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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer a wired connection and prioritize durability with a very good build and sound quality for music, the Beats EP would serve you well, especially since they're on-ear headphones which some find comfortable for extended use, though they lack modern features like wireless connectivity and active noise cancelling. However, if wireless convenience, modern features like a smart charging case, and very good noise isolation are important to you, consider the JBL Live Buds 3. They also support a lossless codec with good audio performance and are tailored for exercise and air travel with sweat and dust resistance, along with being optimized for both Android and Apple devices. Remember, the JBL Live Buds 3 are a premium product and will cost more, but they offer advanced features the Beats EP do not, such as active noise cancelling and a significant level of water resistance. 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 Buds 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 Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.2
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live Buds 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 Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.6
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 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 Buds 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 Buds 3 is good.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | JBL Live Buds 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 | 10 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 | 30 | |
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 Buds 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.
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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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