The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize active noise cancellation and ecosystem integration, such as with an iPhone or iPad, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the superior choice; they also have a convenience feature in the form of an H1 chip for quick pairing and hands-free "Hey Siri." However, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless, while lacking in active noise cancellation, can offer a solid audio experience at a significantly lower price point, making them a more budget-friendly option for casual listening without the need for advanced features. Consider your budget and must-have features when making your decision. 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
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro 2.
Key differences
Gaming
8.4/10
7.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
7.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
TV and Video
7.8/10
6.9/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 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 Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has very good build quality.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro 2 to be good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.8/10
7.8/10
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for phone calls.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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 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 2 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.