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Updated April 11, 2024·
If simplicity and cost are key for you, and you primarily listen to music and podcasts, use Apple devices, or need something very portable, Apple Airpods (2nd generation) would be a fitting choice. However, if you prioritize better sound quality, noise isolation, advanced features like an LED touch display on the charging case, and higher durability, especially for exercise and travel, the JBL Live Buds 3, despite being more expensive, would serve you better. They also offer sweat and dust resistance, which the AirPods lack, making them more versatile for active use. Keep in mind that the JBL has a larger form factor and longer battery life. Both models support wireless charging and have integrated mics, but if you're interested in better overall mic quality for calls, JBL might be the better option. 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 Buds 3
Good for music
Very good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
7.8/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8/10
5.4/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
5.2/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
5.9/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.3/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 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 Buds 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.5/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL Live Buds 3
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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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.