The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro offers active noise cancellation for a more immersive audio experience, making them suitable for air travel and noisy environments, and they have a slightly higher comfort score. They also support wireless charging and are optimized for Apple devices, which could be important if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. On the other hand, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless provides better sound quality for music and has a longer battery life for the earbuds themselves. JBL's model also rates higher for microphone quality, which could be essential for calls and meetings. If budget is a major concern, the JBL earbuds are typically much less expensive than the AirPods Pro, so you would get a better value for the basics, such as sound quality and mic performance, without the extra features like noise cancellation. However, if you prioritize noise cancellation and the seamless integration with Apple products, the AirPods Pro might justify the higher price. 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
Excellent for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
Good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
5.1/10
7.3/10
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
7.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
TV and Video
5.7/10
6.9/10
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair 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 Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
8.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless 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."
"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 Pro 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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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.