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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're on a tight budget and mainly use wired connections, Apple Earpods are a cost-effective choice, providing good overall sound and a very good microphone for calls. However, they don't isolate noise well, not suitable for exercise, and lack wireless capabilities. JBL Tune Buds cost more but offer a wireless experience, are sweatproof and dustproof for exercising, and have active noise cancelling for better sound isolation. The JBL's have longer battery life but are bulkier to carry. Consider the JBL Tune Buds if you prioritize wireless convenience, active lifestyles, and a quieter listening environment over the simplicity and lower cost of wired Earpods. 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 Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.2
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Gaming
8.3
5.4
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
5.8
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
6.1
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.7
The JBL Tune Buds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.4 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$50
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JBL Tune Buds costs $50.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The JBL Tune Buds has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10.4 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
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 | 6.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6/10 | |
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 | 10.8 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."
JBL Tune Buds
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the JBL Tune Buds
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.
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