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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for top-notch noise isolation for air travel and don't mind spending more, the Apple Airpods Max is the way to go, with a superior score in that category. However, they are heavier than the JBL Live Free NC+, which might be preferred for exercise due to their lighter build and sweatproof feature. Those who need earbuds for calls and meetings may find the JBL Live Free NC+ to be a better fit, while the Airpods Max provide more comfort and build quality for extended listening sessions. The Airpods Max also have a longer battery life which is beneficial for prolonged use without needing to recharge. 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 Max
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.3
5.8
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
5.5
5.0
The Apple Airpods Max and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.6
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Noise Reduction
10.0
7.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is good.
Battery
21.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Free NC+ has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.4
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.7
5.6
The Apple Airpods Max and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the JBL Live Free NC+ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | JBL Live Free NC+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 5.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
JBL Live Free NC+
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Dig into reviews and images
HeadphoneCheck
Maike Paeßens | 2020
"JBL has added great-sounding, rock-solid all-rounders with a pleasant, warm sound character to their range. They are equipped with a high level of functionality that can be customised via the app. Some compromises have to be made with the active noise cancellation, which has a discreet effect, while the ambient mode and the Talkthru function proved to be powerful despite a perceptible background noise."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the JBL Live Free NC+
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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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.
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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.
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