The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music, the Grado GT220 may be preferable despite its higher cost. However, for versatile use, including TV, gaming, and activities like exercise, the JBL Tune Flex offers features like sweatproof certification and a low latency mode, which the Grado GT220 lacks. While both are good for calls, the JBL Tune Flex excels in battery life and is supported by an app equalizer for sound customization. The Grado GT220 may offer a more immersive music experience, but for a more budget-friendly and feature-rich option suitable for various scenarios, the JBL Tune Flex stands out. 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 Tune Flex.
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
Good for music
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.3/10
7.3/10
The JBL Tune Flex is good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Gaming
5.1/10
8.5/10
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
6.3/10
The Grado GT220 and JBL Tune Flex are both only fair for phone calls, though the Grado GT220 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.5/10
7.8/10
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
6.5/10
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for noise reduction, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Battery
5.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$259
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Grado GT220 has a price of $259 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune Flex to be excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Grado GT220 is very good.
Build Quality
8.8/10
8.5/10
The Grado GT220 and JBL Tune Flex both have very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Grado GT220 and the JBL Tune Flex compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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 is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
Get a great deal on the Grado GT220 or the JBL Tune Flex
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.