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Updated April 11, 2024·
The Beats Powerbeats Pro offers better build quality, controls, and are optimized for Apple devices, making them a strong choice for iPhone users looking for seamless integration and features like spatial audio with the H1 chip. They also have a noticeably longer battery life, including additional hours from the charging case, and ear hooks that provide a secure fit, possibly suiting active lifestyles or use during exercise. However, they are more expensive and lack virtual surround or an app equalizer for sound customization.
JBL Tune Flex, on the other hand, is less expensive and offers a balance of sound quality and features such as a low latency mode which could be advantageous for gaming, an app equalizer for personalized audio, and wireless charging. They are optimized for both Android and Apple users, though they have a shorter battery life than the Powerbeats Pro and may not fit as securely due to lacking ear hooks. They do have active noise cancelling which the Powerbeats Pro lack, providing a benefit for noise isolation.
Consider your budget, device ecosystem, intended use – particularly for exercise and long listening sessions – and preferences for features like active noise canceling and sound customization when making your decision. 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
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
Good for music
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.5/10
7.3/10
The JBL Tune Flex is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.5/10
8.5/10
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.0/10
6.3/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7/10
7.8/10
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6/10
6.5/10
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$124
$60
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
"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 is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
Get a great deal on the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the JBL Tune Flex
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.