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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If portability and wireless convenience are your priorities, especially for exercise or travel, the JBL Live Buds 3 would suit you as they are earbuds with good noise isolation, sweatproof certification, and a smart charging case with touch controls. However, if you prioritize sound quality for music and TV with a more natural soundstage, the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones, with their open-back design and excellent build and comfort, would be a better fit, though they are wired and not suitable for exercise or noisy environments. The JBLs offer active noise cancelling and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, and they have a longer battery life. The Philips, while older and lacking modern features like wireless connectivity and an app equalizer, provide a superior audio experience for critical listening at home. 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
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is good.
Gaming
5.4
7.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
N/A
The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Philips Fidelio X2HR does not have a battery.
Cost
$216
$140
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Buds 3 has a price of $216 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $140.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Buds 3 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.2
5.0
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for phone calls.
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How the JBL Live Buds 3 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Buds 3 | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $140 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 390 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Buds 3 or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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
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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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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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