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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If budget is a key factor for you, the JBL Tune Flex would be the better choice since they're significantly more affordable. For an immersive audio experience, especially during air travel and for noise isolation, the Apple AirPods Max are superior, offering top-of-the-line active noise cancelling and excellent sound quality. However, they are less portable and heavier, which could affect comfort during extended use. The AirPods Max also have more advanced features like spatial audio and are optimized for Apple devices. On the other hand, if you're interested in earbuds that are sweatproof and have a low latency mode which is great for gaming, the JBL Tune Flex should serve you well. They also offer very good sound quality and are more portable, making them suitable for exercise and on-the-go use. 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
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
9.0
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Max is very good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.8
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
6.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Battery
21.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 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 Tune Flex costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the JBL Tune Flex has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.3
The Apple Airpods Max and JBL Tune Flex are both good for music.
Phone Calls
6.6
6.3
The Apple Airpods Max and JBL Tune Flex are both only fair for phone calls.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the JBL Tune Flex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | JBL Tune Flex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
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 | 9 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 Tune Flex
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Max 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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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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