The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, and having earbuds that are optimized for exercise and travel, the Apple Airpods Pro 2 would be the better choice since they offer excellent noise isolation, low latency, and a sweatproof design, especially if you're an Apple device user. On the other hand, the JBL Tune 660NC headphones may suit you if you're looking for a more affordable option that still has active noise cancelling and you don't mind a less portable design with potentially lower overall sound quality and comfort. The JBL headphones are on-ear, which some find less comfortable over long periods, and their build quality is robust. The Airpods Pro 2 have a shorter battery life on a single charge but come with a case that extends their total usage time significantly and supports wireless charging, whereas the JBL does not offer this feature. 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
Good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Very good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Tune 660NC
The JBL Tune 660NC has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro 2.
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
6.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for music, while the JBL Tune 660NC is only fair.
Gaming
8.4/10
5.4/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Phone Calls
7.8/10
5.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
5.7/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
TV and Video
7.8/10
5.6/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune 660NC is only fair.
Battery
6.0 Hours
42.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune 660NC has 42 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the JBL Tune 660NC costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the JBL Tune 660NC has very good build quality.
"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."
"The JBL Tune 660NC is the best value you can get from a set of on-ear headphones. There's no companion app so you don't get many additional features, but everything the JBL Tune 660NC sets out to do, it does well. At this price, the JBL Tune 660NC is an easy recommendation for on-ear headphone lovers"
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 2 or the JBL Tune 660NC
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.