Comparison: JBL Tune 215BT vs. 205BT, When “Newer” Isn’t Better

JBL TUNE215BT

They say newer versions are usually better—improved designs, enhanced performance, and upgraded features. But that wasn't the case with the JBL Tune 215BT earphones.

After years of daily use, my beloved JBL Tune 205BT finally gave out due to wear and tear. Naturally, I decided to try their newer sibling, the 215BT, hoping for an even better experience. Unfortunately, I was quickly disappointed.

JBL 205BT

The only real upside to the 215s? They connected slightly faster to my phone via Bluetooth. But from fit to sound quality—even down to the small details like the cable clip—the 205s were hands down the better earphones.

In fact, I disliked the 215s so much that I started hunting down another pair of the discontinued 205s within a week of using the 215s—and I was incredibly lucky and fortunate to actually find a pair!

Here’s a breakdown of why I believe the JBL Tune 205BTs outperform the JBL Tune 215BTs in almost every way. For simplicity, I’ll refer to them as the 205s and 215s throughout.

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Ear Fit & Comfort

I have smaller, somewhat awkwardly shaped ears, so comfort is a top priority when it comes to earphones. The 205s had a perfectly contoured shape that fit snugly without causing discomfort, even after hours of wear. They were more “ear-shaped,” which helped them stay in place securely.

The 215s, on the other hand, were a pain—literally. The earbuds are rounder and bulkier, which made them difficult to fit and keep in my ears. They popped out constantly and caused discomfort almost immediately after putting them on.

Scores:
205s: 9/10
215s: 2/10

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Sound Quality

One of my favorite things about the 205s was their sound. The bass was rich, the audio clear, and they made music incredibly enjoyable. Whether it was music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the sound quality was immersive and satisfying.

The 215s, however, felt like a downgrade. The audio sounded hollow—like it was coming from a tin can or from far away. Even with the volume turned all the way up or after tweaking the settings, the sound remained thin and flat. Listening to audiobooks became difficult, let alone enjoying music.

Scores:
205s: 9.8/10
215s: 1.0/10

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Cable Clip Design

This small detail turned out to be a big frustration. The 205s had flat cables that clipped securely and easily, keeping the earphones balanced and comfortable.

In contrast, the 215s have rounder, thicker cables that don’t stay put. Even when I forced the wires into the clip, they would constantly slip out, making the whole setup feel cheap and inconvenient.

Scores:
205s: 10/10
215s: 0/10

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Final Thoughts

The JBL Tune 215BT might be the newer model, but in this case, newer doesn't mean better. From fit and comfort to sound quality and cable design, the 205s win in every category that matters to me.

If you’re like me and prioritize comfort and great sound, I’d recommend hunting down a pair of JBL Tune 205BTs—even if it means buying them secondhand. Sometimes, the older version really is the better one.

McDonald's Spicy Mango Splash short review

 

I'm always up to trying new drinks, so when I saw this Spicy Mango Splash, I had to try it.

McDonald's describes this as: 

A refreshing lemonade beverage made with real lemon juice concentrate and real lemon pulp, with a sweet and spicy taste.

And that description is pretty spot on—it was a unique experience. The flavour instantly reminded me of the spicy baby mango snacks my friend brought back from Mexico. It hits your taste buds all at once with a punch of sweetness, a tangy lemony zing, and a surprising kick of spice that lingers just a little.

It’s kind of strange—in a good way—because it stimulates so many different parts of your tongue at the same time. It’s not your typical mango drink, that’s for sure.

Whether you’re a mango or spice lover, I can’t say for certain that you’ll love it—but if you’re an adventurous eater who enjoys bold and unexpected flavors, this might just be your next fun find. It’s less of a drink and more of a flavor experience. 🥭🌶️

score: 8/10
website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/spicy-mango-fruit-splash-medium.html

Hudson's Bay (a rant)

 

As a Canadian, it pains me to say this—but it must be said: Hudson’s Bay (known affectionately as "The Bay" to many of us) has truly earned its downfall. Once a symbol of Canadian retail heritage, the company has seen a steep decline, and not solely due to poor business decisions or the rise of online shopping.

When I finally stepped into a Hudson’s Bay store again after more than two years (in late March), it didn’t take long to remember why I stopped going in the first place. The experience was lackluster, frustrating, and a far cry from the proud legacy this brand once held. Goodbye, Hudson’s Bay. It's the end of an era—and sadly, one that fizzled rather than flourished.

The store technically closes at 9:00 p.m., but at 8:45, I was rudely told that the store was closed and I shouldn’t even think about buying anything. Seriously—what?! To make matters worse, announcements were being made over the speakers, warning customers not to take their time or they wouldn’t be allowed to make purchases. It was an incredibly unwelcoming experience and not how a retail environment should treat its customers, especially in their final days.

Goodbye, Hudson’s Bay (aka The Bay). You won’t be missed. Every time I have tried to support you or shop there, I’ve walked away disappointed. This last visit just sealed the deal.

If Hudson’s Bay is wondering why it ended up closing its doors, it might want to start by looking at how its sales associates treat customers. And if you're closing at 9:00 but start kicking customers out at 8:45, that might be an even bigger clue as to where things went wrong.

There are obviously other issues at play—like expired products still sitting on shelves, poor product presentation, and a general lack of upkeep—but all of these point to a larger problem: a failure to prioritize the customer experience. When the basics of retail—clean stores, respectful service, and trust in the products—are neglected, it's no wonder shoppers take their business elsewhere.

In the end, Hudson’s Bay didn’t just lose customers because of competition or economic shifts—it lost them because it failed to evolve with its shoppers. From dismissive staff and rushed closing times to expired products and uninspired store layouts, the brand neglected the foundational elements of a good shopping experience. As a Canadian, it’s disappointing to see such a historic retailer decline, but the truth is, respect for customers and attention to detail matter. If a store can’t offer that, then no amount of legacy or nostalgia can save it.