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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you’re on a budget and looking for a basic, reliable option for listening to music and making calls, the Apple EarPods offer a cost-effective choice. However, they lack noise-canceling features and may not provide the same sound quality and immersion as the JBL Tune 760NC. The JBL headphones provide active noise cancellation for a more focused listening experience, which is great for noisy environments or travel, but they come at a higher price. Additionally, the over-ear design of the JBL Tune 760NC may offer better comfort and sound isolation for extended periods of use compared to the in-ear design of the EarPods. If you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest more, the JBL Tune 760NC would be the better option. If cost is a primary concern and you need something simple and functional, the Apple EarPods should suffice. 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
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Tune 760NC
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
6.3/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the JBL Tune 760NC is only fair.
Gaming
8.3/10
5.4/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JBL Tune 760NC is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
5.2/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Tune 760NC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
5.9/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune 760NC is poor.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.6/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune 760NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The JBL Tune 760NC is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
40.9 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JBL Tune 760NC has 40.9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$70
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JBL Tune 760NC costs $70.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune 760NC to have very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the JBL Tune 760NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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."
"The JBL 760NC offers quite a solid and moderately-above-average sonic performance for wireless headphones in this price tier. As usual, JBL outperforms more conventional big names like Apple or Beats. Listeners are given a clean, detailed, and mostly neutral sound that, typical to Harman, holds a universal appeal that seems unlikely to offend."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the JBL Tune 760NC
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.