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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you need a wired option with very good build quality and sound for music, the Beats EP would suit you, but bear in mind that they lack a microphone, active noise cancelling, and are not as comfortable for air travel. In contrast, the JBL Live 670NC offers active noise cancelling and a good microphone for calls, plus wireless capabilities with a long battery life, though they may not deliver as high-quality sound for music. The JBLs are more versatile, supporting both wired and wireless use, and feature app controls customization, making them a better option for a variety of uses including air travel and exercise, despite being somewhat less expensive. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Live 670NC
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.5
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the JBL Live 670NC is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live 670NC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
7.4
The JBL Live 670NC is good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.6
The JBL Live 670NC is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.5
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live 670NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.7
The JBL Live 670NC is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
65.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The JBL Live 670NC has 65 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Cost
$100
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the JBL Live 670NC costs $100.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Beats EP and JBL Live 670NC both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the JBL Live 670NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | JBL Live 670NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | March 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 65 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
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 | 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 | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 217 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the JBL Live 670NC
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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