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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are wired and better suited for calls and meetings with a slightly higher mic quality. They are also more comfortable for extended wear. However, they provide less sound isolation and are not sweatproof, making them less ideal for exercise. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless earbuds offer a better overall sound quality, built-in controls, and are optimized for audio content, including music and audiobooks. They also feature longer battery life, sweatproof certification, and are suitable for exercise and air travel, but they aren't as comfortable for long periods. If you prefer wireless convenience and use during activity, go for JBL; if you prioritize calls and wired simplicity, choose Apple 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
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.6
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
8.3
7.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.3 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$30
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $30.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
8.0
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Earpods to be very good for phone calls, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.3
The Apple Earpods and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
6.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Earpods to be good for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
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How the Apple Earpods and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
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."
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Dungeon
LaFonda | April 2023
"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 Earpods 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.
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