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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If audio quality is paramount, both earbuds offer very good overall sound; however, if you need a reliable microphone, the JBL Live Buds 3 provides better call quality. Those who exercise may prefer the JBL Live Buds as they are sweatproof and dustproof, but for long flights, the Bowers and Wilkins with active noise cancelling will likely be more comfortable due to greater noise isolation. The JBL has a longer battery life and includes a smart charging case with an LED touch display for easy control, which might be valuable for tech-savvy users. If budget is a concern, the JBL is often somewhat less expensive and also provides a complete app experience with equalizer settings for personalized sound, but if you prioritize premium build quality and possibly a more refined sound signature, you may lean towards the Bowers and Wilkins despite the higher cost. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Buds 3.
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
- Good for music
- Very good for exercise
Key differences
Music
6.7
7.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $149 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.3
5.4
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.0
5.2
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
5.9
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.6
5.6
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and JBL Live Buds 3 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and JBL Live Buds 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 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) | 6 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the JBL Live Buds 3
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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Why trust us
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.
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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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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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