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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If sound quality for music and noise isolation are your top priorities, especially for air travel, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 would be better for you, but they come at a premium price. They also support a lossless codec which is ideal for high-quality audio and have better build quality. However, if you're looking for something more affordable that still delivers very good sound for various content like music, TV, and excellent for books or podcasts, the JBL Tune Flex may be more suitable. The JBLs have longer battery life for typical use and also feature a sweatproof design making them more appropriate for exercise. Additionally, the JBLs provide customization through an app equalizer, which the Bowers and Wilkins do not offer. 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
- The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has no clear advantages over the JBL Tune Flex.
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
5.1
6.3
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
9.0
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
7.8
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Battery
3.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
7.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune Flex to be good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both very good for gaming.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and JBL Tune Flex both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the JBL Tune Flex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | JBL Tune Flex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 5.1/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 9 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 Flex
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Dig into reviews and images
MajorHiFi
Gabby Bloch | May 2023
"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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the JBL Tune Flex
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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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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