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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and JBL Tune 660NC depends on your priorities. If you want seamless integration with Apple devices, the Airpods with their H1 chip offer better connectivity and features like spatial audio when used with compatible devices. They are also lightweight, portable, and suitable for listening to music or podcasts, though not ideal for gaming or watching TV due to higher latency. Conversely, JBL Tune 660NC has active noise cancelling, making it better for air travel and noisy environments, and they provide more extended battery life. However, they're bulkier and less optimal for exercise, and sound quality is not as refined as the Airpods. If budget is a concern, the JBLs are typically less expensive. 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 Tune 660NC
- The JBL Tune 660NC has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (2nd generation).
Key differences
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The JBL Tune 660NC and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Tune 660NC is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The JBL Tune 660NC is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
42.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune 660NC has 42 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL Tune 660NC costs $50.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
6.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune 660NC to be only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
5.6
The JBL Tune 660NC 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 Tune 660NC 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 Tune 660NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | JBL Tune 660NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 42 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 172 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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JBL Tune 660NC
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SoundGuys
Chase Bernath | April 2023
"The JBL Tune 660NC is the best value you can get from a set of on-ear headphones. There's no companion app so you don't get many additional features, but everything the JBL Tune 660NC sets out to do, it does well. At this price, the JBL Tune 660NC is an easy recommendation for on-ear headphone lovers"
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL Tune 660NC
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.
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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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