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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality and build quality are top priorities, and you don't mind spending more, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 would be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option for casual listening or exercise, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless might serve your needs well. The Bowers and Wilkins are likely to offer a richer audio experience, potentially with better noise-canceling features, whereas the JBL will offer good functionality without the premium price tag. Consider also battery life and comfort for long listening sessions, as higher-end earbuds sometimes offer more comfort and longer playtime. If you need features like a microphone for calls or virtual surround sound for gaming and watching videos, make sure to check if both models provide those and how well they perform these functions. 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 S2
- Good for music
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.5
6.6
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
6.0
6.9
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both only fair for TV and video, though the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
8.3 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$259
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has a price of $259 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$259 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 13 | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
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 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Engadget
Billy Steele | March 2023
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Dungeon
LaFonda | April 2023
"The Vibe Beam earbuds may not be a sleek as other earbuds in the price range, such as the equally priced Vibe Buds, but they sound great, have a long battery life, and come with an equalizer. And if you just need a solid pair if earbuds to get you through your commute, these will do the trick. I have no complaints here."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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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