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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience and portability with earbuds, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) could suit you; they're optimized for use with Apple devices and feature spatial audio, easy pairing, and hands-free Siri. Their open design, however, provides less noise isolation, which might not be ideal for noisy environments. On the other hand, the JBL Live 770NC headphones offer better noise isolation thanks to their over-ear design and active noise cancelling, making them better for air travel or studying in quiet. The JBLs have a significantly longer battery life and come with a detachable cable, allowing for passive listening without battery power. However, the AirPods may provide a more seamless experience for iOS users, with features like ear detection and wireless charging. Consider your device ecosystem, where you plan to use them most, and features like noise isolation and battery life when making your choice. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live 770NC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
5.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the JBL Live 770NC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
5.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live 770NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The JBL Live 770NC is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
76.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL Live 770NC has 76 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$130
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the JBL Live 770NC costs $130.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live 770NC has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.4
The JBL Live 770NC and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The JBL Live 770NC and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.8
The JBL Live 770NC and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the JBL Live 770NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | JBL Live 770NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $130 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | March 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 76 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the JBL Live 770NC
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
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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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