A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major consideration, the JBL Live Free NC+ will be more budget-friendly while still offering good overall sound quality and active noise cancelling, making them suitable for use in noisy environments or during air travel. They also offer good comfort and are sweatproof, which can be beneficial for exercise. However, the Sony WF1000XM3, despite being more expensive, provides a better soundstage which can enhance the listening experience for music and has a higher mic quality which could be important for calls and meetings. They also have a slightly longer battery life in the earbuds and support virtual surround sound, which could be a significant feature if you enjoy movies or gaming. Both options are wireless, have app equalization, and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, but only the Sony model has ear detection, which pauses the music when you take them out. Choose JBL if you want to save money and still get a versatile pair of earbuds, or choose Sony if you're willing to pay more for improved soundstage, mic quality, and additional features like virtual surround sound and ear detection. 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
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is good for music, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is poor.
Gaming
5.0
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WF1000XM3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.6
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is good.
Noise Reduction
7.0
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Live Free NC+ is good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The JBL Live Free NC+ has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The JBL Live Free NC+ has a price of $60 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the JBL Live Free NC+ has very good build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and JBL Live Free NC+ are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.6
5.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and JBL Live Free NC+ are both poor for TV and video.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the JBL Live Free NC+ and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Free NC+ | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2021 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
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 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
JBL Live Free NC+
See more
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."
Sony WF1000XM3
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the JBL Live Free NC+ or the Sony WF1000XM3
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,800
Recommendations made
18,570
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
