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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
The JBL Live Flex 3 earbuds may cost more, but they offer a notable premium feature with a Smart Charging Case that has a 1.45-inch LED touch display for control. They are also sweatproof, dustproof, support LDAC for high-quality audio over Bluetooth, and provide superior noise isolation. However, these earbuds don’t perform well for calls, gaming, TV, and video. On the other hand, the Soundcore Space A40 is more affordable and still offers good overall sound quality with excellent noise isolation and support for LDAC. They aren't as robust for exercising since they're only sweatproof but not dustproof, and lack a premium case. If cost is a concern and you don't need the extra durability or case features of the JBL, the Soundcore A40 could provide better value. If you prioritize premium features and higher robustness for exercise, then the JBL Live Flex 3 might be worth the investment. 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 music
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
4.9
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Live Flex 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
4.9
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JBL Live Flex 3 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is very good.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Flex 3 has a price of $216 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Live Flex 3 to be very good for music, while the Soundcore Space A40 is good.
Phone Calls
5.2
4.8
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.7
5.3
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space A40 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Flex 3 and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Flex 3 | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 40 | 32 | |
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 | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
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 | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Soundcore Space A40
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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 Flex 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.
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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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