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JLab JBuddies Folding Gen 2 vs JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 76. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired - Great overall at around $20.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired leads on 4 of 5 measures.

  • JLab JBuddies Folding Gen 2
  • JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired
HearWiki score
67
76
Sound
5.5
6.3
Calls
-
6.0
Value
8.3
8.6
Price (USD)
$15
$20

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2023. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • JBuddies Folding Gen 22023
  • JBuddies Studio 2 Wired2023

Specifications

JBuddies Folding Gen 2JBuddies Studio 2 Wired
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$15
$20
HearWiki score
67
76
Released
2023
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
30 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Battery life
-
70 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
buttons
buttons
Weight
95 g
139 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
Yes
Yes
Detachable cable
No
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Microphones
-
1
Microphone type
-
MEMS
Mic sensitivity
-
-42 dBV

What reviewers said

JLab JBuddies Folding Gen 2

These are a budget-friendly, wired on-ear headphone designed specifically for kids, with a focus on safety and comfort. They feature a volume-limiting design to protect young ears, a lightweight and foldable build, and a tuned sound that prioritizes clarity over heavy bass. Ideal for children's everyday use, they offer a practical and simple listening experience.

  • Pro:Volume-limiting design protects hearing
  • Pro:Lightweight and foldable for easy portability
  • Pro:Soft padding for comfortable wear
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Sound signature is restrained, lacking deep bass
  • Con:Non-detachable cable limits replacement options

JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired

The JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired offers a budget-friendly, hybrid listening experience for kids, combining both wired and wireless connectivity with a built-in volume limiter for safer listening. Its sturdy, foldable design and 40mm drivers deliver decent sound for the price, though the smaller earcups may fit younger children more comfortably than older ones. With a long 70-hour battery life in wireless mode and simple button controls, it's a practical choice for schoolwork and casual screen time.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Hybrid wired and wireless flexibility
  • Pro:Volume limiting for safer hearing
  • Con:Earcups may be too small for older kids
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Basic sound quality with limited codec support

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonJLab JBuddies Folding Gen 2JLab JBuddies Studio 2 Wired