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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for top-notch sound quality for music, calls, and gaming specifically, the EPOS PC38X headphones are the superior choice, especially if you engage in gaming or professional calls, as they have a Best in Class microphone and excellent overall sound. However, they lack wireless connectivity, noise isolation, and are not suitable for exercise or travel due to their size and open-back design. On the other hand, the JBL Live Buds 3 provide great portability, sweat and dust resistance, and active noise cancelling which makes them ideal for exercise and travel. They also offer wireless convenience with a smart charging case that has a touch display for control. Their sound quality is very good overall, but they may not be the best choice for gaming or professional call quality. Choose the EPOS PC38X for a superior audio experience at home or in quiet environments, or the JBL Live Buds 3 for a versatile and portable option with useful features for an active lifestyle. 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 EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.5
7.8
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is good.
Gaming
10.0
5.4
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
10.0
5.2
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
5.9
The EPOS PC38X is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
9.0
5.6
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the EPOS PC38X is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The EPOS PC38X does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$139
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $139 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The EPOS PC38X and JBL Live Buds 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
Get a great deal on the EPOS PC38X or the JBL Live Buds 3
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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 Golden, Ph.D
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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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Chandradeep Chowdhury
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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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