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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and features for calls and meetings, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 would suit you despite the higher price; with features like AptX Adaptive codec, they offer better performance for high-fidelity audio. However, they are not ideal for music enjoyment or exercise, given their poor ratings in those areas. The JBL Tune Buds are much less expensive and may be a better option if you want decent overall sound and build quality without the premium price. The JBLs also have a longer battery life, making them more suitable for extended use, but they lack active noise cancelling and the sound quality isn't as refined as in the PI7s. Consider the JBL Tune Buds if cost and battery are your main concerns, but if you need the best call quality and are willing to invest more, the PI7s are the way to go. 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 Tune Buds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
6.8
6.2
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and JBL Tune Buds are both only fair for music, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.1
5.4
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
5.8
The JBL Tune Buds and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL Tune Buds is somewhat better.
TV and Video
6.8
6.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and JBL Tune Buds are both only fair for TV and video, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.7
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Battery
3.0 Hours
10.4 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the JBL Tune Buds costs $50.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and JBL Tune Buds are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and JBL Tune Buds both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 10.4 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 30 | |
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 | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 6/10 | |
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) | 7 Grams | 10.8 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."
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."
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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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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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