The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The HifiMan Edition XS headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with superior soundstage, making them ideal for an immersive music experience at home, but lacking a microphone, they aren't suitable for calls. They're open-back, so they don't isolate noise well, making them less ideal for noisy environments or commuting. On the opposite end, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless earbuds are more portable, offer good noise isolation, and are better suited for calls and exercise due to their sweatproof design. If budget is a concern, the JBLs are much less expensive and provide flexibility with app controls, but for critical listening, the HiFiMan’s superior audio quality might be worth the extra cost. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
Very good for music
Best in class for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
Good for phone calls
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8/10
6.6/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.0/10
7.8/10
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9/10
7.3/10
The HifiMan Edition XS and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
TV and Video
9.5/10
6.9/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.5/10
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.3 Hours
The HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$269
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $30.
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
"The Vibe Beam earbuds may not be a sleek as other earbuds in the price range, such as the equally priced Vibe Buds, but they sound great, have a long battery life, and come with an equalizer. And if you just need a solid pair if earbuds to get you through your commute, these will do the trick. I have no complaints here."
Get a great deal on the HifiMan Edition XS or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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
93,500
Recommendations made
14,025
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.