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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are considering the Apple AirPods Max compared to the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless, you'll want to weigh their features against their cost. The AirPods Max offers noise cancellation, which is ideal for immersing yourself in music or focusing in noisy environments, and they also provide a high-quality build and sound fidelity that satisfy discerning audiophiles. However, they come at a premium price. On the other hand, the JBL Vibe Beam offers decent sound quality without noise cancellation and is much more affordable. If you prioritize portability and budget over top-tier sound quality and noise cancellation, the JBL may be the better choice for you. 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
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Good for gaming
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.6
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
5.5
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.3
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
TV and Video
5.7
6.9
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair 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 Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
21.0 Hours
8.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
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 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 8.8 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 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 Max 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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