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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you value having a longer battery life and features like a unique LED touch display on the case, as well as better durability, you might lean towards the JBL Live Beam 3; these would be particularly suitable for longer periods like air travel and exercise use with great noise isolation. However, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds are often less expensive and offer good sound quality with a very good music listening experience, and low latency mode makes them suitable for gaming too. It also has excellent build quality and is optimized for both Android and Apple devices. Choose JBL if you prioritize features and battery life, and "Nothing" Brand if you're looking for value and versatility, especially in gaming and music. 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
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.0
The JBL Live Beam 3 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music, though the JBL Live Beam 3 is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.4
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Beam 3 is poor.
Battery
12.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The JBL Live Beam 3 has 12 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Beam 3 has a price of $216 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Beam 3 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.0
The JBL Live Beam 3 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for noise reduction.
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How the JBL Live Beam 3 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Beam 3 | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 12 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 36 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Beam 3 or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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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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.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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.
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