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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize comfort for extended periods and superior call quality, the JLab Go Work Wireless headphones are an excellent choice, plus they offer a significantly longer battery life which is ideal for long usage sessions. However, if you are looking for earbuds that are more portable and have active noise canceling for better isolation from ambient noise, the JBL Live Free NC+ might suit you better. The JBL are also more workout-friendly due to their sweatproof certification. Remember, the JBL may cost slightly more and have lesser battery life than the JLab. 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
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Go Work Wireless
- The JLab Go Work Wireless has no clear advantages over the JBL Live Free NC+.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
6.3
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for phone calls, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
6.6
The JBL Live Free NC+ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
7.0
4.6
The JBL Live Free NC+ is good for noise reduction, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
47.0 Hours
The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life. The JLab Go Work Wireless has 47 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 JLab Go Work Wireless costs $50.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The JLab Go Work Wireless has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Free NC+ has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
5.8
The JBL Live Free NC+ and JLab Go Work Wireless are both poor for music.
Gaming
5.0
5.3
The JLab Go Work Wireless and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.6
5.5
The JBL Live Free NC+ and JLab Go Work Wireless are both poor for TV and video.
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How the JBL Live Free NC+ and the JLab Go Work Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Free NC+ | JLab Go Work Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2021 | May 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 47 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 170 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
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."
JLab Go Work Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Check
Maike Paeßens | 2021
"If you are going to criticise the JLab Go Work, it would be for the cables, which are to some extent too short for their intended use, and for its rather harsh treble reproduction above moderate volume levels in music mode. However, the call quality during telephone calls and video conferences in voice mode via wireless and via cable is impeccable. This handy Bluetooth headset also scores points with its excellent battery life and support for multipoint connections."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Free NC+ or the JLab Go Work 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.
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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.
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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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