Wireless earbuds are becoming more and more popular. The increasing popularity is also leading to the launch of new constant releases by many companies. For that reason, it can require a lot of research upfront. Luckily, we’re here to help out.
One top pick in recent years was the original Jaybird Vista earbuds. They’re known for their durability among other things. The Jaybird Vista 2 is a sequel to those earbuds. Wondering how they hold up? Our Jaybird Vista 2 review breaks down the highlights and best features while helping you make the best buying decision.
Jaybird Vista 2 Earbuds
Table of Contents
- Design and Durability
- Battery Life and Connectivity
- Sound Quality
- Active Noise Cancelling on the Jaybird Vista 2
- App Support
- Conclusion
- Jaybird Vista 2: FAQs
Design and Durability
These earbuds are pretty lightweight at 6.7 grams per earbud. Such a lightweight design means that you can use these earbuds for hours together without feeling any fatigue. The sturdy, well-built design and still manage a sleek design that’s appealing. The Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds also have wings that maintain a secure fit. You also get 3 gel ear tips to ensure you find the right size.
The Jaybird Vista 2 wireless earbuds are rated IP68 which means they have are dust and water resistance. This ensures they will hold up to inclement weather and most outdoor environments. They also meet the military’s MIL-STD 810G which brings additional protections from vibration, shock, and more. The Jaybird Vista 2’s are truly one of the most durable headphones on the market. Even the charging case has an IP54 rating, which should protect it from light splashed and some dust.
Playback controls on the Jaybird Vista 2 are a little unique. There are tap and touch controls to shuffle through tracks, controls volume, as well as cycle through noise cancelling modes. They also include options to re-map the controls within the companion app. This is not an option unique to Jaybird, but it is an option I wish we saw more. Removing either earbuds will also automatically pause playback. Returning the earbuds to your ear will resume playback.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Jaybird Vista 2 will get you eight hours of battery life from a full charge. The charging case adds an additional 16 hours of battery life. That’s a total of 24 hours of battery life altogether. A quick charge feature is also available. A 5-minute charge will provide you with an hour of playback time. That’s good enough to avoid constant re-charges and it holds up well amongst competitors. The case has a USB-C port for charging and QI wireless charging is also supported. As previously mentioned, that case has an IPX rating of IP54. Jaybird has also managed to slim the case down. It’s now sleeker and more compact than its predecessor.
The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity helped us maintain a secure connection. We had no stability issues. The range of 33 feet means that even when your smartphone or the device is at a distance, you won’t have to worry about the audio playback. Codec support only includes AAC and SBC. Unfortunately, that means no support for higher fidelity audio codecs like LDAC, aptX, or aptX HD. Microphones are included to handle phone calls. Voice quality during calls was solid in our testing. Two microphones are available for use during calls. Jaybird’s WindDefense fabric also covers each earbuds. Jaybird says it helps reduce wind noise. This is helpful during voice calls and active noise cancelling.
Sound Quality
We understand that the audio preferences of different individuals are different. Overall sound quality is good and the Jaybird Vista 2 sound has a dynamic EQ that most will be happy with. It’s close to your classic V-shaped frequency response. Low and high frequencies are slightly emphasized. In some music, the reduction of vocals can result in slightly muted vocals. It’s a tradeoff many, depending on the genre, will be fine with.
As we mentioned, preferences will vary. That is why, when looking for headphones, it’s essential to look at the level of EQ customization available. Using the companion Jaybird app, You can completely customize the EQ and save your own presets. This is great to tweak the EQ to your preferences. In the app equalizer settings, you get various presets like Flat, Signature, Acoustic, Deep Bass, and more.
Active Noise Cancelling on the Jaybird Vista 2
The Jaybird Vista 2 wireless earbuds check a ton of boxes for exercise and outdoor use. That includes the fact that they’re active noise-cancelling headphones. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a feature that can be difficult to find on truly wireless earbuds. You will find them on the Jaybird Vista 2. Unfortunately, they don’t add perform very well. You will find some reduction at lower frequencies (AC, subway train, etc). This is in addition to good passive noise cancellation of these earbuds.
In addition to active noise cancelling, there is an ambient mode called SurroundSense. With SurroundSense enabled, external background noise will be amplified. This is particularly a useful feature when outdoors. It will allow users to listen to music or podcast while remaining aware of their surroundings. It can also be useful in an office when you want to be aware of coworkers.
App Support
The Jaybird app adds value and a ton of functionality. This additional value should be taken into account when purchasing the Jaybird Vista 2. The app is available for Android and iOS. The app goes a step further when it comes to controlling your earbuds. As we have previously highlighted, it allows you to completely customize or choose between different EQ presets. In addition, you can create a personal EQ by taking a hearing test. You can even pick from a ton of EQs from other Jaybird users.
The interface of the app is very intuitive and easy to navigate. With their Find My Buds feature, you can locate each earbud individually if lost. You can ping the earbuds with a loud noise that allows you to locate them easier. It is even integrated with Google Maps for visual tracking and directions if needed. Within the settings, you can control features like auto-off which allows you to save battery life. You can adjust active noise cancelling or completely disable it.
On the main dashboard, you can constantly view the battery life of both earbuds and the case. Scrolling will allow you to see the current status of your EQ, ANC, and actual earbud location. Scrolling down will show you additional settings, support information, and the ability to remap the button controls.
Conclusion
In the crowded wireless earbuds market, Jaybird Vista 2 certainly stands out. They incorporate almost every feature many want in wireless earbuds for exercise. They have great battery life, amazing durability, good sound quality, and top-notch app support. All that would have been an improvement on the first Jaybird Vista earbuds. That’s a great pair of wireless earbuds for outdoor use and exercise. Adding ANC and ambient mode makes them an even more versatile pair of earbuds. Anyone looking for workout earbuds should consider the Jaybird Vista 2. They can likely serve as everyday earbuds for many users.
One alternative for similar wireless earbuds would be the Beats Powerbeats Pro. They similarly have a fit tailored to exercise along with water resistance. Sony’s SP800N earbuds are more affordable and offer some similar benefits including ANC and great app support. Sony’s WF-XB700 earbuds are a great option for workout earbuds for a tighter budget. They. Check out our other guides for more recommendations.
Jaybird Vista 2: FAQs
How is active noise cancelling?
Active noise cancellation on the Jaybird Vista 2 is nothing special. Unfortunately, they only provide a little reduction of low frequencies. They do negate wind noise well thanks to Jaybird’s WindDefense fabric. You can obtain good noise isolation just from passive noise cancelling. The ANC unfortunately doesn’t add much.
Are they water-resistant?
Yes. The Jaybird Vista 2 wireless earbuds are rated IP68. That’s great water and dust resistance. The earbuds can be completely submerged and water and still function. The charging case also has an IP54 rating.
Is the battery life good?
Battery life don’t he Jaybird Vista 2 is good in comparison to competitors. You will get 8 hours of playtime from the earbuds and 16 hours from the charging. That’s 24 hours total.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.