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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major concern and you're looking for value, the JBL Live Free NC+ might be the better choice as they are less expensive than the Beats Studiobuds. However, if you prioritize sound quality and brand recognition, the Beats often have a bass-heavy sound signature which some users prefer for certain music genres, and they may offer features such as better integration with Apple devices. On the other hand, JBL earbuds can offer good quality and durability, often at a more affordable price. The specific needs of your lifestyle, such as the need for noise cancellation, long battery life, comfort, and the type of activities you plan to use them for, such as working out or commuting, should also guide your decision. Remember that the higher price of the Beats Studiobuds does not necessarily mean they are the best for every user or every use case. 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 Studiobuds
- Good for music
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
- The JBL Live Free NC+ has no clear advantages over the Beats Studiobuds.
Key differences
Music
7.2
5.8
The Beats Studiobuds is good for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Phone Calls
7.0
7.6
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Beats Studiobuds are both good for phone calls, though the JBL Live Free NC+ is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.0
8.4
The Beats Studiobuds is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is very good.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$80
$60
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
$100
The Beats Studiobuds has a price of $80 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.2
5.0
The Beats Studiobuds and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.6
5.6
The Beats Studiobuds and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.5
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Live Free NC+ to be good for noise reduction, while the Beats Studiobuds is only fair.
Build Quality
8.8
8.5
The Beats Studiobuds and JBL Live Free NC+ both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Studiobuds and the JBL Live Free NC+ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Studiobuds | JBL Live Free NC+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$80 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 5.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.9 Hours | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Studiobuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | May 2023
"For less than the price of the AirPods, the Beats Studio Buds delivers a good fit, great sound, and active noise cancellation. This is also the first set of Apple-owned Beats earbuds to feature quick pairing with Android devices, albeit at the expense of some key features for Apple users."
JBL Live Free NC+
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Dig into reviews and images
HeadphoneCheck
Maike Paeßens | 2020
"JBL has added great-sounding, rock-solid all-rounders with a pleasant, warm sound character to their range. They are equipped with a high level of functionality that can be customised via the app. Some compromises have to be made with the active noise cancellation, which has a discreet effect, while the ambient mode and the Talkthru function proved to be powerful despite a perceptible background noise."
Get a great deal on the Beats Studiobuds or the JBL Live Free NC+
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.
By the numbers
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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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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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