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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If sound quality for music is a priority and you prefer earbuds with the convenience of wireless charging and a stem design that supports sweat and dust resistance, the JBL Live Flex 3 could be suitable for you, especially if you exercise frequently. However, if you're looking for over-ear headphones that offer better noise isolation as well as a foldable form for easier transportation and extended comfort during air travel, the Soundcore Space Q45 may be more appropriate. The Q45 also has a longer battery life and comes at a lower price point, but lacks the dust and sweat resistance of the Flex 3. Keep in mind that the JBL has a unique Smart Charging Case with a touch display that adds an innovative way to control the earbuds and monitor their status. If you do not prioritize innovative features and are looking for a cost-effective option with decent build and sound quality, the Soundcore may be the better 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 music
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Soundcore Space Q45
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
7.1
The JBL Live Flex 3 is very good for music, while the Soundcore Space Q45 is good.
Battery
10.0 Hours
41.0 Hours
The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space Q45 has 41 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$130
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Flex 3 has a price of $216 and the Soundcore Space Q45 costs $130.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.4
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space Q45 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.2
4.9
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space Q45 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
5.9
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space Q45 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.7
5.6
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space Q45 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Soundcore Space Q45 and JBL Live Flex 3 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Soundcore Space Q45 both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Flex 3 and the Soundcore Space Q45 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Flex 3 | Soundcore Space Q45 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $130 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 41 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
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 | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Soundcore Space Q45
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Riley Ballantyne | June 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is a great pair of active noise canceling (ANC) headphones, and the $150 USD price tag only sweetens the deal. Unlike many mid-tier wireless headphones, the Q45 microphone system rejects quite a bit of background noise, making this a great work headset too."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Flex 3 or the Soundcore Space Q45
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.
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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