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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're focused on sound quality for music in an over-ear, wired format, and need sturdy build quality, the Audio Technica M50x may be suitable, but be aware it lacks built-in controls and a microphone for calls. They are less portable and not ideal for exercise or travel but offer good sound isolation. On the other hand, the JBL Tune Buds are wireless earbuds that are more affordable, portable, and sweatproof, making them better for exercise, and they have app control customization. However, they fall short in sound quality for music and their microphone is of lower quality for calls. 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 Tune Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.2
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4
4.9
The JBL Tune Buds and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Tune Buds is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.8
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
6.1
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.7
The JBL Tune Buds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.4 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JBL Tune Buds costs $50.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Tune Buds both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | N/A | 6/10 | |
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 | 10.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
JBL Tune Buds
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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 Audio Technica M50x or the JBL Tune Buds
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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