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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music and an open soundstage for a more immersive listening experience, Focal Elex headphones would be better but note they are open-backed which means they leak sound and don't isolate noise well, making them less suitable for noisy environments or commuting. They also have a detachable cable and no built-in microphone. For a more versatile option, suitable for exercise, with good noise isolation, a built-in mic, and smart features like a touch display on the case for controls, the JBL Live Buds 3 earbuds would be the choice, despite their lesser sound performance for music and TV compared to the Elex. The JBLs also offer wireless convenience with features like sweatproof certification, active noise cancelling, and a longer battery life which the Focal Elex lacks. 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 Focal Elex
- Very good 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
Gaming
6.9
5.4
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.2
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
5.9
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
5.6
The Focal Elex is very good 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 Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$749
$216
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Buds 3 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Focal Elex are both good for music.
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How the Focal Elex and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Get a great deal on the Focal Elex or the JBL Live Buds 3
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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