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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
Go for the JBL Live Buds 3 if you prefer premium features like active noise canceling, sweatproof and dustproof certifications, wireless charging, and a LED touch display smart case, making them suitable for exercise and air travel. They also support LDAC for high-quality audio over Bluetooth and have an app equalizer for sound customization. However, if you're more budget-conscious and want earbuds that are better for gaming due to their low latency mode, then the JBL Tune Flex could be a better choice, even if they lack some of the Live Buds 3's advanced features. Consider that the Tune Flex does not have active noise canceling or wireless charging, and their build might not be as robust for intensive activities as they are not sweatproof or dustproof. 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 Buds 3
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the JBL Tune Flex
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Tune Flex are both good for music, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.4
8.5
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
6.3
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
9.0
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
7.8
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Battery
10.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Buds 3 has a price of $216 and the JBL Tune Flex costs $60.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 and JBL Tune Flex both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Buds 3 and the JBL Tune Flex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Buds 3 | JBL Tune Flex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
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 | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
JBL Tune Flex
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Dig into reviews and images
MajorHiFi
Gabby Bloch | May 2023
"JBL is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Buds 3 or the JBL Tune Flex
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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