Jaybird Vista 2
What’s the story?
Jaybird has an excellent track record for sporty buds built to withstand whatever the outdoors – or the gym floor – throws at you. We were big fans of the original true wireless Vistas, and this sequel sticks to the same winning formula: 8hr battery life, solid customisable sound and a secure, comfortable wingtip fit.
But there are notable improvements too – like even more total playback time (24hrs with the case), military-grade durability and a weatherproof case, plus new ANC and hear-through skills.
Are they any good?
The Jaybirds set the benchmark for fitness buds. The one-piece wingtip and ear-gel design delivers an almost unrivalled fit and the audio performance is rich and full, with plenty of bass and excellent customisation in the app. That includes a personalised hearing test and the option to create and store different sound profiles to suit you. The first generation’s low top volume has also been fixed.
The addition of ANC and a Surround Sense ambient awareness mode is a big plus. A double tap on the customisable button controls lets you flick between modes – even if we struggled to hear a huge difference between them while music was playing.
The 24hr total workout time means you only really need to charge the case once a month, unless you’re really addicted to that Genesis B-sides playlist. Mind you, we didn’t quite get that official battery billing: one 45-minute run burned through 10%, while a 90-minute effort slurped up 30% with ANC on. It’s clear you take a real hit with ANC here.
The buds’ rating has been boosted from IPX7 to IP68, which basically means they’re safe from water, sweat, dust, dropping and crushing. We left them in a sink full of water for half an hour, dropped them on a pavement and walked on them (sorry, Jaybird!), and they survived.
What’s also unique here is that the compact case is Ip54-rated. That makes these Vistas ideal for long days out and wilder fitness pursuits.
£190 / stuff.tv/vista2
Key specs
● 8hrs + 16hrs case ● Bluetooth 5.0 ● ANC ● IP68 ● USB-C + Qi charging ● 2x 6.7g, 43g case