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Updated January 10, 2024·
Based on your interest in the Google Pixel Buds A Series and JBL Live Free NC+, here are some considerations: The Pixel Buds A Series offers better microphone quality, which makes them suitable for calls and meetings. They also have a low latency mode, which could make them preferable for gaming and watching videos, although their sound quality in those areas is rated a tad lower than for music. On the other hand, the JBL Live Free NC+ has superior overall sound quality and active noise cancelling, which enhances the listening experience in noisy environments and while traveling. The JBL earbuds are also sweatproof, recommended for use during exercise, and come with wireless charging, unlike the Pixel Buds. If cost is a major factor, note that the JBLs are often considerably less expensive while still offering a high-quality audio experience and additional features that might be absent from the more expensive Pixel Buds. 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
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.4
5.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
8.6
5.0
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Phone Calls
8.5
7.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is good.
TV and Video
7.8
5.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
7.0
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for noise reduction, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is poor.
Build Quality
7.4
8.5
The JBL Live Free NC+ has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
8.4
The JBL Live Free NC+ and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Battery
5.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$58
$60
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
$100
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the JBL Live Free NC+ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | JBL Live Free NC+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 5.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
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 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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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."
JBL Live Free NC+
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HeadphoneCheck
Maike Paeßens | 2020
"JBL has added great-sounding, rock-solid all-rounders with a pleasant, warm sound character to their range. They are equipped with a high level of functionality that can be customised via the app. Some compromises have to be made with the active noise cancellation, which has a discreet effect, while the ambient mode and the Talkthru function proved to be powerful despite a perceptible background noise."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel Buds A Series or the JBL Live Free NC+
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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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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