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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and seamless integration with Apple devices, the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) would be better as they are lightweight and optimized for Apple products, with additional features like ear detection and a compact carry case. Their sound is tailored for general music and podcast listening, but they fall short in providing an immersive experience for gaming or watching TV due to poor soundstage. Alternatively, the JBL Tune Flex, which might be somewhat less expensive, offer better build quality, sound customization through an app equalizer, and a low latency mode which is preferable for gaming and watching videos. They also have higher water resistance, making them a more durable choice for exercising and more diverse conditions. Both provide very good overall sound quality, but the JBLs are superior for sound isolation and have more versatile built-in controls. 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)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the JBL Tune Flex.
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.3
The JBL Tune Flex is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
6.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and JBL Tune Flex are both only fair for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
9.0
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.4
7.8
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$60
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex has 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 Flex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | JBL Tune Flex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 5.1/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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JBL Tune Flex
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MajorHiFi
Gabby Bloch | May 2023
"JBL is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL Tune Flex
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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