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Airpods (2nd generation)
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Vibe Beam True Wireless
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

If you're looking for convenience and seamless integration with Apple devices, the Apple AirPods are generally the way to go despite the higher price. Apple users will benefit from the H1 chip for fast pairing and hands-free "Hey Siri" voice commands. However, if budget is a concern and you prioritize battery life and bass-heavy sound for a more immersive listening experience during workouts or casual listening, you might opt for the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless, as they usually offer these features at a more affordable price point. Keep in mind that the AirPods do not have a water resistance rating, so the JBL might also be a safer choice for strenuous activities or environments where they might get wet. 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 Vibe Beam True Wireless
  • Good for phone calls
  • Good for gaming
  • Very good for air travel

Key differences

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Music

5.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
6.6
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Gaming

4.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Phone Calls

6.9
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.1
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
7.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.

TV and Video

5.4
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
6.9
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
6.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Battery

4.0 Hours
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
8.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.

Cost

$89
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
$50
Product image
Product image

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.

Build Quality

7.6
Airpods (2nd generation)
Vibe Beam True Wireless
8.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless 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 Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless

GENERAL

Price
$89
$50
Brand
AppleJBL
Release Date
March 1, 2019February 1, 2023
Form Factor
EarbudsEarbuds
Connectivity
WirelessWireless

SOUND

Music Score
5.9/106.6/10
Phone Calls Score
7/107.9/10
Gaming Score
4.9/107.4/10
TV and Video Score
5.5/107/10
Exercise Score
5.8/106/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
4 Hours8.3 Hours
Wireless charging
YesNo
Charging time
0.5 Hours1.1 Hours
Bluetooth version
55.2
Case Battery Life
2416

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/106.5/10
Virtual Surround
NoNo
Android App
NoYes
iOS App
NoYes
Mic Quality
6.5/108/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
7.6/108.5/10
Comfort score
7.6/106/10
Size
SmallLarge
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4 Grams8.8 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedIntegrated

Shopping

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)

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Dig into reviews and images

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JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless

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Dig into reviews and images

Headphone Dungeon

LaFonda | April 2023
"The Vibe Beam earbuds may not be a sleek as other earbuds in the price range, such as the equally priced Vibe Buds, but they sound great, have a long battery life, and come with an equalizer. And if you just need a solid pair if earbuds to get you through your commute, these will do the trick. I have no complaints here."

Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless

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.

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.

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