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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize excellent music quality and don't need wireless functionality, the Audio Technica M50x is a strong choice; they offer a very good overall sound and are suitable for listening to music and watching TV. However, they're not ideal for exercise due to their lack of waterproofing and their over-ear design is less portable. On the other hand, JBL Live Buds 3 are true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling and a smart charging case, making them great for travel, exercise, and use in noisy environments, though they're less suited for long TV sessions and gaming due to low latency. They also offer convenience features like ear detection and touch controls. Choose Audio Technica for focused listening and studio work, and JBL for an on-the-go lifestyle and modern features. 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 M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.8
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is good.
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.2
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.9
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.6
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Live Buds 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
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 | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x 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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Why trust us
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.
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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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