The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If audio quality and premium build are top priorities, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX excels, offering excellent overall sound, best in class build quality, and features like active noise cancelling and aptX Adaptive codec for high-quality sound over Bluetooth. However, for budget-conscious shoppers, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless provides good sound quality and very good microphone quality at a much lower cost. The JBL also has a better battery life, important if you are often away from charging options. Both are suitable for use during exercise with sweatproof certification, but only the Beoplay EX offers dustproof protection and a slightly better battery life in the earbuds. Keep in mind the Beoplay EX might be better suited for immersive experiences like TV and gaming due to its superior soundstage, though the JBL is still a competent option for calls and casual listening. 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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
Good for music
Excellent for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Very good for exercise
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
Good for phone calls
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.9/10
6.6/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
9.3/10
7.3/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is excellent for gaming, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
Phone Calls
5.3/10
7.8/10
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1/10
7.3/10
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is only fair.
TV and Video
8.9/10
6.9/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
6.5/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.3 Hours
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has 6.5 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has a price of $399 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
Build Quality
10.0/10
8.5/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has best in class build quality, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has very good build quality.
"If you’ve wanted truly wireless headphones, but couldn’t pick them up because they sound terrible, these will be the headphones that win you over. If you’re the kind of person who would consider spending $400 on headphones, these are the right truly wireless headphones for you."
"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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
128,600
Recommendations made
19,290
Consumer hours saved
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.
Luis Torres
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.