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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If cost is a major factor, Apple Earpods are the more economical choice. If you frequently make calls or participate in meetings, Earpods provide very good microphone quality. They're also wired, which means no worries about battery life. However, they don't offer noise isolation or any sweatproof capabilities, making them less suitable for exercise or noisy environments. JBL Live Buds 3 are premium earbuds with active noise cancelling and sweatproof features, ideal for travel or the gym. They offer a more secure wireless experience with a Smart Charging Case and touch controls but demand a higher price and periodic charging. Audio quality for music is comparable, but Earpods are better for calls and JBL for noise isolation and exercise. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
5.4
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
5.9
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.6
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$216
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Apple Earpods are both good for music.
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How the Apple Earpods and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the JBL Live Buds 3
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
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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.
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