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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prefer the best noise isolation and use during air travel, along with optimized performance with Apple devices, AirPods Pro 2 would serve you better. They also offer a lower latency mode, which could be preferable for gaming and watching videos. However, they come at a higher cost. In contrast, JBL Live Free NC+ provides good noise isolation and is more affordable, with a durable build and longer battery life in the earbuds themselves, yet they have a higher latency which could be less ideal for gaming or video synchronization. Both support AAC codec and are sweatproof, making them suitable for exercise, but the AirPods Pro 2 has a slightly better overall sound quality and comfort rating. The JBL offers more customization options through its app, which might appeal if you like tailoring your listening experience. 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 2
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.0
5.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
8.4
5.0
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.6
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
7.0
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is good.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Free NC+ has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
7.8
7.6
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and JBL Live Free NC+ are both good for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
8.4
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and JBL Live Free NC+ are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the JBL Live Free NC+ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro 2 | JBL Live Free NC+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2022 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 5.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.3 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro 2
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
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."
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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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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