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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize high-quality sound and features like wireless capability, active noise cancelling, and a smart charging case, the JBL Live Flex 3 is a better fit despite a higher price. It also supports LDAC for higher quality audio over Bluetooth, has good noise isolation, and is sweatproof and dustproof, suitable for exercise and travel. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers very good comfort and excellent performance for TV and video, the Sony MDREX15AP could be the right choice, but it lacks wireless connectivity, noise cancellation, and many of the advanced features of the JBL. 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 Flex 3
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
3.5
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live Flex 3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.7
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
7.0
The JBL Live Flex 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Sony MDREX15AP is good.
Battery
10.0 Hours
N/A
The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery.
Cost
$216
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Flex 3 has a price of $216 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP and JBL Live Flex 3 are both very good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
5.4
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Flex 3 and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Flex 3 | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 4.6/10 | |
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 | 40 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Sony MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Flex 3 or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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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.
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