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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize affordability and are okay with a wired connection and less noise isolation, the Apple Earpods are a better value option. However, the JBL Live Free NC+ offers you wireless convenience, better noise cancellation for travel and exercise, and extra features like app customization, which could be a great advantage for a more dynamic listening experience. Keep in mind that these added benefits come at a higher price point. 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
Good for music
Very good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
5.8/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
8.3/10
5.0/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
8.4/10
The JBL Live Free NC+ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.6/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$60
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.5/10
The JBL Live Free NC+ has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
"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."
"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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the JBL Live Free NC+
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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