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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The HifiMan Sundara offers a high-fidelity audio experience, ideal for audiophiles and those who prioritize sound quality above all else. They're more expensive but are distinguished by their planar magnetic drivers, which contribute to superior sound reproduction. However, they're less portable and lack features like wireless connectivity and a microphone. On the other hand, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless are more budget-friendly and convenient for on-the-go use. They provide wireless freedom, inbuilt microphones for calls, and are more suitable for casual listeners who value convenience and portability over the absolute best sound quality. If you frequently travel or need something for exercise, the JBLs have the edge, while the Sundaras are better suited for dedicated listening sessions at home or in a studio setting. 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 Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.3
6.6
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.9
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
TV and Video
8.8
6.9
The HifiMan Sundara is very good for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.3 Hours
The HifiMan Sundara does not have a battery. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$279
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The HifiMan Sundara has a price of $279 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
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Key similarities
Gaming
7.2
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and HifiMan Sundara are both good for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
7.3
The HifiMan Sundara and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and HifiMan Sundara both have very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Sundara and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Sundara | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$279 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2020 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 394.6 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
HifiMan Sundara
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Dungeon
LaFonda | April 2023
"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 Sundara 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.
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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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