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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for deep sound immersion and spatial awareness in audio, particularly for gaming and calls or meetings, the EPOS PC38X is superior with exceptional sound quality and a microphone that scores highly. They are wired headphones, which means no latency issues for TV and video, but this also limits movement and portability. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless earbuds offer the convenience of wireless listening and score higher for use during exercise, air travel, and portability, but they have lower sound quality and soundstage, making them less ideal for critical listening and immersive gaming. They are also more suited for outdoor use, with features like sweatproof and dustproof certifications. Consider the EPOS PC38X for an at-home premium listening experience and the JBL Vibe Beam for on-the-go convenience. 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
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.5
6.6
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
10.0
7.3
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
Phone Calls
10.0
7.8
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
7.3
The EPOS PC38X and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the EPOS PC38X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
9.0
6.9
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for noise reduction, while the EPOS PC38X is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.3 Hours
The EPOS PC38X does not have a battery. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$125
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $125 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $30.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The EPOS PC38X and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless both have very good build quality.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$125 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
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."
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 EPOS PC38X or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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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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.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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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