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Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major concern for you, the JBL Tune 760NC headphones provide good quality at a more affordable price than the Apple AirPods. The JBLs also offer noise cancellation, which the 2nd generation AirPods lack, making them better for noisy environments. However, if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, AirPods offer seamless integration with other Apple devices. AirPods are more discreet and portable due to their in-ear design as opposed to JBL's over-ear form factor, which some find more comfortable for extended use. For those who prioritize convenience and portability, AirPods might be the better choice, despite the higher price. 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 760NC
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
4.8/10
5.4/10
The JBL Tune 760NC and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Tune 760NC 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 Tune 760NC 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 Tune 760NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The JBL Tune 760NC is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
40.9 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune 760NC has 40.9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$70
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL Tune 760NC costs $70.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune 760NC to be only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
TV and Video
5.4/10
5.6/10
The JBL Tune 760NC and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune 760NC 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 760NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The JBL 760NC offers quite a solid and moderately-above-average sonic performance for wireless headphones in this price tier. As usual, JBL outperforms more conventional big names like Apple or Beats. Listeners are given a clean, detailed, and mostly neutral sound that, typical to Harman, holds a universal appeal that seems unlikely to offend."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL Tune 760NC
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.