The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and build, opt for the Grado GT220, as it offers superior sound and build compared to the JBL Live Free NC+. However, the JBL has better mic quality, which can be important for calls, and it also offers active noise cancelling, which the Grado lacks, making it a better choice for noisy environments or travel. The JBL is also more suitable for use during exercise due to its sweatproof certification and larger earbud size that may provide a more secure fit. Additionally, the JBL earbuds have a lower price, which can be a significant deciding factor if budget is a concern. Both options are wireless and offer similar battery life, but only the JBL supports an app equalizer and app controls customization for a more personalized experience. 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 Grado GT220
The Grado GT220 has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Free NC+.
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
Good for phone calls
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.3/10
5.8/10
The Grado GT220 is only fair for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
7.6/10
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
7.0/10
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for noise reduction, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Cost
$259
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Grado GT220 has a price of $259 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
"With its superb and functional interface and its highly satisfying imaging, Grado has shown a new talent for delivering a solid true wireless system, and with future improvements, has the potential to really be one of the best."
"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 Grado GT220 or the JBL Live Free NC+
About Grado
Grado Labs is a small, family-owned, business based in Brooklyn New York that specializes in high-end, boutique, dynamic headphones and turntable cartridges. They boast a particular house sound, that is to say their products have a particular sound signature unique to Grado, that some audiophiles seem to really like and are unable to find anywhere else. Their high-end headphones are all hand made, completely in house, from a variety of exotic woods and materials going so far as to making one of their most popular products out of hemp.
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
91,100
Recommendations made
13,665
Consumer hours saved
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
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.