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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and integration with Apple devices, the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are lightweight, offer excellent compatibility with Apple products, and provide a convenient charging case with wireless charging. They're suitable for casual music listening, podcasts, and calls, especially if you're seeking a lower midrange price point. However, if you value sound quality and additional features like active noise cancelling, LED touch display on the charging case, and higher durability, the JBL Live Beam 3 might be worth the premium price. The JBLs also support LDAC for better audio quality and are both sweatproof and dustproof, making them more suitable for exercise and travel. Keep in mind, though, they are larger and have a longer charging time compared to the Airpods. 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 Beam 3
- Good for music
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.8
The JBL Live Beam 3 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The JBL Live Beam 3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Live Beam 3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Live Beam 3 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 Beam 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The JBL Live Beam 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
12.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Beam 3 has 12 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL Live Beam 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The JBL Live Beam 3 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.4
5.6
The JBL Live Beam 3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the JBL Live Beam 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | JBL Live Beam 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 12 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 36 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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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.
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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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