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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize active noise cancelling and use earbuds during air travel, the JBL Live Free NC+ would serve you better, but if you want longer battery life and better suitability for activities like exercise, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless would be more appropriate. The Live Free NC+ offers better noise isolation, which makes them suitable for noisy environments. However, the Vibe Beam has a slightly longer battery life and is rated more durable, making them a better option for extended usage and physical activities. Keep in mind, the Vibe Beam is less expensive, so if budget is a key consideration, they might 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 Free NC+
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for gaming
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.6
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
5.0
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for gaming, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
7.3
The JBL Live Free NC+ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
TV and Video
5.6
6.9
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair for TV and video, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
8.3 Hours
The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$50
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The JBL Live Free NC+ has a price of $60 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $50.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
7.6
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless and JBL Live Free NC+ are both good for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
7.0
6.5
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Live Free NC+ to be good for noise reduction, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Free NC+ and JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Free NC+ and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Free NC+ | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2021 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 8.8 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 Vibe Beam True Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Dungeon
LaFonda | April 2023
"The Vibe Beam earbuds may not be a sleek as other earbuds in the price range, such as the equally priced Vibe Buds, but they sound great, have a long battery life, and come with an equalizer. And if you just need a solid pair if earbuds to get you through your commute, these will do the trick. I have no complaints here."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Free NC+ or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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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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
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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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