A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Live Buds 3
Company ProductName Specs




Space A40
Company ProductName Specs




What we think

Chevron down
PerfectRec Logo
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·

If you're considering the JBL Live Buds 3, you're looking at a premium product with superior overall sound quality, active noise cancelling, and a unique Smart Charging Case that provides additional controls. They're also better-suited for activity with sweatproof and dustproof certifications. However, they come at a higher cost compared to the Soundcore Space A40. The Space A40, on the other hand, offers excellent noise isolation and is lighter, which might be more comfortable for long-duration wear. Although they're optimized for both Android and Apple devices, the Soundcore lacks the JBL's low latency feature, making them less ideal for gaming and TV. Consider the JBL if you prioritize sound quality and features over price, and the Soundcore if you want a more budget-friendly option with robust noise isolation. 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 Soundcore Space A40
  • The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Buds 3.

Key differences

Chevron down

Podcasts and Audiobooks

5.9
Live Buds 3
Space A40
4.9
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.

Noise Reduction

8.3
Live Buds 3
Space A40
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is very good.

Battery

10.0 Hours
Live Buds 3
Space A40
8.0 Hours
The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.

Cost

$216
Live Buds 3
Space A40
$80
Product image
Product image

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

The JBL Live Buds 3 has a price of $216 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
Image of Earbuds & Headphones
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones

Key similarities

Chevron down

Music

7.8
Live Buds 3
Space A40
7.7
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both good for music.

Gaming

5.4
Live Buds 3
Space A40
4.9
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming.

Phone Calls

5.2
Live Buds 3
Space A40
4.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for phone calls.

TV and Video

5.6
Live Buds 3
Space A40
5.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for TV and video.

Build Quality

8.5
Live Buds 3
Space A40
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Soundcore Space A40 both have very good build quality.

Give feedback

We’re constantly working to improve.

How the JBL Live Buds 3 and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones

Chevron down

Spec Comparison

Chevron down
JBL Live Buds 3Soundcore Space A40
JBL Live Buds 3Soundcore Space A40

GENERAL

Price
$216
$80
Brand
JBLSoundcore
Release Date
June 1, 2024August 1, 2022
Form Factor
EarbudsEarbuds
Connectivity
WirelessWireless

SOUND

Music Score
7.9/107.8/10
Phone Calls Score
5.3/104.9/10
Gaming Score
5.4/105/10
TV and Video Score
5.7/105.4/10
Exercise Score
8.4/106.2/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
10 Hours8 Hours
Wireless charging
YesYes
Charging time
2 Hours0.8 Hours
Bluetooth version
5.35.2
Case Battery Life
3032

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
YesYes
Noise Reduction Score
8.4/109.1/10
Virtual Surround
YesN/A
Android App
YesYes
iOS App
YesYes
Mic Quality
7/106/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
8.5/108.5/10
Comfort score
7/107.6/10
Size
LargeSmall
Weight (headset or single earbud)
8.8 Grams4 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedIntegrated

Shopping

Chevron down

Soundcore Space A40

See more

Dig into reviews and images

Sound Guys

Sam Smart | May 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space A40 is an excellent deal if you want affordable noise canceling earbuds with great sound. The baseline frequency response is enjoyable, and the many EQ presets to choose from plus the ability to customize your sound profile makes it good for pretty much anyone. The noise canceling is quite good, and the many ear tips to choose from ensure a good fit for the noise canceling and isolation to do its job."

Get a great deal on the JBL Live Buds 3 or the Soundcore Space A40

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 Soundcore

Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.

Give feedback

We're constantly perfecting our model

Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in

Chevron down

FAQs

Chevron down

FAQs about earbuds and headphones

Questions about PerfectRec >

Why trust us

Chevron down
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.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,500
Recommendations made
18,525
Consumer hours saved

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.

Jason Lew

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.

Chandradeep Chowdhury

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.

Luis Torres

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.

Featured in

Color LTT LogoGeekwire logo9to5 Mac logoPhone Arena LogoColor Daring Fireball logo