are kept inside the case, so unless you have a safe space to keep them elsewhere, you would end up charging the pods repeatedly after each use, unless used for 6 hours straight. A simple switch on the box might have been a good option but with the price point formula that Skullcandy has decided for the Jib True, additional engineering would have only brought down the profit margins.
VERDICT
If you are someone who wants Bluetooth-enabled earphones to use while being fairly active, enjoy music and make and receive calls while connected, I would recommend the Skullcandy Ink’d Active, which is a slightly pricier but more well-rounded option. The neckband is durable and the performance is more wholesome, but only if you are ready to use a neckband instead of earbuds. That being said, the Jib True is a good-looking product that aims to pack in the basic features inside an economically priced set of earbuds. It aims to create aspiration, which would work well for the target group, i.e. young adults with some disposable income, who would like a more budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s AirPods. Funky colours and packaging are always Skullcandy’s USPs and the brand does not disappoint on that front. The product would have been a clincher had they made the music experience truly stand out, but it is a good entry level option to consider if you plan to upgrade in a year or more. Till then, let the podcasts play!