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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 earbuds offer excellent active noise cancelling, aptX Adaptive codec for high-quality audio, and they're optimized for both Android and Apple devices, making them versatile for different smartphones. They are better suited for air travel and have wireless charging, with a portable earbud carry size. However, they are more expensive and not the best for music or calls according to their scores. In contrast, the JBL Live 670NC headphones have a significantly longer battery life, virtual surround for an immersive audio experience, and they come with a detachable cable which could be handy for a wired connection. These are less costly, can be folded for portability, and may be better for extended use like TV and video content, given their comfort. So, if your priority is noise cancelling and portability for travel, PI7 could be the choice, but if you value long battery life, immersive sound for TV, and budget-friendliness, consider the JBL Live 670NC. 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 PI7
- Very good for gaming
Advantages of the JBL Live 670NC
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
8.1
5.4
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live 670NC is poor.
Phone Calls
5.1
7.4
The JBL Live 670NC is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
8.6
The JBL Live 670NC is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
5.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for TV and video, while the JBL Live 670NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.7
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Live 670NC is only fair.
Battery
3.0 Hours
65.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The JBL Live 670NC has 65 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the JBL Live 670NC costs $100.
Build Quality
8.9
8.0
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and JBL Live 670NC both have very good build quality, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
6.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and JBL Live 670NC are both only fair for music.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the JBL Live 670NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | JBL Live 670NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | March 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 65 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 217 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the JBL Live 670NC
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.
By the numbers
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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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