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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer wired on-ear headphones and prioritize build quality and music listening quality for a lower price, the Beats EP could be a good choice, although they lack a microphone and specific features for calls and meetings. The Beats EP don't support wireless connectivity or active noise cancelling and aren't well-suited for exercise or travel due to their poor noise isolation. On the other hand, JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds offer a premium wireless experience with active noise cancelling, superior portability, and additional features such as a touch display on the charging case, wireless charging, app customization, and optimized performance for both Android and Apple devices. They are also better for use during exercise due to their sweatproof and dustproof certification, although they usually come at a slightly higher price. If you need earbuds for a variety of activities and enjoy tech features, the JBL Live Beam 3 may be worth the extra cost. 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 Beam 3
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.2
The JBL Live Beam 3 and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live Beam 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
5.9
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.6
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The JBL Live Beam 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
12.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The JBL Live Beam 3 has 12 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the JBL Live Beam 3 costs $216.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats EP to be very good for music, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is good.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The JBL Live Beam 3 and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the JBL Live Beam 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | JBL Live Beam 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 12 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 | 36 | |
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 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 8.8 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 Beam 3
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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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.
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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.
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