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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If audio quality for music is a high priority and you are willing to invest in a high-end, open-back headphone, the Focal Elex would serve you well, especially considering its excellent sound quality and soundstage. However, these headphones don't come with a microphone, are not suitable for exercise or travel due to their open design and lack of portability, and are poor for calls and gaming. In contrast, the JBL Tune 660NC is a more affordable, versatile on-ear headphone with active noise canceling and a more portable design, and features like wireless connectivity and a decent battery life, though the overall sound quality is just fair. They also offer integrated controls and a built-in microphone, but note that they may not be as comfortable or provide as expansive a soundstage as the Focal Elex. 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
- Good for music
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Tune 660NC
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7
6.1
The Focal Elex is good for music, while the JBL Tune 660NC is only fair.
Gaming
6.9
5.4
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.1
The JBL Tune 660NC and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Tune 660NC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
5.7
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
5.6
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the JBL Tune 660NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The JBL Tune 660NC is only fair for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
N/A
42.0 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The JBL Tune 660NC has 42 hours of battery life.
Cost
$749
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the JBL Tune 660NC costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the JBL Tune 660NC has very good build quality.
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How the Focal Elex and the JBL Tune 660NC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | JBL Tune 660NC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | February 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 42 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 172 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
JBL Tune 660NC
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Dig into reviews and images
SoundGuys
Chase Bernath | April 2023
"The JBL Tune 660NC is the best value you can get from a set of on-ear headphones. There's no companion app so you don't get many additional features, but everything the JBL Tune 660NC sets out to do, it does well. At this price, the JBL Tune 660NC is an easy recommendation for on-ear headphone lovers"
Get a great deal on the Focal Elex or the JBL Tune 660NC
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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