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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
earbuds with different features. If you prioritize active noise cancelling and wireless charging, go for the JBL Live Free NC+. However, if longer battery life and being optimized for both Android and Apple are more important to you, the JBL Tune Buds may be the better choice. The Live Free NC+ are suited for calls, meetings, and those looking for a secure fit with included accessories. The Tune Buds, while lacking in call quality, offer durability certifications sweatproof and dustproof, which can be vital if you're active or using them outdoors. Choose Live Free NC+ for better noise isolation or Tune Buds for more extended use without a charge. 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 Free NC+
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Tune Buds
- The JBL Tune Buds has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Free NC+.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
4.9
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
5.8
The JBL Live Free NC+ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Tune Buds is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
6.1
The JBL Tune Buds is only fair for TV and video, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
10.4 Hours
The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Tune Buds has 10.4 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
6.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Tune Buds to be only fair for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
5.0
5.4
The JBL Tune Buds and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for gaming.
Noise Reduction
7.0
6.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Live Free NC+ to be good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Buds is only fair.
Cost
$60
$60
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
$100
The JBL Live Free NC+ has a price of $60 and the JBL Tune Buds costs $60.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Free NC+ and JBL Tune Buds both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Free NC+ and the JBL Tune Buds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Free NC+ | JBL Tune Buds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2021 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 10.4 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | 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 | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 10.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
JBL Live Free NC+
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Dig into reviews and images
HeadphoneCheck
Maike Paeßens | 2020
"JBL has added great-sounding, rock-solid all-rounders with a pleasant, warm sound character to their range. They are equipped with a high level of functionality that can be customised via the app. Some compromises have to be made with the active noise cancellation, which has a discreet effect, while the ambient mode and the Talkthru function proved to be powerful despite a perceptible background noise."
JBL Tune Buds
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"JBL’s Tune Buds stick with the company’s signature bass-heavy sound by default, but a quality in-app EQ lets you sculpt the audio to taste. These noise-cancelling true wireless earphones also mitigate environmental distractions fairly well for the price and offer good battery life. If you're specifically seeking bold, bass-tuned audio out of the box, the Tune Buds are worth a listen."
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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.
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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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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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