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Updated April 10, 2024·
If you own an Apple device and value features like noise cancellation, the Airpods Pro, with their premium price tag, offer better noise isolation, superior comfort, and complete optimization for Apple devices including special features powered by the H1 chip. On the other hand, if keeping costs low is a priority and you seek good performance across various audio content including gaming due to the low latency mode, the JBL Tune Flex may be a more economical choice, though it lacks active noise cancellation and wireless charging, and may not provide the same level of integration with Apple devices. 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
Good for music
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for exercise
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
5.1/10
8.5/10
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
6.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
9.0/10
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Pro is very good.
TV and Video
5.7/10
7.8/10
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the JBL Tune Flex has very good build quality.
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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.