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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
Considering the Google Pixel Buds A-Series and the JBL Live Flex 3, if budget is a primary concern, and you require earbuds with a good balance for calls, music, and exercise, the Pixel Buds would be the better choice; they also feature a low latency mode which is great for gaming and watching videos. However, if you're willing to invest in a premium option for better build quality, superior noise isolation, longer battery life, wireless charging, and the convenience of a smart charging case with an LED touch display, the JBL Live Flex 3 would serve you well, especially with its high compatibility for both Android and Apple devices and added durability features like sweatproof and dustproof certifications. The Pixel Buds may fall short for travelers and during noisy commutes due to their poor noise isolation. Conversely, the JBL’s open design makes them less suitable for calls or gaming due to the associated microphone quality, and they may not perform as well when watching TV or videos. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Flex 3
- Very good for music
- Very good for exercise
Key differences
Music
6.4
8.0
The JBL Live Flex 3 is very good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
8.6
5.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.5
5.2
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
5.9
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.3
The JBL Live Flex 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$58
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the JBL Live Flex 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
7.4
8.5
The JBL Live Flex 3 has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the JBL Live Flex 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | JBL Live Flex 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 40 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel Buds A Series or the JBL Live Flex 3
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Luis Torres
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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