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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize advanced features such as a smart charging case with touch display, longer battery life, and high-quality noise cancellation, and are willing to invest in a premium-priced, newer model, the JBL Live Beam 3 could be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers good overall sound and active noise cancellation, and you don't mind sacrificing some battery life and advanced features like low latency and an LED touch display on the case, then the JBL Live Free NC+ might suit your needs. Keep in mind that the JBL Live Beam 3 also supports LDAC for higher quality audio over Bluetooth and is designed to be sweatproof and dustproof, making it more suitable for exercise and rugged use. 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 Beam 3
- Good for music
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the JBL Live Free NC+
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
5.8
The JBL Live Beam 3 is good for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
7.6
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
8.4
The JBL Live Free NC+ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
7.0
The JBL Live Beam 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is good.
Battery
12.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The JBL Live Beam 3 has 12 hours of battery life. The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Beam 3 has a price of $216 and the JBL Live Free NC+ costs $60.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.0
The JBL Live Beam 3 and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.6
5.6
The JBL Live Beam 3 and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Beam 3 and JBL Live Free NC+ both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Beam 3 and the JBL Live Free NC+ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Beam 3 | JBL Live Free NC+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 5.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 12 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 36 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
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 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
JBL Live Free NC+
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Dig into reviews and images
HeadphoneCheck
Maike Paeßens | 2020
"JBL has added great-sounding, rock-solid all-rounders with a pleasant, warm sound character to their range. They are equipped with a high level of functionality that can be customised via the app. Some compromises have to be made with the active noise cancellation, which has a discreet effect, while the ambient mode and the Talkthru function proved to be powerful despite a perceptible background noise."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Beam 3 or the JBL Live Free NC+
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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