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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality for music is your top priority, the Audio Technica M50x is superior and offers an over-ear, wired experience that's great for critical listening. However, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless earbuds are more versatile and convenient for calls, meetings, exercising, and use while traveling, owing to their wireless design and added features like an integrated microphone and good battery life. They're also more robust for outdoor activities being sweatproof and dustproof. Additionally, the JBLs are more budget-friendly. The Audio Technicas, while pricier, provide a higher build quality and are foldable, making them somewhat portable despite their larger size. 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
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.5
6.6
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
6.9
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.3 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $30.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | N/A | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 6/10 | |
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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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 Vibe Beam True Wireless
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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 M50x 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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