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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If portability and ease of use with Apple devices are crucial for you, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are a solid choice, with good overall sound and best-in-class portability, optimized for both Android and Apple, with ear detection and a compact carry size. They're also a good fit for exercise. However, if you're looking for over-ear headphones with better soundstage, comfort, and a longer battery life, and prioritize features like active noise cancelling for air travel and a detachable cable, the JBL Live 770NC might be more suited to your needs, despite being typically somewhat more expensive. The JBL offers an app with equalizer and control customization, which AirPods lack, making it better for a personalized audio experience. Keep in mind though, AirPods may not provide the best noise isolation if that's important for your use case. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live 770NC
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.4
The JBL Live 770NC is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.6
The JBL Live 770NC and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Live 770NC is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Live 770NC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live 770NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The JBL Live 770NC is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
76.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Live 770NC has 76 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$130
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL Live 770NC costs $130.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.4
5.8
The JBL Live 770NC and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Live 770NC to have very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the JBL Live 770NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | JBL Live 770NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $130 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | March 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 76 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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