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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're frequently on calls or in meetings, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with their excellent microphone quality would be a better fit, but they come at a higher cost. For those who exercise regularly, JBL Live Flex 3 earbuds with their sweatproof certification and secure fit might be preferred. The JBLs offer a very good music listening experience with the convenience of a touch display case, but they fall short in sound isolation, so for air travel or noisy environments, Sony's headphones with active noise cancelling and superior noise isolation are more suitable. Both have app support for customization, but if battery life is crucial, the JBL's longer combined battery life could sway your choice. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is very good.
Battery
10.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The JBL Live Flex 3 has a price of $216 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both very good for music.
Gaming
5.5
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Live Flex 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Flex 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Flex 3 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 40 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Flex 3 or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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Why trust us
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.
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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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