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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If price is a major concern, the JBL Live 670NCs offer a good range of features for a lower cost, but their overall sound quality is not as high as the Sony WH-1000XM5. The Sonys have superior noise canceling and a better reputation for sound quality, but they come at a premium. If you fly often or work in noisy environments, the Sony's top-tier noise cancellation could be worth the extra expense. On the flip side, if you're rough on your gear, the JBLs are quite durable and have detachable cables which could save on replacement costs. Both offer integrated mics and are suitable for calls. The JBLs are on-ear and lighter, possibly more comfortable for long sessions, while the Sonys are over-ear, which can be nice for extended wear and better sound isolation. If you're interested in virtual surround sound for immersive experiences, such as with movies or gaming, only the Sony supports it with compatible apps. 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 Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.5
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the JBL Live 670NC is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.4
5.5
The JBL Live 670NC is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
6.0
The JBL Live 670NC is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.7
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Live 670NC is only fair.
Battery
65.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The JBL Live 670NC has 65 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$398
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The JBL Live 670NC has a price of $100 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Build Quality
8.0
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live 670NC both have very good build quality, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live 670NC are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live 670NC are both poor for TV and video.
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How the JBL Live 670NC and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live 670NC | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2024 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 65 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 217 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live 670NC or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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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