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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're focusing on sound quality for music listening in a quiet environment, the Audio Technica ATH M30X likely offers superior sound performance and a more immersive experience. However, for a more versatile, on-the-go lifestyle, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless earbuds offer portability, convenience with wireless features, resistance to sweat, and are better suited to exercise and calls. Also consider that while the Audio Technicas don't have a mic, the JBL has good mic quality. If budget is a primary concern, the JBLs are also the more affordable option. 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
6.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both only fair for noise reduction, though the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
8.3 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
Build Quality
7.2
8.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
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 Audio Technica ATH M30X or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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