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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're active and need earbuds that stay securely in place during exercise, the Beats Powerbeats Pro with ear hooks and sweatproof certification are better suited for you despite the higher price. They also offer better controls and are optimized for Apple devices, leading to an improved user experience if you're within the Apple ecosystem. In contrast, the JBL Tune Buds are lighter on the wallet and provide very good noise isolation for quieter environments. If budget and the need for active noise cancellation are important to you, go for the JBL Tune Buds. Otherwise, for rigorous activities and an integrated experience with Apple products, the Beats Powerbeats Pro could be worth the extra investment. 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 Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Tune Buds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.0
4.9
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
5.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
6.7
The JBL Tune Buds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Cost
$124
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the JBL Tune Buds costs $50.
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Key similarities
Music
6.5
6.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and JBL Tune Buds are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.5
5.4
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and JBL Tune Buds are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
6.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune Buds to be only fair for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
10.4 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.8
8.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and JBL Tune Buds both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 10.4 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 10.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
JBL Tune Buds
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
Get a great deal on the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the JBL Tune Buds
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.
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.
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