A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you own an Apple device and prefer earbuds optimized for that ecosystem with features like quick pairing and ear detection, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are suitable for you, but they have limited noise isolation. The JBL Tune Buds are better if you prioritize a longer battery life, appreciate the presence of dust and sweatproof certification, and want the durability of active noise cancelling. The JBLs also come with app equalizer customization, which is lacking in the AirPods, allowing for a more personalized sound experience. For active wear and exercise, the JBL Tune Buds may offer a more secure fit, but for seamless integration and spatial audio with Apple products, the AirPods stand out. 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 Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The JBL Tune Buds and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Tune Buds is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
6.1
The JBL Tune Buds is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.7
The JBL Tune Buds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
10.4 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 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 Buds costs $50.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The JBL Tune Buds has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Music
5.8
6.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune Buds to be only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 10.4 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 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
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 | 10.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
JBL Tune Buds
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL Tune Buds
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. Audio Technica ATH M30X
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. Sennheiser 450BT
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. JBL Live Pro 2
VS
Compare JBL Tune Buds vs. Sennheiser HD 400S
VS
Compare JBL Tune Buds vs. JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
VS
Compare JBL Tune Buds vs. JBL Tune 660NC
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,200
Recommendations made
18,480
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
