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What we think
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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you exercise often and need earbuds that are sweatproof and dustproof, the JBL Live Flex 3 would be better suited for you. They also offer a longer battery life and feature a smart charging case with a LED touch display for control. However, if you're looking for a pair with better sound quality for air travel and noise isolation, the Sony WF1000XM5 with active noise cancelling could be more appropriate. The Sony model also supports wireless charging, which might be convenient if you have compatible charging devices. Keep in mind, though, the Sony earbuds come at a somewhat higher price. 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 WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
4.9
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL Live Flex 3 is somewhat better.
Battery
10.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$298
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The JBL Live Flex 3 has a price of $216 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.0
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Gaming
5.5
5.1
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.0
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.7
5.4
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Flex 3 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Flex 3 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 40 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Flex 3 or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
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.
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