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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless connectivity and active noise cancelling, the JBL Tune 660NC would be a better choice. However, if a wired connection and a stronger build quality are more important for you, you might prefer the Beats EP. The Beats EP also provides better overall sound quality for music listening, but the JBL Tune 660NC has the advantage of a much longer battery life for extended use without the need for charging. The Beats EP's lack of a microphone makes it unsuitable for calls, which the JBL Tune 660NC could handle with its integrated mic. Consider your budget as the Beats EP is more expensive, but weigh it against the specific features that are most important for your daily use. 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 Tune 660NC
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.1
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the JBL Tune 660NC is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.1
The JBL Tune 660NC and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Tune 660NC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
5.7
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.6
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The JBL Tune 660NC is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
42.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The JBL Tune 660NC has 42 hours of battery life.
Cost
$150
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $150 and the JBL Tune 660NC costs $100.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Beats EP and JBL Tune 660NC both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the JBL Tune 660NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | JBL Tune 660NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$150 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 42 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 172 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
JBL Tune 660NC
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Dig into reviews and images
SoundGuys
Chase Bernath | April 2023
"The JBL Tune 660NC is the best value you can get from a set of on-ear headphones. There's no companion app so you don't get many additional features, but everything the JBL Tune 660NC sets out to do, it does well. At this price, the JBL Tune 660NC is an easy recommendation for on-ear headphone lovers"
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the JBL Tune 660NC
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
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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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