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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize cost and wired over-ear headphones for critical listening and comfort during extended sessions, Audio Technica ATH M40X would be a better choice, but it lacks wireless connectivity, a built-in microphone for calls, and portability. On the other hand, JBL Live Buds 3, being premium priced, offer wireless convenience, active noise cancelling for quieter environments, and are better suited for exercise, with a smart charging case that provides additional features. However, they may not be ideal for gaming or TV due to potential audio lag and are less suited for critical listening compared to over-ears. 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 M40X
Very good for music
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
Very good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
7.0/10
5.4/10
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
3.3/10
5.2/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1/10
5.9/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.7/10
5.6/10
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
8.3/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the JBL Live Buds 3
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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