The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer headphones that are more affordable, and are okay with a less portable form factor, the JBL Live 670NC could be a better fit for you, especially if you listen to books or podcasts frequently, and travel by air often. However, if you're willing to invest in a premium product for better overall sound quality, the JBL Live Buds 3 offers superior noise isolation, an innovative smart charging case with a touch display for controls, and the convenience of being sweatproof and dustproof, making them ideal for exercise. The JBL Live Buds 3 also support LDAC for high-quality audio over Bluetooth, and include wireless charging, which the 670NC lacks. On the other hand, they may not be the best choice for TV and video due to possible latency issues, and their larger earbud size may not be as comfortable for everyone. 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 JBL Live 670NC
Good for phone calls
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
Good for music
Very good for exercise
Key differences
Music
6.5/10
7.8/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 is good for music, while the JBL Live 670NC is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
5.2/10
The JBL Live 670NC is good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6/10
5.9/10
The JBL Live 670NC is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.7/10
8.3/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Live 670NC is only fair.
Battery
65.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The JBL Live 670NC has 65 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live 670NC has a price of $100 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
The JBL Live 670NC and JBL Live Buds 3 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5/10
5.6/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Live 670NC are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.0/10
8.5/10
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Live 670NC both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live 670NC and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
JBL Live 670NC
JBL Live Buds 3
GENERAL
Price
Price
$100
$216
Brand
Brand
JBL
JBL
Release Date
Release Date
March 1, 2024
June 1, 2024
Form Factor
Form Factor
Headphones
Earbuds
Connectivity
Connectivity
Wired + Wireless
Wireless
SOUND
Music Score
Music Score
6.6/10
7.9/10
Phone Calls Score
Phone Calls Score
7.4/10
5.3/10
Gaming Score
Gaming Score
5.4/10
5.4/10
TV and Video Score
TV and Video Score
5.5/10
5.7/10
Exercise Score
Exercise Score
6/10
8.4/10
Air Travel Score
Air Travel Score
8.9/10
8.5/10
Podcasts and Audiobooks Score
Podcasts and Audiobooks Score
8.6/10
5.9/10
Sound Profile
Sound Profile
Midrange, Treble
Bass, Treble
PERFORMANCE
Battery life
Battery life
65 Hours
10 Hours
Wireless charging
Wireless charging
No
Yes
Charging time
Charging time
3 Hours
2 Hours
Bluetooth version
Bluetooth version
5.3
5.3
Case Battery Life
Case Battery Life
N/A
30
FEATURES
Active Noise Cancelling
Active Noise Cancelling
Yes
Yes
Noise Reduction Score
Noise Reduction Score
6.8/10
8.4/10
Virtual Surround
Virtual Surround
Yes
Yes
Android App
Android App
Yes
Yes
iOS App
iOS App
Yes
Yes
Mic Quality
Mic Quality
7/10
7/10
BUILD AND DESIGN
Build Quality
Build Quality
8/10
8.5/10
Comfort score
Comfort score
7/10
7/10
Size
Size
Medium
Large
Weight (headset or single earbud)
Weight (headset or single earbud)
217 Grams
8.8 Grams
Microphone style
Microphone style
Integrated
Integrated
Waterproof Rating
Waterproof Rating
0
5
Dustproof Rating
Dustproof Rating
0
5
Eartip sizes included
Eartip sizes included
N/A
XS, S, M, L
Color variations
Color variations
Black
Black
Low Latency
Low Latency
No
No
Lossless Codec
Lossless Codec
No
LDAC
Cable length
Cable length
0.7 feet
N/A
Get a great deal on the JBL Live 670NC or the JBL Live Buds 3
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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.